What Can I Do? Representation Matters! by Easterseals SoCal

representation matters no matter how big or small, I think in what we do it is very important to focus on the little things as much as we do the big-picture. While it won't seem that much in the grand scheme of things, little instances of representation in what we do can bring about a world of positive affirmation and influence. All it takes is one example for someone to find hope.

2024-09-24 22:53:21 UTC

Making sure materials cover a wide range of cultures not only let children see themselves in the materials but also help them gain tolerance and knowledge about others.

2024-11-19 21:39:24 UTC

Diversity

2024-11-20 19:54:59 UTC

Incorporate diverse toys, books, etc into the classroom. I can also begin teaching about different cultures, focusing on those of the children in my classroom.

2024-12-05 21:38:32 UTC

In my experience, I always try to incorporate the children's cultural backgrounds in our lessons and activities. I make sure to discuss and share with the children the connection between what we are learning and how it relates to the cultures that are representative of the children's backgrounds. It's always a hot whenever I bring books that are from different cultural backgrounds and of different languages as it sparks interest with children.

Being bilingual I always try to incorporate it with children who I know lack the ability to speak a certai language and I know their main language spoken at home. Also read in different languages and incorportation of materials like books and toys, etc (Diversity)

2024-12-06 04:06:00 UTC

Coming from personal experience, I would really want to put emphasis on making sure we are trying to pronounce children's and families names the way they want to be called instead of making our own nicknames to make it easier on ourselves. I believe we are taking a piece of their identity away just to fit in.

2024-12-07 03:30:22 UTC

addressing a teacher training gap, dual language learners

katiekoscho — 2024-12-18 23:46:17 UTC

I think that one thing that can be done to greatly help dual language learners (young children who are learning multiple languages simaltaniously) is for us as teachers to study how dual language learners learn. This would address some of the institutional racism that only prepares pre k teachers to work with typically developing monolinguagal English speaking students.

I once was given some study materials by a trainer, from what i can recall here's the 4 stages of childhood language acquisition

speaking entirely in their native language as if they are understood
the silent period. the longest period, can last for several months. communication often done with gesture. the child is building understanding the school language at this stage
formulaic speech. some phrases from the school language become incorporated, though they may use them in atypical ways. think expressive jargon in typically developing toddlers.
building fluency. when a child is able to understand and speak enough to play or hold basic conversation.

google dual language learners for more.