In this week's experiences with the parents at both the Parramore Kidz Zone Baby Institute and at Milk and Muffins, I sat in on the classes for the parents and was delighted to hear the parents talk about their newly-acquired knowledge from these classes!
In the parent class for parents of infants, one of the fathers (19-years old) was talking about a show about whales he had seen on the show, "Animal Planet." As the dad related some of the qualities of whales--their intelligence and traveling in groups due to their social needs, he explained that when whales are isolated from each other, they become aggressive. Next, this dad made the connection between what he learned about whales and how children react when they are given a time out! I was so excited to be able to see this father's learning and generalizing of information which came directly from the parenting class!
An anecdote I want to share occurred at Milk and Muffins. One of the participants (three-year old white girl) was engaged with a UCF student in an activity. Another UCF student (African American) sat down in anticipation of joining them in play. The three-year old immediately said that the new student could not play because she was black. When this student attempted to appease this child, the child began to kick her.
I walked up at this moment and the African American student came up to me, obviously upset and explained what had occurred. At that point, I intervened in the situation by having all "players" join me on the carpet as I modeled how to support the child's learning and to bridge her prior knowledge with the current learning opportunity. After approx. 5 minutes of modeling, I was able to fade out of the play situation and have the three (UCF students and child) continue interacting with each other.
At the end of that session, I explained to everyone the developmental appropriateness of the three-year old and the role we play in teaching diversity to our children.
It was indeed a hurtful lesson at first, but one which will resonate for a long time for both UCF students.
I continue to learn each week when I volunteer with these two programs, it is truly authentic learning for me!
I know that conflict in play is normal but the notion that one girl could not play because she is black is disappointing. I am not going to say surprising because I know that racism still exists as much as we wish it did not. How does such a young girl know to exclude another because of the color of her skin. Are the parents present during this time? Would the parents have heard this going on?
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ReplyDeleteFirst, well done at mediating the situation with the three-year-old racism. That is sad to read about, but as Norine notes, not shocking as racism still exists.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I love this story of a young father and his insights/connections with nature and parenting. Learning continues in all facets of our lives ^_^
Wow... I am impressed at how you handled the situation with the three-year old. What the saddest part about that story is, is that she is too young to have really made that judgement call for herself and it is learned behavior. I pray that her experience with BOTH UCF students will stick in her mind no matter what type of information she is being fed at home.
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