Seeing Diversity Wk 3

·         Your response to those who believe that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families:

If someone would suggest that inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian families in my classroom or early childhood center, I would explain to them that I hear what they are saying, however we want all children to feel at home and welcomed, and we want all children to learn that families can be diverse and some of their classmates may have families with two moms or two dads, just like some families have one mom or one dad, or grandma and grandpa taking care instead of mom and dad. Including books about various families will help children develop a positive identity and help those who are not experiencing that kind of family, to understand and acknowledge it, and also to prepare them for when they could meet a family different from theirs.

·         If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms such as "fag," "gay," "homo," "sissy," "tom boy," or "lesbo" as an insult by a child toward another child? Or, by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred. How might these types of comments influence all children? (Note: if you have not had a personal experience, ask a family member, friend, or colleague)

When I taught First grade two years ago, I had a student who exclaimed to another boy, “Ew, don’t hug other boys, that’s gay!” When I overheard him say it, I immediately went over and asked what was going on. When he explained that his classmate hugged another boy and that it’s gay, I said, “Well, I know that as friends in this class, some of us like to hug others and that’s ok. It is not ok for you to call someone names or say something to hurt someone else. What do you think gay means?” He shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t know”. I then said, “ok, then, it’s fine if he wants to hug his friend, as along as his friend is ok with it, get back to work please”. I think this definitely influenced the other two boys, because as friends they liked to support each other and in my classroom it was always ok to give hugs as long as you ask the other friend first. My hopes are that it positively influenced all 3 boys, showing them that it’s ok to be affectionate and caring towards friends and people you like, boy or girl. I just always emphasized the asking first, because some friends may not want to be touched or hugged. I hope that it also influenced them by showing that the term gay is not a bad term when used appropriately, but when using it to make fun of others, it’s not nice.