What I have learned.........

     I have many hopes when working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds. One hope is to help in creating an environment that contrasts the prevailing biased messages that they receive from others within the society they live in. My second hope is to teach young children in my classroom how to challenge biases about who they are by providing them with the appropriate skills. And lastly my hope is to instill in them that unjust things can be changed. I will encourage them to challenge biases, to take action on issues that are relevant to their lives.
 
     One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice would be: For every educator to continue in working with children and their families to encourage them to believe in themselves. As professionals we should always keep an open heart to receive what they are trying to say to us. There should be no room for bias in our teaching and learning of every child. Always remember to treat all families and children with respect and dignity.

     I would like to thank my instructor, Dr. Klein and  all of my colleagues for a rewarding and challenging eight weeks. I have been privileged to having been exposed to a whole new avenue of knowledge and learning. It has been a great educational journey. Thank you all for your insights, thoughts, and feedback. I hope we have more learning adventures together. I would like to leave each of you with these words:

                    Remember, every great dream begins with a
                    dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the
                    strength, the patience, and the passion to reach
                    for the stars to change the world......
                                                   Harriet Tubman
Reference
Derman-Sparks, L.,Olsen-Edwards, J. (2010).Anti-Bias Education for
Young Children and Ourselves. National Association for the Education
of Young Children. (NAEYC). Washington, DC.  

Start Seeing Diversity: Creating Art


                     We Are All Different but the Same..............


                                 

                    I look to a day when people will not be
                    judged by the color of their skin, but by
                    the content of their character

                                                        Martin Luther King, Jr.

We belong to different Culture groups

Differences in people and variety in cultures make everything less
boring than it otherwise would be, race is what makes us different, and the color of our skin, it is a great thing that no one is exactly alike which makes us all unique.

We are All Different But the Same...............

                        Diversity Is...... Being Different, But Being Yourself......

   Becoming an Anti-Bias Educator means to except the differences in everyone, because we are all unique in our own way......

"We Don't  Say Those Words in Class!"

The time when I witnessed an adult, myself reprimand or silence a child after he or she pointed out someone they saw as different, happened to me. My 15th year of teaching a group of 4 year olds was quite an experience. During this time there was total of 20 children, 17 whites and about three black children. We were dancing during large group music and movement, this particular little boy who was not very verbal, in my opinion he always acted more on the level of a child who was much older than 4. So, I join in to dance with them, he walks over and looks at me, and says, "You Are A Monkey", I had to really compose myself before saying anything. So, I say to him, why you say that, he continues to look at me, and says because you are, so sure of what he was saying. So, I did not bring attention to it, I just continued to dance. After the children were down for nap, I talked it over with the other teacher, we decided to talk to the children as a closing activity, about how we are all different, by the color of our skin, our hair, etc. We read the book, We are different, we are the same. I don't think he knew what he was saying, it was just someone he had heard someone else say. The message that would have been communicated to this child if I had made an issue out of it would have been that I was offended of what he said, and that I was angry with him for saying it. Becoming angry with him would have been wrong, he did not understand how the word "monkey" is offensive to the black race. This particular child is now in the 5th grade, and he respects me, loves me, and he is my friend.

 An anti-bias educator would have communicated to not only this child, but the whole class the importance of all of our uniqueness of being different in so many ways. They should never make fun of people who are different, poke fun at people, or discriminate against anybody, always be kind and always help if they see someone in need of a helping hand (Derman-Sparks & Olsen-Edwards,2010).

Reference
Derman-Sparks,L., Olsen- Edwards, J., (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. (NAEYC). Washington, DC.     

"Start Seeing Diversity Video" Blog: Gender,
     Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

     Some of the ways you noticed that homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children including books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers and schools.
    Some parents have become more particular and homophobia in the world with the type of toys their children can play with, and also with the color and type of clothes their children should wear. In stores like ToyR'US and Wal-Mart's or any stores that sell toys they are arranged separately. For example girls toys such as dolls, play food, stuffed animals, baby carriages, and even by colors of pink, yellow, purple are all on one side, whereas it's the same arrangement for toys that boys play with. There are many types of trucks, boats, etc. My opinion is that this shows a lot of biases, children should be allowed to choose what ever type of toys they prefer to play with. In viewing the video blog on gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation, it portrayed just how important the set up of toys in a early childhood center should be arranged. I worked in a four year old preschool environment, the arrangement of the toys was a variety for each gender. If the girls in the class wanted to play in block center with the trucks they could, and if the boys preferred to play in housekeeping they could. They could also dress up as they liked, it was okay they did not receive any type of stereotype criticism from either teacher or their peers.

     The culture of early childhood centers is to provide children with choices that provide both boys and girls opportunities to feel free to engage in play with one another without there being any one feelings being hurt. It is also important for children to feel free to play with one another during outside time on the play ground. Girls should be allowed to interact with boys, and boys should be allowed to interact and engage in play with girls.

     How would you respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived ( self-reported) homosexual  or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child.
     This situation would be a challenge for me. You would have to be careful of how the words you chose to say not be offensive or cause for a long drawn out conflict. I would start by asking them to really explain their reasoning. After listening, I would suggest that they visit the class and spend some time observing. After this, if there is no solution or no compromising, I would try to find a more suitable class environment. I believe that there is always a solution to every problem. In the EDUC: 6165 class I gained insight as far as conflict is concerned it is going to happen, but unresolved conflict will cause the problem to get worse and damage a relationship.

