When addressing issues of social justice and equality, educators should value the time they have available, look more closely at the space they have organized and the materials set up in the classroom. It is important to keep in mind that discussions about racism, equity, and gender may not emerge at convenient times, such as during the circle. Allowing flexibility in the routine is key for the children and adults in the room. Therefore, if a question like “Why is your hair curly and sticking to your head? I have nice straight hair and you don't” introduces himself on the way to class after playing outside; educators should give their direct and immediate attention to the question and spend time discussing possible answers to the question. If it is ignored and children are immediately asked to sit down to lunch because they have no time to waste, educators now let children find the answers on their own which could likely relate to the biases they are exposed to in their social world. plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In relation to space, as Fleer (2003) states, it is important to reconsider the way we have "organized spaces and the way they have created traditional areas such as the corner of the block, the corner of the house or the outdoor area” (Fleer, 2003, p.). For example, a theater center can be set up like a doctor's office by including a white doll with tools right around it. However, this does not demonstrate the efforts aimed at promoting social justice and to represent everyone in our society. Therefore, the inclusion of racially diverse dolls, wheelchairs with dolls that may not have limbs, crutches, multicultural clothing, books that represent doctors of all genders and racial backgrounds, is a much more effective way to promote diversity and social justice in the classroom. Additionally, bringing books in other languages and having a parent or educator read them in both English and the other language is a great way to help children understand the language concepts. Through these activities questions such as “Where do people learn to speak differently? Why do they do it? Why can't I talk like that? How can I learn to speak another language?” could arise. These are excellent opportunities to help children see other speakers as non-threatening and very similar to English speakers. Likewise, when talking about race and culture, educators should look at the materials in their classroom to ensure that various cultural groups are represented. For example, the shelf should feature all racial and ethnic groups equally. If the educator occasionally chooses to read a book about a specific ethnic background with the intent of promoting diversity, children will continue to see this particular ethnic group as "outsider" since most of the books on the shelf contain images of the white majority . Therefore, if the environment, space, and materials contained images based on White or White norms, this would reinforce the idea that groups other than White are the exception, not the norm, and would communicate to children that some groups are more precious than others. mind: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay So the preschool environment must be organized in a way that creates a sense of inclusion, acceptance, and helps children see a better world through the lens of diversity, social justice, and equity.
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