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.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

                                                                                       
             

Mexico

Five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family.

1.      I would make sure diversity in integrated in my curriculum that the child could relate too.

2.      I will make sure the parents know that they can be involved in their child’s learning.

3.      I would ask the parents about concerns that they may have, and we can decide how we can addressed them.

4.      I would research the early childhood programs in Mexico.

5.I would let the parents know that they are encouraged to participate in their child’s learning.

I hope the five ways that I have chosen will help the family understand that as a teacher, I will embrace their diversity. I understand what feels is like to come somewhere and not feel comfortable. I hope my ways make the feel that they are able to be a part of our school and community. I would let them know that it is okay to get to know other children, because I understand that family comes first with them. I understand that it’s their culture to be close to each other. My ways will help me feel better, because I have done my research. I will know what to expect when I meet this child.

  

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudices, and Oppression

 

 

OPPRESSION, PREJUDICE, AND BIAS; CAN WE FIX IT?

 

I have witnessed president Obama being a person that was a part of racial prejudice four years. When he became the first black president; prejudice became real and very visible among Americans. This man has dealt with so many untrue rumors like, he is a Muslim, or he was not born in America. There were so many people that tried to break this man, because they were prejudice.

There was a reporter stated some violent attacks were happening to teachers in Minnesota public schools. The reported stated these schools were being linked to the adoption of the Obama’s “equity” policies. It stated these policies have made certain racial and ethnic groups “untouchable” when trying to use disciplinary action.

My feelings about this incident are I think it is unfair that teachers are not protected when un-rule children are involved. I do believe that something needs to be put in place. I think that when some officers are school authority figure is involved with discipline children; they should not get away with abusing, or brutally hurting them. I believe this should apply to all children.

I believe America is going to have to change to make greater equality for an issue like this one. The prejudice is going to have to be set aside when people are involved. The government and policy makers are going to have to come together and figure out what can we do to protect ourselves from children with major disciplinary problems.

 

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

             I can remember being out a couple of years ago with some friends and other associates. We were at a steak restaurant having dinner. One of my friends had a problem with her steak. I suggested that she tell the waitress so she could get her another steak. The waitress came over and she explained that she wanted her steak medium rare. The waitress apologized and took the steak back to the kitchen. I remember some of our friends staring at her like she had done something wrong. The waitress returned with another steak. This steak was pink all the way through. My friend said, "I can't eat this either. " I called the waitress back, and complained about this steak. The waitress roiled her and snatched the plate off the table. As she was walking away; I heard her say, "Black people is always trying not to pay their damn ticket!" The manager came over and I told him what she had said as she was walking off. He laughed as I was being funny, and said, "She is such a jokester!" I was very upset, and told him that I didn't see anything funny, and I wanted an apology from her, because I considered that a racist remark. The manager made her apologize, and I called their main headquarters and complained.
            First of all, I didn't know what the word microaggressions were until I saw the video this week. I see that microaggressions comes in all types of ways. This week's lesson has taught me to think before you speak. They say words cant hurt, but microaggressions can.  We should stop being prejudice, stop discriminating each other, and stereotyping one another. It is safe to ask, than assume. We all know that no one person is the same; we should embrace everyone.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Three people I talked to about their definition of culture and diversity. One person that believes in some ways  culturally different from me.

Family Member- Patricia R.-My definition of cultural is the way we stick to family rituals. The color of my skin. The beliefs that my family believe in, and our values. Our body language, the way we talk and present ourselves. Diversity is a typical ethnicity; being able to adapt to your surrounding, but don't change your identity.
Nail Tech- Tim N.- I am from China. I am a Chinese. Cultural means family. It's what we value like homes, statues, and Chinese rituals. Diversity is just being different.
Acquaintance-Rodney C. - Culture is our family history. It is sentimental things passed down through different generations. It's the way we perceive life. Most of all is the way we value family.
Diversity is looking at things or people different. Nothing is the same.

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received- what are some examples?
In this course I have learned about the definition of culture. I believe some of the people I talked to see culture the same way in some aspect. The book states that when we hear the word culture; we think about surface culture and deep culture and how certain groups of people live. For example, The Chinese believe that everyone should be under one roof. The live in packs in one house. The African American is a group that is related strongly to their ethnicity.

Which aspects have been omitted-and what are some examples of such omission?
I believe that a lot of the deep culture aspects has been omitted. For example, no one that I talked to said anything about any community connection with their culture. Education, role of children and gender roles.

In what ways has thinking about the other's people's definition of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?
I see that we all have some similarities about culture and diversity. These two topics are very broad subjects. I have learned that we respect our own beliefs and is very strongly opinionated and defensive when we speak on these subjects. After speaking to these people, I have learned to reach out and learn from other cultures, and especially dominant cultures.

My Family Culture

 

If I was told that my family and I would have to evacuate to another country where the culture is different and could only take three items; the first item that I would take would be my family's bible. The bible is made from burlap, which was passed down through many generations. Some of the pages are torn and the words are very big. This bible has gotten our family through the roughest and toughest times. My next item will be a picture of my grandmother’s mother’s mother and her family, because they were slaves. The picture reminds my family and me how close we are. The picture shows strength and love. The picture is very faded, but it states that nothing can break us down, and we can make it through anything. My last item would be a black angel. She is wearing a beige dress and her wings are spread very wide. Her eyes are like black coals. This angel reminds out family that we are always taken care of, and she is always watching the family.

I would express the meaning of these items by explaining what each item represents as a stated in my first paragraph. I would like for everyone to know that these items are the reason why our family culture is important to us. These are the items that have made our family bond stronger than life itself. If I was told that I could only keep one; it would be the family’s photograph. I would choose this item because the people in this picture have been through it all, and lost their lives for protected their families and other people as well. It was their beliefs that made them strong. It was their encouraging words that push me, built the look in their eyes in the picture, and reminds me that no one can take what I have been taught away from me.

My new insights are that I have learned from this week’s reading, that family culture is very important to everyone. It’s not the color of their skin that solely matters; it’s the way they were brought up, how they walk, how they carry themselves, body language, values, and their beliefs. I also have learned that it is okay to accept other family’s culture, cultural differences and diversity, because this is who they are. I also learned that you can learn from other cultures.

                                                                                      

When I Think Of Research

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
I have learned that research is a process and valuable steps are taken to make sure the research is valid. Research can be challenging, especially for me.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
I can honestly say my idea of doing research is questionable. I know that research can be exciting and full of questions that will keep you curious. Once underway, experiencing knowledge and confidence build (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010 pg.3).

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
Research design is simply a matter of planning (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010 pg. 103). I have learned that you need a topic before getting started. then, you need to think about who will be in the study, where you will perform the study, what will you be collecting and most importantly; how will you analyze the information that was collected.
I learned the deigning is simply stating you have options with your study and choices that will help the process. Looking into previous topics will help with explanations and help you decide what methods to use.
In early childhood research, I learned this is also thinking about what is appropriate and dealing with options and choices as well.

What are some challenges you encountered-and in what ways did you meet them?
I encountered a lot of challenges in this class. I feel that I was lost with my discussions. I struggled with getting the process going, and following the steps. Some ways I met my challenges were with the assistance of my professor; Dr. Todd, and to be honest, research is still a struggle for me.

What are some ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
It has not changed my career. I didn't know the extent of the early childhood research. I understand the importance of it. I know that I will need to learn more and familiarize myself with the definitions, and process of starting the research.

                                                                              Reference
Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S. A., Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early research:
     Perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). Ethics in Early Childhood Research.
     New York, N.Y. McGraw-Hill