One hope that I have about working with children and families from diverse backgrounds is that I show them with complete respect. I want them to feel welcomed and that they can trust me in helping them with their wants and needs. I want to get to know them and truly understand their goals inside and outside of the classroom and be able to provide them with additional resources if needed.
One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is that I want to teach children of differences. I want to expose them to different cultures, so they can understand instead of being scared of the unknown. I want the children to accept one another and show each other with respect and dignity.
I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your help and support through out this course. The discussion board has helped me tremendously and each one of your experiences and comments has helped me understand this material so much better and for that I do appreciate you. I want to wish you all good luck in future because each and everyone of you are special and will truly make a difference in someones life.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression
One of my all time favorite movies is Remember the Titans because it is based on true events and it shows the true struggle that one man made to make his football team see beyond color and work together as one. The story developed when segregation was still happening and blacks and whites attended separate schools, drunk from different water fountains, and was not welcome in many eating establishments.
In Alexandria, Virginia at the now desegregated T.C. Williams High School they hired a black football coach to show good faith, but truthfully they was trying to set him up to fail. His passion to bring his team together and fight the racial diversity within the school and town was powerful. He made each player get to know each other for who they are and not see them for their color. The team worked hard and they as a team over came the racial diversity and they began playing as a team. These boys became role models to the town as they seen how they came together and supported one another, but like every story their is still people how have that one tract thinking and they don't give anyone a chance that is different from them.
This movie moved me so much because it showed how people was really treated back then with the name calling, throwing things at them, making them feel unintelligent, inferior, and nasty even. My heart broke for those boys because know one deserves to be treated that way for any reason. I felt ashamed that whites acted in such behaviors. I just wished that I could take it all back, but that is impossible. The only thing we can do now is move forward.
If one man can make a difference like Coach Boone did that shows that anything is possible when you are listening to others with an open heart and giving others a chance. Believe and support each other and tremendous things can happen. This football team over came diversity during the time of a football camp and taught racial equality to their community. It only takes one to begin change.
In Alexandria, Virginia at the now desegregated T.C. Williams High School they hired a black football coach to show good faith, but truthfully they was trying to set him up to fail. His passion to bring his team together and fight the racial diversity within the school and town was powerful. He made each player get to know each other for who they are and not see them for their color. The team worked hard and they as a team over came the racial diversity and they began playing as a team. These boys became role models to the town as they seen how they came together and supported one another, but like every story their is still people how have that one tract thinking and they don't give anyone a chance that is different from them.
This movie moved me so much because it showed how people was really treated back then with the name calling, throwing things at them, making them feel unintelligent, inferior, and nasty even. My heart broke for those boys because know one deserves to be treated that way for any reason. I felt ashamed that whites acted in such behaviors. I just wished that I could take it all back, but that is impossible. The only thing we can do now is move forward.
If one man can make a difference like Coach Boone did that shows that anything is possible when you are listening to others with an open heart and giving others a chance. Believe and support each other and tremendous things can happen. This football team over came diversity during the time of a football camp and taught racial equality to their community. It only takes one to begin change.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions
Last week while at work my feelings were hurt due to some comments a girl had made regarding my weight and yes these are adults! My two assistance's and I were in my office talking about buying new uniforms for work. At my lunch time I had went out and bought some new uniforms, so I decided to show the girls. While I was holding a pair of uniform pants up another employee approached my office door and said, "Who's big pants are those." I didn't know what to say, I just looked at her and put my pants back in the bag. I just thought to myself, when did a size medium become big. This is an example of micro-insult. She intentionally approached me and put me down. This gave her power because she is smaller than me and she made me feel so bad about myself. This really hurt me because I have battled with weight my whole life and she has know idea what I have been through. My first reaction was thinking of things to say back to her, but that would only make me as low as her and I don't want that.
I have seen this week that people at times really don't realize how their words and actions hurt people. Words have so much power and they can destroy people's self-esteem and dignity. Hurtful comments and actions are hard to forget and they stay in the back of people's minds causing them to constantly judge themselves. I have also noticed that a lot of people do and say things to make themselves look and feel better. The truth is that they are jealous or have low self esteem themselves. I try to see the good in all people and try to treat people the way I would like to be treated.
I have seen this week that people at times really don't realize how their words and actions hurt people. Words have so much power and they can destroy people's self-esteem and dignity. Hurtful comments and actions are hard to forget and they stay in the back of people's minds causing them to constantly judge themselves. I have also noticed that a lot of people do and say things to make themselves look and feel better. The truth is that they are jealous or have low self esteem themselves. I try to see the good in all people and try to treat people the way I would like to be treated.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Perspectives on Diversity and Culture
The three definitions I collected are as followed:
The first definition that I collected was from Christy. She defined culture as our surroundings and the way one is brought up. She defined diversity as; each person having unique characteristics that individualize them from others.
The second definition was from Tamara. She defined culture as; how you are brought up to live in your family. Diversity was defined as; each person's differences.
