Professional Hopes and Goals....(Week 8)

Hopes…..

"We live now in a global village and we are in one single family. It’s our responsibility to bring friendship and love from all different places around the world and to live together in peace."

------Jackie Chan, Chinese Actor, Philanthropist

Goals…….

My goal for the early childhood field related to diversity is create an early childhood environment that represents a variety of cultures. Also, my goal is to train early childhood professionals on the importance of being an anti-bias teacher. The training will give them the knowledge of culture sensitivity and the understanding of social identities in children and families.

Thanks…..

Welcoming Families From Around the World..Week 7

El Salvador

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

1.  Research the gender roles in the family.

2. Learn basic words in the family’s language such as, “Hello" and "Goodbye." Also, label some important areas in the classroom of the child's native language.

 3.  Learn some home culture dynamics by home-visits with the family. Seeing the family in their natural environment can give an insight on the child's identity.

 4.  Learn their views on education since the child is starting the child care center. This will give a sense of the direction the family wants for their child educationally.

5. Learn the family’s religious belief. The family may chose not to immunize their child because of religious reason.

  



     Starting with the preparation process, this will give me a sense of culture in El Salvador. Some of the cultural identity could be a part of the family’s social identity. Children learn culture through family and friends that are pass down. Coming to the child care center, the staff can learn aspects to understand the family’s culture without judgment. For example, if the child is 2years and still being breastfed, we cannot judge the mother for her chose, it could be cultural. Also, the family may feel comfortable about their new surrounding to see how the staff is embracing their culture.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppresion.....

I BELIEVE THE MEDIA HELP SHAPES THE WAY OF THINKING OF SOCIETY….

 

Ø  This morning I was watching one of my favorite re-run TV shows, The Golden Girls. The Golden Girls is based on the lives and interactions of four older women whom have all been divorced/widowed, and are now roommates. This episode was centered on the main character Dorothy teaching a group of students that was unmotivated except for one person. An Asian man where his character was characterized to be an overachiever and out do everyone in the classroom. When Dorothy sees the difference between the students, she makes the comment to the Asian man, “We are never going to beat you people." This comment was gear towards the Asian stereotype that they are smart and will always be on top.

Ø  This example shows how the others students of other races are not as motivated as the Asian character. Also, I believe making such a generalization of the Asian student, to the non Asian students is an example of distinct bias.

Ø  Watching this is episode before this course I would have thought it was an harmless comment. Now, I feel sad for the Asian student that he was characterized in such a stereotypical way.

Ø  If the character Dorothy did not make that comment and view the Asian student’s achievement as a way to bridge the class together, this would have been an opportunity for equity.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions...(Week 4)

     As an African-American woman, I’ve always had to prove myself as an educated person. When I first moved for New Jersey to South Carolina I learn that people still judge you on their own biases and stereotypes. First I was judged for being from the North; southerner would say comments jokingly, but it wasn’t funny to me. A most recent example of microaggression is in my current profession. I’m Program Specialist for an early childhood program where I’m surrounded with colleagues of the dominant culture. Our program serves a variety of families, but the majority is American-American families. I was developing a newsletter on summer safety for children where I was addressing the need for sunscreen outsides. As the program director (Caucasian woman) reviewed the newsletter she comments, “Black people do not use sunscreen.” As African American woman, I was appalled! I immediately corrected her in an intelligent and proper matter. She felt assume and embarrassed, and I felt disrespected and offended. I looked at her differently for that point. This experience taught me that many people are judged on their own biases and stereotypes.   I’ve vowed to treat everyone the same regardless of whom they were.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture....(Week 3)

                                    Indian Store Owner…..

(Culture) My belief is that culture starts at home with family. Such praying and the way we dress in our Sari.

(Diversity) People that has different beliefs.

                                            My Sister….

(Culture) The way we are taught to do something. For example, cook certain food item and our beliefs.

(Diversity) Different type of thinking and beliefs from our own.

                   Caucasian Co-Worker (Early Childhood Professional)

(Culture) Culture starts at home where a variety things goes into developing cultural views. It is not what you see; it is what you we do.

(Diversity)  This is difference that can be embraced as a teachable moment for everyone.

Reflection…..

I like my co-worker explanation of diversity and culture. Her explanation reminded me of looking beyond the surface to culture. For example, it is not what we see, but what is deeper. Some professionals look at culture as what they see and taste. It was surprising to hear a deeper understanding.

One aspect that has been omitted is social identities that can be developed from the culture. Our cultural identity also influences how we live our other social identities (Derman and Edward, 2010).

Listening to other people definition of culture and diversity influenced me to learn more about culture and diversity to an effective early childhood professional. I think everyone needs to look at culture and diversity as a positive aspect in our society.

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….. (Week 2)

(This is my Aunt Cassandra’s Painting-“Baby Quilt”.  http://www.cassandragillens.com/index.html)

Quilt…..

My grandma has always sewed quilts as a part of her culture. The handmade quilts are a symbol of individualization and strength that our family is bonded together. For instance, a quilt is a gift my grandma gives as a wedding gift to family. The quilt will give me conform as a reminder of my family culture is still a priority in my life.

Grandma’s Holy Bible…..

My grandma’s bible has a lot of family history in it. Not only is there great knowledge of our religion, but there is a lot of my family members’ date of birth and date of death.  This is important because it is a history of my ancestors. It will remind me of my foundation and my religion.

Childhood Photo Album…..

My childhood family album means a lot to me. The pictures are family birthday parties, church events, and family gathering. Looking at the pictures would give a connection to my roots. It will remind me how important it is to be close to my family.

 

• Overall, these items give me a sense of a connection to my family culture and know important it is for me to remember how I was raise, values, and beliefs. If I had to give up 2 of my items, I would feel a little lost and broken. I would feel like I’m leaving a piece of myself behind. I would try to remain strong, but I would be hurt inside.

• As a result of this exercise, I was able to reflect on what really matters to me. It is not about money or materialistic items.  It is about items that have richer meaning, such as representing my culture and family values.



When I Think of Research……

Insights….

During this course, I learned that I can be a researcher. I understand there is a process to follow, and I’m capable to master being a researcher by following the process. Also, I learned there are a lot pieces that go into a research study. It is not just forming a question it is examining resources, such as other studies for comparison.

Ideas….

The research process should not be taken lightly. I thought research was just looking up some facts and analyzing data. I understand each piece that goes into the research project is important.

Lessons…

During this process, I’ve learn when doing an early childhood study you to have a “blueprint” before doing the study. For example, deciding if the study design will be qualitative or quantitative study. Also, understanding you have to have a process when selecting participants for the study.

Challenges….

One challenge I had is after week 2 I decided to change my research topic. After choosing my first topic, I was unsure if I could build a quality research simulation after reflecting on some articles on the topic. I made the decision, with guidance from our professor to change my topic, and was able to build a quality research simulation study.

Perceptions…

 Since going through this course, I see early childhood as a research base field. A lot of practices, curriculum, and process are based on research data. As an early childhood professional, I’ve learned research plays an enormous part in our profession because it predicts what we do.