“Children learn about who is important enough to be visible and valued from sources such as children’s books, videos and toys, and even their early childhood curriculum” (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p.103). As we get older, we hold onto those impressions we have of others and sometimes in some cases, we take those to a more negative view point. This can affect your interactions with people, regardless of where you work. For instance, a man working in a unisex environment may feel as though women are not as good as men. He might feel as though woman are beneath him causing him to be very judgmental, sexist, unhappy in their environment, and ask differently towards them. This can happen between different cultures and races as well.
As an early childhood educator, I believe it is important to not create various “isms” in the classroom. It can impede on the teacher’s viewpoint towards the students and their families. It can cause issues and conflicts to occur. It can make the teacher not want to help the child because of some stereotype that is stuck in their head. Regardless of what “ism” it may be, it can affect the person’s ability to feel a part of society. They feel as though they are being judged for who they are, what they wear, how they act, what they like etc.
Reference
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Teaching Adventures 
In-regards to your example of a sexism I was just curious about your own view of men in the field of education, especially in early childhood. Male teachers are becoming few and far between, especially in the elementary grades. I must admit that I have myself have had times thinking with a sexist point of view. When conducting interviews one of the first questions I have about the applicant is if they are male or female. I would love to see more men at our school. especially since I am working with a 98% military family make-up. On average 72% of our children have an absentee father due to their military service. So when we find a male applicant, I feel we overlook so “negative” or “non-appealing” aspects about their teaching experience just because of their sex.
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Hello Antonietta,
Even at young ages, children begin to develop their ideas of gender identity by thinking pink is only for girls and blue is only for boys. As educators, we have to teach children to erase these bias’ with respect to families cultures and values. You also see how children feel about gender roles as they are engaged in play around the classroom. For example, thinking that dramatic play area is only for girls and the block area is only for the boys. Limiting gender roles hurt children in all areas of their development. While gender role norms have become less narrow in some communities, there is still considerable pressure on children to shape and limit their learning behaviors according to gender ( Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards 2010). If this is not touched upon as a child, they may end up having the same ideas as the man you speak about in your example.
Reference
Derman-Sparks, L., Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washinton, D.C. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
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