Observing Communication
The observation that I observed happened in the Reading computer lab at the school I work in. The teachers in the school bring their children into the lab to take AR tests. AR tests are tests given on books in which the teacher, the child, or someone else has read to the child. On this particular day, a 2nd grade class was taking tests on the computer. What I noticed the most was the patience and the praise in which she was giving each individual child. She was so encouraging to them to be successful on taking the test. What caught my attention was, her words, and her tone. She would say to them I like these 100's, good job boys and girls, and you all are so smart. I just loved it.
Lisa Kolbeck stated in the media segment that it is important to let children have the space they need to learn and develop (Laureate Education,2011). She also stated that that people that work with children are those who are starting to work with children it is very important that we not close children off with walls of our assumptions. We need to leave ourselves open to surprises, because they (children) have so many surprises inside that we can learn about. This is so true, from my professional and personal experiences of working with children. If we just stand back and observe, and listen to what they are saying, not just during play, but any given activity, we can learn a lot.
I think the children in the 2nd grade class were very happy. Some of them would say to me, look Ms. Hollis, look what I made. Teacher talk is powerful in the classroom. It is very important in the development of children, especially when the language is used that they can relate to or understand ( Dangel& Durden,2010).
It is very important as educators that we watch our choice of words when we are communicating with children. The power of a hurtful word or comment can damage a young child for the rest of his/her life. I try to respect their opinions, and I always listen to what they are saying, because what they are saying is important too. Words shape our attitudes, feelings, and our thoughts (2010). The main purpose in my opinion when teaching and talking to children is to support their learning and development, to not bring any hurt, harm or danger to them ., but to keep them safe, to nurture them, and to bring joy into their learning experiences in the classroom.
References
Communicating with Young Children. (Laureate Education,2011). Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/lait/Content.jsp?course_id=_419753
Rainer, D. & Durden, T.R. (2010). The nature of teacher talk during small group activities. YC: Young Children, 65(1), 74-81. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Education Research Complete database: http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://searchebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=47964033&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Creating Affirming Environments
Children need to feel safe, loved and nurtured in order to develop the basic trust they need for healthy development ( Richards, 2010). I am in total agreement with the statement by Richards in saying that the goals are for children in providing a family child care home is to develop a strong positive concept and empathy for others through healthy, intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and moral development ( pg.52).
If I could design my own personal Family Child Care Home I would use the experiences provided in the readings by BJ Richards, and Adriana Castillo. My main goal would be to provide a family oriented atmosphere and a environment where families could leave their children and feel that their children are in a home that is similar and familiar to the home they live in. The materials I would use would be anti-bias related and a representative of the many cultures and differences as well as the similarities of my families. My room set-up would be one big area which will consist of divided off areas for a Reading center, a art center, a dramatic play center, a listening center, and large area for circle time. Each of these areas will be labeled by signs and pictures, along with the necessary materials for use in the learning and development of each child.
The reading center will have a variety of books and puppets that are representative of teaching children the diversity of human life. The art area will have a variety of paint colors, markers, paper, and crayons which represent skin tones. The dramatic play area will have dolls of many cultures, real clothing and play costumes, and also real and found materials that are representative of home living. The listening area will have music that represent that represent children's culture's and languages, a tape recorder with a variety of stories with the tapes and read along books. The large group area will be for story time, block play, and large puzzles. This area will be my main area where the children can talk together, interact together, and have room for exploration. It will be an area where we can come together as a group at the end of the day for sharing and saying good bye.
The readings and the media segment were both instrumental in helping me to implement my plan. I had the experience in working with preschool age children in a pre-kindergarten setting. I really enjoyed the experience of setting up the classroom. This is why I chose my action plan for setting up my family childcare home. The preschool settings are design as home away from home for children who attend the program. As Adriana Castillo recommends, anyone that wants to work with children, keep going, but never do it alone, because we always have good people around us, with good resources, because she di not do it alone, but found great people to work with ( Laureate Education, 2011). I totally agree, point very well taken in order to be successful.
References
Derman-Parks, L., & Olsen-Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for young children and ourselves. National Association for the Education of Young Children. Washington, D.C. (NAEYC).
Strategies for working with diverse children. Welcome to an Anti-Bias learning community. (Laureate Education, 2011). Retrieved from https://class.waldenu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_419753.
Children need to feel safe, loved and nurtured in order to develop the basic trust they need for healthy development ( Richards, 2010). I am in total agreement with the statement by Richards in saying that the goals are for children in providing a family child care home is to develop a strong positive concept and empathy for others through healthy, intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and moral development ( pg.52).
If I could design my own personal Family Child Care Home I would use the experiences provided in the readings by BJ Richards, and Adriana Castillo. My main goal would be to provide a family oriented atmosphere and a environment where families could leave their children and feel that their children are in a home that is similar and familiar to the home they live in. The materials I would use would be anti-bias related and a representative of the many cultures and differences as well as the similarities of my families. My room set-up would be one big area which will consist of divided off areas for a Reading center, a art center, a dramatic play center, a listening center, and large area for circle time. Each of these areas will be labeled by signs and pictures, along with the necessary materials for use in the learning and development of each child.
The reading center will have a variety of books and puppets that are representative of teaching children the diversity of human life. The art area will have a variety of paint colors, markers, paper, and crayons which represent skin tones. The dramatic play area will have dolls of many cultures, real clothing and play costumes, and also real and found materials that are representative of home living. The listening area will have music that represent that represent children's culture's and languages, a tape recorder with a variety of stories with the tapes and read along books. The large group area will be for story time, block play, and large puzzles. This area will be my main area where the children can talk together, interact together, and have room for exploration. It will be an area where we can come together as a group at the end of the day for sharing and saying good bye.
The readings and the media segment were both instrumental in helping me to implement my plan. I had the experience in working with preschool age children in a pre-kindergarten setting. I really enjoyed the experience of setting up the classroom. This is why I chose my action plan for setting up my family childcare home. The preschool settings are design as home away from home for children who attend the program. As Adriana Castillo recommends, anyone that wants to work with children, keep going, but never do it alone, because we always have good people around us, with good resources, because she di not do it alone, but found great people to work with ( Laureate Education, 2011). I totally agree, point very well taken in order to be successful.
References
Derman-Parks, L., & Olsen-Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for young children and ourselves. National Association for the Education of Young Children. Washington, D.C. (NAEYC).
Strategies for working with diverse children. Welcome to an Anti-Bias learning community. (Laureate Education, 2011). Retrieved from https://class.waldenu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_419753.
Friday, December 20, 2013
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.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
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 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...............
Friday, December 6, 2013
"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.
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.
Friday, November 15, 2013
"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
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
Friday, October 25, 2013
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!
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!
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