Reference
 "Start seeing diversity video blog: Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual orientation. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu/webapps/blackboard
     /content/listContent.jsp?course_id_406758

MANY THANKS !

Well we are also at the end of our journeys. It has been fun, exciting, and a pleasure to have you, my professional colleagues a part of my life. I have truely enjoyed working with so many of you in my classes this far. The professors at Waldenu are so great, I cannot tell them how thankful I am for all of their help. Being a older adult can be very difficult and hard some time when trying to learn and absord new knowledge, but with all of your help I have done great this far. This communicating and collaborating class has really challenged and made me more aware of myself and others, and their many differences. Goo luck to you all as we prepare to move on to a higher and greater level of achievement in our profesional careers.

You can do anything you wish to do, have anything you wish
    to have, be anything you wish to be.
                                       Robert Collier

GOOD LUCK and BE WELL TO ALL OF YOU!

     The Adjourning Phase: The Fifth stage of Team Development

     There are five stages of team development: Forming, Storming,Norming, Performing, Adjourning. This theory was developed by Wayne Tuckman as common beliefs today as he believed that these stages are inevitable in order for a team to grow to the point to effectively function together ( Abudi,2010).

     The "Adjourning" stage is when the project or work within the group comes to an end and the team members move to different avenues, directions, on to greater or better adventures in their professional careers. This is the time to wrap up and celebrate. Over the course of my professional and my educational career I have been a part of many groups. However as time went on i became very attached and develop great respect for all of those I had the opportunity to work with. For me at the end of each class when it is time to say our good byes is always a sad and bitter sweet time for me. Some I still have the opportunity to work with, and others have move in a different direction.  So, far being a part of the Walden University family I have been presented with working with some awesome individuals as well as some awesome instructors. The sharing of ideas, insights, and thoughts during our discussions has help me so much in my professional and personal life. I am so happy and delighted to be a part of this wonderful group of people.

     As part of team building I personally feel that we have. We all share the vision of finishing graduate school, we are very committed and we all listen through communicating and responding to each others needs during our discussions and blogs. The hardest part for me will be when the final good bye is said. when we come to the end of the journey of completing our Master's degree program.

     Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork due to the end results of working through all five stages of development. There are so many benefits provided by working as a team and getting through them. For me this is completing the Master's program and moving on to greater future success.

                                                          References
     Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development. A case study. Retrieved from:
         http://www.projectsmartco.uk/the five-stages-of-team-development-as-case-study.html
     Learning Center ( 2011). How to build a team using vision, commitment, and trust. Retrieved from
         http://www.learningcenter.net/library/building.shtml

                                                       Conflict
     Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love........ Mahatma Gandhi

     Conflict is more than an argument or a struggle; it is negative interaction between two or more people who are interdependent and rooted in actual or perceived disagreement ( O'Hair & Wiemann,2012). Conflict happens daily, but the most important aspect is to try to find a compromise or a resolution. Many people often suppress their anger or just go along to get along. This brings me to discuss a disagreement or conflict I experienced abot 4 years along when I worked as a teacher assistant in a preschool environment. The lead teacher I worked with retired, and they had to hire another teacher for that classroom. A former teacher who had move to kindergarten had stated that if a position came open again she wanted to move back to pre-kindergarden. The assistant who worked with her wanted to move back in the classroom with her. From that pont things became very acomplicated and out of hand. The assistant became very angry and mean. I had a dicussion with the lead teacher and explain to her if she wanted her former assistant back, I would move with someone else. She said she didnot want her back. This person became very verbal and mean to everyone.
     The ways I handled this situation was to practice the skills of getting in touch with my feelings first, which was not to become angry or resentful. I had to horn in on my listening skills, in listening to what was being said to me, especially from the lead teacher. I understood the assistant feelings, however the decision was not mind to make. I had to practice assertive communication. I communicated with the lead teacher about my feelings, by explaining to her that if that is what she wanted I would step aside, in order not to be unprofessional and make things worst. The end result was to seek a solution, a solution we all could live by. The assistant walked around for a while longer after the decision, still mean and angry. She came around at some point.
     In my opinion, if there had been a lot of verbal and violent communication the end result would have called for a third party. However after the decision was made by the lead teacher, I think the other person realized that  the battle was not hers, but other people involved also. I also feel that some of the principle of nonviolent communication would have been used if the situation had gotten out of hand or had gone on for a longer period of time than was necessary. Nonviolent communication helps in peacefully and effectively resolving conflicts.  I was glad and also happy with the end results of my conflict. Today myself and this person are working in peace in another environment, and we are the best of friends.

     The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.......Mahatma Gandhi.

                                                                                   References
Mahatma Gandhi top ten quotes. Retrieved from http://www.allgreatquotes.com/top_ten_
     mahatma_gandhi_quotes.shtml
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann,M., ( 2012). Real Communication. An Introduction. Bedford, St. Martin's.                

Who am I as a Communicator?

