Professional Hopes and Goals

When working with children and there families my goal is to learn and grow so that my knowledge of diversity.  Learning a families background will allow me to be aware of possible beliefs and customs that could be conflicted with the lesson plans.  Caring for each child and their families is important in order for children to feel special and that being different is ok and should be thought of as a down fall rather a unique trait that makes them the special individual they are.  A goal I plan to accomplish each and everyday I am working with children is to look at each child as an individual and not judge them or their families prior to getting know them.  Assumptions can hinder the building of a strong relationship and in order to teach children that diversity is a natural part of of communities and the world around us.  A sincere thank you to my classmates for teaching me so much that I didn't know.  I truly believe that learning from another persons experience can provide knowledge that otherwise my be missed within a curriculum.   

Welcoming Families from the United Kingdom

 

Basics
Area: 243,000 sq. km. (93,000 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than Oregon.
Capital: London
Climate: Generally mild and temperate
Nationality: British
Population : 62.2 million.
Major Ethnic Groups: British, Irish, West Indian, South Asian.
Major Religions: Church of England (Anglican), Roman Catholic, Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), Muslim.
Major Languages: English, Welsh, Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic.
Education: Years compulsory--12. Attendance--nearly 100%. Literacy--99%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--4.85/1,000.
Life Expectancy --Males 76.5 yrs.; Females 81.6 yrs.; total 79.0 years.
http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/unitedkingdom/153114.htm

Based on the information retrieved from the United States Government Website.  A family moving from the United Kingdom face many challenges especially if they have children.  Moving to a country that their majority speaks English may seem familiar to some yet far from normal for others depending on their families primary language.  In regards to accommodating a families religious beliefs it is important to remember that the British population practice Anglican, Roman Catholic, or Presbyterian which are not unknown to those in the United States.  Education is very important the the British citizens and that is reflective in the high attendance and literacy rate.  There will be adjustments on the families part because it will not be familiar to them.

                                                             

Ways that we can make it easier is by
1.  Welcoming them and showing them the willingness to help them adjust
2.  Giving the children an opportunity voice their concerns and giving them adequate time to adjust. 
3.  Ask their children's' parents if there are food considerations that need to be considered when it   comes to teaching the children about holidays etc.
4.  Take the time to get to know the families
5.  Working close with families and other staff members to make the transition as smooth as possible for all involved.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

• Learning from our Countries Mistakes                                                                                                                                                                                            I was told by a classmate that one of her professors at the University of Phoenix once made a comment in the public forum that in his opinion women would never be able to compete with men in the same profession and it didn't matter what profession.  In hi opinion women should not waste the time and just stay home where they belong.  Personally it just makes me want to learn more and prove that we can anything men can do and sometimes better. As a mother it is important for my children to grow up without thinking they entitled and that it is necessary to give everyone an opportunity to learn and grow in order to better themselves and environment around them.  This made me wonder if we ever truly got past the thought that women were the lesser sex.  Even in this day in age it seems that children could grow up feeling equal.  It is going to be important that the educators teaching the children show them in the lessons we teach and by example that this is not necessary to be successful. Children follow the examples they see from their family and those in the classroom.  Teach them about our history is important but making sure that the children realize that that is what it is history.                                                       

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This weeks topic was very interest and it made me aware of what was being said around me more than usual.  The example that was brought to my attention this week was when a coworker tried to make joke about two women going down the hall but failed.  The two ladies were a little larger in stature and she said "isn't that cute a pregnant women pushing a pregnant woman in a wheelchair." Neither of the woman were actually pregnant.  My coworker assumed that since both women were a bit overweight that they were both pregnant.  She insulted both women and was told by a director that she needs to be more careful about her comments around patients.  And that women especially are self conscious about their weight and that is a topic that should not be brought up because we do not know what the person is dealing with.  This event does not fall under race, gender or any of the other topics covered this week but I feel that it could have come off as funny or insulting without the intention to hurt the women.

With the information from this week it makes me angry to know so many people do not think before opening their mouths.  And most of the time do not realized how painful comments they make could be to someone else.  I know how it feels to be different and looked at differently because of my differences.  It is very hard to watch others get hurt.  When working with children observation of the children's feelings are vital to protecting the children as much as possible.  Children are mean to each other and educators can not protect them the entire day.  This is where I feel teaching the children about differences and that no one should judge another from an early age so that they can be aware of how others can be hurt. 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The people I had the pleasure to speak with this week included my coworker who is a Jehovah's Witness. a classmate from high schools who is Mormon,  and my good friend from childhood who is African American.  The definition of culture was similar between all three; provides the foundation for a persons choice of traditions including religious ways of life. Growing from a religion that is quite different from others seen in know how it feels to be different and face diversity.  Needing to refrain from eating foods others eat without thinking growing up a Jehovah's Witness proved challenging.  Holidays also was much different because of not celebrating birthdays or Christmas like the traditional American family.  Varieties of cultural difference make up the diverse nation we call home.  Learning at an early age it is ok to be different and fitting in can be challenging but rewarding knowing that being a special individual just like God planned.  Individuals living within one country while observing different traditions and ways of facing everyday life.  


