NBDMC PERSONA DOLLS
Unlearning Bias Using Persona Dolls
Persona Dolls provide an effective way to address discrimination and bias within the classroom. Persona Dolls encourage inclusion and participation while supporting critical thinking, problem-solving, speaking and listening skills of young children. It also provides tools and techniques which empowers practitioners in tackling inequality issues.
The Persona Doll approach involves telling stories using a ‘special’ Persona Doll. Through creating a lifelike persona for the doll, it becomes like another child, or friend to the children, with real life experiences. Some stories will be happy, others will be difficult events or problems (exclusion, unfairness, prejudice) and the children help to solve and discuss the problems the Persona Doll is facing.
IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT
Addressing racism, discrimination and bias within our society requires work from all levels of our community. All marginalized communities face unique barriers, challenges and overt forms of discrimination in our community. These barriers continue to be very damaging to marginalized community members but remain invisible to those outside of that group.
Our young children are the future of our communities, and it is important that we address these societal biases at a young age. There is a growing need for early childhood educators to be equipped with effective tools, skillsets and language to effectively tackle racism and discrimination within the classroom.
Until we are able to recognize and unlearn our biases, we will remain oblivious to the pain that we are perpetuating.
COMMUNITY MADE PERSONA DOLLS
NBDMC has trained local community Persona Dolls Makers, and they have Persona Dolls ready to be purchased. These locally made and hand crafted Persona Dolls represent diverse cultures, ethnicities and identities which are present in our community. Each Persona Doll includes a personalized journal to introduce new cultures and identities, and to share real-life stories around bias and discrimination to aid the educator in presenting authentic stories to the children. The persona dolls truly reflect the diversity and experiences of our community.
Dolls can be purchased directly from our local community members. Check out this link below for more information and contact information for purchasing Persona Dolls. We have a variety of dolls that are waiting to be used in classrooms!
TRAINING OPPORTUNTIES
1. A UK charity organization Persona Doll Training has been working to train early childhood educators on the use of persona dolls in classrooms and daycares for over 20 years. Their organization provides online trainings, educational resources and supports for utilizing Persona Dolls with young children. We recommend their virtual training workshops for practitioners before implementing Persona Dolls in your organization. Check out their website for more information: https://personadoll.uk/
2. The North Bay & District Multicultural Centre offers anti-racism workshops which is beneficial to educators to give them the vocabulary and skills needed to effectively use the Persona Dolls to combat racism in the classroom. Check out the link below for more information on workshop offerings. You can contact vindrasahadeo@nbdmc.ca for more information.
