Race and Cultural Competence
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SUPPORTING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RACE & CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTING Kweli I. Archie and Betsy O. Saatman
description
This presentation was delivered by Kweli I. Archie and Betsy O. Saatman at a conference in Philadelphia, PA.
Transcript of Race and Cultural Competence
SUPPORTING CONVERSATIONS
ABOUT
RACE & CULTURAL COMPETENCE
IN
THE EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTING
Kweli I. Archie and Betsy O. Saatman
Guess who…???
Is married?
Is a mother to more than one child?
Has traveled aboard?
Loves the theatre?
Has a Masters Degree?
Stereotyping
We all make assumptions about people based on…
Appearance
Personal Experiences
Public Opinion
History
Objectives
To create a forum that supports a productive dialogue about race and culture
To explore how we define our identity based on keys aspects of race and culture
To reflect on how their early learning environment supports equity and diversity
Dialogue
Ground Rules for Conversation
Dialogue
“Unlike debate, dialogue emphasizes listening to deepen understanding. Dialogue invites discovery. It develops common values and allows participants to express their own interests. It expects that participants will grow in understanding and may decide to act together with common goals. In dialogue, participants can question and re-evaluate their assumptions. Through this process people are learning to work together to improve race relations.”
‐‐ Source: An American Dialogue Guide: Conducting a Discussion on Race.
Washington D.C.: The White House, March 1998, pg. 5.
Reflective Practices
Race Exercise Reflection Share
Culture Exercise Reflection Share
RACE MATTERSBlack Doll White Doll Study
What Does This Mean for Our Work????
Aspects of Your Culture…
Think of your own culture growing up. Take a moment to describe some of the items listed below.
1. Favorite family food2. Favorite family activity3. Most popular holiday4. Everyday dress
CULTURAL COMPETENCEManaging Your Prejudices
What Does This Mean for Our Work????
Being Racially and Culturally Competent
To do this we must start with an awareness of our own values
Explore our personal biases and prejudices
Educate ourselves to the customs, culture and beliefs of all of the children and families represented in our care and larger community
Provide a multicultural classroom environment for children to thrive in
Facilitate hands on experiences - rich in multicultural variety
