Everyone in this world deals with racism, bias, or discrimination. From these negative beliefs and values it can be communicated through books, magazines, media, and other communication. Children will begin to follow and act these norms in their communities. Teachers need to educate children and families that racism, bias, and discrimination can ruin a child’s perspective, confidence, and life style.
From the book Rethinking Early Childhood Education (RTECE) quotes, “If a child can be shown how to detect racism and sexism in a book, the child can proceed to transfer the perception to wider areas” (Pelo 211). In other words a child will learn how to see both sides of a story. Children will understand how it feels to be a racist and understand how it feels to be discriminated. One of the key resorts is to find a book that’s appropriate for children. How do you do that? The book RTECE explains there are ten guidelines on how to analyze children’s books for racism and sexism.
What else can we do besides finding appropriate books to teach children racism, bias, and discrimination? The book RTECE also states that music is for social justice. There are many different reasons why music is great for everyone. Music offers cultural diversity, create bonding, encourage integration, and many other positive qualities.
From my experience music can help children express their feelings or learn different feelings to communicate with one another. Working at a preschool made me realize that children learn easier with music. Children are able to learn different cultural music and genre. They have the opportunity to share with the class how they feel about the different types of music. Some children agree and disagree with each but help them create a bond.
Overall these are all great ideas and practices. How can we go further? How can we make our communities more involved with these issues of racism or biases? Are there more effective activities we can do to help children and families?
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