Creating Affirming Environments

This week we had to design an anti-bias environment for a home daycare. The following are some things that you will find in my home:

Family Photo Wall- Young children may have a hard time adjusting to school after they are dropped off, and a seeing a picture of their family can really bring a child comfort. Adriana had one at her center as well. This wall can also provide a clear picture of diversity to other students. Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) also recommends that children draw a picture of their family for homework.

Family Culture Display- I really liked this idea after looking at Adriana’s home daycare. She has one family bring in some cultural artifacts monthly that represent their family, and I would love to do this bi-weekly. Children would be able to really see a lot of diversity as well as learn more about where each student comes from.

Parent Bulletin Board- This is where my parents will find the schedule for the day and other pertinent information about my program. A copy of my diplomas will be posted so parents can see that their teacher is educated, and parents can feel confident in leaving their child with me. The schedule will be posted so parents know what children will be doing during the day and when is a good time to peak in on their child if they want. Children will be able to refer back to the schedule as well to see what is going to happen next.

Centers- My centers are one of the most important parts of my learning environment. Children do not have a very long attention span, so centers are pertinent so children can rotate every 15 minutes or so. My centers will include books that have people of all different colors and jobs. I may have a book with a picture of a male teacher or another book with a girl wearing a blue shirt. I will also have dolls in my dramatic play center that have different skin tones. Adriana also had colored dolls in one of her centers. I will have an art center with a lot of materials available to use in bins. Children will have the option to use their imagination to create whatever they want.

Exercise Balls- These balls are for students who need to get some energy out. I like to have these in the corner of my room so other children do not get distracted while doing work.

Family Potluck- I love this idea that Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) shared! I plan to invite parents in monthly or bi-monthly for a potluck lunch with our students. As a parent, I love to come into the classroom whenever I can. It is like an open house every month because parents can see what is going on in the classroom!

Parent/Teacher Log- When I was in the classroom, I sent home weekly log for the parents to see each day. It included the topics we learned about during the week as well as tips to help parents to help their child at home. This log has space for the parents and I to interact on a daily basis. Parents may be able to let me know that their child will have an early out, or I can share about the child’s day. I also make sure to at least once a week write a positive note about every student in their log!

Reference:

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).