Reflecting Children in the Classroom

Reflecting Children in your Classroom Environment

 

Our environments have the potential to help children and families feel immediately welcome and embraced as part of the classroom community. Let’s think about how teachers can create spaces where children and families see themselves as well as our diverse world reflected in materials, books, and visual supports.

 

The Power of Photographs

 

Add photos of your children to labels for cubbies, coat hooks, and other storage for children’s personal belongings. You can snap photographs of the children or invite families to send them in. These photos can also be incorporated as photo blocks for imaginative play or as part of children’s morning sign-in.

 

Take photos of during routines and play throughout the classroom. Use these photos to label your classroom centers and as additional visuals for your daily schedule.

 

Consider displaying family photos in your classroom. Some teachers create a special area for family photos, while other teachers choose to incorporate photos throughout the room. Be mindful of the unique make-up of your classroom community. There may be children who don’t have access to family photos. In that case, choose alternate ways to nurture and reflect home-school connections.

 

 

 

Class Books

 

Making class books is one of my favorite ways to reflect children, cultivate community, and honor the importance of shared experiences during the school day. Using children’s photos or illustrations and their own words (transcribed by an adult) makes it meaningful when revisiting routines or reflecting on a special day. Creating books offer an accessible format for documentation of memorable creations and compiling artifacts from children’s milestones. Collect your ever-growing library of class books in a place of honor!

 

Throughout my years making class books, I noticed frequent themes (field trip books, recipe compilations from classroom cooking projects, and Birthday Books) as well as more unusual topics. One memorable class created a Who Am I? riddle book: children offered a few key facts about themselves and a picture of something other than their face as the final clue. The reader could guess who was being described before turning the page to see if they were correct! The Lovey Book featured a photo and story about each child’s special “lovey” or stuffed animal. This book was a frequent companion during moments that called for comfort and connection.

 

Keep it simple - the publishing process doesn’t have to be fancy. While color pictures are nice, black and white printing and stapling along the edge is quick and functional. Creating and frequently revisiting class books can become a special tradition that celebrates shared experiences and reinforces classroom community.

 

Highlight Children’s Creations

 

Self-portraits are a powerful way to display and document children’s emerging sense of self. While a traditional two-dimensional portrayal is a special artifact to capture, think beyond the expected! Collage, sculpture and even assemblage with loose parts offer unique interpretations. Children might also be interested in creating artwork depicting their families, homes, or pets.

 

Display and share artwork and other creations (photos are great a great way to record more ephemeral work) that demonstrate milestones, moments of connection, or otherwise meaningful occasions. Adding a caption, either your words sharing your observations and context as an educator or children’s own words, makes this type of display even more compelling. A photo documenting a child making a big “M” along with the transcription of their exclamation of pride, “I made an M for Mommy!” provides important context when displayed next to the actual creation.

 

 

Choose Inclusive Books and Materials

 

Picture books, musical selections, classroom décor, and learning materials offer opportunities for children to see people, families and experiences that reflect their own lives as well as new perspectives. Thoughtful selections affirm and expand children’s lived experiences. Include books that incorporate the children’s home languages and integrate words and phrases into daily routines and classroom displays. Materials such as puzzles, block accessories, and dramatic play props can represent diverse races, cultures, abilities, and family structure. Add art supplies that equip children to portray a variety of skin tones. How wonderful that we have so many options beyond the original colors in a standard box of crayons!

 

 

Representation Matters!

 

Spending your school days in a space that offers affirming reflections signals to children and families that they are safe and valued. These suggestions are just a few ideas – there are so many opportunities to create an environment that honors and celebrates children, families, and community. We all grow and thrive when we feel secure and connected. Being seen, appreciated and celebrated is uplifting and empowering! How are you already reflecting children in your classroom? What new practices are you inspired to try? Follow us on Instagram and tag us to share your creative ideas!

 

Learn More

 

Valuing Diversity from NAEYC

 

Understanding Anti-Bias Education from NAEYC

 

Promoting Equity and Anti-Bias in the Classroom By Zaina Cahill, M.S.Ed

 

The ABCs of Diversity and Inclusion: Developing an Inclusive Environment for Diverse Families in Early Childhood Education from Zero to Three

 

Tip Sheet: Including Children’s Home Languages and Cultures from Head Start | ECLKC

 

 

 

Christine Murray is an Early Childhood Education Specialist with Becker’s Education Team.
As an educator, coach and leader, Christine is inspired by the curiosity, joy and wonder that children so generously model for us. She earned her M.A. in Innovative Early Childhood Education at the University of Colorado Denver and loves collaborating with and supporting others in the field. Grounded in relationships and guided by empathy, Christine is always learning, connecting and creating.