Required Texts:

Teaching Young Children in Multicultural Classrooms: Issues, Concepts, and Strategies, 3rd Edition

Wilma Robles de Melendez & Vesna Beck

(ISBN# 9781428376984)

50 Strategies for Communicating and Working with Diverse Families

Janet Gonzales-Mena

(ISBN# 978-0-13-700231-3)

Catalog Description

Examination of the development of the social identities in diverse societies including theoretical  and practical implications of oppression and privilege as they apply to young children, families, programs, classrooms, and teaching. Various classroom strategies will be explored emphasizing culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches supporting all children in becoming competent members of a diverse society. Course includes self examination and reflection on issues related to social identity, stereotypes and bias, social and educational access, media and schooling.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1.Analyze and construct curriculum for early childhood programs that incorporate goals of positive self identity, comfortable interaction with diversity, and resistance to injustice.

2. Develop strategies to promote activism with children on a daily basis in the program and in the larger community.

3. Identify children's isssues regarding self and larger group identity issues surrounding ethnic, racial, class, gender, and ability differences and distinctions.

4. Identify characteristics of and demonstrate the ability to create an environment that is anti-biased in a visual and aesthetic sense.

5. Select and utilize appropriate toys and classroom materials to promote a positive self image.

6. Examine effective parent-teacher dialogue regarding issues raised by anti-bias work to promote healthy child development.

7. Investigate methods of promoting gender identity without promoting stereotypical gender role inequity among children.

8. Demonstrate understanding and establish inclusive environment for all children, particularly those with various disabilities.

9. Examine holiday celebrations with an anti-bias perspective in mind.

Assignments

Scavenger Hunt Assignment

Weekly Discussion Board Participation

Weekly Assignment Folders

Research Discussion Question

Research Article Project

Midterm Exam

Final Exam