Confronting discrimination
In cases of discriminatory behaviour, solutions are not so easy to find. Usually neither the insulted child nor the offending child has a clear understanding of discrimination. The teacher's actions are especially important in this situation. The teacher should first strongly criticize the discriminatory behaviour and make clear that it is definitely unacceptable. The teacher may offer clear support to the child who was the object of the offence without criticism of his or her anger, fear or confusion, and be firm yet supportive with the child who engaged in the discriminatory behaviour. Teachers should help victimized children realize that negative responses to their gender, appearance, disability, language, race or other aspects are due to unacceptable prejudices; they should also examine with children who were involved and who witnessed the situation the issues at stake. Discuss such incidents also with parents, staff and members of the local community.
This method can be used at all school levels as well as in critical situations outside the school environment. It can be applied to all discriminatory behaviour. Where possible, ethnic diversity in the classroom should be acknowledged, understood and even celebrated at every opportunity. It should be remembered that racism and sexism are usually present in children at a very young age, so this method may be remedial. Teachers should also be aware that they too may harbour discriminatory attitudes and strive diligently to recognize and overcome them. Care should also be taken to make the classroom and school accessible and welcoming to children with disabilities.
The following strategies and activities offer ways to introduce human rights concepts into early childhood education.
--> SOURCE
This method can be used at all school levels as well as in critical situations outside the school environment. It can be applied to all discriminatory behaviour. Where possible, ethnic diversity in the classroom should be acknowledged, understood and even celebrated at every opportunity. It should be remembered that racism and sexism are usually present in children at a very young age, so this method may be remedial. Teachers should also be aware that they too may harbour discriminatory attitudes and strive diligently to recognize and overcome them. Care should also be taken to make the classroom and school accessible and welcoming to children with disabilities.
The following strategies and activities offer ways to introduce human rights concepts into early childhood education.
--> SOURCE