Time Well Spent

Throughout this course and the program overall, I have learned so much informative information that will help me throughout my professional career. Learning about diversity and equity was very important to me because there is such diverse classrooms in today’s society. It is so important to be aware of different cultures in our classrooms and understand and incorporate those cultures into the curriculum. This allows the children to feel comfortable, respected and included.

I have learned that embracing diversity is a very important part of working in the early childhood field and realizing that there are many different ways to be a family has helped me to do this. As long as there is love children can be from any sort of family. We need to be respectful and accepting of this.

I also learned an abundance of information about the different learning and teaching strategies and styles. Being able to recognize the different learning styles within my classroom will allow me to adequately meet the learning needs of my children.

Learning about Community of Practice (COP) and leadership styles was one of the most informative objectives in this program because it allowed me to envision the goals that could be accomplished through a COP and the resources all members bring to the table. Knowing what characteristics to look for in a leader will help ensure that the right leader will be selected to run my COP in the future.

One of my long term goals is to create or be a part of a COP that will provide the necessary educational resources for children in the foster care program who struggle with behavioral, educational, or developmental issues in school. My goal is to avoid allowing these children to fall through the educational cracks of a dysfunctional foster care system. I would like to continue to educate myself on issues relating to work I do which will mean keeping up to date with the latest research regarding abilities in young children.

I cannot express into words how much this experience has changed my life. I am forever grateful to all of you for the many comments, suggestions, and words of encouragement and hope that you all have given me. This has been a journey of learning new strategies and most of all learning about myself so that I can better serve the children and families I encounter. My professors have all contributed to my success throughout this program. Through the feedback you have provided, I have gained much knowledge and skills that I will contribute to my success within the field of early childhood. I wish you all the best of luck in your journey in accomplishing your goals and know that we will all contribute to the field of early childhood! God Bless! -Porsche Dalton

Job/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Working internationally would be a dream. I would love to work in a different country and be immersed within a foreign culture. I always wanted to go to Africa and work with the families and children.

Aid for Africa

http://www.aidforafrica.org

Address: 6909 Ridgewood Ave.

Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815

Mission:

Aid for Africa is a unique alliance of the United States based charities and their African partners dedicated to helping children, families and communities in and around Africa. Their grassroots program focus on health, education and economic development.

Employment:

Aid for Africa has positions in their member organizations. Invisible children (San Diego, CA), H2O for Life, Books for Africa (Atlanta, GA). They are looking for internships and volunteers.

Skills and Experience:

Some lifting

Accept students as interns all over the US and some require only one year of college

Care 2 Make a Difference

http://www.care2.com

Address: Redwood California

Care 2 is the largest social network for people who want to make a difference. The team empowers members to take action with action-oriented tools and content on Care2.com, enabling members to rapidly pool their resources and produce lasting changes. Care 2 powers its members activism via cause driven education, activism and fundraising campaigns that benefit more than 1,000 of the world’s non-profit organizations.

Employment:

Support the Care2 campaign team’s effort to provide fast and high-quality advocacy, membership recruitment and fundraising campaigns for non-profit clients. Research progressive legislation in Congress and urgent advocacy topics, monitoring breaking news, blogs and content partner sites daily for compelling campaigns, write and copy edit Care2 action alerts, blog posts and success stories; monitor social media outlets to better understand how users are talking about and using Care2 and for which issues people are passionate about; Communicate with Care2 activist petition authors to help them promote their petitions.

Skills and Experience:

Student actively enrolled in coursework and seeking to complete school internships credit in a relevant field (such as journalism, marketing, political science, women’s studies, environmental studies, public policy). Recent graduates are also invited to apply.

Planet Aid, Inc.

http://www.planetaid.org

Address: 6730 Santa Barbara Court

Elkridge, Maryland 21075

Mission:

Planet Aid is a 501 © 3 nonprofit organization that collects and recycles used clothing and shoes to protect the environment and support sustainable development in impoverished communities around the world. Planet Aid’s mission is to inform, mobilize and inspire individuals and communities to work together to bring about worldwide environmental and social progress. They work to strengthen and organize communities, reduce poverty and promote small enterprise development, support sustainable local food production, improve access to training and quality education and increase health awareness and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Employment:

The Manager in Training (MIT) system offers individuals an opportunity to obtain training, gain work experience, and broaden their outlook through international service work. Upon completion the manager in training may obtain a position with Planet Aid on the path to become a future manager with Planet Aid.

