In this 4-part series we define identity and talk about how to discern and affirm identities in young children. We touch on what intersectionality means for young children and use a practical eye to consider the ways we respect and provide space for expansive identities using classroom materials, classroom discourse, promoting children’s peer relationships, and informing and evolving our own internal perspectives. As the sessions unfold, we will assess, learn, create, and reflect. Between sessions participants will have opportunities to try ideas in their own classrooms and then share their progress.

• January 19: Supporting identity and Representation in Our Classrooms a Reflective Practice Approach (1.5 hours)
• January 26: Creating Environments for Positive Identity Development (books-materials-discourse) (1.5 hours)
• February 2: Creating Environments for Positive Identity Development (peer relationships-play) (1.5 hours)
• February 9: Looking Ahead: Making, Growing, Evolving – An Action Plan for Continued Development (1.5 hours)

Presenter: Ron Grady (MS Ed) is an early childhood educator with a passion for child-centered and constructivist methodologies. He encourages children to learn through art, nature, and play and enjoys exploring the ways that these connect to deep processes of creative, personal, and academic inquiry. He began working with children in undergrad, where he worked on projects focused on children’s social and cognitive development. As he made repeated visits to his institution’s lab school, he found himself drawn to the life he found within the classrooms and ever since then he has been devoted to integrating these two loves.