Dr. BKW Early Childhood Education: Learning Environment for African American Preschoolers - Display Pictures/Posters of African Americans (part 1)

In setting up the classroom for African American preschool age children (3 to 5 years old) with the mindset is a key component to lessen or eliminate challenging behaviors is where teachers want the classroom to build an overall cognitively engaging, warm, safe and acceptance of each individual personality as they enter the doors where the physical environment promotes self-learning and directed by the African American preschoolers where educators can have more quality one-on-one time with African American preschoolers throughout the day. The early childhood setting must serve as a mirror in which African American students see themselves for positive learning experiences.

Throughout the learning environment, display pictures/posters of African American with names and noted descriptions to aligned areas when possible. When the educators are in that area talk with African American preschoolers and relate the picture/poster with African American preschoolers to bring cultural pride in what has been accomplished and what you see them doing as well. Here are some examples per center that can be displayed with name and photo. Remember, when possible display pictures and descriptions of what is seen in the African American communities for the preschooler to make connections. If there are no examples here are some that can be incorporated in the classroom and school building at-large where you can Google picture and/or related pictures.

Block/Science Centers --Benjamin Banneker surveyed the original borders of Washington, DC and invented a watch.

Science/Housekeeping Centers – Marie Van Brittan Brown, invented home security system

Housekeeping/Writing Centers – Phillip B. Downing, invented mailbox

Writing Center – Phillis Wheatley, writing of poetry

Music Center – Robert F. Flemming, invented guitar

Housekeeping Center – John W. Reed, invented rolling pin

Housekeeping Center – Mary Greene, nurse

Outdoor - Steph Curry, NBA basketball player

Outdoor – Jackie Joyner Kersey – heptathlon 100-meter hurdles and high jump

Outdoor – Simone Bile - gymnast

Housekeeping/Block Centers – May Jemison, astronaut

Circle time – Barack Obama, 44^th President of the United States

Science Center – Henry T. Sampson invented the cellular phone. For more examples, go to List of African American inventors and scientists at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_African-American_inventors_and_scientists.

Here are two other books that can be added to art center Lily Brown’s Paintings by Angela Johnson and housekeeping center My Pop Pop and Me by Irene Smalls. Also, here are pictures to get you started of Phillis Wheatly, Benjamin Banneker, Phillip B. Downing and Simone Bile. Knowledge is powerful!

The learning environment should be an extension of African American preschoolers to feel they belong in this community of learners by seeing people who look like themselves. Displaying pictures and/or posters of past and current African Americans related to specific areas and/or subject topics being discussed to continue self-pride and self-worth of people who look like me. Educators must expand their knowledge of African Americans from local, county, state, national and international display and engage in conversation while embedding into daily facilitation of learning experiences.

Reference

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_African-American_inventors_and_scientists

Phillis Wheatley