Photo By Laurie Pearson | Artwork created by preschoolers depicts Kente Cloths which were traditionally worn by...... read more read more
Marquita Tharpe-Goodman, preschool lead teacher, Caroline Johnson, preschool teacher, and Jaujana Click, preschool teacher have gone above and beyond to enhance the learning experience for preschoolers at the Child Development Center during Black History Month aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., this February.
“It's great the children are learning about different cultures and traditions in a positive way which, will allow the children to be more knowledgeable and understanding of the differences among people,” said Carey Carr, Children and Youth Programs director aboard MCLB Barstow. “The lessons focus on the great accomplishments made by African Americans in History and the positive impact is has on us today.”
Among the myriad arts and crafts, educational tools used throughout the month includes, kente cloth, a fabric worn by royalty, a craft involving a national bird, introduction to traditional musical instruments, national flag crafts and art depicting Addo Huts which people lived in during the 1800s, explained Ms. Kita and Ms. Caroline, as their students call them.
“The children can explain in detail the various aspects of the art and lessons they’ve learned throughout the month,” said Ms. Kita. “They’re very proud of what they’ve learned and they’ve memorized a lot of information. We even did artwork about black inventors on the outside wall, leading to the classroom, just to give them insights into everyday things they eat and use, and who created them. They remember their names and they can reference what they made.”
They even did a Woman’s Pride Wall, for the ladies in the room. The artwork included a six-foot tall paper outline of an African American woman with a fancy hairdo and make-up. Underneath included several cutouts of women who contributed to important aspects of history.
“The kids really took a keen interest in it,” said Ms. Kita. “We talked about how they lived back in the day, what kinds of houses they lived in, the agriculture that they do in Africa, how the continent is shaped, and more.”
“For instance, we did the African flower,” said Ms. Caroline. “We introduced them to the national flower, and then they created their own version of it and we decorated with those.”
They also want to get some three-dimensional art in, so throughout the next week or so they will be creating beaded necklaces, that way they can wear it and show off their work. In addition to artwork, the staff also wants the children to experience the ethnic foods.
“We want to introduce them to corn and sugarcane,” Ms. Kita said. Her mother will be assisting the staff by obtaining the sugarcane so that the children can take chunks, break them apart and experience the sweet strands within.
“They’re really proud of their stuff,” said Ms. Caroline.
With some of the artwork and lessons, they also incorporated Valentine’s Day.
“We included love, pride and friendship into the lessons, so they could experience that, too,” said Ms. Kita.
The children have also learned various words in one of the native languages.
“They know how to say hello, love, and even welcome to our room,” she explained.
“The quote you see on the door as you come in says ‘Welcome to our room’,” said Ms. Caroline. “They learned the quote and then helped create the sign for the entrance.”
Each month they focus on something to teach the children, entertain them and challenge them to learn in a unique way. Next month they will focus on St. Patrick’s Day, but in addition, they will be including some fun, interactive lesson plans regarding Women’s History Month.
“All cultures will be celebrated throughout the Year,” Carr said. “Our local policies and our accrediting body (National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)) have a requirement to expose children to multicultural experiences and learning materials and to incorporate it into our everyday programming. We have other months dedicated to specific heritages that we will be celebrating with the children.”
Carr goes on to explain that the CDC staff participates in extensive trainings throughout the year to meet requirements and personal goals. They also have a full time trainer and curriculum specialist on site to assist staff in developing the curriculum.
“Our mission is to create the most positive learning environment possible for the children in our care and to give them a base of knowledge that will benefit them as they go further in their education,” Carr said. “Our lessons are created based on the needs and interests of the children in our program.”
She said they also encourage a family environment and provide an inclusive experience for staff and children alike. In the classrooms, on a day to day basis it is up to the teachers and staff to ensure that the atmosphere is one that fosters nurturing and learning for the children.
“We try to keep things positive and upbeat for the children,” said Ms. Caroline. “We want them to learn, but we also want them to enjoy being here with us.”
If you have any questions about the CDC, please feel free to contact their offices at 577-6287.
| Date Taken: | 02.28.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2019 13:13 |
| Story ID: | 316629 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 35 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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