Job Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

Save the Children:

This Organization is committed to helping children in the U.S. and around the world. I choose this organization because every child deserves a future. Save the Children Fund was established in the United Kingdom in 1919 to improve the lives of children through better education health care and economic opportunities. Children need a strong voice to stand up for them, work for the behalf and make their lives better. "Save the children is the voice for vulnerable children” (Save the Children). What I like about this organization is the many ways that people can help can help and donate to this organization.

Career Opportunities:

Senior Coordinator, Monitoring and Evaluation- US Programs- this coordinator helps children in low-income communities become kindergarten ready. The coordinator does home visits, play groups, in school tutoring, out of school time programming, summer enrichment, family engagement and community events. The Senior Coordinator, Monitor and Evaluation will help them collect data and analyze the data that lets us know if we’re achieving our ambitious goals for children.

Qualifications:

3-4 years’ experience in managing

High School Diploma

Excellent Time Management Skills

Preferred Qualifications

A Bachelor Degree

Monitoring & Evaluation Experience

Retrieved from www.savethechildren.org

UNESCO

UNESCO is an international organization that seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO believes that education is a human right for all throughout life and that access must be matched by quality (UNESCO). I share these same beliefs and feel that all children regardless of anything else deserve high quality education. UNESCO also believes that both heritage and creativity lay the foundations for vibrant, innovative and prosperous knowledge societies (UNESCO). 

Career Opportunities:

Program Specialist:

Coordinate the education programs and projects planning, development, implementation, operation and follow-up.

Qualifications:

Advanced University degree (equivalent to Masters Level) in Education, Social Sciences or other related fields.

A minimum of 4 years of professional experience in the field of education, of which preferably 2 years in international level.

Proven experience in developing, operating and monitoring Education programs.

Retrieved from http://www.en.unesco.org

Unicef

UNICEF is a great organization that “works for a more equitable world by fighting for the rights of its future: children.” They work around the globe for health, safety, policies, communication, and research for children. UNICEF employs committed professionals “to work in our five focus areas: Child Survival and Development, Basic Education and Gender Equality, HIV/AIDS, Child Protection and Policy Advocacy and Partnerships. We also employ staff with expertise in administration and finance, human resources, information technology, supply and logistics as well as external relations and communication” (Unicef.com). 

Career Opportunities:

Nutrition Specialist:

Provide technical support to UNICEF Country Offices and National Governments to strengthen nutrition information systems in their countries. In particular, they help carry out regular assessments of the nutritional situation and to use this information for early warning, program planning and advocacy. They also dedicate time to present this information to regional partners, to collaborate with UNICEF HQ on developing nutrition information guidance and tools and to assist research institutes on different studies.

Qualifications:

Experience with NGOs but also with other sector agencies. 

Retrieved from: https://www.unicef.org

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

This week’s blog assignment was very interesting but also difficult. I found many incredible agencies that address issues in the early childhood field.


My first choice I would like to be a participant in the COP with is the office of Head Start. I can be a voice within the organization in updating the Head Start performance standards. After I have read some of the standards and they don’t seem to match what is going on in the real world of the classroom. Participants who make the rules should have some experience working with kids instead of taking decisions behind a desk. It would be best for someone to work with children who is an expert. I agree with most of the standards, but there are some that make no sense at all. One of the standard does not recognize teachers need planning time and that late pick up of children conflicts with it. Children are allowed to arrive at school at any time, according to the standard and can be picked up late everyday of that is the case. Furthermore, we are supposed to prepare children and families for kindergarten in order to set them up for failure because in the school system constant lateness on either end is not appropriate.


My second choice is the Head Start Association. The Head Start Association is an organization that is dedicated to high quality care for children. NCHSA serves as a catalyst for change in support of parents, children and programs on behalf of Head Start programs across the state of North Carolina. “NCHSA is the only state organization dedicated exclusively to the concerns of the Head Start community” (National Head Start Association, 2019)


My last choice is The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). “This organization is coming together to discuss issues related to policy and/or professional development of early childhood education” (Naeyc.org, 2019) I want to be part of an organization that is doing so much for the well-being of the children, families and professionals.