 How well do I know myself when communicating in any given situation.? This week I  got the opportunity to take 3 assessments which allowed me to get to know myself better when communicating based on statements on each of these assessments. I also learn how two people that I know well felt about my communication style . One was a close friend, and the other a professional colleague. Based on the results from my self evaluation compared to the evaluation of my friend and colleague they know me very well. When communicating in certain situations I tend to not be very verbal due to nervousness, and a large crowd or group of people. My two evaluators felt the same way about my communication style on the Communication anxiety inventory and also on the  verbal aggressiveness scale assessment. They did not quite understand how to do the listening styles profile, however based on my results I am people oriented, action oriented, content oriented, and time oriented. I will say this test was right on point about my listening styles. 

The one thing that surprised me the most about myself was that I am more successful in classroom situations, than face paced environments. I cannot function when I am with people who are in a rush to get every thing done in one day.  The insights I gained this week in doing these assessments was learning things that I did not realize about myself when communicating in different situations. I also learned that people whom you interact with on a daily basis really do know you, just because they never comment on things they see and hear , they are still listening. 

I am enjoying this communication class. I am learning a lot about perceptions, communication styles, and most importantly how schemas play a part in becoming a competent communicator. 

References
Rubin, R. B., Palmgreen, P., Sypher, H. E. ( Eds.). (2009). Communication  research measures: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

Rubin, R. B., Rubin, A.M., Graham, E. E., Perse, E. M., & Seibold, D. R. ( Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures 11: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.   

Intercultural Communication

Inter-cultural communication is part of our daily life. There are a number of factors that impact our ability to be competent inter-cultural communicators. 1. Culture 2. Perceptions 3. Roles and Identities 4. Communication style 5. Personality. All of these factors may influence us directly or indirectly through our interactions with others ( Vuckovic, 2008).

When communicating with others we may have to ajust our behaviors according in order to get a better understanding of what others are trying to tell us. Therefore working with others, especially in the classroom with our young children and their families what we say, and how we say things are very important. We should not have assumptions as to how we think people from other cultures should act. Verbal and non verbal skills or cues are also important in communicating with others. Listenting attentively to what others may be saying and taking in as much information as possible will keep us connected to what is being relayed and enabling us to recieve the message that is indended for me to hear.

In our readings for this week we learned so much information about the Platinium or the Golden Rule. "Do unto others and you would have them to do unto you". To put this in plain English, treat others the way you wish to be treated. This is the first strategy I would apply to any communication style when interacting with others, whether it is children, their families, people in the community, or my professional colleagues. Being aware of cultural differences and adjusting my behavior  according to their needs is the key ( Beebe, Beebe, 2011). Another strategy would be to practice active listening. Listenting to what others are saying , asking them to repeat what I think they said is part of me understanding what is being communicated to me ( O'Hair & Wiemann,2009). Having respect for the language others is important, some peole use different wordings or sounds to describe different things, we should not assume anything about what they are trying to communicate to us, until clarification is given.

References
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J. & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others. (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

O'Hair, & Wiemann, Real communication: An introduction. Bedford, St. Martin's.

Vuckovi, A. (2008). Inter-cultural communication: A foundation of communicative action. Multicultural
     Education and Technology Journal, 2(1), 47-59.

   Effective Communication

The television show I chose was Here comes Honey Boo Boo. I have seen commericals from this show but never viewed  a whole entire episode, so I got the opportunity on Wednesday to see the episode of the wedding.

Communication is the process of sharing thoughts and feelings between people through speaking,body language, or writing ( O"Hair & Wiemann,2012). In order to become effective in communicating the concept is to ensure that the content transmitted is recieved and understood in the way the message was intended. In the show the relationship based on the way the people are communicating is a family unit. The family consist of June (mother), Sugar bear (father), and 4 siblings, Honey boo-boo ( Alana), Lauryn ( pumpkin), Jessica, (Chubbs), and Anna ( Chickadee).

 Findings from viewed with the Sound turn-off:

 The feelings and expressions based on nonverbal behavior observed in my opinion is joy, happyness, feaf nervousnes, and anxiety, these are shared by June. Her facial expressions consist of the batting of the eyes, and her tone of speech is not consistent, kind of ramblimg. The children add on to the problem by constanly beating on the bath room door. From watching sugar bear he seems to be in control based on his facial expressions.

Findings of the show with the sound turn on:

At this point the weddings has begun. The wedding party marches out, leaving June and the person who walks her out alone. She seems to be more in control. She looks out of the window, and says "Old my GOD!" Sugar bear level of emotions at this point is a all time high. The movement of the lips indicates nervousness, and when he sees June, the eyes change to some what of a brighter state. He gets real emotional during the vows, and starts to cry outright.

I had no assumptions concering the show before I viewd it with the volume on or off.  Based on what what I read about the characters, and the way they communicate with one another, I knew I would really enjoyed what I would see, or hear. However in this particular episode, the speech pattern, and the body language was kind of polished up. My assumptions might have been more correct depending on the context of a particular showI knew well. Communication involves, the extent to which the message is symbolic, the extent to which the code is shared,whether the message is culturally bound, and the percieved intentionality of the sender, and whether the decoding, or encoding message is transactional ( 2012).
In my opinion all of the skills have to be practiced and learned , therefore, no assumptions should be made as to waht we may think the intended message should have been from the sender.

This show was very, very, funny, exciting, and a wonderful show to watch for entertainment.

Reference
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. ( 2012). Real Communication. An Intoroduction ( 2nd, ed.). New York. Bedford/St.Martin's.

