An Effective Communicator

My husband is a person I think of when I think of the issue of communication. He is definitely a person that I would love to pattern my communication after. He is a kindergarten teacher but he has an undergraduate degree in advanced theology and a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling. Coupled with his formal education, Derrick is an exceptional communicator. Derrick has a personable relationship and embraces conflict in a mindful and effective way. He has a unique way of being real with people along with conveying a genuine message of concern. I would love to acquire the characteristics that he uses both professionally and personally. I know that I am going to need his expertise during this course.

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds: My hope is that I will continue to be humbled and truly carry out the virtue of humility. I pray that I utilize my God given gift to fuel my passion and carry out the vision God has for my life and His people. I hope that I never feel as if “I have arrived” and continue learning on this journey. I want to remain open and continue to teach others about diversity and share my stories relating to such. I want to ensure that I collaborate with other EC professionals in hopes to make the dream of equity and diversity, become more and more, a reality. One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice Gathering inspiration from the Diversity and Equity Work: Lessons Learned multimedia presentation, I pray that I continue to utilize resources and material useful for furthering knowledge in the field of diversity, equity and social justice. I want my learning’s to be relevant and innovative. I want to continue to stay abreast of new studies, legislations and campaigns that concern the well-being of children and families. One additional goal is to become more of an advocate, not only in my own community, but abroad. I want to form a professional and personal commradery with EC professionals around the world, devoted to the betterment of children, families and diversity. THANKS  Throughout, all of my courses, one of the most beneficial aspects is the ability to connect with my colleagues through e-mail, discussions and blogs. This integral aspect of study is paramount, in that, it allows each study the opportunity to experience subjects and issues through various viewpoints. For this, I am thankful for your insights, encouragements, thoughts, constructive criticism, prayers and overall conversation. If I do not interact with you the next term, rest assured, that I wish you nothing but the best. In closing, I would like to leave you with Janille’s most prized saying, when you know better, you do better! Be Blessed, Janille Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). Diversity and Equity Work: Lessons Learned. [Video webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Welcoming Families From Around the World Family Origin: Sudan Five culturally responsive tips: “Get to know the children and the issues that arise regularly. Are there children who are teased or marginalized? Do children engage in talk that reinforces stereotypes of gender, race, culture, or sexual orientation?” (Hyland, 2010, p. 89). “Address justice issues that are ongoing and infuse them throughout the day in discussions and the curriculum, such as whether girls and boys can play with the same toys or whether the way one person speaks is better than the way another person speaks. Take every opportunity to talk about the issues and continue to listen to children so you can offer alternative ways of seeing the world and also understand how they see the world” (Hyland, 2010, p. 89). “Take opportunities to learn from and educate families, because they can offer you new ways of interpreting children’s behavior as well as present you with opportunities to persuade them to reconsider their own assumptions” (Hyland, 2010, p. 89 ). “Be aware of your use of language concerning diversity and difference. When a child asks you if boys wear dresses, you can answer, “Some boys do.” Be careful not to reinforce hard and fast categories about the ways things should be; encourage children to see the world more broadly” (Hyland, 2010, p. 89). “Consider addressing introducing issues through a story or popular culture medium that deals with those topics. This allows children to see other perspectives besides the teacher’s” (Hyland, 2010, p. 89). These helpful tips will guide me into more culturally competent teaching and help to develop deeper attitudes of respect. “Racially identity is shaped from the outside and constructed from the inside” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 78). This statement simply states that we, as education professionals, make a huge impact in the lives of the children. Our actions influence the way in which children view themselves. Thus, I want to make the most positive impact on children and families as possible. Boutte, G. (2008). Beyond the illusion of diversity: How early childhood teachers can promote social justice. Social Studies, 99(4), 165--173. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database. Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J.O. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young People (NAEYC).

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I have several memories of incidents when I have experienced, biases, oppression and/or prejudice. One of my most vivid memories of these happenings was when I was a child and my mother, grandmother, sister and I were shopping in a jewelry store. Even though I was a child my parents and grandparents educated me on the types of biases I would experience being an African American woman. While shopping in the store, my family and I were being watched like hawks. The Asian couple that owned the store, continued to follow us and harass up if we dared to touch the merchandise or examine the products in anyway. The Asian, female, owner followed my grandmother and asked her to not try on the items. Needless to say, my grandmother was admiring a belt and putting it around her waste to estimate its size. My mother and grandmother were highly upset and expressed their oppressive feelings to the owners. The owners then commented that they have always known African Americans to be thieves and they both alleged they were just protecting their store and valuables! This specific incident marginalized the African American culture to that of a culture filled with misfits and criminals. In addition, this incident brought oppression to our culture, in that, one could feel intimidated to shop in a world that boats of the idea of freedom. It diminished the way even foreigners viewed culture and the impact media & society has regarding African Americans, abroad. This incident sparked feelings of anger, confusion and disgust. I also felt guarded by the incident vying that no one would ever disrespect me or my family in that way again. Nevertheless, I know I cannot change the world, instead I chose to press on and prove others stereotypes, wrong. So, in essence, these incidents of prejudice have made me empowered. I am empowered to reflect upon my own biases so I don’t exhibit feelings and behaviors that could marginalize any other group and/or human being. Thus, I feel that this self empowerment is exactly what’s needed to change this and many other incidents into opportunities for greater equity. Concluding, I would love to end with a quote by Louise Derman-Sparks that sheds further light upon the subjects of bias, prejudice and oppression, “Remember that every child has a home culture and every family in some ways is both different from and the same as every other family” (Edwards & Derman-Sparks, 2010, p. 67). Hence, my job now as an EC professional is to somehow guard the children from feelings/incidents of bias and oppression by being respectful and intentional of culture, life and family. Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J.O. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young People (NAEYC).

