Communication

2. De-segregation of yourself and by others

2.3. First memories of diversity

ACTIVITY

 		 30 minutes
     

Should I do the activity alone?

If you are in a two-parent family, try to do the activity together. Invite your child as well.

After completing the activity…

I should be able to:

  • Be aware of the diversity of channels which might enhance School/Setting-Families communication and interaction.
  • Identify which channel(s) could be more useful to reach specific aims when communicating with teachers.
  • Realize that School/Setting-Families interaction can be fluent and enriching when using a diversity of channels.
  • Help my child to be aware that communication between his/her parents and the school is expected and why they are always to be involved in it.
  • Help my child to identify the diversity of channels available to support school/setting-family communication.

Before I start, what will I need to do this activity?      

Nothing special

What do I have to do?

1. Watch this video about implicit bias: 

Peanut Butter, Jelly and Racism [source | New York Times free teaching materials]


2. Read the following checklist of cultural privileges (by McIntosh):

  • I can live where I want to live.
  • I can worship where I want to worship & near where I live.
  • I can shop where I will not be followed or harassed & my form of payment is accepted.
  • I can find my preferred kinds of food, clothing, hair salons, hair products, music, etc.
  • I can find people like me portrayed positively on television, in the movies, in songs, etc.
  • I can find posters, toys, dolls, greeting cards, etc., that show people like me.
  • I can find people like me portrayed positively in books, etc., about our nation & history.
  • I can find people like me in most textbooks & teaching materials.
  • I can say what I want about people & be accepted by the people around me.
  • I can be with people like me.

Think about your life and list any of these statements that you think doesn’t apply to you. Think of your first memory of being different from others in this respect.


3. Do you think your own community is diverse? 

Take stock of diversity in your own environment by filling the table:

Downloadable Table


    

What to do next?

  • Think about your understanding of similarities and differences
  • Did this activity help you to understand how being different impacts your child?
  • …?