I am very comfortable with my job as an onsite administrator. With my job I still have the opportunity to go into the classrooms and I can educate my staff in the classroom on best practices.







Reference:

Naeyc.org. (2019). NAEYC. [online] Available at: https://www.naeyc.org/ [Accessed 10 Nov. 2019].


National Head Start Association. (2019). National Head Start Association. [online] Available at: https://www.nhsa.org/ [Accessed 10 Nov. 2019].

Hopes, Goals and Thank You

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds (any format and any length)

As a teacher, I always want to create a warm, welcoming, and respectful environment to all children and their families. I want them to feel comfortable, safe, and being accepted no matter where they come from. We are role models for our children and the community in upholding respect for diversity and acting for social justice and equality.  We can be the sources of inspiration if we stand firm to our beliefs and implement them into our daily teaching practices.  Teachers are one of the most “external parties” of children. The teacher’s interaction and responses with children have profound impact on shaping student’s self-esteem and self-image.

One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length)

One goal is to respect and cope with a great understanding of diversity, equity, and justice.  I truly will want the different families, young children and any of the staff that work in a public school.  I would want them to have feel very comfortable with me just as well as me working with many staff members on an everyday work hour and parents feel that their children are safe with me. Plus I would like to reach to the goal of having my parents trust by being involved in seeing that their children succeeding in learning academically not in non-threatening environment.

A brief note of thanks to your colleagues

Time really flies. The assignments in this course are much more challenging that I originally think of.  Some of the issues are very uncomfortable to me but the experience was eye-opening.  Many thanks to my colleagues who leave inspiring words and support in my blog and discussion posts. I am eagerly looking forward to meet again!

   

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

Japan

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

 1. I would research the different languages that are spoken in the Japanese family and then I will try to learn a few words or phrases just as well as the meaning of their writing because it’s so different from American writing. Plus I would try to find a translator who can speak every type of the different languages in their cultural may speak so that the translator can be able to help me communicate with the Japanese family.

 2.Next I would also learn about the economic conditions of the country and the area of the country that my family is from with the problem that they may be facing.  I would try to find out what type of work the family may have been involved in before they left just as well as knowing what good work ethics they can do. I know that I would have to provide the family with support in their change to the job or job’s in America.  I know that I will explain to the family how different the life style is in America from how it is in their country.

3.  I also would do some research on the education systems in both areas so that I can compare their education to how it is in the new location with a listing of best to the lease. So that the family can have the right to determine rather or not the family has any type of knowledge. Then with any type of early childhood education program have the family ever had involvements of being a immigrating to America for help for children/families as well. By meeting with the family discussing their understanding with educational experiences with many great expectations in how I would give my very best support with my great ideals and good benefit goals for their children/child and family.

4. I would gather the entire family together to sit down and discuss with the family relationships with how their family relationships can work.  I would bring up to discussion with the family intergenerational relationships just as well as the understanding of the role of the children/child in their culture. I would also make sure that I would give them the understanding that everyone do things way different from how they may be use too because people have different beliefs about things some may be the same.

5.  I think I would reflect on any of the biases that I would strongly hinder my relationship with the family just as well as work on many ways to overcome the different biases in helping the Japanese family.

  

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

     I think by me trying to strength my understanding of many different families culture by trying to find many different ways to communicate with them. The main thing I would mainly do is learn about the families goals, values, beliefs, and plans on what great ideals the family are looking forward of doing.  I truly believe that I could accommodate the family which I would also tell the family that I could be I great help for their family in supporting the best for their family.  I think that it would be a two way of the both of us learning about each other cultural. Plus I would say how it is very intriguing for me to learn so much about them that most ways. How their different beliefs about things may also be a great impact to me and how knowledge would be a great impact to them about the two countries.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice and Oppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

