One hope I have when working with children, their families, and diversity is to ensure they are welcomed with no biases or oppressions. I would encourage families to continue with their day to day routines, home languages, and traditions, remembering to never make them feel as if they are wrong or feel guilty about it. My hope is children, families, and diversity is embraced within all schools and facilities around the world.
One professional goal I would like to set for the early childhood field would be to encourage all educators to study diversity and the importances of embracing it. I would speak to people I directly work with and discuss with them how beneficial it is to embrace diversity. I would ensure all cultures are respected and valued, and encourage the use of home languages, all while ensuring trusting relationships are being built.
This class has certainly been a difficult one for me; having to refer back to my childhood and the things I went through has been very difficult. However, by studying the numerous resources and having discussions with classmates, I have come to realize I have biases I must let go of. My past has influenced my future, and has allowed me to become a better person as well as a better educator. For that, I am thankful.
Thank you to each classmate that has read my postings and commented on them. I am thankful you all were very respectful and kind throughout this course. I pray many blessings upon each of you! Have a Merry Christmas and a great break!
Hope to "see" you all in future classes!!
Blessings,
Susan
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Welcoming Families From Around The World
The country I chose would be Russia. I know absolutely nothing about this country, and I would like to see what their traditions and cultures are.
To prepare this family for easy transition, I would do the following:
*Do my homework (research) on their cultures so I can ensure children have an easy transition and I can incorporate this culture into my classroom.
*I would prepare my students by discussing our new student's culture, as well as differences and similarities. I would show my students pictures of this child's home, and what they would be leaving behind. We would discuss how we can ensure our new student will feel loved and nurtured, and make a list (with pictures) of the things we can do. I would also make sure we had things around the classroom that this child can relate to. For example, at centers I could also label it with familiar pictures from Russia that would have the same American meaning; anything that will help this child feel little stress and more comfort.
*I would research the language of this country. I would make sure I could say a few things should this student not know English. I would make sure this student did not feel bad about not knowing English. I would help her embrace her language and feel proud of it. This will also aid me in making her cubby and locker labels, as well as any other type of label she may need to see, as well as any literature that will need to go home.
*I would schedule a time to meet with this entire family. I would welcome them into our school and my classroom; we would take a tour, show the family where everything is, as well as meet everyone in the school. This would help calm any fears or anxities about a new place. I would also ensure the family I would be available at any time.
*I would encourage the family to share their goals and expectations for their child. Since this a different country, I would want to know what their previous country's education system was like, and what type of goals it had. When we discuss this, we can come together and make a plan for their child to be successful.
With this family moving to a different country that is unknown to them can be scary as well as stressful, especially with a small child who will be attending a school they know nothing about. Hopefully, with creating a nurturing environment as well as opening those lines of communication will aid in a successful transition. For me, this would benefit me because I could embrace diversity by celebrating it within my classroom. By creating a diverse classroom, this child can feel comfortable in her new environment as well as feel proud of where she is from.
To prepare this family for easy transition, I would do the following:
*Do my homework (research) on their cultures so I can ensure children have an easy transition and I can incorporate this culture into my classroom.
*I would prepare my students by discussing our new student's culture, as well as differences and similarities. I would show my students pictures of this child's home, and what they would be leaving behind. We would discuss how we can ensure our new student will feel loved and nurtured, and make a list (with pictures) of the things we can do. I would also make sure we had things around the classroom that this child can relate to. For example, at centers I could also label it with familiar pictures from Russia that would have the same American meaning; anything that will help this child feel little stress and more comfort.
*I would research the language of this country. I would make sure I could say a few things should this student not know English. I would make sure this student did not feel bad about not knowing English. I would help her embrace her language and feel proud of it. This will also aid me in making her cubby and locker labels, as well as any other type of label she may need to see, as well as any literature that will need to go home.
*I would schedule a time to meet with this entire family. I would welcome them into our school and my classroom; we would take a tour, show the family where everything is, as well as meet everyone in the school. This would help calm any fears or anxities about a new place. I would also ensure the family I would be available at any time.
*I would encourage the family to share their goals and expectations for their child. Since this a different country, I would want to know what their previous country's education system was like, and what type of goals it had. When we discuss this, we can come together and make a plan for their child to be successful.
With this family moving to a different country that is unknown to them can be scary as well as stressful, especially with a small child who will be attending a school they know nothing about. Hopefully, with creating a nurturing environment as well as opening those lines of communication will aid in a successful transition. For me, this would benefit me because I could embrace diversity by celebrating it within my classroom. By creating a diverse classroom, this child can feel comfortable in her new environment as well as feel proud of where she is from.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression
I always refer back to my husband and the incident that happened to him in a department store. He was literally followed around once he walked in. (I believe this was because he was African American!) I, on the other hand was never given a second look. My husband just wanted to do some shopping and he felt like a criminal. He would never take anything that did not belong to him, and he was very hurt that someone would assume he was a thief because of the color of his skin. This entire incident made him feel inferior and he also thought the clerk may have felt superior to him because she was caucasian.
As my husband's wife, my first feeling was anger. I was so upset that someone would assume something because of his skin color. That should never be an issue. After I calmed down, and spoke to the lady about her actions, I actually felt empowered because I let her know what she did was racist, and she should be ashamed of herself. I felt sorry for her because she could not see past my husband's skin color to see what an amazing man he is!
I believe this lady would have to change to prevent this from happening again. However, if she was raised this way, it may not happen. There is a common saying, "You cannot teach an old dog new tricks." Sad as it is to say, many people were raised to believe things about other races, and it is has been embedded in their head for so many years that it is virtually impossible to change.
I feel very blessed to be married to a man that I love with all of my heart. I feel blessed that God sent him to me, and if someone cannot see past his skin color, that is their loss. It is so unfortunate that so many people still have this mind set. There are so many people in this world that are missing out on wonderful friendships!!
As my husband's wife, my first feeling was anger. I was so upset that someone would assume something because of his skin color. That should never be an issue. After I calmed down, and spoke to the lady about her actions, I actually felt empowered because I let her know what she did was racist, and she should be ashamed of herself. I felt sorry for her because she could not see past my husband's skin color to see what an amazing man he is!
I believe this lady would have to change to prevent this from happening again. However, if she was raised this way, it may not happen. There is a common saying, "You cannot teach an old dog new tricks." Sad as it is to say, many people were raised to believe things about other races, and it is has been embedded in their head for so many years that it is virtually impossible to change.
I feel very blessed to be married to a man that I love with all of my heart. I feel blessed that God sent him to me, and if someone cannot see past his skin color, that is their loss. It is so unfortunate that so many people still have this mind set. There are so many people in this world that are missing out on wonderful friendships!!
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