Children are meaning makers, perpetually learning from their environment. From early on they absorb whatever societal norms, stereotypes and biases they see around concerning various aspects of their own and others identities.
For example, I had one Down’s syndrome child in my class of 18 other typically developing children. Our nursery being a regular preschool catering to typically developing children, I wanted to include children with special needs in my classroom so as to help the coming generations to make meaningful connections with children who are different from them. This probably stems from my experience with my special needs son. Seeing how the world around him behaves- staring, mocking and being sarcastic, I did not want another child with such challenges experiencing the same reactions. I therefore expressed my desire to opening our doors of our nursery for such children with challenges.
What was upsetting was excepting for two or three of the other children, none of the others wanted to play or even sit next to this child. As soon as this child would come and sit with a group of children playing together, they would just get up and move away. What was even worse was when the parents of other children came to me demanding that I move this child away from my class. Their concern was their children would pick up atypical expressions and behavior from this Down’s syndrome child. The parents had instructed their children to keep aside from this child. It was apparent that the messages communicated by the adults were responsible for developing a bias in children towards this child.
As an educator desiring to teach diversity and social justice, I had to stand up for this child before these parents, making my decision clear that in no way was I willing to consider moving this child away from my class. I also explained to the parents how this child needs this opportunity to lead a normal life as far as possible. Though hesitant they became willing to give it a try for some time. In the classroom, I tried to explain to the other children how their attitude would hurt this child and make her feel isolated and left out. I tried to reason with them why this child too needs a friend. I modeled my thoughts by taking initiative to play with the child and include her in different activities and giving her various responsibilities in the classroom. This enabled others to see her as an individual and value here identity. This also enabled the child with Down’s syndrome to build positive self-esteem and self-concept. Soon children and their families accepted this child and she became part of our classroom community. This experience was a lesson to me about the power of teachers as a role model. Ensuring that this child felt comfortable and involved created a crucial foundation for mutually respectful relationships.
“If the seeds for such negotiation, such as being open to the world, skills of empathy, and critical thinking, can be planted early in life, it would change the society, enable each person to see other’s perspectives. This would have a ripple effect and change globally impacting most isms: sexism, ageism, different abilities and so on”, Nancy Spangler (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).
Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Start Seeing Diversity: Conclusion. [Multimedia]. Diversity, development, and learning. Baltimore, MD: Author.
I think it is great that your want to make such a difference in the lives of those with special needs and to teach others about those speical people. It is sad when parents don't take the time to education their children that everyone is not the same and we are all different. I started my children off at an early age explaining to them that we will see different people in our lives. Children with special needs deserve to have every right as anyone else I have had the experience of working with a few children with special needs and I always talk to my students and it is amazing to see them take this child and help them in so many ways. Through their help and understadning I have seen that speical needs child grow in many different areas. You have made some very good points in your blog and again I think that it is GREAT that you are willing to take on the challeges of helping those with special needs. You deserve a pat on the back. I want to wish you the best of luck as you continue through your journey.
ReplyDeleteI commend you on your efforts to make your class inclusive and also take deliberate steps to have the special needs child feel included.
ReplyDeleteMy child's school is an inclusive school for special needs children. So from Kindergarten age, both myself and my daughter have been exposed to special needs children with varying disabilities. What has always delighted me is the manner in which the teachers at the school are trained and also personally are concerned about the needs of their special needs charges. The teachers are the ones that set the stage in the classroom and they play an important role in ensuring that all children irrespective of their different abilities are dealt with fairly and equitably. I have never heard my daughter use the words "handicapped" or "disabled" to describe these children, to her they are just "Nathan", "Matthew" or their given name. Sometimes, when she is explaining what "Nathan"" did in class to an adult who might not know that he is special needs, she will state matter of factly that "Nathan is special needs". My daughter's response to the situation is based on what her teachers have taught her, how she observes them interact and how I react to them. All persons of varying disabilities deserve a chance to shine in their own circles of influence.
Great job on the difference that you have made.