The striving for racial equality has been a struggle for centuries. Whether it is in an educational institute or a community, ongoing steps need to be taken to ensure people of all colors and races are treated equally. Cultural modernization has played a crucial role in highlighting the injustice encountered by the BIPOC community.

The complete form of the word BIPOC is Black, Indigenous, (and) People of Color. And empowering BIPOC students for a successful educational journey is a milestone for social mobility. In recent years, the “Black Lives Matter” campaigns have drawn the world’s attention to the suppressed rights of BIPOC, not just black people but all people of color from varying races.

Contents

BIPOC – The Definition

Fighting Racism in Educational Institutes

Strategies for Success in Education and Beyond

• Understand Their Background
• Cultivate Personalized Environment
• Encourage Networks & Connections
• Promote Mentorship
• Open Career Opportunities

Ending Notes

This article is dedicated to all BIPOC students worldwide. We will explain some effective strategies for the successful educational journey of BIPOC students.

BIPOC – The Definition

The abbreviation of BIPOC is Black, Indigenous, (and) People of Color, pronounced as bye-pock. The acronym is derived from a widely used term, POC (People of Color). The BIPOC term is specifically designed to indicate that not all people of color face equal injustice.

The BIPOC term is specified in the United States as a symbol of solidarity among black and indigenous communities. Moreover, the focal point of BIPOC is to highlight that people who are “not white” are severely impacted by systemic racial injustices.

Racism in Educational Institutes

Schools, colleges, and other educational institutes are making reforms to encourage “no racism” policies. The aim is to provide students of all races, colors, and religions with a positive educational experience without facing any bullying or trolling.

Research by the YMCA highlighted institutional racism in the UK, indicating that 95% of young black students heard and witnessed bullying based on racism at school.

Students believe racial stereotypes are a significant barrier to academic achievement and job opportunities.

We want to mention another study, but we will discuss the racial biases in the United States of America schools this time.

A survey published in the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory reported that black students have 54% reduced chances of gifted educational programs.

From the times of Martin Luther King to the recent tragic incident of George Floyd, racism never left us.

To avoid systemic racism, structural change is essential in schools and colleges. Social media played a significant role in giving momentum to issues like systemic racism and academic places. Despite their location, educational institutes should teach and promote equality from mentor to mentee levels.

But how do schools and colleges accomplish and promote an environment free of racism?

Read along because the following section contains effective strategies to empower BIPOC students and ensure a successful educational system.

Strategies for Success in Education and Beyond

A classroom is a magical place where minds are trained and taught. Beyond good and evil, no place can teach kids better about racial and economic equities than classrooms. It starts with teachers and then parents to rear the innocent brains of children, teaching them respect for all human beings.

Here are the details on how educational institutes can empower students of color to achieve their full potential.

Understand Their Background

Students come from diverse cultural backgrounds in a school, college, or university. Cultural competence is what makes life difficult for students of color. Another thing that we all must know is that racism does not remain inside the classroom doors but outside, too.

Institutes must recognize that racism challenges the lives of BIPOC students to a degree that they start feeling unsafe in their surroundings.

Understanding the background of BIPOC students is necessary to build a positive community. Educational institutes can help BIPOC overcome challenges and barriers. For that, one-on-one sessions in the classroom should be made in which all black or white students share about their lives, culture, perspectives, challenges, and likes and dislikes. An effective way to kill the ruthless approach of racism is to discuss it. And that is the only way to celebrate diversity.

Cultivate Personalized Environment

Every person is born unique, and we should bear this in mind. Educational institutes must follow a policy of socioemotional support to value each of their students regardless of their color and race. And for that, creating a safe, personalized environment is the key.

Professors, teachers, and trainers should be taught with open communication strategies to establish trust with their students and give them personalized advice and learning counseling.

We know that educators have their hands full with so many tasks. But a little attention to someone or someone’s problem could save many worse things from happening.

Encourage Networks & Connections

Networking and socialization can offer so much to BIPOC students. Educational institutes can set up networking campaigns where students of all colors, races, and religions connect to promote social cohesion with people with the same interests and goals. Teachers can introduce their BIPOC students to their professional network, allowing them to explore career development and employment opportunities.