Competent Communicator

     The person that I chose who demonstrates being a competent communicator is my assistant principal in the school district I work in. This particular individual, who is a female really holds her own. She knows how to get the attention of the children as well as the staff members. When speaking she keeps goog eye contact and her facial expressions are not mean. Her body language is always at a composure which rarely changes. She is very consistent at what she does when speaking. My assistant principal talks in a calm voice, and always ask the question, " boys and girls do you understand". She leaves no doubt of what she is trying to convey to the audience she is communicating to.

    As a early childhood professional, I feel that I have most of the traits that I observe in my assistant principal. However, I think that there are a few important pointers that I need to work on. My facial expressions determine what I am going to say. I also need to get better at my body language, for example the use of the hands when speaking, and I need to leave more of the head jestures out. All in all I need to work on having more postive composure.

    In modeling my assistant principal I also need to work on relaying my messages in a more constucing way in order for my audience to recieve the messages I am trying to get across. I feel that learning different techiniques and strageties will help me to better myself when communicating with my children, parents, professional colleagues. Being able to communicate effectively is important to me, especially with the amount of situations which call for communication in many situations, and during many events and activities..

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have when I think about working with children and their families who come from diverse backgrounds:

The hope that I have for working with children and their families is that they will one day be treated equally and receive the same rights and opportunities that they deserve. I also hope that one day that racism will end and all children and their families will be recognized and accepted and this acceptance will not be based on the color of their skin, their gender, their sexual orientation, and the class they belong to.

One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is:

That all early childhood educators, researchers, and all who work to ensure that children receive the best quality of education possible continue to work together to help in eliminating poverty, so that children and their families will receive equal opportunities, so that they will also be worthy of the necessities of life.  Reflecting back to the media segment of "In their Own voices" the most touching event was when Julie Benavides had to endure being compared  because of the color of her skin to the dog in the story, has made me take a look and to be aware of encounters such as this with my children and families. My goal in teaching is for them to not have to  experience this type of stereotyped or discrimination.

To all of my colleagues, this class  has really been a learning experience and a heart felt journey for me. I would like to thank each and every one of you for helping me to travel this journey because without your sharing of insights thoughts, and ideas I would not have learned as much as I did about diversity, equity, and social justice. I hope to continue to learn with each of you in other classes, I am sure it will be a good and exciting adventure. Just remember Equity is very much a part of social justice.  I want to share this one and last thought with you.

     "The degree to which social justice is achieved in a given time and
       place should be measured by two..... notions: 1) the greatest of good
       for the greatest number. and 2). how the least powerful and the smallest minorities in a society are faring."
                                                   Ched Myers

References

In her own voice: Julie Benavides ( Laureate Education, Inc. 2011). Retrieved from http://waldenu.edu

Justice and Equity: A fairer world. The Tasmartian Center for Global learning . (2013) Retrieved from http://www.googleonline.com
  
   

Welcoming Families From Around the World

For this weeks blog assignment, I am to imagine the following scenario: You are working in an early childhood setting of your choice...a hospital, a child care center, a social service agency. I receive word that the child of a family who has recently emigrated from a country you nothing about will join your group soon. You want to prepare yourself to welcome the child and her family. Luckily, you are enrolled in a course about diversity and have learned that in order to support families who have immigrated you need to know more than surface facts about their country of origins. 

I will assume that my new family will be coming from Japan.

At least five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family:

1. I will conduct a Google search of the family country of origin. This is for me to get a better  understanding of the background of their culture, their foods, music, traditions, and family orientation. This will help me to become familiar with some of the expectations of this culture. 
2. Upon meeting this family for the first time, I will be very welcoming by making them feel accepting, and comfortable in coming to a new environment. I will have information available for them concerning our school, which will include the staff, and the curriculum.
3. I will have a family available that is from the  same country as they are. This will help in making the family not feel not as uncomfortable as they would if their was no one else that could relate to. After work we would all meet up to tour the town, and get familiar with some of the shopping centers, and other attractions.
4. I will try hard to learn some of the language in order to communicate effectively with the family. I will let them know that I am glad and happy to have them as part of our country for a little while.
5. I will plan a event for other parents and their families to meet and greet this family. Welcoming families is a big part of being diversity. This event will be a big and huge event in order to prepare for other families who may enter our country; making them feel that they are a part of our society will have a big impact. They will feel very welcome.

A brief statement of describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family.

I hope these preparations will benefit both me and the family by me preparing and gathering information and showing them in many ways that I am glad to meet them, and that they are very welcome in our country and our school setting. I hope that they will feel that any time they enter my classroom they will not experience any biases, prejudice, and will not be discriminated against. They will know they are valued, and accepted. My gesture of having another family from their culture will show them that I care about their well-beings and their child's well-being. All of these things will be helpful to me as well as the family from Japan.

 

 

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

A memory of an incident that I experienced bias, prejudice, and oppression happen about 4 years ago when I worked in pre-kindergarten. During this time president Obama was running for election. This made a lot of people mad, sad, and just racist's. This is what happen: We had to always sign in on the sign-in sheet on a counter in the office. There was sheet that had all of the republican candidates listed, and the message written on it was these are the people you need to vote for. It did not just stop there, one kindergarten teacher was so upset about president Obama running that her daily functioning was off target. She stopped speaking, she treated all blacks with disrespect, including the children in her class. This was really a bad time for her, and she did not try to hide how she felt.

The specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression diminish equity by: one letting the incident of the paper of who to vote for be put on the sign-in-counter. This was the responsibility of the secretary to remove it once it happen, but she just brushed it off. Two, the teacher that showed her racism should have been spoken to by the supervisor, since everyone knew how she felt. She was very verbal, saying things like we have to do something, we can't let this happen, just right out disrespectful. This incident brought up for me that racism is still here, maybe not in a greater form, but some people will never change, it is not because they don not know how, some just refuse to like or get to know other's of different races. I feel that we both should have to make  changes: the kindergarten  teacher in her negative feelings about black's ,and myself for maybe not understanding her feelings and what she may have experienced to bring out these negative feelings. I can recall at the beginning of this class when viewing the web video, Playing for Change: "War/no more trouble, the ending said we just need peace, and this is what we all need in order to live together in society.

Reference
Playing for change: "War/No More Trouble" ( Laureate Education Inc,2011). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgWFxFg7-GU&feature=BF&list=ML4oVf-d DwKA-bV3PQwJ5xcpVdi7B-TPk&index=3

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

One example of a microaggression which happen that I detected happen on Tuesday night during one of our Women of Grace Ministry meetings. At the end of each meeting we have two ladies that will do the departing prayer for the night. This one lady who did the prayer seems to always be unhappy and mean every time we meet. So, to make a long story short; we all stood up and gathered hand. She began to pray. During one of her statements she said " Lord I just ask you to let our "boys be boys". This really made me sad. One of the ladies in our ministry once told me a story about her son experiencing a situation. So I know if I felt bad, so did she. I was automatically tuned out from her prayer. Some people just need to watch what they say, whether it is intentional or unintentionally.

I observation experience this week has taught me a lot. For one thing don not judge anybody. Two learn not to label or give stereotypes to anyone. And three, try not to form any bias or prejudice against anybody. My motto is treat others the way we want to be treated. Believing in this I feel will help in making our lives easier in learning to get along and work together.    

                        Perspectives on Diversity and Culture


This weeks blog assignment asked us to call, write to , or talk to at least three friends, family members, acquaintances, and/or colleagues. Include at least one person who believe in some ways culturally different from you ( a different gender, race, class, religion, abilities, age, etc.).

Friend- White- American Female 

What is your definition of culture? I think culture has to do with traditions based on one's beliefs and morals.

What is your definition of diversity? Diversity are beliefs and traditions that may be a little different or add to our culture. Like we have an "American" culture, which is the basic foundation. Diversity creates uniqueness but all have basic beliefs....... these are my thoughts.

Family Member- African -American Female

What is your definition of Culture? Culture is more focused on your roots and where you come from. For example, we as African American's are a culture. People within a culture tend to believe in the same things and practice pretty much the same practices.

What is your definition of diversity? Diversity, in my opinion is how we are all different. There are so many different cultures/ races in the world today, but we all remain different. Whether it's our religious beliefs of food eaten, clothes worn, etc., it's all about differences. This is where the two words cultural diversity comes together. We learn of differences within particular groups/races when we speak of cultural diversity.

Colleague- African-American Special Education teacher

What is your definition of Culture? Culture is a groups way of life. Culture would be characteristics and the way a group speak of people, their religion, morals and thinking.

What is your definition of diversity? Diversity is being different.

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received.... and what are some example?

When early childhood educators think about culture, they think about the surface things that are easy to see, taste, and define ( Derman-Sparks& Edwards, 2010). The aspects that we have studied over the last three weeks that were include in most of the answers were traditions, beliefs, and the food we eat. But I have learned that culture is more than the color of your skin, but also what is referred to as "deep culture", which includes tradition, beliefs, values we use in our families. 

Which aspects have been omitted- and what are some examples of such omission.

Over the last three weeks our readings and the video segments discussed many aspects of culture, for example, family culture, surface culture, social identity, power within cultures. All answers were basically how they perceive culture and diversity to mean to them. There was no mention as to help children to understand that there are differences in people from different cultures as well as their are some similarities.

In what ways has thinking about other people's definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topic?

I have learned and absorb so much knowledge and information about culture and diversity over these three weeks of this course. I am quite sure I will learn more information that as an professional in the field of early childhood the knowledge that I obtain concerning different cultures in which people belong, and diversity will help me in the classroom with all of my students who have different backgrounds other than mine.

Reference
Course media: Culture and Diversity (2011). Laureate Inc.
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young
     children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.

My Family Culture

Black American families have so many values, beliefs and ways of doing things within their culture. Most families within this culture are so close that if a major catastrophe was to take over the country, I am sure that this would be very devastating for me especially of having to leave my family members.  On top of having to leave my family, I am told that I could only take one change of clothing, and three items that I hold dear and that represent my family culture.  It would be so hard just to choose three items, but they would be My family album which contains all of the happy times together, My Bible, which will help me to keep my faith, and a blanket, which means so much to me.

                  A description of the three items I would choose

The first item, my family album. In black families there is a strong family and kinship bond. We also have a very supportive system in which we try to help each other through the good and bad times in life. Taking this item with me will help in maintaining this support through this terrible ordeal . My bible which I hold so dear and it is the one piece of reliable source that I feel will help me to get through  the times of missing my family. The last item is a red and green blanket that was given to me. The smell of my family will help in keeping me with that special touch and feeling that they are there with me in spirit, but not in body.

