Get ready for a focus on multicultural music, picture books with music, teaching songs, review of integrating music into curriculum, social emotional aspects lea

MUE 2211

37

Anti-Bias Education: We’re All Different, We’re All the Same

The concept of Anti-Bias Education in early childhood education was developed by Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen-Edwards.

The message is:

“We’re all different, yet we’re all the same”

For instance:

We all eat but we eat different foods

We all have families but we have different family types & sizes

We all listen to music but we listen to different music

We all speak but we might speak different words

We all have skin but we might have different skin colors

Anti-Bias Education Definition

Anti-bias education in early childhood education is a philosophical, ongoing curriculum approach which focuses on “respecting and embracing differences and acting against bias and unfairness” in day to day life in the classroom and in broader communities (families, neighborhoods, cities, countries, the world).

Universal similarities in people are noticed and discussed in the classroom or other educational setting. Differences are also noted, celebrated, embraced.

Curiosity about similarities and differences in cultures, families, and individuals is encouraged. Anti-bias curriculum does not only address racial/ ethnic cultures but any form of potential bias (i.e. different family configurations, stereotypes of men/ women, physical abilities, developmental abilities, regional differences (i.e. city vs rural life, etc.) From: Anti-Bias Education – Teaching for Change www.teachingforchange.org/teacher-resources/anti-bias-education

Anti-bias Curriculum and the Educator’s role

The educator relays these messages on an ongoing basis and it’s worked into the tone of the educational setting….

By role modeling kindness, acceptance, inclusivity and respect for all

By setting up the environment to reflect differences (posters, food representing cultures, books, baby dolls, music, instruments, dress up clothes, etc.)

Through interactions with children/families,

Through intentional curriculum choices and reading material

Through noticing similarities and differences

Through noticing and addressing unfairness and injustice in the classroom and beyond

Through safe and open-hearted discussions

Anti-bias Philosophy applies from individual to classroom to community to global perspectives

“Learning about the world can mean an ocean away or right next door. “

–Allison McDonald (from: www.notimeforflashcards.com )

Multicultural Music with Young Children: Supporting Anti-Bias Education

Preschool is frequently the first time children are aware of cultures and ways of life other than their own.

Introducing children to music in other cultures is an intriguing and engaging way to introduce the anti-bias perspective of we’re all different, we’re all the same

Multicultural music is often the first medium for children to realize that their own cultural heritage has richness (Pica, 2009)

Music is often the gateway to discovering the fullness and beauty of other cultures

Derman-Sparks and Olsen (2010) recommend singing, dancing and making music as authentic ways to reinforce anti-bias outlooks.

MUE 2211

42

Should there be Anti-Bias Curriculum in classrooms without diversity?

YES!!!!! It’s important for ALL children to have a broader view of the world. Use the same perspective of “We’re all different, we’re all the same” but some conversations will need to be brought up after introducing stories or books than through natural conversations. Teachers also have to be reflective and aware of their own feelings and biases

Reference: Derman-Sparks and Ramsey, 2005: “What If All the Children in My Class Are White? Anti-Bias/Multicultural Education with White Children”

Can Infants & Toddlers Benefit from Muliticultural Music?

YES!!!!!

Per Gay Wilgus, multicultural curriculum, particularly music, can be very beneficial to very young children.

Often children have primarily been surrounded by people in similar cultures as their families. Preschool is often the first opportunity for children to experience other cultures.

Children learn through experience and observing. Experiencing multicultural music is a pleasurable way for children to learn.

Wilgus states that multicultural songs, lullabyes, dance, movement and instruments are an age appropriate way to lay groundwork for future positive, open and tolerant outlooks in regards to cultural diversity. Reference: Wilgus, 2004

Yo Yo Ma, Diverse Music & Young Children

The famous cellist, Yo Yo Ma had some meaningful thoughts on the benefits of diverse musical experiences for young children. He believes that when young children hear varied music, it becomes “their” music, as well as everyone else’s. Divisiveness no longer exists. It’s music that belongs to the global neighborhood. For very young children Yo Yo Ma stated, “[music can be] like a scent; it’s part of [a child’s] permanent knowledge” (Zuckerman, 1996, p. 84) Early contact with diverse music helps children become more naturally accepting of diverse music; ideally, this opens doors to further acceptance and appreciation of diversity that goes beyond music.

Jimmy Carter quote

MUE 2211

48

“Zorba” Modified

This next week, in your discussion, you’ll be seeing music and dance videos from different cultures and then I’d like you to find a multicultural video to use with children that would be age appropriate

How can we use multicultural music and how can we

Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers

Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.

Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS

Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?

Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.

We write plagiarism Free Content

Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.

Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.