Promote Mentorship

Mentorship builds the foundation of trust and empathy. A mentor is a light who guides students through the dark and makes them better people. Schools, colleges, and universities should encourage BIPOC students’ mentorship so that no barrier is left in developing an anti-racist society. When young students see people of color as mentors, they start respecting them.

Open Career Opportunities

An effective strategy to empower BIPOC students is opening career opportunities for them. Appoint them as professors and counselors at your schools and colleges and see significant differences in the overall environment of your institute. Equality should be served everywhere, and equal job opportunities for the BIPOC community open the door to a future where racism no longer exists.

Ending Notes

People have debated and fought for the rights of people of color for years. It is a matter that needs immediate attention, even in modern times. Educational institutes must strategize effective plans to overcome the nuisance of racism from its roots.

We have mentioned some effective methods to empower BIPOC students that every educational institute should follow and implement to improve the world for people of all colors.

Author Bio:Hadiya has expert-level knowledge about cyber security solutions as she has been writing online safety guides for more than 5 years. Her goal is to educate her readers about online safety in the best and the easiest way possible. Follow Hadiya on LinkedIn

Autumn’s arrival often stirs a mix of excitement and apprehension for parents of sensory-sensitive children. While the season promises cozy sweaters and pumpkin-flavored treats, it also brings challenges — how can we ensure our kids enjoy fall’s beauty without feeling overwhelmed?

If this resonates with you, here are five sensory-friendly fall adventures that cater to your child’s unique needs, ensuring a memorable season for the whole family.

1. Nature Walks

Nature walks are an immersive experience, allowing children to engage directly with the environment. For sensory-sensitive children, this direct interaction can be both therapeutic and enlightening.

The sensory benefits of nature walks are manifold. The rustling of leaves, birds chirping and the scent of fresh earth can be calming for many children, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Exposure to nature can reduce stress and enhance mood, making it especially beneficial for sensory-sensitive children.

When planning a nature walk, it’s essential to select a path that’s both safe and accommodating. Wide paths, for instance, are wheelchair-friendly and provide ample space for children to explore without feeling confined.

If a child becomes overwhelmed by a particular sensory input, having a quiet spot to retreat can be invaluable. This could be a designated quiet area in a park or even the family car.

2. Pumpkin Patch Visit

A pumpkin patch is a sensory playground. The tactile sensation of the pumpkins’ rough skin, the earthy smell of the soil and the visual spectacle of varying shades of orange and green can be a treat for many children. However, for sensory-sensitive kids, this experience can be a double-edged sword.

Children with sensory sensitivities often experience heightened or reduced sensitivity to stimuli. These challenges can make seemingly simple activities, like a visit to a pumpkin patch, a potential source of discomfort or distress.

Your approach to these activities, as with many aspects of parenting, can significantly influence your child’s experience. For instance, an authoritative parenting style, which combines rules with warmth and flexibility, can be particularly effective. This approach involves setting clear expectations while also being responsive to a child’s needs.

Whatever parenting style you have, it is advisable to visit the pumpkin patch during off-peak hours, preferably on weekdays or early mornings during weekends, to reduce the chances of sensory overload caused by crowds.

Before your visit, talk to your child about what to expect. Discuss the sights, sounds and activities they might encounter. This can help them mentally prepare and reduce anxiety.

Consider bringing noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys or other sensory tools that your child finds calming.

3. Leaf Piles Dive

The rustling of leaves underfoot, the vibrant red, orange and yellow hues, and the sheer joy of a leafy descent are the hallmarks of a classic fall activity.

Jumping into a pile of leaves is a rite of passage for many children and a sensory delight. The tactile sensation of leaves against the skin, combined with the auditory pleasure of their crunch, offers a unique sensory experience.

Engaging in outdoor activities, like playing in leaf piles, can enhance children’s sensory development and cognitive function. Children who regularly play outdoors have better motor skills, spatial awareness and even improved concentration.

But, if your child is new to the activity, let them approach the leaf pile at their own pace. They might prefer to touch and play with the leaves before jumping in.

Watch for any signs of discomfort or overstimulation. If your child seems hesitant or anxious, take a break and try again another day. Children may not always verbalize their feelings, making it essential for parents to recognize their signs of distress.