I few years ago I was getting my Associate degree at the local community college. I watched and listen to a lady talk to her child like she was worthless because he had a learning disability. She was upset because she had no one to watch her. The lady had no daycare or family to keep her. Another thing that made me upset was she assumed that people belittled the child and told her she was stupid and no one wanted to keep her. I really wanted to tell the lady that this was her child and how could she talk to her own child that way. Looking back today I think about my grandson with his disability and how he needs all the love and care he can get. Children are helpless and they look for the adult to protect and care for them. She made it like it was the child’s fault that she didn’t have anyone to watch her while she attended school. How can a parent belittle their own child when you are the one to protect them from that.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

I’m not a doctor but from years of experience and studying child development it seems the little girl may have autism. I say this because of how the mom was yelling at the child and his reaction. The mom said things to her like you don’t know anything, your dumb, you’re a waste of space and while she was saying these things the little girl was having a break down because of the noise and extra attention. She was rocking back and forth humming to herself. I was sitting in the courtyard of the school at a table reading some assignments and the lady and child was at the table in front of me. I was hoping someone besides me was listening to and would say something. I end up saying how can you talk to your own child this way. Your child deserves to be loved. This poor child had endured more than anyone should ever have to and no one thought she was worth the time because as her mother had told her she was disabled and she had no idea what was going on. I just knew this child needed someone to stand up for her.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

This incident made me feel like people are ignorant and people that have a disability are rejected by their own family at times. It also made me think that children need people in this world that want to take time with them even if their own parents don’t.

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

I was already going to school to work with small children but this really was my point where I wanted to work with children with disabilities. This is what made my decision to work for a Head Start program where 10% of children have a disability. It also was my choice to work for Head Start because I wanted to offer children an opportunity to learn. Head Start is also free for low income families so this would give them the opportunity to work or go to school. Also the children with disabilities will receive free services that will help with their education. This also may be the only time the child gets the love and attention they need.  This one small helpless child had to deal with bias, prejudice and oppression by her own mother. Amazing to look back and see that changing point in your life was a moment in time.

Practice Awareness of Microaggressions

Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggression?

When Head Start close for the summer I help out at a daycare center. One of my good friends name Esmeralda is a teacher in the one year old room. Esmeralda is from Asia. So one day we had a luncheon for the staff and parents. That day I was working with her and it was our turn to go get out our plate. When we walked in it was a couple parents and other staff in the room. So Esmeralda fixed her plate and another staff member said “Esmeralda I can’t believe you are eating other foods besides white rice, you always eat white rice is that all popular food that every Asian people eat”? I looked at Esmeralda and she looked like she was so angry. Esmeralda said “what you say”/ The other staff said “I was just wondering because that’s all you eat”. So then that’s when I said “my husband is from South Carolina and he eats white rice with everything. I told Esmeralda to ignore her that some people are just dumb. I felt bad because from learning about different microaggression I knew this was a form of micro-racial.

In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people

My experience with microaggression affect my perception of prejudice and stereotypes because I have learned that if people do not understand something they will tend to assume and make presumption. It makes me upset to know microaggression happens outside the level of awareness of well-intended individuals. It makes me disturbed when I observe hatred towards people of any culture, race, gender or ability. This week I learned to never assume things, ask meaningful questions and be kind and respectful.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

This week I was ask to share with 3 people their definition of culture and diversity.

Person 1 is the cook at the Head Start center I work at. Her definition of culture is the way of life and the belief of your people. She said her definition of diversity is being able to adapt to different cultures and beliefs and accept those differences. She stated that diversity is made up of different cultures.

The second person that I had the opportunity to talk with is my next door neighbor. She is an elderly women who shared with me that “she thought culture was her beliefs and what her mama and papa taught her as a little girl growing up”. Her definition of diversity is “simple that we all have differences the people who look the same are different she explained no two people are alike in the world, we all are created to be different”.

The last person I asked about culture and diversity is my co-worker. She was born in Mexico and has been America for 15 years. She expressed “culture is what I was taught in my country to be educated and have a good life”. She said “my family has a very strong culture, we have traditions and believe deeply in our religion. She said “diversity to me is America”. She mention that “I came to America because it is a free country that provides opportunities for people, you can find people from all over the country in America”.

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

The aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are similar to the answers that I have received from the people I ask the question to. From gaining knowledge and understanding I learned that “a person’s cultural group is related strongly to his or her ethnicity, which reflects the place of origin and cultural background of the person’s ancestors or relatives who lives hundreds of years ago” (Derman-Sparks, 2010). Culture is much deeper and more significant that just costumes, holidays, foods and objects and things are easy to see, taste and define in everyday life” (Derman-Sparks, 2010). We all are the same but different on the outside. We should get to know other people and their culture.

