Reflecting on Learning

 

My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom you work or will work is for me to have as much knowledge and information that I can so that I can create a learning experience that is beneficial and developmentally appropriate for the children I serve. I understand that a major contributing factor to this will be understanding who I am and ensuring that I am aware of any behaviors that will interfere with my success. As for the children and families I will serve, I want to ensure they have access to the best education possible. Quality, Equity and fairness are the foundation in which I base my future work in the early childhood field. Building strong and meaningful relationships with children and their families is a key factor in this process.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Professors and my colleagues for your contributions throughout this course. The feedback, words of encouragement and support has made this a positive experience. The work we will do in this field will require us to build relationships with others in the field. This experience opens the door to future relationships that will create a more meaningful learning experience for young children.   

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

This week blog assignment requires me to search information on a particular area of the world. The region I chose to focus on was Central and Eastern Europe and the common wealth of Independent states. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of about the challenges that are faced in this area and how they impact children.

When looking over the information on the website the first thing that caught my attention was the fact that so many children are dying in certain parts of this region at high rates. UNICEF and its partners are working to ensure the safety of children in eastern Ukraine, including the recent launch of a mine-risk education campaign to provide 500,000 children and their families with lifesaving information about the risks posed by landmines and explosives (UNICEF, 2011).  UNICEF is also providing psychosocial support to conflict-affected children through schools and community protection centres, reaching more than 20,000 boys and girls since the start of this year. UNICEF has provided safe drinking water to over 550,000 conflict-affected people in Donetsk and Luhansk regions (UNICEF, 2011).

The conflict in eastern Ukraine, now in its second year, has created a humanitarian crisis affecting more than 5 million people, including 1.7 million children (UNICEF, 2011).   Nearly 1.3 million people have been internally displaced from their homes and communities in Ukraine, while health and education systems in affected areas remain under severe strain (UNICEF, 2011).  This is very heartbreaking.

The next thing that caught my attention was the fact that families in this region does not have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Children from twelve countries attended a two day conference to get world leaders to listen and understand their need for these necessities. These basic necessities are a vital component to the healthy development of young children. Despite progress, many children have been left behind in the push to reach the Millennium Development Goals (UNICEF, 2011). These children represent the poorest and most vulnerable populations, and must be a priority in the post-2015 development agenda,” she said. “We emphasize the importance of involving children and young people in establishing priorities pertaining to water, sanitation, and hygiene. And, we stand committed to be active partners in achieving these goals (UNICEF, 2011).  

These basic needs are vital to the not only the future of young children but the entire world.  Clean water, sanitation and hygiene reduces the risk of disease that can be devastating to children. It also increases the chance of a good education and their chance of surviving. Without these basic necessities children are at risk for an unhealthy development. Although I thought it was a good idea to have children advocating for their rights, more adults should be involved in these efforts, a child’s voice only goes so far, their lack of training and knowledge limits their ability to be successful in their efforts. As early childhood professionals it’s our duty to be the voice for those who are not able to speak for themselves.

This research has taught me to take a closer look at myself my work and how what I do will have a major impact on children. Ii have also learned not to take anything for granted and understand that although we are far from perfect there are others who are facing major crisis.

 Reference

UNICEF (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

I am not alarmed by what I have learned about the topic of sexualization, However I am very opposed to exposing young children to it to early. Children have always been curios about sexuality, but no to the extent it has gone in recent years. Parents, family members, professionals, and care givers should protect children from any and all encounters that are not appropriate for their development. There are so many things in the media, on tv, and video games that promote sexual intent. The internet is loaded with negative stuff that young children are gaining access to.

In my personal experience with one of my own children, I have been in a situation that my child was being exposed to this. Some of the boys in his class would bring x-rated videos from home and share them with other classmates including my child. My first question was how was this happening because this was a special education class that should have been staffed enough to a close eye on what was going on. This past week I witnessed a situation where a young child became very upset about witnessing her sister kiss a boy. Another experience I have encountered was we had a young child who would touch the girls in the class inappropriately. When he was questioned about the behavior his response was he dad taught him that. The child was eventually dismissed from the program because of the behavior.

Children react or respond to situations in different ways, which is why it is important not to introduce anything to them that’s not age appropriate. They struggle to understand what is happening in the world around them and are confused and scared by the lessons they have learned. The lessons will cause serious harm to their ability to grow up and maintain a healthy attitude about their body and themselves. By studying this I have become more aware of the issues of sexualization.  Although I have always been aware of this problem, the resources sheded new light on everything that exposes children to this issue.

 

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction] So sexy so soon. The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf

My blog:

http://tlsgoodmaneducator.blogspot.com/

Blogs I relied to:

https://reneerowan.wordpress.com/

 

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

At some point in our lives we will be faced with some type of stereotyping or prejudice. How we handle it will be a reflection on our ability to work with young children and their families. I don’t have to imagine experiencing isms, they have been present in my life for many years. People react to situations and circumstances based on their knowledge about them. For many years things that are not considered normal have been labeled by society.

