68.041 - "Yes, We Do See Color!" Actively Combating Racism in Early Childhood Education

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Although discourses of “colorblindness” still abound within society, early childhood educators committed to social justice recognize the need for anti-bias education that specifically names and challenges racism and other oppressions. In this session, four early childhood activist scholars address the ways in which teachers address racial justice in early childhood classrooms. The papers describe research which details how early childhood educators talk about racism with young children and explores activities, materials, and strategies for deepening discussions of race and other forms of prejudice . The significance of the teacher’s role in actively promoting anti-bias education and social justice is highlighted

Sub Unit

• SIG-Critical Perspectives on Early Childhood Education

Chair

• Mara Sapon-Shevin, Syracuse University

Papers

• How, When, and Why Early Childhood Educators Talk About Race With Young Children - Flora Farago, Stephen F. Austin State University

• "I'm Afraid I'm Gonna Get Shot and Die": Teaching for Racial Justice in Early Childhood - Mariana Souto-Manning, Teachers College, Columbia University; Jessica Martell, New York City Schools

• It's Time to Talk: An Exploration of How Kindergartners and Their Teachers Talk About Race - Kathlene Alysia Holmes, National Center for Teacher Residencies

• Words Do Matter: Children's Books and Music That Challenge Racism, Homophobia, and Bullying - Mara Sapon-Shevin, Syracuse University

Discussant

• Beth Blue Swadener, Arizona State University