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?

I did not have any omitted because they covered everything about culture. It helps me understands what is culture and diversity. I have learned a lot from the three people I interview. When you have friends that are of a different culture or have different beliefs and you spend ample amount of time with them. Their beliefs and cultures kind to affect/effect your family cultures and beliefs. I do not feel like this is wrong. We are all different with different views. 

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

I have always believed that culture plays a very important role in our lives, it influences the way we live, our view of the world, our values, our dreams, and even our fears. After reading their responses I also agree that culture is handed down or learned by observing family or society. We can choose to follow it or we can choose to follow a different culture. Diversity allows us to recognize that we are all unique and that we may share the same skills, abilities, views, believes, and behaviors.

Reference

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

My Family Culture

A description of the three items you would choose

1.   Cell Phone

2.   Family Photo Album

3.   Cash

How you would explain to others what each of these items means to you

1.   I would take my cell phone because it has everything on it. It has pictures, the bible and my contacts to keep in touch with everybody. Since I have the bible on my phone I am able to read the bible from my phone. I can use my phone to look at pictures and have memories of my family.

2.   The photo albums is dear to me because it is visual images of some the memories of the good times and places that my family and I have experienced.  I have pictures of weddings, birthday celebrations, holidays, family reunions, and even the birth of the babies in our family.  I love taking picture and sharing memories while looking back.

3.   We all know we need cash to survive. In order to survive we need money to buy the things we need.

Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you.

If I were told that I had to give up two of the items and only keep one, I think I would be sad and heartbroken but I would have to keep my cell phone. Keeping in touch with my family and friends and being able to have memories from pictures and being able to communicate is important to me. The pictures make me smile, laugh, and cry.  I can actually feel the moments and memories of the many different experiences of the love, and joy when looking at the pictures.   This would be helpful to me when I begin my new journey in another country.   

Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise.

I had a hard time picking three items but it was even harder to pick one of the three. After this exercise I gained insight that I truly love my family and even know we go through struggles and hard times I thank God that he chose these people to be in my life.  I enjoy every minute that we spend together and I look forward to making many more memories.

Until Next Time

It is hard to believe we have finished another course! We are just a few more away from earning our Master’s degree! I would like to thank Dr. Parrish for the feedback on the assignments. I have learned so much about communication, collaboration and conflict resolution. I would also like to thank my colleagues for your encouragement and comments both on the blogs and the discussion boards. Each one of you have been so positive and encouraging! I trust that I supported my colleagues by asking them questions in the discussions that had them thinking up of new answers. I hope all my colleagues the best in grasping whatever professional endeavor they are chasing. I know that you all have a bright and important future. Maybe we will meet again in another course. I hope that we can keep in touch!

Adjourning

This week we are continuing our look at teambuilding. Our question is as we have learned to be in groups what can be learned from high performing groups. When the group is high performing everybody can become independent and work independently. “The high performing team functions without oversight and them members to become independent” (Abudi, 2010). I have had many positive as well as some negative experiences when working in group projects at school and also in the work place. I think that many of the negative experiences that I had were because of a lack of communication or a misunderstanding that happened between members of the group.

I do believe that high-performing groups have been the hardest to leave for me. When we all work hard and in unity, we get to appreciate each individual and we get to appreciate them for their effort and dedication to the activity and to the group. But, I Also think that even though low-performing groups are a relief to leave, they always leave a sad feeling inside of me. I feel bad because things didn't go smoothly like I would have liked, especially if I was the main one involved in the conflict or disagreement. I don't like to feel that I failed myself or that I failed others.

During one summer, I had the opportunity to work on a project with an amazing group of individuals. After we turned in our group project, we went to the campus pub and ordered food and fine spirits and had a great time reminiscing about the weeks that we had spent together working with the children (practicum) and completing our final project.  I don't even want to think about adjourning with this great group of colleagues that I have met while working on my master's degree. Just thinking about it is making me emotional. I have learned so much from many of my colleagues. Their ideas, thoughts, and constructive advice and feedback has opened up my eyes to see things from a different perspective. Even though, I cannot literally hear them, I have learned to be a better listener and to be more aware of the messages that they were conveying when I read their posts. 

