EDUC6032: Teaching to Confront Bias by Amanda LaCass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35 A collection of resources to help teachers build and foster anti-bias classrooms. en-us 2021-04-02 23:25:58 UTC 2021-04-03 15:57:39 UTC hello@padlet.com How Should I Talk About Race in My Mostly White Classroom? amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378913670 Target Age Group: Middle/High School

Talking about and confronting racial bias are important elements of a culturally responsive classroom; however, some teachers may be hesitant to approach the subject of racial bias in a classroom of all or mostly white students. This resource explains why it is important to confront racial bias in all classrooms, and how to introduce the topic to a classroom of all or mostly white students. In this resource, the author explains how to create a safe space for having conversations about racial bias and privilege, gives specific ways to define topics about racial bias and discrimination, and provides information about connecting the issue of racial bias to activism and social justice work.

Anti-Defamation League (n.d.). How should I talk about race in my mostly white classroom? https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/how-should-i-talk-about-race-in-my-mostly-white-classroom

]]> 2021-04-02 23:30:17 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378913670 Finding a Place for the Religious and Spiritual Lives of Young Children and Their Families: An Anti-Bias Approach amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378914393 Target Age Group: Early Childhood

Religion and spirituality are integral parts of the everyday lives of students and families; however, many educators feel uneasy about approaching these topics in the classroom. With the diversity of religious and spiritual beliefs present in society and in the classroom, it is important for educators to affirm the beliefs and values of their students and families in order to cultivate an anti-bias classroom. This resource explains the importance of creating a place for religion and spirituality of all forms in the early childhood classroom, and discusses how creating space for religion and spirituality contributes to anti-bias education. In this resource, the authors provide several teaching strategies, children’s books, and conversational approaches that can be used in order to bring spiritual and religious literacy into the classroom. The resource also provides information to share with families, especially those who may at first feel uncomfortable with such topics being brought into the classroom.

Nimmo, J., Abo-Zena, M.M., and LeeKeenan, D. (2019, November). Finding a place for the religious and spiritual lives of young children and their families: An anti-bias approach. NAEYC. https://www.antibiasleadersece.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Nimmo-religion-YC-2019.pdf

]]> 2021-04-02 23:31:26 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378914393 Addressing Inequity with Anti-Bias Education: Learning About Class and Fairness amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378915309 Target Age Group: Early Childhood

This resource begins with a vignette which describes a child who is experiencing bias based on socio-economic status and gender. In the vignette, the child’s teachers realize that they have unknowingly contributed to this bias by focusing on things like new clothing and physical appearance. The resource goes on to explain how classism and poverty affect the learning and physical and emotional health of young children, and describes how teachers can confront their own socio-economic biases. Finally, this resource provides a wealth of information about how to create safe and welcoming classrooms for children of all economic backgrounds. The authors provide tips and strategies for setting up spaces that are equitable for all students and describe how teachers can approach issues of class and socio-economic status with young students. The authors also provide several activity ideas which teach anti-classist values, such as emphasizing the importance of all types of work and having students focus on experiences rather than possessions.

Derman-Sparks, L. and Olsen Edwards, J. (2020). Addressing inequity with anti-bias education: Learning about class and fairness. Teaching Young Children 13(3). https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/feb2020/inequity-with-anti-bias-education
]]> 2021-04-02 23:32:52 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378915309 Teaching Young Children to Understand and Accept Differences amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378916129 Target Age Group: Early Childhood

Gender bias is an issue that comes up frequently in early childhood education, often in seemingly innocuous ways. The example Lesley University (n.d.) provided in this resource was of a group of young children reading a story about a female knight. Some children accepted the fact that the knight was female, while others struggled with bias about assumed gender roles. This resource helps teachers understand why gender bias exists, how it may present, and how to confront it with young children. The resource provides specific activities and conversation starters for discussing gender bias with young students, and also gives teachers ways that they can avoid promoting gender bias in the classroom. 