After the activity, talk to your child about their experience. This can provide insights into their feelings and preferences, helping you plan better for future adventures.

4. Apple Picking

Apple picking can be therapeutic for children, especially those who are sensory-sensitive. Orchards present a unique environment where children can engage with nature directly.

This sensory-rich activity can help improve motor skills, enhance learning and even boost emotional regulation in children, especially those with sensory processing disorders.

To avoid overwhelming your child, consider visiting the orchard during off-peak hours. Allow your child to take the lead. Whether they want to pick apples, feel the bark or sit and observe, it’s essential to let them set the pace.

After apple picking, engage in activities that extend the experience. This could be baking an apple pie together or creating art with apple stamps.

5. DIY Fall Crafts

Arts and crafts are more than just creating something beautiful — it is also a unique opportunity to engage sensory-sensitive children in a controlled and enriching learning environment.

When children engage in DIY crafts, they express their creativity and develop fine motor skills, enhance cognitive abilities and boost their self-esteem. Engaging in art activities can enhance brain function in children, leading to improved academic performance.

Ensure the child is in a calm state before starting the craft activity. It is essential to set the right mood to make the experience enjoyable.

Let the child choose the craft to do to give them a sense of control and ownership over the activity. It is also important to always use non-toxic materials and ensure the crafting area is safe.

Lastly, praise the child for their efforts, no matter how small. This boosts their confidence and encourages them to try new things.

Planning an Unforgettable Autumn

Fall doesn’t have to be a season of sensory overload for your child. You can turn it into a sensory haven with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of planning.

From nature walks to DIY crafts, these activities offer more than just fun — they provide a platform for your child to learn, grow and, most importantly, feel comfortable in their own skin.

Together with your child, create crafts and lasting memories that both of you will cherish for years to come.

About the Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for her children or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen!

Hello, fellow educators and knowledge enthusiasts. Today we’re exploring an area close to every teacher’s heart: professional development. Like our students, teachers too benefit greatly when learning new things. Bettering ourselves is a lifelong process that brings many rewards.

Have you ever considered what the journey of professional development for teachers?  looks like? Join me as I break down its stages. They may prove not just insightful but truly transformative.

Curiosity Ignited:

Everything starts when that first spark appears, that moment when you realize there’s something new or different you want to learn or a skill you want to master. At this stage, curiosity reigns supreme: You attend workshops, webinars, or conferences that pique your interest—almost like embarking on a quest armed with thirsty ambition for knowledge and curiosity for discovery. This is the most important stage as it decides the journey that you will be undertaking and the lengths you will go for that.

Exploring New Territories:

It is always good for an educator or a teacher to look for sources and opportunities from where you can improve and improvise. Once curiosity strikes, you immerse yourself in the world of learning with gusto. At this stage of discovery, it’s all about discovery: trying out different techniques, strategies, and perspectives that could enhance your teaching toolbox. Attend training sessions, read books, and engage in discussions with colleagues in order to broaden your horizons and discover more possibilities for growth. Exploring new and effective ideas is always a great recipe for success and development. Always have a positive attitude towards change and learning.

Learning in Action:

Education doesn’t end once we gain knowledge; rather, its true purpose lies in applying what has been gained to real-life situations. At this stage of your professional growth journey, newfound skills and strategies are put directly into action in your classroom environment like brush strokes on canvas; you experiment with what you have learned until it fits both your teaching style and students’ needs.

Reflection and Adjustment:

Think back to when you stopped to admire your students’ progress. Now it is time for you to reflect upon your own journey, assessing what went well, what needs improvement, and how your approach may need to change with experience gained along the way. Continuous improvement starts here. The change that you feel in yourself would reflect in your students, your experience would reflect in your students and you would see a positive enhancement in their skills and capabilities.

Collaborative Growth:

Learning requires teamwork, so this stage focuses on collaborative growth. You engage with other educators to share successes and challenges as well as to draw upon each other’s experiences; it’s like having an invaluable support network that helps propel forward with shared insights and wisdom. Thus by helping each other, we help each other in collaborative growth. Sharing each other’s effective teaching methodologies and techniques would result in an overall improvement in the education sector. It would not only be beneficial to the teacher but would do wonders for the students too.