            How would I explain to others what each of these items mean to me.

  I would explain that these items are very special to me, because  having these items will help to make it through these times of being away from my family. The family album will keep my memory intact of those who are so dear and mean so much to me. It would represent an amazing testament of  my family history from generation to generation. The things we did together, our behaviors, our beliefs, and our values  that were part of our culture is represented ( Louise Dermman-Sparks,2011). 

My Bible, which  contains all births and dates of special events. We have a strong religious orientation, and we also as a culture believe that our faith is what keeps us strong through hard and trying times. 

My green and red blanket, is a very special piece. It has been in my family for 20 years. It was given to me by a special friend. Every member of my family has in some sort of way used it to cover themselves when they visit. This blanket is a security piece for me, to keep me warm and familiar with all of my family, through the smell and touch of having it with me.

My feelings if, upon arrival, I was told that I could only keep one personal item and give up the other two items.

WOW! This would have a very devastating effect. But I also have to keep in mind of others feelings as well. I would have to keep those items that I leave behind as part of memory and still find a way to keep them near and dear to my heart. But, I would have to keep my Bible. As I stated black families as a part of tradition, and beliefs, have a strong religious orientation.  Also my Bible contains a lot of memories that are written down from special events and happy times. I feel this would help me to stay strong until I can get back to my family.

Any insights, I gained about my self, my family culture, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise

In different cultures different groups hold on to different things because of their cultural backgrounds. This exercise has been some what of an eye opener for me, What if this really happens in society? How can I deal with this type of situation? We have to be aware of and respect for differences in others as well as a respect for their cultures; having a understanding of their values, beliefs, traditions, norms is an important component of this understanding. However, when it comes to who we are as a family and how we define family there are many forms in each culture,  family members are bound by ties of blood, marriage, adoption, or by any sexually expressive relationship (Harris, 2008). They may live together or not, the important point is when that bond is broken by any means, it will leave a profound effect.

Resources
Laureate Education (2011). " Family Cultures: Dynamic Interactions"

Harris, S.R. ( 2008). What is Family Diversity? Objective and Interpretive 
     Approaches. Journal of Family Issues. Retrieved from http://jfi.sagepub.com/

                   

                  When I Think of Research

                                  Research papers are best when they focus
                                  on a narrow topic, such as a certain aspect of
                                   the life cycle of a specific type of fish......


     Research is a process and researchers need to go through various steps if we want our research to be ethical, meaningful, and informative. Research is a tool and researchers learning to use those tools will be able to answer the questions or question they set out to address, in order to inform others of what they have found.

    Grieshaber (2010) in her article, Equity and research design in my opinion gives the term research great meaning. She states that research is systematic investigation of a topic or issue that is culturally specific and which seeks information and or solutions (2010).

My ideas  about the nature of doing research are:

Before taking this course I never thought or envisioned doing research of any kind. I never thought that it would entail so much information to be collected or to follow so many steps.  But since taking this course I have came to the understanding that any one can do research studies. I think research on children is very beneficial to the early childhood field. As a researcher we just have to keep in mind all the reasons why we are studying children and how our study will help improve circumstances for the children we are investigating. As Mac Naughton, 2010, states individuals affected by research can do research, and should do research. However, researchers must consider that knowledgeable information that can benefit society at large.

When planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood I have learned a great  amount of information. Ethics was what really interested me most. The risk equation involved, the greater the benefits to be gained from research, the greater the more risks are acceptable, and the greater the risks the more questions asked.

The challenges I encountered when I first starting my research process were; I was very undecided about my specific topic, and conducting the literature review. I went back and forth, before I finally decided on the topic of Culture.

 In week seven, searching for the literature to support my hypothesis was very tiresome, and time consuming, and very frustrating, but I think the reward for all the work will be rewarding in the end. I will be able to do research by following all of the necessary steps. Some of the literature was hard for me to understand, and I did not understand whether it would fit my research questions or better yet my topic of interest. But, if I did not gain any thing else, I  realized that I can do research.

Some of my perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of taking this course are:

This course allows for critical reflections due to my own experiences when conducting research, as well as the opportunity to share in the critical reflections of the participants under study. As a early childhood professional my self, I understand that my views are totally different from what I believed, meaning that what I know now about research today as compared to what I did not know before taking this class will benefit me greatly. Taking stock of where we are today and what the future holds is a reflection of how important research is in order to gain a better understanding of different phenomenon's. We now can see things with a new insight and vision.

 To all my professional colleagues, I thank you for helping me on this research journey, by sharing your ideas, insights, and thoughts in our discussions. Thanks for your support and encouragement, I can say we are all on our way to doing great research involving our children and their families.

Resource:
Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S. A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. ( 2010).  Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice 2nd ed. New York, NY. McGraw-Hill.

Blog Assignment: Research Around the World

Early Childhood Australia: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Some of the current international topics I found on this website:
Belonging, Being and Becoming
School readiness and children's transitions
Child health and childhood obesity
Sustainability, global warming and climate change.

This website was so informational. It contain so much I did not know where to start. I especially liked their mission statement:

Mission Statement: Early childhood Australia will advocate to ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to 8 years.

There were so many ideas I gained . There is a section that provides what's new on the Early childhood Australia website. This provides month by month news for every month. You can receive a free newsletter on the latest topic in education. As early childhood subscribers you can join their mailing list, which I think I will and also sign up for the free e-newsletter.

