http://www.allianceforchildhood.org/

Crisis in the Kindergarten:

Why Children Need to Play in School

White Privilege

Though my intentions were originally to post a blog for myself where I could keep tidbits of information, I have not yet begun. Today, however, is the day.

As part of my teacher re-certification, I have just begun an obligatory class on Human Relations. I intentionally side-stepped the module on Culturally Responsive Teaching as the topic lacks interest for me. Blaa, blaa, blaa . . . Well guess what? My first assignment for HR was to take a self reflection inventory "Multicultural Educator Dispositions." My first paper is a reflection paper on "White Privilege" and will be leading me to want to react by being a culturally responsive teacher.

White Privilege is THE UNEARNED BENEFITS THAT SOMEONE ENJOYS SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY HAVE "WHITE" SKIN. THESE EXIST IN EVERY ASPECT OF OUR LIVES AND DO SO AT THE EXPENSE OF PEOPLE OF COLOR. HOWEVER, WHITE PEOPLE CANNOT MAINTAIN THIS SYSTEM OF PRIVILEGE WITHOUT ALSO LOSING A PART OF THEIR HUMANITY. GUILT IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS ACTION.

http://whitepriv.blogspot.com/

I was unaware that I was still so naive, but here I sit, thinking I actually can learn something. I am grateful for my teachable attitude since the antithesis would be for me to sit back, fold my arms across my chest and declare this to be a bunch of hogwash.

I am not far in my readings but thus far feel that I would like to and can make a difference in my corner of the world. Not by stopping my life and joining a cause, but at least to be aware and to introduce literature and awareness in my predominantly white classroom. (In Utah, as a para in NE, and where I will someday teach.) No, I will not likely leave my comfortable home to find a tough neighborhood to teach in. I never wander far from home as it takes too much time. But now I realize that subconsciously or not, our home was chosen for its good schools, safe feeling based on who roams the neighborhood and their upkeep. You may know the drill. They're calling it white discrimination now. :)

Actually, a website from one children's illustrator that was linked to the first website I mentioned has been insightful as well. http://coloringbetween.blogspot.com/

She calls educating children as young as first grade in Racial Identity Development. I like the tone of that better as my unawareness is simply that: unawareness, oblivion, not intentional oppression of others or a different race.

Now that I am aware, I have paralleled it to my religious upbringing. I have long been aware of my privileges (and holier-than-thou) attitude of my religious upbringing. I am constantly battling those thoughts that seem haughty or feeling sorry for those without as neither one is Christlike and being like Christ is what I profess to being. But no matter how you slice it, aware or unaware, I have been blessed religiously and racially.

So today (and beyond), my quest is to go to the library to find some good children's literature; to stop 'poo-pooing' or rolling my eyes when we keep the one token multicultural title on the top ten Golden Sower nominee list (Nebraska Book Award), and by the end of the semester, find some good ones to nominate myself and share with other teachers and librarian--who are also nominating and voting, my new perspective (via our Goodreads page).

Suggested Titles to look into:

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Lunchroom? (Adult NF)

Children's Lit:

Tico and the Golden Wings

The Girl with the Brown Crayon (may not be for children)

What will you be, Sarah Mee?

Moon Watchers

Jamaica's Find, other Jamaica books

Africa is Not A Country

The Skin I'm In

Brother Eagle, Sister Sky

Our Corner of the World