Lesley University (n.d.). Teaching young children to understand and accept differences. https://lesley.edu/article/teaching-young-children-to-understand-and-accept-differences
]]> 2021-04-02 23:34:07 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378916129 19 Children's Books that Challenge Gender Stereotypes amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378916777 Target Age Group: Early Childhood/Adolescent

When building a culturally responsive, anti-bias classroom, it is important for educators to look at the literature being promoted and shared with students and whether it challenges or contributes to bias and discrimination. This resource provides a list of children’s books which confront gender stereotypes and gender bias. The list of books, which also promote racial and ethnic diversity and inclusion, approach such topics as gender stereotyping, gender roles, and gender identity. While some of the titles face gender issues directly, others confront gender bias by subtly having characters challenge gender stereotypes. The resource provides a brief synopsis, the intended age range, and suggested uses for each book.

Gienapp, R. (2020). 19 Children’s books that defy gender stereotypes. https://www.rebekahgienapp.com/gender-stereotypes/

]]> 2021-04-02 23:35:05 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378916777 Teachers As LGBTQ Allies amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378917599 Target Age Group: K-12

One important part of creating an anti-bias classroom is providing a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ students. According to Accredited Schools Online Staff Writers (2020), “Teachers play a crucial role in supporting and advocating for LGBTQ students, ensuring they are able to learn and explore in a safe classroom space” (para. 1). Becoming an ally for LGBTQ students may be new and intimidating territory for some teachers, but Accredited Schools Online (2020) provided this helpful resource which gives educators the tools they need to become allies for their LGBTQ students. This resource includes a glossary of relevant terms, a list of LGBTQ students’ rights, strategies to confront bullying and harassment, ideas for creating inclusive curricula at all age levels, and outside resources to visit for further information. 

Accredited Schools Online Staff Writers (2020). Teachers as LGBTQ allies. Accredited Schools Online. https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/education-teaching-degree/lgbtq-youth/
]]> 2021-04-02 23:36:19 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378917599 Six Ways to Stand Behind Your LGBT Students amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378918481 Target Age Group: K-12

Creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students is an important part of being an anti-bias, social justice-minded educator. This resource provides a list of ways that educators can support, empower, and advocate for LGBTQ+ students of all ages. The authors of this article note that, while there are a record number of our LGBTQ+ students, the current political climate has made many students feel unsafe and unwelcome in the world. This resource helps teachers foster a classroom environment which counters the bias LGBTQ+ students may face in other areas of their lives. The resource provides discussion points, specific teaching strategies, and outside resources geared toward providing an inclusive classroom. It also guides teachers in confronting and challenging their own biases and biased practices.

Learning for Justice Staff (2017, August 2). Six ways to stand behind your LGBT students. Learning for Justice. https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/six-ways-to-stand-behind-your-lgbt-students
]]> 2021-04-02 23:37:43 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378918481 Let's Get it Right: Using Correct Pronouns and Names amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378918817 Target Age Group: K-12

Pronouns, such as she, he, and they, and names are important and personal parts of human identity. Pronouns are used constantly in writing and speaking, and names are the words we use to identify one another and ourselves. Pronouns and names are also key parts of gender identity. As the Anti-Defamation League (n.d.) explained, “as our society has progressed in understanding gender identity, our language must also be updated. It should be accurate and convey understanding and respect for all people, especially for those who are transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary” (para. 2). This resource explains the importance of using preferred pronouns and names for all students, especially those who are transgender and gender-expansive. It offers a list of gendered and gender-neutral pronouns, provides strategies for determining students’ preferred pronouns and names, and gives several outside resources which can be consulted when trying to create an inclusive classroom environment. Importantly, the resource also discusses confidentiality and ways to keep each student’s gender identity safe.

