Play and Equity in Early Childhood with Ijumaa Jordan

Name: Play and Equity in Early Childhood with Ijumaa Jordan
Uploaded: 2024-08-02T16:37:35.000Z
Duration: 1 h 50 min 8 s

Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Guest Introduction

Heather Burt Santi welcomes Euma Jordan, an Early Childhood consultant, to the podcast.

They discuss previous recording attempts and the transition from Skype to Zoom.

Euma Jordan's Background

Euma describes her role as an Early Childhood consultant working with teachers and organizations in progressive education.

She focuses on anti-racist work, play-based learning, and culturally responsive practices in early childhood education.

The Importance of Play and Equity in Education

Discussion of Published Work

Euma has written a piece titled "Both And: Early Childhood Education Needs Both Play and Equity," published in NC's Young Children magazine.

A quote highlights how increased assessments have led to reduced play opportunities for children, particularly affecting marginalized groups.

The Achievement Gap

Euma emphasizes that educational reforms often restrict access to self-directed play for low-income communities and children of color.

The conversation revolves around the irony that efforts aimed at equity may inadvertently create more inequity by limiting play.

Challenges in Early Childhood Education Practices

Resistance to Play-Based Learning

Euma notes a tension between professional training advocating for play-based curricula and community resistance due to anxiety about academic preparedness.

There is a lack of critical discussion regarding what achievement means for children, especially when affluent white children have better access to play.

Marketing Language Concerns

The term "achievement gap" is critiqued as marketing language rather than a genuine concern for children's well-being.

The concept of "learning loss" post-pandemic is also viewed skeptically as a tool for selling curriculum rather than improving lives.

Ethical Responsibilities in Early Childhood Education

Children's Right to Play

Euma discusses the ethical responsibility educators have towards providing fulfilling childhood experiences through play.

She points out that the U.S. has not ratified international agreements recognizing children's right to play, highlighting a significant gap in policy.

Understanding the Achievement Gap and Equity in Education

The Role of Play in Education

The discussion begins with a focus on the achievement gap and equity, emphasizing the importance of including play in educational practices.

Reference is made to Mariana Suo Manning's article "Is Play a Privilege or Right?" which highlights ethical conduct in education, particularly avoiding exploitative practices.

The speaker argues that framing the achievement gap as a marketing tool for curriculum exploits children, creating fear among families about their children's success.

Capitalism and Early Education

There is a critique of capitalism and patriarchy within education systems, suggesting they prioritize producing workers over nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Skills taught at an early age are more measurable than qualities like happiness or health, leading to a focus on assessment tools that align with capitalist values.

Segregation in Education

The speaker notes that the education system is highly segregated by race and class, referencing Casey Stock Still's book "False Starts" on this issue.

Funding disparities are highlighted, where affluent programs receive resources while marginalized groups are overlooked under the guise of equity.

The Nature of Play

A distinction is made between skill-based activities versus genuine play; true play should not be adult-directed or focused solely on measurable outcomes.

Characteristics of authentic play include self-initiation by children, emotional engagement, and exploration without adult interference.

Moral Imperatives for Play

Emphasis is placed on allowing children to engage in imaginative play as a fundamental right rather than merely an educational tool.

The conversation concludes with a call for recognizing children's need for unstructured play as essential to their development and well-being.

Understanding Equity in Education: A Critical Examination

The Challenge of Equity in Education

Discussion on the challenges faced by marginalized children in education, emphasizing that equity efforts often overlook the specific needs and backgrounds of these groups.

The current educational system is critiqued for being predominantly designed around white normative standards, which does not cater to Black children, children of color, or neurodivergent students.

Cultural Norms and Educational Standards

The conversation highlights how traditional learning standards are perceived as white normative, raising questions about their inclusivity and relevance to diverse student populations.

Participants express a struggle to articulate the implications of these norms while acknowledging their own biases and the need for deeper understanding.

Time Perception and Its Impact on Learning

An exploration of how time is viewed differently across cultures; in white dominant culture, time is linear and strictly scheduled, impacting children's experiences in educational settings.

Critique of punitive measures against families who do not adhere to strict schedules in programs like Head Start, contrasting this with more lenient practices observed in affluent areas.

Inclusivity vs. Dominant Culture

Discussion on the misconception that understanding a child's culture means bringing them closer to dominant cultural norms rather than adapting practices to be more inclusive.

Reflection on the challenge educators face when considering changes to their schedules or practices based on cultural differences among students.

Negotiating Cultural Responsiveness

Emphasis on the importance of negotiating rules within educational programs instead of enforcing rigid structures that may disadvantage certain families.

Suggestions for practical solutions include providing breakfast packets for families unable to meet strict timing requirements, highlighting a shift from punishment towards collaboration with parents.

Understanding Equity and Play in Education

The Importance of Financial Resources

Discusses the necessity of financial resources for running educational centers, emphasizing that without funds for essentials like food, operations become challenging.

Highlights the need to confront biases, particularly the "savior mentality," which can lead to imposing cultural norms on families rather than understanding their unique needs.

Ethical Responsibilities in Education

Questions the morality of withholding food from children due to rules, urging a reflection on whether such actions are punitive or genuinely supportive.

