Week 8 Time Well Spent

I am proud to be completing my Master's Degree in Early Childhood Studies, I give my credit to God, as well as my professors and my colleagues. There have been times when there were many challenges especially working and having to come home and do homework. Sometimes I had to give up going to church on Sundays to make sure my assignments was turned in on time. My final Capstone course has really been a challenge, it had gotten to the point that I wanted to give up; but I am thankful that I had an encouraging professor that was so willing to help me. I have learned so much in this course and I really feel that I am more prepared to apply learning to issues and problems.

The first deeply felt learning is the knowledge of leadership skills that are necessary for the early childhood field. I have learned to become a skillful communicator, as well as a collaborator for families and colleagues.

The second deeply felt learning is the knowledge gained regarding equity and inclusion that has prepared me to become an advocate for social change for children and their families in the field of early chilhood.

The third deeply felt learning is the knowledege of child development and learning and how to apply the study of effective programs and practices in the early childhood field. I learned how to apply research to early childhood challenges as well as address challenges in the early childhood field. I learned to evaluate the influence of professional learning and experiences.

One long term goal that I have is to advocate for equality for all children and their families as well as help children that I teach learn to their fullest potentials.

I would just like to say thank you to Professor Davis and all my colleagues. I have learned so much from feedback that was provided from Professor Davis as well as my colleagues. I wish everyone the best on your educational journey. May God continue to guide us along this challenging yet rewarding journey.

U.S.

A wordle that that illustrates my experience/learning in the MS ECS program is commitment and children.

My favorite quote is

The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to.—Marian Wright Edelman,



My contact is belindajf@aol.com

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

The National Organizations that appeal to me is the NAEYC Organization. The reason I chose this organization is that it focuses on the issue and roles of relationships in early childhood education. It is also the largest organization working on behalf of children. The website is http://www.naeyc.org/

Unicef is another organization that appeals to me because it focuses on the nurturing and caring of young children. Unicef work with others to overcome the challenges of poverty, violence, disease and discrimination for all children.  http://www.unicef.org/

Zero-to-Three Organization is also one that appeals to me because it is a national non-profit organization that trains and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents to improve lives of infants and toddlers. Zero-to-Three Organization also promotes the health and development of infants and toddlers.  The website address is http://www.zerotothree.org/

Job Opportunities

The job that interest me is a position for a lead teacher.  The location is the Goddard School in Buford, Ga.  The requirements are a BA or Associates in Early Childhood Education.  Classroom experience in Infant, Toddler, and Preschool, and Kindergarten is required. The position is full time. Retreieved from http://www.naeyc.org/

The second job that interests me is a position for a elementary gifted teacher.  Qualified candidates must hold a renewable Georgia certification in Gifted P-12.

The third job that interests me is a position for a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher.  Candidates must be certified in or eligible for certification in Early Childhood (P-5).  The website address is http://www.applitrack.com/bibb/onlineapp/default.aspx?

References

http://www.naeyc.org/

http://www.zerotothree.org/

 http://www.unicef.org/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The Communities of Practices that I chose are Twiggs County Family Connection. The reason I chose this organization is because it is a social change that improve the lives of children and their families; it develops a qualified workforce and competent future leaders for our society.

The second Community of Practice that I chose is Shine Girl. The reason I chose this Community of Practice is because it is a program that is designed to help girls develop character; which is so important because sometimes girls do not have parents to teach them how to develop character and they go through life not developing the character to become a young lady.

The third Community of Practice that I chose is the Adult Literacy Program.  The reason that I chose this program is because there are many parents and non-parents who do not know how to read. Adult education is important because it will affect children at home; because the parents will not have the skills to help their with their children’s education. I also love their theme "School is hard; Poverty is harder."  Unfortunately,  there were no jobs available for the positions.

The skills and experiences that are needed to completely fulfill each of these roles are leadership skills as well as collaborative skills.

