Reframing Infant-Toddler Behavior in the Persistent Wake of Settler Colonialism

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:45 pm - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Equity, Inclusion and Intersectionality

Abstract

Perspectives on infant and toddler behaviors, especially those deemed “challenging,” are mediated and constructed within historical, social-cultural, and discursive frameworks that position young children as less capable, less knowing, and less worthy of respect (Author, 2022). In alignment with the conference call, we examine how a history of settler colonialism influences the perception of “challenging” behaviors and how we might envision a different future. We engage settler colonialism as an analytic lens to reveal how behaviors are perceived and how critical analysis can shift both the perception of behaviors and responses to them. Using methods of narrative portraiture and restorying, we interrogate common teacher responses and open space for reframing and reconceptualizing children’s and teachers’ needs and communicative acts.

Authors

• Carolyn Brennan, Western Washington University

• Emmanuelle N. Fincham, Western Washington University