Blog 1 Creating Affirming Environments

“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
― Maya Angelou

Age Range: 1-10  10 Students
Belinda's Care Home. An environment rich in anti-bias materials invites exploration and discovery and supports children's play and conversations in both emergent and planned activities.(Sparks, & Edwards, 2010) My anti-bias learning environment will include an environment rich in anti-bias materials. The classroom includes a welcome sign in both English and Spanish.  The classroom walls displays pictures of diverse families; it also displays photos of all the children, families, and staff in the program in their daily lives. (Sparks, & Edwards, 2010)   The walls display photos of children and adults from various racial and ethnic identity groups, with permission from parents; as well as people with disabilities of various backgrounds.

The program includes lunch that serves foods of different culture for children. The classroom teachers speaks dual language. The library includes materials and literacy that reflects families from diverse cultures. The bulletin boards will reflect children and families in my program. Children will make books about their families. Families will be invited to come in and share important things about their culture; they may share recipies and display them on a bullentin board.

My program will include puzzles that will include children of diverse cultures. Dolls features will be realistic and not stereotypical. Photos will reflect boys and girls playing with dolls. Toys from different culture will be in each center. The classroom will display schedules in English and different languages.

References
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