Our discussion under the context of observation spurred many deep questions and insightful conversation about the role of observation, the importance of safety in observation, the differences between RIE and other philosophies, and observation under the contexts of race and gender. If you are interested in reviewing the guidelines for observation, please check out this post. your role in observingThe type of observation we are promoting in class is one that is safe, intentional, and purposefully planned. That means, we are finding a time in our home or at the playground where we know our children are safe and feeling secure in which we can spend a few moments watching with care. We are looking for things like
The question came up about when to observe in situations where children might be misunderstood, marginalized, disrespected, aggressive, or stereotyped. In those situations, it would be up to your parental discretion about how to handle them, but it would not be the time to utilize the type of observation we are discussing in class because it lacks the constructs of safety and intentionality. As discussed in class, you might decide to:
gender developmentThe question also came up about how to respond to our children's comments on gender in a way that is politically correct. Gender identity is a very deep and complicated time in development so consider this a brief overview. If you are looking for more information, see the resources section below. Our young children see the world at face value so it is helpful to teach them proper language in order to better compartmentalize what they are seeing and learning. First, we can explore the difference between sex and gender.
Our children, who naturally need to take note of what they are seeing and experiencing in order to create their neural network and worldview, might say "Sophia is a girl." We might say, "Sophia does present herself as female." This is a simple way of acknowledging what our children are seeing while providing the language base that can be expanded upon as our children meet more people. We do not want to shame our children for commenting on what they see as that shuts down doors of communication. So welcome it with positivity while gently sharing a new way of thinking in very simple, clear terms. According to the pediatrician run website healthychildren.org,
Further resources on gender
2 Comments
Michelle Ndely
2/2/2020 07:55:43 pm
WOW! I am so impressed by this summary, the additional resources are much appreciated as well!
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Emily
2/3/2020 01:35:43 pm
Thanks, Michelle!
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AuthorEmily Barstad Archives
February 2020
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