Moving Forward

I'm not going to say GOOD BYE I'll just say SEE Ya In another Course.

It has been an honor to interact with colleagues and get great feedback on the discussed topics we had. We had an amazing professor that Gave the BEST instructions and guided us through this class. Over my 8 weeks, I've learned a lot about diversity. I'm sure that ones that comes from a diverse background can share more insight about this topic with us. I'm from DOWN south and When family migrate here they don't have the proper support. My goal is to start a diverse funding for my county. I will work closely with the major or developing this funding. When families need assistant that funding will be available for them. Also, I will like to start a WE ARE NOT ALIKE but we ARE HUMANS mentor group. I think this group will help ones that are from a diverse family becomes comfortable and understanding.

Thanks everyone for interacting with me during these 8 weeks on my blogs and discussions. I wish you all nothing but the best in the next courses. We are almost to the end of the tunnel(Graduation) and I'm ready..

Creating Art of Diversity

This picture speaks a lot. It shows you that not every one is the same color, race, or sex but we are the same. We are humans that deserves repeat from each other despite if we share similarities or not.

I am Me

My skin is Brown
But that doesn't mean frown.
We are all different
n some way.
Blue, Black, green or brow
Who care?
Do you?

We Don't Say those words In Class

I have a 3 year old son and he’s playing fall ball this year. When working with children they don’t really know what not to say. My son is the only African American on the team and day one, one of his teammates told his mom that his skin is different from theirs. His mom replied very nicely and told her son” Regardless of the color of his skin, he’s human and he came to play ball”. I think the message that he got from his mom is that no matter what color a person skin is, they are still human and have feelings. The reason I say he did get something out of conversation his mom had with him is because he begin looking sad and at the end of practice he gave my son a big hug. My son was devastated behind that because he came home and asked us what’s wrong with his skin, it’s the wrong color. Sometime when he passes by the mirror he will look at his skin and frown. But I’ve talked to him over and over about his skin tone. I think that he’s really concern about is skin tone because he’s only around Americans. He go to a private school and its very few African Americans that attends his school. Another scenario that I witness was being in my classroom last year. I had a parent that only had one leg and had a dummy leg. My students would say he only has one leg, how can he walk? Or they will say his leg look scary. One student will yell and cry until that dad drops his child off sign her in and leave. He told his mom he was frightened of him because his leg doesn’t look like his leg. I try to explain to my students at the beginning of the year, NOONE IS THE SAME, WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT IN SOME WAY. What is important to remember is that all people are complex, full human beings-their disability is just one aspect of who they are(Derman- Sparks & Edwards, 2010). Children are curious and some can be frighten but as a teacher, I try and instill in my students that they have to respect each other rather they are different skin color, gender, body part different RESPECT is the key and I expect them to respect my parents the same way. Throughout my classroom , I have poster of different race, gender, and disability children so that they can be aware just in case a parent or relative comes into the classroom. We as parents has to teach our children at home that just because you think it doesn't mean say it.

Derman-Sparks, & Edwards, J.O., (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. Washington D.C. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child. I haven’t experience this and I hope that I do not have to but I fi ever experience this I would try to explain to the parent that their sexuality shouldn’t interfere with them teaching their children. When a person has a passion to do something and if loving kids their passion despite their sexuality they gone love them kids, teach them kids what they need to know and make parents proud. To me that’s a form of discrimination

If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms such as "fag," "gay," "homo," "sissy," "tom boy," or "lesbo" as an insult by a child toward another child? Or, by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred. How might these types of comments influence all children? (Note: if you have not had a personal experience, ask a family member, friend, or colleague)
I find this question interested because this happen actually Friday. We had a volunteer to visit the school and he’s a normal volunteer. He came into my class for 30 minutes to help where needed. I have older students in my class so they understand well. One particular student asked the gentleman why does his voice sound like hers. He didn’t respond to her question but he did ask her to have a seat. She wasn’t buying it. She continued to ask him questions. The last and final question was “Is you gay? He replied to that question with a simple Yes, but that doesn’t stop me from loving kids and volunteering my time thought the school. She then asked me “Why do people become gay Mrs. Allen, mom said it’s not supposed to be that way”. I replied to her that that’s just their preference. Everyone is different in their own way and people like what they like. I also explained to the student that regardless if someone is gay or not they should still be treated with the upmost respect. She asked me do I like gay people? I replied to her yes ma’am I love and like everyone. I also, explained to her that I don’t judge people and I have a gay aunt that I love dearly. This particular student is 5 years old but talks like an adult. She continued to talk about gays throughout the day and she went home and told her mom that we discussed gay people in the class. However, we did have a conference about what was discussed and why was it discussed. The remainder of the kids in the classroom didn’t understand what she was meaning when she said gay. Maybe 2/3 covered their mouths and the rest was looking around as the student talked.