Other noteworthy information I found was:
The NAEYC position statement, there is an open access and web directory which we can use. Three is a featured product section which is a book titled; The Little Red Yellow Black book, this book can be purchased on line.

This website I will adding to my resource list for future reference. I hope for others in my class to visit this website there is so much research information available for our use. I think information and learning to research and gain information from around the world will help me to research for information for my research project, just by providing me with the knowledge that there is so much out there.

Blog assignment; Research that benefits children and families-uplifting stories:

Option 2: Imagine that you possess the means and the knowledge to conduct research studies about any topic in the early childhood field. Imagine further that you are not restricted by the reality of the present. Imagine that your study will make a major positive contribution to the well-being of children and/or their families. What topic would you choose? What can you imagine the positive contribution(s) would be?

The topic that I would choose would be Childhood hunger. Hunger prevents kids from reaching their full potential. It is an epidemic that's threatening America's future. More than 16 million kids live in houeholds that struggle with hunger. (USDA Household Food Security in the United States). 10.5 million kids eligible for free or reduced-price school breakfast do not get it. ( Food research and action center, school breakfast scorecard). Six out of 7 eligible kids do not get free summer meals. (Food research and action center, "Hunger Doesn't Take a Vacation: Summer Nutrition Status Report). According to the Source for USDA food and nutrition services, in 2010, 40.3 million people in over 18.6 million households (18.9 million) were households with children about half of those households recieved SNAP (food stamps). 15.7 million children (21.6%) in America live in poverty. ( U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Reports).

Why is Childhood hunger Important?
Health: Children who suffer with hunger are sick more often, rcover more slowly, and are more likely to be hospitalized. They experience headaches, stomachaches, colds, ear infections and fatigue. They are susceptible to obesity and the harmful health consequences as children and as adults ( Annual, national-level statistics,2013). 
Cognition and Academics: Undernourished children 0-3 years of age cannot learn as much as fast or well. Lack of food or nutritious food impairs their ability to concentrate.(2013).
Emotional and Social Well-being: Children who do not get enough nutritious food have significantly higher levels of behavioral, emotional and academic problems and more aggressive behavior.

The positive contribution (s) to ending world hunger would be to help in joining the fight for hunger through campaigns, and community projects. As educators if we experience children in the classrooms with problems in getting food, we must be able to direct them to the proper resources that are available. The goal is to make sure that every family that needs to seek help from different programs and are eligible for assistance they become aware of how to go about getting help. Child nutrition programs make a positive difference. There are many organizations that help in eliminating childhood hunger. We can join them, recieve free newsletters, and most importantly make a huge contribution. 

References:

Share our Strength. No kid hunry (2013). Retrieved from http://www.nokidhungry.org/problem/overview.

Blog Assignment: Your Personal Research Journey

My chosen topic for the stimulation research is Culture. The reasons I chose culture for my research topic is with the many students and families entering our school systems I would like to know all there is to know about how to handle and be prepared for the many changes they bring along with them. I feel that if I am not prepared I would do an injustice to them. As educators we must always be prepared because the field of education is ever changing. From a personal perspective I like to have a relationship with all of my parents. Learning about their different beliefs, values, within their culture backgrounds will help me to become successful in teaching them.

Some insights I have gained from this research experience so far is so over whelming. There is so much information to chose from. The research chart has help me to keep notes of word I do not understand, and also how to chose from the information that will be useful when writing my research paper. It was easy to chose a topic. But, It was and still is narrowing down a subtopic for my paper. I am still working on that. I would like an information, insights as far as where to locate information on my topic. I located some good information from using our Walden library resources. They have really good articles in the Academic Research Complete and also ProQuest database. I found articles relating to my topic.

So, I can use all the help that you are willing to give, and also remember I am here to help you also.

GOOD LUCK MY PROFESSIONAL  COLLEAGUES ON YOUR RESEARCH JOURNEYS!

Final Blog Assignment

Note of Thanks:
I cannot believe that we are at the end of this semester already. I lhave learned so much from all of you. I have had the opportunity to interact with most of you, my colleagues in courses this far, and I have really enjoyed it. I cannot thank you enough for the support, knowledge, and sharing of resources that have and will continue to take me a step farther to pursue my dreams, as well as your dreams. I hope to hear from you in next semester's class.

Three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for my personal and professional development:

1. I had the opportunity to work together and network  with an outside source to help in promoting positive development and change for young children and their families.

2. I learned about different job opportunities in different fields of education that were available in their countries as well as in the United States.

3.I had the opportunity to learn about the issues that children and families face globally, and how others can make an impact in helping.

Learning about international organizations and networking with my international partners was a grat experience as well as an eye opener. I learned so much, it was wonderful to learn about all the opportunities available to us in the early childhood field.

One goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations:
International organizations are great resources and networking systems to have as an early childhood professional; staying in touch and becoming more involve with them will definitely be beneficial for future sucess in working and helping our young children and their families in keeping up with changes in the rest of the world.

                                 " The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their
                                    dreams"....... Eleanor Roosevelt.

 So to all of my future professional colleagues, Let's Continue to Dream Big!         

Blog Assignment: Getting to know Your International Contacts-Part3

  This is my international contact Jesse Loughman's responses to the following questions.  
What issues regarding  quality and early childhood professionals  are being discussed where you live and work?
  What opportunities and or requirements for professional development exist?
  What are some of your professional goals?
  What are some of your professional hopes, dreams, and challenges?

