Communicating

We all have to remember that communicating is what we do everyday. In the workplace, at functions in stores; we exchange information among each other. I believe the key to communication is to listen and understand that each individual is different. We all find ourselves communicating different, especially with different groups. I noticed that I speak differently at work than I do when I am with my friends. At work, I am more professionally; the language is spoken correctly and I am more attentive. When I am with my friends, I'm not under a microscope. I can be more relaxed, and my body language changes. I find my self using slang sometimes. I use more facial expressions; I'm just out of the norm.

My first strategy........I need to work on lack of focus. I am the one that is always doing more than one thing at a time. Multi-tasking when there is communication. I'm listening, but my mind is wondering. I need to be more attentive to the person that is speaking.

My second strategy....... work on being mindful of my nonverbal communication. I have to understand that each cultural is different. I need to understand that everyone has an opinion and it's important as well. This has always been a challenge for me.

My third strategy....I need to be a effective listener. I need to work on not judging and assuming. Cultural diversity is definitely in the school system. Everyone is coming from all aspect. I need to value their ideas and beliefs.

Culture, by definition, affects the majority of a group in a consistent direction; the intensity of this effect on the individual, however, is moderated by the individual's perception (Vuckovic, 2008).
                 
                                                                                  Reference
Vuckovic, A. (2008). Inter-cultural communication: A foundation of communicative action.
            Multiculture Education and Technology Journal, 2(1), 47-59.

The HAVES and the HAVENOTS

I have learned that communication comes in all shades and fashions. I have language is the key and how we use it can be effective or ineffective. I know that communication is very important, especially in the early childhood field. I love to watch ‘The Have and the Have-nots, because you can read the characters just by watching them. These characters use a lot of nonverbal communication. I see a lot of them using the channel discrepancy by using the nonverbal unintentional communication. The characters show that they have some ethnocentrism communication, because they are viewing other cultures in their own view and basically labeling the ones that they think doesn’t fit in their world. I also observed some intercultural communication challenges. While watching the show with the volume on; I saw some frustrations, dominating, aggressiveness, uncertainty and some multitasking in the communication area. I would like to let my colleagues know that nonverbal language can be tricky. Being knowledgeable about communication skills will enhance your learning. It will behoove my colleagues to learn the different characteristics for communication.

Michelle Obama......My Inspiration

Michelle Obama

When I first saw Michelle Obama speak, I thought: Wow! I said this woman reeks professionalism and eloquent. She is very knowledgeable on whatever she talks about. I have not yet seen her ponder over her words when she speaks. She stands attentively and gives direct eye contact. I really like the fact that she is very confident. She is an inspiration to all women and very inspiring. When she speaks everyone listens. I like that she speaks what is on her mind, and speaks correct English. This lady speaks and walks SUCCESS! These words that she spoke will forever stay with me. “One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.”

I chose her because she is a phenomenal woman. She is educated and has great communication skills. She is not afraid of people. She is the reason why I can speak in front of a lot people. She is a leader with awesome communication skills.

                                                                  

                                                                              

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I want to remain anti-bias. I want my families to know that everyone is unique in their own way. One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity ,and social justice is to let each child be who they are and always be a voice for my children and families. My goal is to always teach each child to be fair.

A brief note to my colleagues:

I would like to thank each and every one of my colleagues for sharing their knowledge on equity, diversity and social justice. I have learned a lot from each of you. I was glad to learn that I am not alone, and believe that we should treat our families and children fair. We all have learned not to assume. I wish each and every one of you on your road to success! Thanks for having a listening ear.

See you in the next class.