Stresses that educators must strive to be their best ethical selves and not use rules as excuses for harming families.

Harmful Effects of Inequity

Explores how discussions about harm can shut down conversations about practices that may negatively impact children, stressing the importance of doing no harm.

Invites discussion on how inequity affects children's ability to play, noting that lack of access is harmful and oppressive.

The Role of Play in Community Building

Reflects on childhood freedom and joy derived from play, highlighting its role in building friendships and community bonds.

Argues that removing play diminishes community learning opportunities and engagement among learners.

Educators' Challenges with Play-Based Learning

Acknowledges the difficulty adults face in reconciling their roles as teachers while allowing children to learn through play.

Emphasizes the need for educators to support children's development by observing rather than directing their play experiences.

Supporting Children's Development Through Play

Encourages educators to consider how they can facilitate children's problem-solving during play instead of imposing their ideas onto them.

Critiques systems that undervalue teachers by limiting their input and creativity within structured curricula.

Addressing Pay Equity Concerns

Discusses how devaluing teacher input correlates with pay equity issues, suggesting a systemic problem where teachers are not compensated fairly if they are seen merely as implementers of curriculum.

Understanding Change and Community in Education

The Need for Personal Reflection and Change

Individuals must recognize their desire for change; if something doesn't bother them, they may not seek alternatives.

Before rejecting a curriculum, educators should assess what aspects are within their control to modify and improve.

Building a supportive community is essential; collaboration with peers can facilitate transitions in educational practices.

Strategies for Implementing Change

Engaging with others helps in identifying actionable steps towards systemic change, which can be daunting alone.

Small adjustments, like allowing children to explore materials beyond structured activities, can significantly enhance learning experiences.

Documenting Progress and Advocacy

Educators should consider the rules of their classrooms and how they can create more space for exploration and relationships.

Embracing the role of "photo activists" allows educators to highlight unscripted moments that add value to children's learning experiences.

Professional Development and Emotional Regulation

Finding suitable professional development opportunities is crucial for achieving personal goals in education.

Community support aids emotional regulation; feelings of guilt or inadequacy can hinder progress if not addressed constructively.

Moving Forward with Ethical Responsibility

Acknowledging past mistakes is part of ethical responsibility; educators must strive to correct harmful practices without seeking perfection.

Continuous reflection on teaching methods fosters growth; recognizing areas needing improvement leads to better outcomes for children.

The Importance of Community Support

Taking ownership of one's professional development while being part of a community alleviates feelings of isolation and guilt.

Remaining engaged rather than defensive helps prevent repeating past mistakes; proactive efforts lead to meaningful changes in practice.

Understanding the Role of Play in Childhood

The Importance of Play in Childhood Experiences

The speaker emphasizes the significance of play, stating that its goal is to center childhood experiences for all children, highlighting its powerful impact on development.

There is a need to value play throughout life, suggesting that adults must heal their relationship with play and overcome perfectionism that hinders authentic engagement.

Authentic human relationships are crucial; if adults do not model making mistakes, children may feel shame when they err, which can be detrimental to their self-esteem.

Cultural Context and Self-Reflection in Play

The discussion points out that play occurs within cultural contexts, urging individuals to reflect on their feelings and biases regarding different cultural practices.

Observing children's play requires slowing down and being present; this deep noticing helps educators understand children's expressions without rushing to judgment or labeling behaviors as "weird."

Navigating Cultural Norms in Educational Settings

A real-life example illustrates the challenges faced by educators when enforcing dominant cultural norms (e.g., wearing shoes indoors), which may conflict with a child's home culture.

The narrative describes a situation where a Chinese American boy's practice of removing shoes at home clashed with new classroom rules imposed by authority figures like fire marshals.

Impact on Identity Development

The conversation highlights how framing culturally significant behaviors as misbehavior can negatively affect a child's identity development and sense of belonging.

Educators are encouraged to consider the implications of their decisions on children's identities and relationships rather than simply adhering to authority-driven norms.

Conclusion

The discussion underscores the necessity for educators to embrace play as an essential part of childhood while being mindful of cultural differences and fostering authentic relationships.

Finding More About the Speaker's Work

Social Media and Upcoming Projects

The speaker mentions their social media presence, indicating they haven't been very active recently but plans to be more engaged this summer.

They are involved in controversial abolition work with a group, highlighting the significance of this topic in current discussions.

Workshop on Abolition in Education

A workshop is scheduled for August 25th focusing on police-free education, featuring teachers discussing abolition work within classrooms.

The workshop aims to explore how these concepts can influence early childhood education (ECE), particularly regarding punishment and classroom rules.

Community Practice Initiatives

The speaker is considering establishing a community practice for educators and leaders in the fall and winter, emphasizing intentional community building.

This initiative targets various roles including teacher leaders, consultants, and administrators to foster collaboration and support.

Conference Participation

The speaker anticipates attending several conferences as the season approaches, suggesting an active engagement with broader educational discussions.

Closing Remarks

The conversation wraps up with gratitude expressed towards Juma for participating and an invitation for further questions from listeners.