Reflecting on Learning

My passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom I plan to work with is to help children become more than what they can be as well as to help them to be proud of themselves. I plan to become advocate for children and speak up for them to help them to rid the internalized messages that they have when it comes to bias misconceptions. I want to help children to develop strength and skills to make them proud of who they are.

I want to say thanks to my colleagues for all of your insights and expertise on I have gained throughout this course; to help young children to treat people with respect, dignity, and fairness regardless of their differences. Good luck to everyone on your lifelong journey!!

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

The area of the world that I chose is the Latin America and Carribean; Barbados.  The reason that I chose this area is because of the need to implement a positive discipline plan in schools.  The challenges that children face are corporal punishment, which have led to some children becoming troubled and distant.  Corporal punishment can affect children by confusing love with pain; it increases anxiety and fear, makes children angry in response, as well as decreases self-esteem. 

I have learned that corporal punishment affects children emotional well being and development in many ways. UNICEF-sponsored workshop helps to implement alternate parenting strategies; it provides strategies instead of just punishing bad behavior this approach, clearly defines expectations and what constitutes good behavior; making it easier for children to behave well. I have learned that it is important that I encourage parents that other means of discipline can work instead of corporal punishment.

References

UNICEF (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

I think that the ideas shared in this reading is disturbing. I think that parents should monitor what children are watching on television as well as on the computers.  I know that it is hard to keep children from the exposure of sexualization but it is important that we as parents and professionals do our part to make sure that children understand what is appropriate and what is not appropriate. I experienced watching sexualization for young children in a video game where there was a naked female woman as part of the game.  Some children model famous people using the terms that they are sexy just like their favorite artist. I feel that some children may only feel like they are sexy if they are wearing inappropriate clothing. There are young children as early as preschool that are caught kissing imitating what they have seen. Adults must keep close watch on young children to monitor what they are learning from the media when it comes to sexualization. I will provide resources for parents to make sure they are monitoring their children as well as make sure they are aware of who their children are spending time with and if they are role models for their children.

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

It is important for me as a future teacher to provide effective strategies that will address the various isms.  I am reflecting on ableism. There are many people who are discriminated against because of their disabilities. It is important for teachers to dispel the stereotypes about children with disabilities.

As I work into the school system I have heard many stereotypes about children with disabilities such as "These children can't learn."  These comments sadly, are commented by adults as well as children.  Children who are disabled may believe this and feel powerless. As a professional it is important for me to dispel this stereotype and help children learn to their fullest potentials.  I intend to post pictures of famous people who are disabled as well as read books about achieving your dreams.

Observing Communication

I observed a teacher and child in an elementary school.  The child got up to ask a teacher a question.  The teacher pointed to where the child was sitting and the child immediately walked back to the floor and sat down.  The parent came to pick the child up and the teacher explained to the parent that the child had been out of her seat without permission.  The child told her parent that the teacher did not listen to her and the child urinated in her clothes.  It is important that we listen to children; children need to feel respected and grounded in themselves. (Laureate Education, Inc, 2011)

The teacher should have listened to the child, even though the child did not follow the rules by getting out of her seat without permission; the teacher should have asked the girl to raise her hand and then listened to the little girl, instead of not listening to her. The child would not have urinated in her clothes.  The child was hurt and embarrased because of the fact the teacher did not listen to her.  The child felt as if she was not important to the teacher and feel as if she could not talk to the teacher about anything because fear of being fussed at.

I have learned that it is important to listen to children even when you are upset.  It is important that we don't close children off to the wall. (Laureate Education, Inc, 2011) If we take the time to listen to children we can learn a lot about them.