Broaden Your Horizons:

Once your confidence increases, it’s time to explore opportunities beyond your comfort zone. Take on leadership roles, mentor colleagues, whatever it takes, or explore specialized fields within your field. Anything to push boundaries and broaden horizons. Professional development thus enhances the inner abilities each educator has and implements that in your classes. Things that seemed impossible in the past become an easy possibility in the present as well as in the future.

Becoming a Guide:

As they say, teaching is the best way to learn, and this stage embodies that notion. No longer simply an active learner but now also acting as an active guide with colleagues, leading workshops, or mentoring younger educators, becoming an educator enables others to thrive. You can be a mentor or a guide to your fellow colleagues and also to each and every student that you teach or come in contact with. Thus not only implementing what you learned but also helping others along the way.

Innovation and Leadership:

At this point, you have achieved the level of expertise necessary for innovation. No longer satisfied with simply following best practices, you are creating new ones; designing teaching methods, conducting educational research, and leading initiatives to transform education as an entire field may all fall under this heading.

Lifelong Learning:

Professional development isn’t something that happens once and is then over; rather, it should be seen as an ongoing journey throughout your career. At this final stage of your development journey, honor your dedication to lifelong learning by actively seeking new knowledge, responding to changing trends, and remaining open to growth—an attitude that keeps you inspired and relevant throughout.

Technology Integration:

Technology has become an essential element of modern education. At this stage, the focus is on effectively incorporating tech into teaching practices and using digital tools, online resources, and educational software to enhance students’ learning experiences.

Assessment and Data-Driven Instruction: 

this stage, assessments and data analysis are used to guide teaching strategies. Through this the teachers or educators learn how they can assess the progress of their students, they can assess the results, and make or design programs that cater to each student’s needs.

Specialization and Expertise:

After a teacher or an educator has acquired a good amount of experience in a particular field he or she can expertise in that field and acquire specialization also. This can be anything from special education, STEM subjects, or language acquisition. Becoming a specialist or expert in a field gives the educator an authoritative role in that subject and also they can play a pivotal role in shaping the future development of that particular field.

Conclusion: 

Imagine this: an exciting tapestry of teacher professional development. Like teaching our students, this journey is engaging, exciting, and ever-evolving—something educators cherish every day as we work towards excellence for both learners and guides alike. My fellow educators, let’s embrace every step along this journey with open hearts and eager minds, knowing each step brings us closer to becoming outstanding educators ourselves.

Your baby is only a few months old. They haven’t learned how to crawl, let alone walk just yet. But in the blink of an eye, they’ll be on their little feet, running around the house. They’ll be figuring out how to open doors, climb up shelves and play with all of your precious belongings like toys.

This is why you should start babyproofing your house sooner rather than later. You’ll want every room to be safe and secure, just in case your little one decides to tear through it.

Other than installing baby gates by stairwells and tethering bookcases to walls, what other babyproofing steps should you take?

Babyproof Your Windows

Toddlers are naturally curious. You don’t want that curiosity to draw them to an open window—especially if that open window is above the first floor. That could be extremely dangerous.

So, to make sure that your kid never tries to climb out of a window, you should add window stoppers to the frames. These will stop windows from opening wide enough for a child to crawl through. You will be able to open up the window just enough to let in a breeze.

You could also replace any of your awning, casement or single-hung windows with double-hung windows. Double-hung windows have two operable sashes. You can open up the top sash to let in fresh air and keep the bottom one shut. This window gap will be much harder for your child to access since it will be too high up for them to climb through.

As an added safety measure, move cribs, bassinets, chairs and other furniture away from windows. If they are too close to the windows, your child could easily make their way to the window ledges and climb up. Keep these areas clear.

Window Treatments

Your windows present another problem for little kids: window treatments. Certain window treatments that have long cords can be very hazardous to infants and young children. They can get these cords around their necks and severely injure themselves. Sometimes, the injuries are fatal. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 9 children under the age of 5 die of this hazard per year. To keep your child safe around windows, decorate them with cordless window treatments.