Aspects that were not mentioned in my conversations include gender, political views, and emotional differences.  These individuals could very well have political views different from myself but that is a topic I have learned can be very touchy for people.  Strong political views seem to become more apparent in the months before elections.  I am not one to get in heated arguments but it does help me appreciate our freedom of choice that so many countries do not get the same privilege.    


I have always believed that our country is very special because of the varieties of cultures that make up the diversity we see everyday. I am extremely grateful for our freedoms we enjoy and I am not judgmental of those that are different than myself because I know from experience what it feels like to not fit in because of obvious difference.  The knowledge I am gaining is allowing me to learn more about possible difference.  Knowledge is the best way to approach differences.  

My Family Culture

The three items that would represent our culture and mean the most us as a family are as follows:

1.   Our family bible because it represents our religious beliefs.  Chances are we will go to a country that has different religious views and follow the readings from their own bible for example the Quran.  As parents we want to be able to continue to teach our child the important lessons that have always been our intention as parents and in order to help us do that we need bible.  It is the basis for our beliefs and provides the foundation for our family.

2.   The American Flag that my husband hanged every morning on the front of our house.  We are extremely proud to and grateful to be Americans.  Our government may not always things that benefit everyone in our country.  Compared to other countries we are privileged to have the rights we do.  The freedom of speech and our freedom of religion are just two pieces of our country that make this a great country to live in.  We may not be able to fly it outside and broadcast our love of being American but no matter where we go it doesn't change the fact that our roots are American.  Even if we keep it in drawer out of sight we as a family know that it is there and it can provide us with the constant reminder of where we came from and how we began in the land of the free. 

3.   The photo album that has all the pictures of our family dating back to the day my husband and I got married and followed through our journey with baby pictures of all our children and all the important milestones we wanted to remember forever.  Memories are special to our family and allow us to reminisce the special times and events.  A few examples are pictures of each of our children's' Dedication Ceremonies at the church were my husband and I thank God for giving us these children but that we give them to him so he can help us guide them in the ways of the church.  The pictures following their births when they were so innocent and pure and as they grow the pictures can be shown to others so they can get a feeling for the love we have for each other as a family.  When the children grow up and question "where did I come from?" we can show them through pictures their early years and the milestones they may not remember without the reminder. 

When faced with having to choose just one our special belongings I know for a fact it will be extremely difficult to decide on just one item.  With thought and consideration we would not want to offend the people of the country that was gracious enough to take our family in we would be willing to give up our American Flag.  We as parents know where we came from and tell our children story about the great country of our origin our country.  Not know the religious views of the new country we may need to give up our bible.  Not having the bible it does not change our religious views and how we would like to raise our children as Christians that believe in God.  We can teach them the importance of prayer and how to be kind, truthful, giving, and grow into adults that know the difference between right and wrong.  Taking the bible will take away the verses we have memorized and place in our hearts.  By taking the bible they cannot take God away from us just a material item.  The item that we mean the most us as a family would be the pictures that cannot be replaced.  It provides us reminders of our life and can remind us all our milestones that might otherwise be forgotten.

The exercise really made me aware of what is truly important.  If we were to lose the material items as a result of a disaster the important thing is that my family is safe.  Without them my life would never be the same.  We can always replace memories by make new memories and we can replace material items but we cannot replace the member so f our family because they are irreplaceable. 

When I Think of Research...

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
One insight I have gained from taking this course is the true importance of research in regards to childhood development and find new innovative ways to help guide children to a productive life of learning and growing. As childhood educators our goal is to help children improve their live and the more research done can help provide effect ways of teaching that otherwise may not be thought of as options.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
I still find research a slightly confusing topic. It could be because I find it difficult to think outside the box. Although it would be nice to think of something others have not thought of before I am ok with learning from others and growing though my studies for now. Someday I hope to have the ability to take part in an important research study especially if it will allow me to help children.

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
During this research course I have learned the different parts required to successfully perform a research study. There are so many different types that I was not aware even existed. Each piece is vital and I am taking away pieces of knowledge that before did even cross my mind.

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
One of the largest challenges I was faced with was trying to understand the different terms that were present during the course. If I had a hard time understanding i had a few classmates that I could ask questions and they were able to explain the terms in a way that was easier for me to understand and comprehend. My classmates have truly helped me through this course and I cam extremely grateful for their help, knowledge and willing to help clarify things for me.