References

Laureate Education, Inc, 2011Communicating with Young Children (approximate length: 10 minutes)
 

Blog 1 Creating Affirming Environments

“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
― Maya Angelou

Age Range: 1-10  10 Students
Belinda's Care Home. An environment rich in anti-bias materials invites exploration and discovery and supports children's play and conversations in both emergent and planned activities.(Sparks, & Edwards, 2010) My anti-bias learning environment will include an environment rich in anti-bias materials. The classroom includes a welcome sign in both English and Spanish.  The classroom walls displays pictures of diverse families; it also displays photos of all the children, families, and staff in the program in their daily lives. (Sparks, & Edwards, 2010)   The walls display photos of children and adults from various racial and ethnic identity groups, with permission from parents; as well as people with disabilities of various backgrounds.

The program includes lunch that serves foods of different culture for children. The classroom teachers speaks dual language. The library includes materials and literacy that reflects families from diverse cultures. The bulletin boards will reflect children and families in my program. Children will make books about their families. Families will be invited to come in and share important things about their culture; they may share recipies and display them on a bullentin board.

My program will include puzzles that will include children of diverse cultures. Dolls features will be realistic and not stereotypical. Photos will reflect boys and girls playing with dolls. Toys from different culture will be in each center. The classroom will display schedules in English and different languages.

References
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC

What I Have Learned

One hope that I have when I think about  about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that all children are able to be themselves without barriers in their lives that will make them uncomfortable in their own skin.

One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to continue to attend workshop, courses as well as training to continue to be updated on new knowlege when it comes to diversity, equity, and social justice.

I would like to say thank you to Professor Weems, as well as my colleagues.   I am grateful to had this opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas on learning strategies to help children to overcome bias, and prejudice.  Good luck to everyone on your educational journey.

.Start Seeing Diversity Blog: Creating Art

Celebrating our Differences

We must acceptance differences by showing love and respect to one another. 
Appreciation is very important; do not attack one another.

"Share our similarities, celebrate our differences."
M. Scott Peck

Week 6 "We Don't say those words in class"!!

A time when you witnessed an adult (or yourself) reprimand or silence a child after he or she pointed out someone they saw as different (e.g., "That lady talks funny," " That man only has one leg!" "Why is that man so pretty!"). Include what the child said and what the adult did or said in response.

I can remember a couple of years ago there was a lady who had Muscular Dystrophy and was the school counselor.  One of her arms was in a folded position and she walked with a slight limp. I can remember one of the kids imitating the way that she was walking and the other children started laughing.  The counselor did not say anything; but I remember one of the teachers talking to the little boy in private and afterwards the little boy came and apologized to the counselor.

What messages might have been communicated to this child by the adult's response?

The message that might have been communicated to this child by the adult's response is that we do not laugh at people who are different.

An example of how an anti-bias educator might have responded to support the child's (or classroom's ) understanding.

It is important that teachers help children to be accepting of people with disabilities. Teachers should read books to the class about people with disabilities who are heroines. 

, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

Your response to those who believe that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families

My response to those who believe that early childhood  centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families is that I believe that it is important to provide books that depicts gay or lesbian families.  It is important to create a welcoming environment of different families regardless of their gender identities. It is important to treat everyone with respect and do not be biased against anyone.  Children from all types of families can develop their understanding and appreciation of the commonalities in loving relationships and homes. Including these books can help prevent or end harassment that often begins in preschool and kindergarten because some children are perceived as different by having two moms or two dads.

How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child

I would respond to a parent/family member by telling them that it is important not to judge anyone. I would tell them that I have experienced children from homosexual families who are treated with so much love and caring. The children are in a safe environment and is concerned about their well-being. I believe that it is important to treat everyone with respect and it is important to give a person a chance for who they are and not their title.

Saying Goodbye

I would like to take the opportunity to thank professor Hampshire, as well as my classmates for providing an opportunity to build a professional learning opportunity; as well as exchange ideas and resources.  I am never good at saying goodbye especially to a wonderful group of people.  I have learned so much in this course and I hope that I will continue to take more courses with Professor Hampshire and more of my colleagues.  Best wishes to everyone!!!!

