When I was in sixth grade, my Science teacher called about half of us out of our class to go help some third graders. I was very excited to be of help. When we got to the computer lab, we were told that we needed to help these students complete their assignment by translating from Spanish to English. I was embarrassed because I did not speak Spanish. I knew a few words, and I pretended to help the students. This prejudice that I experienced diminished equity because I was called out by a teacher simply because of the color of my skin. My Science teacher picked me out of a class full of kids assuming that because I look Hispanic that I also speak Spanish. She did not even bother to ask me. This incident brought up some mixed feelings for me. I feel embarrassed because I did not know Spanish, and I also felt ashamed that my family is Hispanic, yet I do not know our mother tongue. I also felt belittled, and because of that I did not approach the teacher to let her know the truth. This incident turned into greater equity because it encouraged me not to assume anything about anyone, and it motivated me to learn Spanish. I have spent six years learning the language because my parents also felt insecure and they did not teach me. I know enough to understand someone, but I am still working on speaking it!
Hi Stacey,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your personal incident with us here, it's a good reminder for us as early childhood professionals that we cannot assume anything about the children (or families) that we work with. I think that a lot of times when things like this happen in school children react the same way you did, it may be hard for a child to stand up to an adult and a teacher nevertheless! Although it is unfortunate, I am glad that you were able to make the best of the situation and take something positive from it...hopefully the teacher did as well!