Curtains without any ties are usually child-safe décor options. Another potential issue with them is that children can pull or climb on them, which could cause the heavy curtain rod to tumble onto them. To avoid this issue, you should make sure that the curtain rod is properly secured to wall studs. You can also pick a shorter curtain style instead of long curtains that go straight to the ground. Shorter curtains will be less tempting for kids to grab and climb.

Babyproof Your Electrical Outlets

Your kid might find the electrical outlets around your house very enticing. After all, the outlets will be at eyelevel when they are crawling around on the floor. They will be tempted to stick their fingers—or worse, stick small objects—into an outlet when you’re not paying close attention. They could get an electric shock from this.

So, how can you prevent this from happening? You could use plastic outlet caps. These caps have prongs that will neatly slide into the slots of the outlet. This should stop your child’s fingers or any other objects that they’re handling from entering the slots. The caps are also easy for adults to remove whenever they want to plug in an electrical device.

Another option that you can consider is replacing your outlet covers with self-closing outlet covers. These come with built-in panels that automatically slide over to hide the outlet whenever it’s not in use. They won’t be visible to your child, so they won’t be health hazards.

Babyproof Your Bathroom

It may sound strange, but toilets can be dangerous for young kids. Since a toilet bowl has standing water in it, a small child could drown in it. Technically, small children can drown in an inch or two of water — so even if it’s unlikely, you should still be cautious about this household hazard.

What can you do to protect your child from this specific danger? Put a toilet seat lock on your toilet. This should stop your little one from opening up the lid and getting their head into the water. You won’t have to worry about removing the toilet lock until your kid is a little older and fully potty-trained.

On a lighter note, a toilet seat lock can help you prevent a situation that’s far less dangerous: plumbing damage. Lots of kids think of toilets as fun toys that they can play with. They want to throw everything from entire rolls of toilet paper to stuffed animals into the toilet bowl and flush them away. This innocent game can lead to some serious drain clogs and some steep plumbing bills.

Another great way to keep your little one out of your bathroom and away from the toilet is to install a childproof doorknob cover on the bathroom door. With this safety measure in place, young children can’t get a solid grip on the doorknob and open up the closed door. As long as you keep the bathroom door shut, your kid shouldn’t be able to wander inside the bathroom on their own.

Bathwater

Your kid’s skin is going to be extra sensitive to hot water. They could get a scald burn if they sit in a bath that’s too hot. Some parents try to avoid this situation by putting a bath thermometer in the tub to confirm that the water isn’t too hot for bathtime, but there’s a much better solution out there.

According to the American Burn Association, one of the best ways to prevent scald burns is to set your water heater to a lower temperature. The temperature should be at120° F. Not only can this prevent scald burns at bathtime, but it can also prevent scald burns when your child washes their hands or decides to play with the sink faucet.

Babyproof Your Finances

No matter how hard you try to prevent it, your kid can still get into trouble. Kids are tenacious that way. They can still manage to hurt themselves, even after you’ve put many, many safety measures in place. And they can still manage to damage your house when you’re not looking.

So, what can you do about this? Prepare your finances for these potential outcomes as soon as possible. Start building up an emergency fund (if you don’t have one already) so that you can afford to give your kid the medical attention they need when they hurt themselves. Your emergency savings could help you handle costs related to hospital visits, dentist appointments, prescription medications and more.

An emergency fund can also help you cover the costs of any household damages that your curious kid creates, like flushing their toys down the toilet and causing a huge plumbing clog. You can use the savings to cover urgent repairs for plumbing, windows, appliances and other household essentials.

If you don’t have an emergency fund on hand, you might not have enough savings available to cover an urgent medical expense or repair service out of the blue. In this case, you might want to look into an online loan for help — it can be one of the most effective options when you need cash now for an emergency. With an online loan, you could use the temporary funds to pay off the emergency and then follow a repayment plan right after.

You should only apply for a loan in an emergency. Do not use this borrowing option for everyday expenses, like groceries.

Don’t wait to start these babyproofing steps. Your kid will grow up and start exploring the house sooner rather than later. So, do them now!

Image Credits: Karolina Grabowska and Vladimír Sládekoo via Pexels.