Hair Haven - Reflections

Reflection Questions:

How important would it be for young children in trying to interrupt the cycle of racism for teachers to apply the ABE Goals and how can they go about doing so? Do you think any of these things about the goals: Is it long overdue? Is it comprehensive, or limited? Should some things be added? What ways would you describe it: good, radical, et al.

I believe that is is important for teachers to use the ABE goals with young children. Learning starts in utero, despite what some may think. I believe the earlier we teach children the ABE goals the better. Teachers can start once the children are in the infant class by role modeling the ABE goals. As the children grow, the teachers can add books that adress the ABE goals, and continue modeling what the goal represents. I believe the goals are long overdue, and is comprehensive. They are well rounded and can help the children become aware adults. the goals are good and much needed. It can be included in any curriculum for all age groups.

How would you start a conversation with children about skin color?

If I were talking to a child about skin color I would start by asking them what color they were, and depending on the age I would go into more detail as to why some people are darker than others. I would have books that talked about loving your skin. I would tell any child of any age that even though everyone looks different we are all human. We would talk about celebrating and recognizing differences, and how that makes everyone unique.

Reflection Questions:

Black creativity is the heartbeat of a thriving global culture, and the truth is, there is no innovation, evolution or liberation without it. What and or how would you teach young black children about black hair, while embracing this sentiment?

To teach young black children about black hair I would first explain that black hair can be seen as a symbol of identity, resistance, creative expression and freedom. Black hair is an important part of black culture and is rooted in the history of America. I would explain that black people were not allowed to have their hair be free, and had to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. Black people had to and still have to fight for hair liberation. Schools and workplaces often had and still have discriminatory policies that prohibit natural and protective styles meant for Black hair. Black people use their hair as a way to express themselves. I would also share that in 2019 the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful Open World for Natural hair) was signed by the governor of California, which prohibited race-based hair policies.

Why do you believe it is important to reflect on the horrific experiences of Black women in the context of the work that you do with young children and families?

It is important to reflect on the horrific experiences of Black women because historically back women are perceived as strong, and they sacrifice their needs to care for those they love. It is a way of life which is passed on from generation to generation. It is ingrained in them to get right on back on their feet no matter how many times they are knocked down. It is pushing down the pain and putting on a smile no matter what they have been through. Reflecting on the experiences of Black women is not only important but also necessary. Black women hold their heads high, and accept challenges even when their abilities are questioned. However, when working with young children and families it is important to acknowledge that this perceived strength can have a negative impact. Not acknowledging the stress or trauma can impact black women mentally and physically. When working with young children and families we can inadvertently transfer our trauma. Also due to the suppressed trauma we can pre-judge the children and families in our care. We can see ourselves in the children and in turn act based off the trauma that we have experienced.

Reflection Questions:

What may be some ways to make appreciating different types of hair, part of your curriculum?

Some ways that I can include hair love into my curriculum is through books. I can add books about all different types of hair to our classroom library. The class can have a discussion about their hair and other types of hair. We can talk abut how our hair makes us unique and special. We will also bring in mannequins with different hair textures to learn about other types of hair types.

What are some ways you might be able to use a film like this in the classroom? Can you use it in the classroom? How would you use it to have conversations with children about hair issues? Any thoughts? And – has anybody used it in the classroom?

We could use the video Hair Love to talk about love, helping each other through challenges, and discuss the hair styles. It can be used in the classroom as a teaching tool. After watching the film I would have a discussion with the children about what they thought the film was about. I would ask if they have ever seen any of the hairstyles before.

Reflection Questions:

Recall a time when you or someone close to you encountered negative words. Share how it made you feel and relate this experience to the potential impact of negative words on your students.

I can think of many instances of when I encountered negative words and even thinking back it still makes me sad. It also made me angry, and internalize the words that were said to me. It made me question whether or not the person saying them was correct. As teachers we need to be mindful what we say to the children in our care. We need to make sure they are not internalizing the negativity that they are hearing.

Reflect on strategies to counteract the effects of negative words or improve the way they are communicated to students. If you have encountered such situations in your classroom, share your approach and its outcomes.

Words have power and they do influence the lives of the students. In teaching we should use words to encourage and empower or students on a daily basis. We need to ask question and communicate clearly and effectively. We should be using positive language so we can foster a classroom community that learns together, grows together, and is supportive. Before speaking we should think about what we want to say so that is does not come out negatively.

Reflection Questions:

Recall a time when you or someone close to you encountered negative words. Share how it made you feel and relate this Think about the word, “Africa.” What five words come to mind when you think of Africa?

I have encountered a lot of negative words in my life. Whenever I encountered someone being negative towards me it always made me feel bad on one hand and on the other it always forced me to want to show them that they were incorrect about me. While I always feel down when I hear negativity it also pushes me to be a better person than the person speaking negatively. When I think of the word Africa I think of my best friend who is from Uganda, I think of the word motherland, food, music, and beauty.

After tonight’s session, what are the ways you can apply the content of what was shared?

After tonight's session I will look into ways to add the information into my curriculum and teaching practices. I will start to include music from Africa into my rotation. I will also make myself more knowledable abou Africa so I can sare with the families and children in my care.