“When a group has to adjourn they will miss working with each other but have vowed to remain friends and keep in touch on a personal level” (Abudi, 2010). I do think that adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it brings closure. Like in any situation, It helps us to close that chapter and move. I also believe the graduation is how we adjourned. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it means that have ended.

Reference:

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Conflict Resolutions

One disagreement that I recently experienced was with my 14 year old daughter. Every weekend she thinks she has to go somewhere. The conflict we had was because she wanted to stay out later than her curfew. Her curfew is 9 or maybe 10 depending on who she with and what they are doing. Last week her and her friends went to the skating rink. It closes at 10 so I told her I would be to pick her up. Around 9:30 she called me asking could she go to her friend’s house and go to McDonald's. I couldn’t get her to understand that I love her and 

I am watching out for her safety. All she see is a lot of children hanging out and she think it is okay to do the stuff her friends do.

One strategy that I will do is to continue to discuss (every time she goes out) that way when I say I’m going to pick her up then that’s what I’m going to do. We will hold this discussion before she leaves so she will have that understanding. I explained to my daughter the reason why I don’t like her hanging out and I want to pick her up myself because that way I know she is safe.

“One of the 3 R’s is respect. “I will continue to talk, treat and approach her with respect because positive relationships/interactions are the foundation for future learning and relationships” (Chesire, 2007). When I asked her about our discussion, she appreciates that I always talk to her with respect and that she appreciates that I care for her well-being and that I give her a chance to share her feelings and thoughts. She also said that she understands that even though she’s a teenager now she is still my little girl and that she needs to follow the rules that I set for her because they are for her own well-being.

Reference

Chesire, N. (2007). The 3 R’s: Gateway to Infant Toddler Learning. Dimensions of Early Childhood. Volume 35, No. 3.

EDUC 6165 Week 4: Who Am I as a Communicator

For this assignment I had my mom and my daughter evaluate me. The things that surprise me was how differently my daughter saw me as a communicator. In the communication Anxiety Inventory she scored me on the low side (32) which means I would be very comfortable speaking in public and have no anxiety. I scored myself as a 53 so that means I must play it off well. I am anxious in certain situations and comfortable in others.

I think the one thing that surprised me the most was my listening style. My score revealed that I am people-oriented. I am empathetic and concerned with the emotions of others. In some way I can see that but some ways I don’t. As I get older I have learn to be empathetic. When I was younger I really didn’t listen first and was ready to say whatever came to my mind. Glad I grew up!

This week I gained insights that I have work to do to be a more effective communicator. I gain insights in understanding that I maintain a good balance between respect and consideration for other’s viewpoint. I gain insights on how to refine how I came across and state my intentions in clear and respectful ways and not let the feelings I have towards them affect my communications with them.

Week 3 Communicating and Culture

Yes I find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. I have a Spanish child in my room and he or his mom doesn’t speak English. There is an older brother in the home that can speak English. Sometimes she brings the brother to translate. I know how to speak a little Spanish but I can understand it more when someone is talking to me. So basically I can understand it better than speaking it.

My first strategy would be to communicate with all families. There are 2 translators where I work so I will make sure to get them involved so the parents will feel comfortable. I want to have confidence in being able to confront them with anything and being comfortable talking to them.

My second strategy is to have enough confidence to learn and speak Spanish. I want to have confidence to confront the families with a good-morning how are you in Spanish. My strategy would be to first learn the words that are important to them. I want to be able to communicate with the child while they are in my care. I want to be able to understand their needs and wants.

My third strategy would be to learn enough Spanish to communicate with my families even if it just simple words. I want to be able to communicate without a translator so I can get to know their culture. I want the families to feel included like all the other families.