Being a single parent, the mother of two children with disabilities, and being a part of a culture not considered to be the dominant culture, I am very familiar with the negative behaviors and actions of others. People have formed their negative, bias behaviors and opinions based on those facts alone and not fully understand the circumstances of my situation.

Not all people can take what others perceive to be negative and use it to help create a loving and caring environment for other family structures. Being a single parent people automatically assume that I was not married not knowing my situation resulted from my husband passing. It is important to recognize that that children’s experiences in single parent families vary widely, it can be by choice or by life circumstances such as divorce or death (Derman-Sparks & Edwards 2010). My personal experiences with biases and stereotypes along with my strong passion and desire to serve young children encouraged my work in the early childhood field. Instead of allowing the opinions of others to affect me negatively, I can take what I know and have learned and use it to help create an environment that is free from stereotypes and bias behaviors.

References:

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC

Observing Communication

This week I had the opportunity to observe an adult and young children communicating. I did so in a kindergarten classroom. Observations are a great way to enhance what you understand and know about mindful communication. Knowing which communication strategies work best also strengthens your communication skills. As I watch and observe the teacher and students, I focused on how effective her communication skills were with the students.  As she responding to each child I noticed that she always called them by name. She was also very encouraging, praising them for a job well done on class work. She encouraged all students regardless of their ability level. Teacher talk is encouraging and lets children know that their teacher values their efforts and accomplishments (The Nature of Teacher Talk during Small Group Activities, 2010).

During circle time when students were working on their sight words, I noticed how she took the time to correct their grammar and words. Her interactions were so engaging the children remain focused and eager to learn. Activities incorporated in the curriculum were all explained in detail, and students were allowed to ask questions if necessary. It was obvious that each child has their own style of communicating, but she was able to incorporate different strategies that seem to work in her environment and listen to what they had to say.

Becoming an effective communicator will take much time an effort. Our choice of words is important (The Nature of Teacher Talk during Small Group Activities, 2010). Regardless of the students different styles of communication there are several strategies that foster effective communication. If done correctly, children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development are enhanced and is the foundation for learning and healthy development.

This week I have learned the importance of stepping back and listening to what children have to say. As educators, we must continually ask ourselves how we can use language for our ultimate purpose: to support children's development and learning The Nature of Teacher Talk during Small Group Activities, 2010).  Alison Stephenson says “Listening is paramount” (Stephenson, 2009). “Stepping back became a strategy that helped me listen with an openness that allowed me to hear unexpected meanings in what children shared with me” (Stephenson, 2009).

References:

The Nature of Teacher Talk during Small Group Activities. (2010). YC: Young Children, 65(1), 74-81.

Stephenson, A. (2009). Conversations with a 2-Year-Old. YC: Young Children, 64(2), 90-95.

Creating Affirming Environments

           As an early childhood professional, I know and understand the importance of ensuring that each child in my care has access to the best education possible. One of the most important aspects of providing this is to ensure the environment is welcoming and the children and their families are respected. Creating an environment that fits their needs will require strategic planning and will have to be anti-bias. Children should feel safe, nurtured, and loved and be able to develop a positive and strong concept of themselves and express empathy for others.

            As I develop my home Family Child Care Home, I want to create an environment that the children and their families can appreciate. In an effort to promote an anti-bias education I will have to include material that is diverse and anti-bias. Daily interactions and activities will be a large part of what I do, so books, dvds, puzzles, magazines, dramatic play props, and music will all represent different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Any posters, fabrics, and pictures will represent the children’s home culture.

Families will be a major part of their child’s learning experience, so I plan to include material for families as well. They will also be allowed to provide or share as much information about their families culture. In the video segment “Strategies for working with diverse children: (Laureate Education, Inc. 2011).    Welcome to an anti-bias learning community.” Adriana shows how she has a special place set up when parents first arrive to her facility that is filled with lots of information for parents and activities for children to help with separation issues. Making children and parents feel safe and welcome is very important in any setting. Family child care becomes like a second home to the children which in turn fosters community among families (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p. 54).

            Specific strategies will be necessary to support my environment. I must first be aware of my personal feelings and not allow my beliefs to interfere with my work. My environment needs to be supportive of children being able to share and discuss any differences they may observe. I must allow them to express any emotions they have and work out conflicts they may arise. When children can express their opinions, they learn from each other (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p. 53). I have to teach children to identify different stereotypes and be sensitive to others we try to portray. Incorporating family traditions is very important and will be a critical part of my environment and learning experience.

References:

 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Welcome to an anti-bias learning community. Baltimore, MD: Author

 

           

 

 

Blog Assignment: What I Have Learned

When working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds my hope is that I am able to provide them with the services that caters to their needs and create a learning environment that is welcoming to all. Children want to know that they are loved and valued, my job is to ensure they receive what they need.

One goal I have set and would like to see happen in the early childhood field that relates to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to help policy makers create a curriculum that supports the diverse needs of individuals and not focus so much on each child learning the same exact thing.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my instructor, Professor Klein and my fellow colleagues for all you feedback and information you shared in this course. It is always a great experience when you are working with others who are working toward a common goal. Sharing valuable information with each other helps us as we continue on our journey to eliminate issues of diversity, equity, and social justice.