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

In conversation with my husband, I was able to pinpoint an instance when microaggression occurred. My husband and his family used to attend a well-known church in Dallas by the name of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. While attending classes at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he began conversing with one of his adult, white, male, classmate. The two were talking about the churches in which they were members of. When my husband mentioned that he belonged to OCBF, his classmate then said, that he had heard of the church and asked him was Dr. Tony Evans the pastor of OCBF? My husband replied "yes", and then the classmate proceeded to say, "That Pastor Evans, he's a smart one!" Needless to say, Pastor Tony Evans is an African American and the comment my husbands' classmate made was characterized as a microinsult. His comment was demeaning to not only my husband and his pastor but to the entire African American race. My husband's classmate was astonished at how smart African Americans could be and thus how productive they have the ability of being. In my observations of microaggresions this week, I was able to "put a face to a name'. Dr. Sue provided me with eye-opening information and I was finally able to reach a synopsis to what I have experienced most of my life. I feel as if the phenomenon of microagression is accurate and progressive. I learned so much about this topic and am eager to continue to learn more. Micoraggression, is the epitome of racism and discrimination. Dr. Sue, was correct when he characterized prejudice as presently, more covert than overt. He is doing a great job to educate those who are ignorant and oblivious of the hurt and damage they cause individuals, everyday. Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). Microaggressions in Everyday Life. [Video webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

***I spoke with three friends/colleagues of mind and gathered their views on culture and diversity. The information from these interviews/questions is as follows: Andrea (Mexican-American) 1. Definition of culture: We (Mexicans) are very family oriented and believe in helping each other. Most of us are Catholic and have a high respect for authority. We believe in teaching our children all about our heritage. Thus, my family and I travel to Mexico at least twice a year, so that my children get to experience the great culture that I observed when I was a child. In Mexico, there’s a real sense of community, families believe in helping one another. If one family needs food, another family will not hesitate to give of what they have. 2. Definition of diversity: Mexicans are very diverse. Most people think that all Mexicans are the same but some are Cuban, Spaniard, Puerto Rican, and Venezuelan. David (Haitian) 1. Definition of culture: Culture is made up of family. The family is the backbone of society. In my country my culture is very close-knit. We rely on each other. Therefore, my culture is very dependent on one another to survive. 2. Definition of diversity: In my country diversity is prominent. We are African but yet we speak Haitian Creole, English and French. Therefore we have mixture of culture and traditions which makes us very diverse. Julie (Caucasian) 1. What is culture? Socioeconomic, economic, racial, and demographics determine the culture of a person. 2. What is diversity? Diversity is recognizing and acknowledging the differences between various cultures. Reflecting on the comments and answers my friends provided on the aspects of culture and diversity, I discovered that their responses were different and complex. Complexity is a term that Janet Gonzales-Mena spoke of in the multimedia presentation, Culture and Diversity. I felt as if I gained much knowledge as I they spoke about their culture. Another important aspect Janet Gonzales-Mena spoke about was not making a prediction of a person’s culture and diversity, based on their background. For example, I assumed that ALL African men took on dominant characteristics, as associated with being the ‘men of the household’ although, after speaking with David, Africans such as himself, focus more on the family aspect of culture, instead of individualizing the men as a single entity (or main focus) of the family. My friends were very genuine in sharing their views on culture and diversity. They omitted nothing, instead were candid in sharing their experiences. Overall, I learned that culture and diversity influence the way in which children and family are viewed. In addition, I learned that children learn culture from their families and/or the people around them. Culture leads to identity, therefore, all views of culture and diversity should be embraced and children should feel confident that their culture matters! Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). Culture and Diversity [Video webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

My Family Culture

The three items I would choose would be: 1. My Bible: The bible represents a 'way of life' for me as well as my family. The Word of Guide provides for me direction and security. Thus, as Life tosses our Physical Bodies to and fro, it is the Bible, the Word of God that will NEVER waiver and continues to hold TRUE! 2. Photos: Memories make a lasting impression on the things that are truly important to me. I would gather as many photos/videos as possible in order to preserve many of the times I have had with my friends and family. 3. My Wedding Band: I have been married to my husband for 5 years and our wedding bands are much more valuable than $. The band symbolizes a never ending/interrupted unit. My husband and I are committed to a covenant made before God and it’s through strife and hard-times that we continue to be strengthened. *Although cultures, languages, families, etc. are different LOVE is the same. Inevitably, we all need Christ in our life and others to survive.