   Well there are many issues involving education every where. In the United States we have a lot of issues with funding and testing. Here in China there is much the same. The biggest issue across the board I believe is simply communication. 90% of the communication is from top-down ( meaning that it starts with the officials, then to the managers ( or principals) then to the teachers and finally the students. But there is no communication from the bottom-up. Every day teachers struggle with the children but their concerns hardly ever leave the classroom, and if so it hardly leaves the school or makes the school any better. Also, more and more pressure from parents on teachers ( aka Helicopter parents) is increasingly limiting the creativity of the classroom. I do believe that early childhood and all education professionals need to be held accountable, but is it too much?

My personal goal is I plan to graduate from graduate school and get a higher degree in Comparative Religious Studies and teach at a University. ( Jesse Loughman).
  
I have really enjoyed talking to Jesse. I have not heard from this point from my other 2 international contacts. I will post comments later when I hear from them. 

     

Week 6 Blog: Sharing Web Resources

The outside resource that I decided to follow for this week's assignment is CHIP ( Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre at http://www.childhoodpoverty.org

CHIP main goal is to fill some of the gaps in knowledge about childhood poverty internationally and in partner countries, and to work with others to gain commitments to action. The web page explains some of the general gaps in knowledge about childhood poverty, and the rationale for CHIP programme.

Here are some facts about CHIP:

Knowledge varies substantially between countries, Research focuses on specific aspects of childhood and is rarely well linked together. Impacts of key development policies on children are poorly understood or documented. Little is known about how children can be trapped in poverty cycles and what canhelp them escape. The broader policy environments that best promote child wellbeing are poorly understood.

CHIP supports reserach in countries such as China,India,Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia. I went to the section on China. Here are some of the pictures I took from the websites of the children they serve.

                   

                                            

 Some of the key findings of CHIP reserach on poverty in different countries are: The relationship between poverty , population trends and childhood poverty is very context- and culture specific. The poorer the country and the higher the fertility level, the more beneifical the effects of decreasing fertility rates for the children's well-being. Children and young people's views have had substantially more influence in local decision- making that at higher levels.  Despite strong claims by many donors and advocates about poverty- reduction potential of early childhood development (ECD) programmes, the evidence is weak. More resources are needed if ECD is to make a greater contribution to the well-being and development of poor children (childhoodpoverty.org).

The  other web link I have been following is Zero to three. http://www.zerotothree.org/
The information I found on this weeks discussion is Early care and Education. It talks about what all babies and toddlers need for early learning experiences to foster their intellectual, social and emotional development and lay the foundation for later school success. The section on this topic discusses child care,family, friend & neighbor care, and school readiness. There are many various tools which are useful to parents and care givers to get their children ready for school. This is under the school readiness section.

The two websites, as well as my international partners from China, and Japan have given me more insight and knowlege as to their stands on equity and excellence for children's education. I think from all of my readings that we are all on the same page, wanting the best education for our young children. Other insights and trends I learned from exploring the website on CHIP was how each country provides specific research on how they deal with childhood poverty. 
I have not recieved an newsletter from the zero to three website, I am looking forward to reading one. But I am enjoying visiting this site to learn more about the developmental levels of children. This is both from a professional and a personal stand. I have a grandaughter who is 3, and the information helps me greatly.

Getting To Know Your International Contacts-Part 2

Here is what Jesse Loughman from China shared with me about equity and excellence in education:

• Absolutely. English teaching in China and other parts of the world are usually filled with inexperienced fresh out of college or just don't know what they want to do in life people. Whereas I believe you must have some passion for teaching (especially early childhood) to become a teacher in a public school in the United States. When it comes to TESL in other countries, most look at money and lifestyle first and then teaching as an after though. This is why you find very high turn-over rates in these types of jobs. Most people only do one year contracts (and many of them do not stick to the contract and leave the country). Of course you can find many, many examples of great teacher who love to teach and are very passionate about what they do, but for the most part this is what I find to be true. And of course this greatly affects the child's learning process. Not being able to keep a consistent teacher can be quite a challenge when learning a subject.

As far as defining excellence, I believe that any teacher or program that is willing to get to know there students on a personal level and find each students strengths and weaknesses rather than assuming that all students learn the same is best. Also, a teacher who can admit to mistakes in the classroom and co-create a lesson with their students is (to me) an excellent teacher. There is an awful habit in China of the teacher standing up front and the students have to sit there and pretend to listen. That to me is not teaching. Teaching to me is using the personalities of each student and co-creating a lesson based off strengths and weaknesses.

My international contact fro Japan is Kitara Jordan who teaches American children on the military base. This is what she shared with me about equity and excellence in education:

She said she does not agree with a lot of the components of the No Child Left behind law. Her district  is not under this policy. Program quality is a hot topic because of the population it serves. She said that we need to look at our districts in which we work, and then find programs that best meet the needs of our children.

I agree with the information shared by both of my international partners. They both have good ides as far as equity and excellence is concerned. But as we have found out from our readings, it depends on the state in which we teach as to the programs as well as the qualifications for teaching. We also know that some teachers are more academically inclined and the children needs are not always met. As my contact Kitara stated, the programs should be based on what is good for the population we serve. But that is not always the case.