Anti-Defamation League (n.d.). Let’s get it right: Using correct pronouns and names. https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/lets-get-it-right-using-correct-pronouns-and-names
]]> 2021-04-02 23:38:17 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378918817 Tate and the Pink Coat: Exploring Gender and Enacting Anti-Bias Principles amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378919530 Target Age Group: Early Childhood

This resource begins with a vignette which raises questions about both classism and gender bias. A young student named Tate has no coat, and is told to choose a coat from a box of extra outdoor clothing. The boy picks out a fuzzy pink coat, and is almost immediately told by one teacher that it is a “girl coat”. The boy is saddened by this, but his choice is quickly reaffirmed by another teacher. The details of this interaction set the stage for the resource and its information on maintaining gender-inclusive early childhood classrooms. This resource helps teachers to understand gender concepts, and provides strategies and tools for promoting diversity and gender inclusivity within early childhood classrooms. It describes how the selection of classroom materials, literature, and communications can contribute to gender inclusive spaces. It also gives teachers guidance on how to approach these subjects with families and guardians.

Kroeger, J., Recker, A.E., and Gunn, A.C. (2019, March). Tate and the pink coat: Exploring gender and enacting anti-bias principles. Young Children (74)1. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2019/exploring-gender-enacting-anti-bias
]]> 2021-04-02 23:39:12 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378919530 Talking to Young Children About Disabilities amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378920395 Target Age Group: Early Childhood

In order for teachers to truly cultivate anti-bias classrooms, they must recognize and challenge biases against people with disabilities. There are many seemingly innocent examples of ableist practices, language, and assumptions which are prevalent in society and in the classroom. For example, as Kellogg (n.d.) explained, use of the word “crazy” can stigmatize people with mental illnesses. In this resource, Kellogg (n.d.) described how teachers can use ‘people-first’ language in the classroom in order to create a safe and inclusive space for all people. This resource also provides specific ways that educators can talk with young children about disabilities, including using books and puppets. The resource contains several links to additional resources on the topic of disability and fairness.

Kellogg, M. (n.d.) Talking to young children about disabilities. D.C. Area Educators for Social Justice. https://www.dcareaeducators4socialjustice.org/news/talking-to-young-children-about-disabilities#:~:text=The%20anti%2Dbias%20goals%20pertaining%20to%20disability%20and%20fairness%20are%3A&text=All%20children%20will%20learn%20accurate,as%20and%20different%20from%20others
]]> 2021-04-02 23:40:27 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378920395 5 Things Every Kid Should Know About Disability -- Raising Anti-Ableist Kids amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378921902 Target Age Group: Early Childhood

Ableism and anti-disability bias are so pervasive in our society that, often, we do not even recognize it. It is important that we, as educators, confront and challenge our own ableism and work to find the biases we may have otherwise missed in media, children’s literature, and our own communication. This resource provides ways to recognize ableism and anti-disability rhetoric in media and literature, and offers several alternative texts which instead empower people with disabilities. The resource also shows educators how they can advocate for their students with disabilities and approach conversations with students about disabilities. Finally, the resource provides links to outside resources, which go deeper into the subject of anti-bias classrooms and disability advocacy.

Ray, A. (2021, January 2). 5 Things every kid should know about disability: Raising anti-ableist kids. Books for Littles. https://booksforlittles.com/disability-empowerment/
]]> 2021-04-02 23:41:28 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378921902 How Educators Can Counter Anti-Immigrant and Anti-Refugee Rhetoric amandalacass https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378924877 Target Age Group: K-12

This resource begins with a discussion of the dangers of anti-immigrant and anti-refugee rhetoric, and how it affects children in particular. Anti-immigrant and anti-refugee rhetoric can, unfortunately, be easily absorbed and internalized by students, and this resource describes how educators can work to counter hateful speech and develop anti-bias classrooms. The resource provides several lesson plans and activity ideas for respectfully introducing the concepts of immigration, migration, and asylum-seeking into the classroom. The activities provided, which come from such sources as Teaching Tolerance, the United Nations, and the Anti-Defamation League, give teachers a good starting point for teaching the history of human migration and the importance of showing empathy to immigrants and refugees. Finally, the resource gives educators information on how to get involved in advocacy outside the classroom.

Dillard, C. (2018). How educators can counter anti-immigrant and anti-refugee rhetoric. EducationWeek. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-how-educators-can-counter-anti-immigrant-and-anti-refugee-rhetoric/2018/12

]]> 2021-04-02 23:44:49 UTC https://padlet.com/amandalacass/nsw02fyiq3hq6f35/wish/1378924877