Any Early Childhood Majors out there?

sparklystuff · 01-09-2005, 02:51 PM

Hey, I am a second year ECE major. I like it, but there are a lot of things I don't agree with that we are trained to do. Such as many of the NAEYC guidelines. Such, as promoting diversity...homosexuality...alternate lifestyles. Does anybody have any ideas about how to have an "anti-bias" classroom, without compromising your values as a christian?

Nate · 01-10-2005, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparklystuff

Does anybody have any ideas about how to have an "anti-bias" classroom, without compromising your values as a christian?

Honestly, I don't think that's possible. It's a contradiction in terms. Christian values are "biased" and (even) "intolerant," whether we like it or not.

I am a little confused, however, as to why this is even an issue in the field of early childhood education. Are you supposed to show pictures of same-sex couples as often as you do normal couples or something?

That's freaking ridiculous... and yet one more reason why public education must die.

In His love,
Nate

sparklystuff · 01-10-2005, 08:18 PM

The reason why I used the term "anti-bias" was because I had an entire 3 credit course called the "anti-bias curriculum." What we have been taught as "anti-bias" is accepting EVERYTHING. And bringing issues into the classroom at a very young age. The idea is to attack stereotypes before they can form.

Early childhood education deal with children ages 2-6. And, yes to your question, we are supposed to put up pictures of same sex couples. We are also supposed to be books about having homosexual parents in our classroom libraries for children to read. As well as books and pictures about A-typical families, also blended families (families with mom or dad remarried with other children) And pictures and books with people of different colored skin, as well as the elderly performing tasks that may be out of the norm, or women in a typical male role, and vice-versa, and disabled people. I am ok with most of these, but I simply CANNOT promote homosexuality.

This is no public education I am afraid. These things are to be taught in private preschools and kindergartens. I have student taught in many places, including public schools. In public school I find less of this, and more so in elite private schools.

Nate · 01-10-2005, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparklystuff

The reason why I used the term "anti-bias" was because I had an entire 3 credit course called the "anti-bias curriculum." What we have been taught as "anti-bias" is accepting EVERYTHING. And bringing issues into the classroom at a very young age. The idea is to attack stereotypes before they can form.

Ahh, I see... I should have been able to piece that all together, actually. It all makes sense now... why they would want you to bring up these issues in the "early childhood" stage. Namely, to brainwash kids into thinking that there's nothing wrong with homosexuality, et al. *sigh*

Quote:

This is no public education I am afraid. These things are to be taught in private preschools and kindergartens. I have student taught in many places, including public schools. In public school I find less of this, and more so in elite private schools.

*cue question from ignorant non-education major / non-educator here*

Is there really a prescribed method of teaching for all private schools in the country? Surely you could find (upon graduation) a private school to teach at that held similar values to your own?

In His love,
Nate

p.s. You got married on my 20th birthday... haha. Your husband's tux is smashing, by the way.

sparklystuff · 01-10-2005, 08:33 PM

Yes, unfortunately brainwashing appears to be the logic.

I will most likely have to find a christian private school to work at. However, these jobs are sometimes hard to come by, and often pay very little to nothing. After being in school for many years, I would like to at least pay back my student loans

I just am not sure what I would ever do if I refused to include these things in my classroom. I have to write my philosophy at the end of this semester, I know my professor is going to disapprove. The reality of what our world has become is very sad.

Well, I will remember your birthday then

I'm sure my husband will appreciate the complement too!

sparklystuff · 01-10-2005, 08:39 PM

Oh, I didn't really answer your question. You asked if there was a prescribed method of teaching all over the country. The answer is yes and no. There is an associate called NAEYC, (national association for the education of young children) by them daycares, nursery schools, preschools, public schools, etc, can become accredited. They must abide by the ideals of NAEYC, who is instituting all of these ideas of nipping stereotypes in the bud. This is the way people in the education field are being instructed to teach these days. So, yes, there is a prescribed method of teaching. But, you can find alternatives, such as christian schools, catholic schools, etc. But, the way educators are being taught, they are coming under the assumption that they must be "anti-bias."

Nate · 01-10-2005, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparklystuff

I will most likely have to find a christian private school to work at. However, these jobs are sometimes hard to come by, and often pay very little to nothing. After being in school for many years, I would like to at least pay back my student loans

Yeah, I totally understand that.

Quote:

I just am not sure what I would ever do if I refused to include these things in my classroom. I have to write my philosophy at the end of this semester, I know my professor is going to disapprove. The reality of what our world has become is very sad.

Quite sad, indeed. Props to you for having the desire and ambition to be both a teacher and a person of Christian values, though; this world sorely needs more people such as that.

Quote:

So, yes, there is a prescribed method of teaching. But, you can find alternatives, such as christian schools, catholic schools, etc. But, the way educators are being taught, they are coming under the assumption that they must be "anti-bias."

Ah... I see.

Have you ever read "The Abolition of Man" by C. S. Lewis? It's a very fascinating book on the state of education in the world (at least, the state of education around 50 years or so ago), and Lewis makes quite a few poignant observations. I don't know that it'd pertain to this particular situation, but it might be an interesting read for you, nonetheless.

In His love,
Nate

sparklystuff · 01-10-2005, 09:50 PM

I have not read that book, but I will look for it. Thank you!

Nate · 01-10-2005, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparklystuff

I have not read that book, but I will look for it. Thank you!

No prob. Be warned, however, it's not a particularly easy read... lots of very dense verbiage. Haha.

In His love,
Nate

sparklystuff · 01-10-2005, 09:59 PM

aha, but it is to be expected from our dear C.S. Lewis isn't it?

Nate · 01-10-2005, 10:00 PM

Indeed.

suntuoso · 04-27-2005, 05:29 AM

This is most interesting to me as a Public High Schooler. I defenately see a lot of liberalism at my school in the how they teach and the corriculum. It is quite sadning. I have almost been kicked out of class on several occasions for stating and debating my views as a christian. But in the end, I usually get peer support. But on the other hand I have had very conservative teachers that made sure that we knew what they believed and why they believe it. So to get to the point, I think you will be around this, but really I don't think you truly have to follow it. Now I am saying this coming from N.O. Public schools. I don't know what it is like where you are from.

sparklystuff · 04-27-2005, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suntuoso

This is most interesting to me as a Public High Schooler. I defenately see a lot of liberalism at my school in the how they teach and the corriculum. It is quite sadning. I have almost been kicked out of class on several occasions for stating and debating my views as a christian. But in the end, I usually get peer support. But on the other hand I have had very conservative teachers that made sure that we knew what they believed and why they believe it. So to get to the point, I think you will be around this, but really I don't think you truly have to follow it. Now I am saying this coming from N.O. Public schools. I don't know what it is like where you are from.

Haha, I'm from Massachusetts, so liberal is our middle name! It only gets worse in college too, as far as liberality goes. Fortunately, I have found that as far as belief systems goes, the liberals bite the bullet because they are forced to at least "tolerate" you, because that is what is expected of them.

suntuoso · 04-27-2005, 05:06 PM

Yeah well, I didn't go the college right out of high school route. I am in the ARMY. I will be in college soon enough if I see it necessary. If not then I might go to the ceminary. But I still have time, I'll let God take care of that when it comes.

smitty2622 · 05-02-2005, 06:20 PM

Well I am an Elementary Education major, and haven’t had anything like that at all. I’m in Iowa and I’d be really surprised to see anything pro gay. Not that we teach anti gay either. I just haven seen anything like that. It’s good to be in the Bible belt…

Peace