The third definition was from Larry. He defined culture as family's beliefs and values and how people live and behave. Diversity was defined as; each person's unique differences.
When I asked them to define these words each on of them had a hard time defining these words. Christy said, "I have know idea how to define these words because I have never really thought about it before." Even though their definitions were short I believe they done a good job getting their meaning across to others.
~ 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.
From what I have gathered from each one's definition of culture, I believe we have studied on families beliefs and values, their surroundings, how their parent's raised them, were they live, and religion can be seen in these definition as it is a part of how families live. Their definitions relate to people's deep culture as it is relating to their values, beliefs, religion, and where they are from. To me these are important components to someone culture because it helps you become the person you are, how you carry yourself, and how respect not only yourself, but others as well.
~ Which aspects has been omitted- and what are some examples of such omissions?
Hierarchy was not mentioned, who is the boss of the family. Does the mom run the house, take care of the children, and handle the finances or does the dad go to work everyday and take care of the finances;
how is the home ran- is there rules to be followed and certain disciplinary actions for certain behaviors; is the family close or does the parent's encourage the children to do for themselves as possible; and what are their roles in the family. I believe are important issues to consider when defining your culture and diversity.
~ In what ways has thinking about other people's definitions of culture and diversity influence my own thinking about these topics?
As I talked to each of these very different and unique individuals, I seen just that "individuals." Every person in this world views the world differently and lives life to the fullest-the way they believe is the right way. God has created us with our own different unique characteristics and that is what makes us special and who we are. It is important to figure out who we truly are and be comfortable with that because if we can't accept ourselves we will never be able to accept others for who they are. This has made me realize we have to reach deep to really get to know some one and understand them because you will never truly know someone until you stop and listen to what they are saying and this all begins with respect.
The first definition that I collected was from Christy. She defined culture as our surroundings and the way one is brought up. She defined diversity as; each person having unique characteristics that individualize them from others.
The second definition was from Tamara. She defined culture as; how you are brought up to live in your family. Diversity was defined as; each person's differences.
The third definition was from Larry. He defined culture as family's beliefs and values and how people live and behave. Diversity was defined as; each person's unique differences.
When I asked them to define these words each on of them had a hard time defining these words. Christy said, "I have know idea how to define these words because I have never really thought about it before." Even though their definitions were short I believe they done a good job getting their meaning across to others.
~ 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.
From what I have gathered from each one's definition of culture, I believe we have studied on families beliefs and values, their surroundings, how their parent's raised them, were they live, and religion can be seen in these definition as it is a part of how families live. Their definitions relate to people's deep culture as it is relating to their values, beliefs, religion, and where they are from. To me these are important components to someone culture because it helps you become the person you are, how you carry yourself, and how respect not only yourself, but others as well.
~ Which aspects has been omitted- and what are some examples of such omissions?
Hierarchy was not mentioned, who is the boss of the family. Does the mom run the house, take care of the children, and handle the finances or does the dad go to work everyday and take care of the finances;
how is the home ran- is there rules to be followed and certain disciplinary actions for certain behaviors; is the family close or does the parent's encourage the children to do for themselves as possible; and what are their roles in the family. I believe are important issues to consider when defining your culture and diversity.
~ In what ways has thinking about other people's definitions of culture and diversity influence my own thinking about these topics?
As I talked to each of these very different and unique individuals, I seen just that "individuals." Every person in this world views the world differently and lives life to the fullest-the way they believe is the right way. God has created us with our own different unique characteristics and that is what makes us special and who we are. It is important to figure out who we truly are and be comfortable with that because if we can't accept ourselves we will never be able to accept others for who they are. This has made me realize we have to reach deep to really get to know some one and understand them because you will never truly know someone until you stop and listen to what they are saying and this all begins with respect.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
My Family Culture
If my family and I had to be moved to another country due to a catastrophe what three items would I take with me?
1.) My picture of a weeping angel. This picture was drawn and given to me when my younger brother was diagnosed with cancer. This picture represents our faith and strength as a family to support one another.
2.) My wedding ring because it represents the love, the trust, and commitment I have for my husband and best friend. It represents my past, present, and future that I have with him and the family we will have.
3.) My Bible I received the day I was baptised because I know having the Bible to read will give me and my family hope and faith because amazing things can happen when you have an open heart and believe.
All three of these items mean so much to me because they all represent my family and our bond. We are a close family who believes in the lord and knows that he gives us strength to make it through difficult obstacles in our lives. However, if I could only chose one item from the three it would be my Bible because the other two are just material things. Our love, faith, and memories will still be strong and we will still be together as a family. The Bible will keep our spirits lifted and remind us of how blessed and lucky we are to have each other.
This exercise has opened my eyes and made me realize how my life evolves around my family. My family is my support and my life. I have learned that not all families see this as true because they want you to be independent and do things on your own which is fine in some cases. However, my family encourages and supports each other in whatever decision they make in life just as long as we are true to ourselves. I don't believe there is a right way or wrong way to raise a family and support a family as long as there is love and respect present.