Week 2 Communiation Skills: Language, Nonverbal, Listening

This week we were asked to watch an episode of a television show in silence and then watch the show with the sound on and the sound off. This week I decided to watch an episode of the show The Real. The Real is a panel show with 4 outspoken female host who are all going through varied life experience, which include motherhood, new marriages and experiencing the single life. This week when I watched they had Ayesha Curry on the show. From what I observed the ladies on the show seemed to enjoy talking to one another. The body language of the group was positive. I didn’t observe any eye-rolling or any folded arms that suggested any kind of animosity. When I played the recording back and then listened to the show it seemed that their body language match what was actually taking place. Before watching with sound from the body language and the facial expression I observed I assumed that the relationships were positive and they were genuinely happy to be with one another and enjoyed talking to each other. They also seemed to have positive interaction with the celebrity guests that were on the show.

EDUC 6165 Week 2 Blog

When I first looked at this assignment I knew I wanted to write about my onsite administrator. I have worked under her for several years. When she first interviewed me years ago I was amazed by her communication skills and leadership skills. When she communicated she was always calm and to the point. When she conducted staff meetings she communicated clearly so we would understand what she expected of us.

She was a great listener and very compassionate to her staff. She had an understanding of us and would be there anytime we needed to communicate. When I need someone to talk to she was very understanding. A couple weeks ago she ask me to be the back-up OSA. By her teaching me to communicate. I want to show the other teachers I can be a leader. I hope to continue learning how to communicate effectively and learn to be a great listener. I want to be an effective leader.

When I think of Research

Over the past several weeks this course has helped me gain many new insights into the world of early childhood research.This course taught me about the proper process in which to design a research study.  It allows for us to study different important topics within the field to see what positive things are helping children develop and what negative things need to be worked on.

Why is your simulation important to the field of early childhood?

My simulation is important because play can play many different roles in the classroom. Plat is natural for children to do and it is a big part of their childhood. Play is a way children express their feelings and emotions.

If you were to conduct your simulation proposal, who would benefit?

Children and their families will benefit from my stimulation. Teachers will also benefit because they will get to know the children while they play. They will be able to develop a relationship with children and their families.

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

My perception of the early childhood profession has been modified as a result of the course in that I realize that in order to fully understand children, research has to be accurate. I would like to say a big, “Thank You” to all of my colleagues and hope that you will have fun in moving forward in your endeavors.  Maybe we will be in another class together.

Research Around the World

What are some of the current international research topics?

Some the current research topics of this week five are ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa: Mission Statement, Early Childhood Australia a voice for young children and European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA).

What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?

I chose to explore Early Childhood Australia site. One new insight that I have gained from this site is the information provided about the “National Quality Standard Professional Learning Program.” The program is designed to help ECP’s (Early Childhood Professionals) meet the criteria of setting up an appropriate designed early education environment. They first help you understand the links between EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) with NQS (National Quality Standards). They offer resources to help professionals learn about appropriate environment settings as well as incorporating good practices in the classroom with learning videos, forums, social media outlets, and funding and sponsorship resources.

 What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

The supporting best practices tab offers very insight information for learning, play, feelings, behaviors, teaching, children’s rights, and developmental stages. Each topic has many subtopics that can be useful to some of my colleagues for their research simulation. For example, my research stimulation is about behavior. 

Reference:

Early Childhood Australia: A voice for young children. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Research that Benefits Children and Families- Uplifting Stories

I would do research that benefits children and families I would do how parenting has changed in recent decades. I can remember my grandparents keeping me while my parents worked. During the summer we played outside all day. We came in to eat lunch and breakfast and went right back outside. Whatever my grandma cooked for us that is what we had to eat. There was no choosing what you wanted to eat. Whatever our parents or grandparents told us to do we did it. Time like this has changed so much. Children now can do what they want to do. Its not all on the children but what the parents allow them to do. I look at the children in my classroom and when they do something wrong and we let the parents know they act like its no big deal. The children take their parents as a joke. I can say I’m going to call your mama they say go ahead I don’t care. If I got in trouble at school my parents would beat my butt. I knew better not to get in trouble or embarrass my parents. All they had to do was look at me and I knew I better straighten up.

Parents want to be their child’s friend instead of being a parent. I had my children at the age of 15 and 21. Some say it comes from children having children but I raise my children the same way my parents and grandparents raised me. I was very understanding with my children but they know when I mean business. Parents now are relaxed and lazy. They are not teaching their child structure, respect for others and themselves and the value of an education. Out of this research I want to gain knowledge to help these parents improve their parenting skills and give them the resources that they need.