Blog Assignment week 6

I believe that it is always harder to leave high performing groups. The reason I believe this is because you have worked closely together to get a job done as well as you have built a relationship with friends and learned how to work with people from different personalities. I believe also that it is hard to leave groups who not as considered as high performing; because sometimes people just don't comprehend things and they may have low self esteem but is willing to follow others.  If every group member is dedicated to accomplishing the goals and objectives, the results will be high performing.  It is always hard to leave a effective group; because the team has learned how to accept each other and work together. I always miss my colleagues whom I have collaborated with, I always wish them the best on their educational journey. I can imagine that I will adjourn from my group of colleagues working on their master's degree program by wishing them the best; as well as thanking them for their perspectives and ideas along the way of working on our master's degree. I know that I will exchange contact information so that we can continue to stay in touch. I believe that adjourning is an essential stage because it brings closure to team building. Members get the opportunity to analyze their success as well as their failures.

Blog Assignment 2

For this assignment, again consider what you have been learning about communication skills and styles. Then record an episode of a television show you do not normally watch. Watch the show with the sound turned off.

• What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?
• What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?

Now, watch the show with the sound turned on.

• What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?
• Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?

The television show that I watched was Good Times when the characters were playing cards and one of them made a facial expression as if he was going to lose and the other player was convinced that he was going to win, but it turned out that the character who made a facial expression as if he was losing; end up winning, and the others were mislead by his sad facial experience. The characters' relationships were based on facial expressions; the characters were feeling that they had a chance of winning and their opponent did not based on his facial expression.

I was convinced that he had a bad hand until I re-watched the show and realize that he was pretending. The characters were feeling very suprised once they realize that they had been mislead by the other character facial expression. I really think that my assumptions would have been correct if I had been watching a show that I knew well.

I

Blog Assignment 1 Communication

I felt as if the president Michelle Obama demonstrated competent communication during her political speech.  Michelle expressed her ideas to others clearly during her speech about president Barack Obama.  Michelle inspired, encouraged and movitated others in her speech about her husband. Michelle gave many people confidence that she understand their struggles and believe that one day life will be better for all people.

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have when thinking about working with children and families who came from diverse backgrounds is to help children to accept, understand, and value their rich and varied world. I want to make children feel comfortable with being able to express themselves. 

One goal that I want to set for early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to understand and get rid of my own bias so that I can be an advocate for others of different cultures.

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of my colleagues for sharing their insights and experiences on diversity. I have learned so much from Professor Ferrari and my colleagues. Good luck as each of you continue yor educational journey.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

The name of “your” family’s country of origin

The name of my family's country of origin is Chile.

At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family.

1. I will learn more about this family through community supports and ethnic organizations.

2. I will establish personal contacts with these families in person, as well as phone calls.

3. I will accommodate these families needs when it comes to scheduling meetings.

4.  I will become more educated in the families cultural beliefs.

5 . I would seek and provide resources for these families.


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

These preparations will benefit the family and myself because it will allow me to get to learn and respect culturally diverse families. It will allow me to learn how to provide the support and resources that are needed for these families. I believe that we can learn from each.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

The memory that I have is when I witnessed a teacher being biased toward a student. I noticed that a student who was less fortunate than the other students in his class, it seems as if the teacher did not want to listen to him. I noticed that the teacher would always talk about the child came to school with dirty clothing. I felt like she should have talked to the little boy parents instead of placing him in a corner. I noticed she never allowed the little boy to have any privileges.

I feel like the specific bias incident dimished equity because it is important that student/teacher interaction plays an important role in class.  It is important to use the appropriate materials because it sends a powerful message to the students.  The feeling that this incident brought up to me was a feeling of sadness as well as anger. It is hard for me to accept a child being ignored because of his appearance or the way that he looks.  The child was eventually moved to another classroom and I was glad to see that justice was done for this child.  Children can only get what we give to them they are very dependent on us.  I feel like the professionals will have to change themselves first; they need to take a look at their own bias as well as I believe that it is important that staff members receive training on diversity.