Chapter 2 explores the challenges many teachers face when addressing issues of race and racism in the classroom. Nieto and Bode (2018) note that in the U.S., children are often taught early to avoid talking about race—an attitude known as “colorblindness” or “color muteness.” According to the authors, “in the United States, colorblindness and color muteness begin in early childhood, when children are admonished not to say anything about racial differences, because ‘it’s not nice’” (p. 56). In this assignment, you will reflect on these themes and develop concrete, original strategies for addressing them in early education settings. 1) Why is racism a difficult topic for many people to discuss, especially in educational settings: (Reflect on societal, cultural, and institutional factors, and support your analysis with ideas from Chapter 2 and/or additional resources.) 2) What specific roles can teachers play in confronting racism in the classroom and school community? (Discuss concrete actions, responsibilities, or instructional choices educators can take.) 3) List and explain five original, detailed strategies that can help children understand and talk about race in developmentally appropriate ways, teachers engage in anti-racist practices and families become active partners in conversations about race Your strategies must be clearly explained, grounded in course content, and demonstrate thoughtful, individualized application to real-world practice. Avoid repeating generic answers found online. Consider reviewing these other resources to help develop your paper “See Baby Discriminate” from Newsweek (http://www.newsweek.com/2009/09/04/see-baby-discriminate.html), The CNN report on “Black or White: Kids and Race” (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2010/kids.on.race/), Keri Davis’s film, A Girl Like Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqSFqnUFOns or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17fEy0q6yqc). Length: 2–3 pages, double-spaced Formatting: APA 7th edition (12 pt. Times New Roman, 1” margins) Citations: Cite at least two credible sources (course text or outside academic sources). Include a reference list. Originality: Responses must be authentic, reflective, and clearly written in your own voice. Overly generic responses or those that appear AI-generated may be flagged for further review.
Chapter 2 explores the challenges many teachers face when addressing issues of race and racism in the classroom. Nieto and Bode (2018) note that in the U.S., children are oft