1.) My picture of a weeping angel. This picture was drawn and given to me when my younger brother was diagnosed with cancer. This picture represents our faith and strength as a family to support one another.
2.) My wedding ring because it represents the love, the trust, and commitment I have for my husband and best friend. It represents my past, present, and future that I have with him and the family we will have.
3.) My Bible I received the day I was baptised because I know having the Bible to read will give me and my family hope and faith because amazing things can happen when you have an open heart and believe.
All three of these items mean so much to me because they all represent my family and our bond. We are a close family who believes in the lord and knows that he gives us strength to make it through difficult obstacles in our lives. However, if I could only chose one item from the three it would be my Bible because the other two are just material things. Our love, faith, and memories will still be strong and we will still be together as a family. The Bible will keep our spirits lifted and remind us of how blessed and lucky we are to have each other.
This exercise has opened my eyes and made me realize how my life evolves around my family. My family is my support and my life. I have learned that not all families see this as true because they want you to be independent and do things on your own which is fine in some cases. However, my family encourages and supports each other in whatever decision they make in life just as long as we are true to ourselves. I don't believe there is a right way or wrong way to raise a family and support a family as long as there is love and respect present.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
When I Think of Research...
Some insights that I have gained about research is that is is more complex and time consuming than I could have ever imagined. I never realized all the steps and preparation it took to design a research and to use methods that best firs your study and that will help the validity of the research.
My ideas have changed about research because its not as easy as one may think. Before beginning research you have to look at the ethical concerns, the risks and benefits of the research, and remembering not to pass your own thoughts and opinions because that can cause the findings to be unreliable. A researcher has be a very open minded, organized person with great listening and observational skills because these are two of the best tools to use when conducting research.
Lessons that I have learned about planning, designing, and conducting research is that you have to pick a topic that truly interest you and makes you determined to work hard because research is a timely process. You also want to use methods that are going to help you gather the best information for your topic and without any bias. Also, you always want to be professional. Talk with the participants and explain what the purpose is and build a trust between you because that is when you get the best results.
Some challenges I came across was understanding some of the reading materials, but after using the discussion boards each week it helped me understand the material a little more. I also found forming a hypothesis to be a little difficult. My statements were always to board and that is something I need to continue to work on because research is still very tricky and one of my weak spots.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Research Around the World!!
For this blog assignment I reviewed the EECERA website at http://www.eercera.org/ which is the European Early Childhood Research Association.
The EECER is an independent, self governing, international association which promotes and disseminates multi-disciplinary research on early childhood and its applications to policy and practice. This site provides a tremendous amount of information through articles, books, and newsletter, and journal. The EECERJ journal is issued 4 times a year and it is translated in English, French, and German. The journals is an promotion and dissemination of research in the Early Childhood Education throughout Europe and beyond. I tried to review some article, but you had to be a member or pay for articles, so I was unable to read any, but they were some that I thought would be very interesting to read, such as the one on teenage pregnancy because that is a big issue where I live.
The web site also provides eUpdates which provides updated information on journals, books, conferences, and other news within a variety of areas. Also, there is an Author's Newsletter, which is very beneficial to researchers who wishes to publish work because it provides articles and other features to guide them and to establish contact with other authors.
The EECERA has a progam called the Supporting Guidance for Authors, this program helps guide authors' to publish their work, helps with writing editorials/review articles, guidance for EECEERJ referees, and guidance on research and publishing ethics.
This website is very informative and provides so much assistance and articles. This web site is very encouraging as they want to help people become published authors and to gain more insight into the field of early childhood. They also encourage communication between others to deliberate and build on ideas and interest, collaboration is a very important factor.
The EECER is an independent, self governing, international association which promotes and disseminates multi-disciplinary research on early childhood and its applications to policy and practice. This site provides a tremendous amount of information through articles, books, and newsletter, and journal. The EECERJ journal is issued 4 times a year and it is translated in English, French, and German. The journals is an promotion and dissemination of research in the Early Childhood Education throughout Europe and beyond. I tried to review some article, but you had to be a member or pay for articles, so I was unable to read any, but they were some that I thought would be very interesting to read, such as the one on teenage pregnancy because that is a big issue where I live.
The web site also provides eUpdates which provides updated information on journals, books, conferences, and other news within a variety of areas. Also, there is an Author's Newsletter, which is very beneficial to researchers who wishes to publish work because it provides articles and other features to guide them and to establish contact with other authors.
The EECERA has a progam called the Supporting Guidance for Authors, this program helps guide authors' to publish their work, helps with writing editorials/review articles, guidance for EECEERJ referees, and guidance on research and publishing ethics.
This website is very informative and provides so much assistance and articles. This web site is very encouraging as they want to help people become published authors and to gain more insight into the field of early childhood. They also encourage communication between others to deliberate and build on ideas and interest, collaboration is a very important factor.
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