Reference: L.Lyons Headstart( 2016)(My Classroom)

Thank you!

It's been a pleasure and journey interacting with colleges these last 8 weeks, however the class has come to an end. I wish everyone the best as we going into another phase of the program. Stay focus and continue to strive for greatness. Be blessed.

adjourning

I’ve been a part of a lot of groups and the hardest was when I graduated from College and no longer was undergrad so I was no longer allowed to be in my undergraduate Sorority Chapter. To leave this girls was the hardest to me because we had a bond, we had fallen outs, we handled business and we lived up to our motto “Service to all mankind”. I was the president of this Chapter and I had to turn my position over as I adjourned the group because my time had come to transition into the Graduate world. When together, we communicated very well and were respectful to watch other in all ways possible. Of course, every gathering wasn’t the greatest because we were all women, but majority was the best. Being the leader of my Sorority for that time really had a huge impact on my life and allowed me to transform from conversing with the member in the Sorority (group). My mom always said Adjourned means see you later because you will meet again. I was no longer apart of the Undergraduate world but became familiar with the Graduate world and begin seeing the ladies again.

Conflict

Sometimes we have situations and don’t think attention is needed to situations. Before school was dismissed before the summer my supervisor wanted us to clean our rooms and to stay in the building all day. I understood that because we was getting paid but it’s not what she said it’s the way she said it She got on the intercom and begin talking to us like we was kids telling us what we going to do and what we will do etc. I’m an adult and you don’t have to belittle m intelligence. I politely walked into her office and asked for an emergency meeting. I asked her what can we do to get talked to like adults instead of kids, I asked her where is the respect for her employees. She then goes on to say that she’s been having a bad day due to PMS. I’m a woman I understand that too but you can’t take your personal problems out on others. Self-control is something she said she will work out when speaking to employees. She also, apologized for being so rude to all the staff. If I wouldn’t bring it to her attention she would’ve never known that she was rude. I truly believe in RESPECT takes you a long way.

Communicator

As a communicator, I feel that you have to talk to others to get the information needed or just to get to know someone. When I was younger, I didn’t understand communication because I was shy and didn’t want to talk to others. I grew out of that quick because I never got attention from anyone. I was the smartest in my Pre-Calculus class and the teacher would always call everyone but me to answer questions out loud. I went home talk to my mom about it and we had a conference. The teacher told my mom she never calls on me because I never talks and acts as if I’m shy and doesn’t want to be bother so she didn’t bother me. One day she pulled me to the side and told me these exact words. People don’t read minds you have to communicate with ones so they can know what’s going on. She said communication isn’t hard it’s just verbally talking. After that talk it was time to begin communicating with friends, teachers etc. When I begin communicating I didn’t stop. Now that I have that experience under my belt my mom says I don’t know how to shut up now. Something that surprised me the most was all the attention I begin getting when I start communicating with other.

Communicating with others

When communicating with others from different backgrounds I do find myself communicating differently. When I’m talking with my parents of course I’m going to keep it professional and be intelligent at all times. Your presentation carry’s you a long way. When at home with friends and family, I may communicate using slang works and approaching conversations totally different.

Communication with Television

My son was watching YouTube on his iPad and I asked him could we watch it together. He replies yes mama. I asked what were we watching and he said play-dough its cool. I asked him can we turn the volume down because I’m doing a homework assignment he said yes. We sat on the couch and watch the video with the volume off. The lady and gentleman in the video was moving the play dough around and moving their hands. Of course they were talking but the volume was off. I thought to myself they giving the instructions on how to create different things with play dough. Alter monitoring without the volume, my son turned the volume up. The first thing we heard was the lady giving instructions how to make cartoon characters out of play-dough and showing different tricks switch their hand. As they continue to show tricks they will name each trick they are showing.. Before listening to them I thought they was just playing around in the play-dough and talking about when colors mixed what color you get? But my assumption was totally wrong and off. 

Communicating

Someone that I would like to discuss fir this blog is my Supervisor. The reason I chose her is because she’s a great leader, positive role, model and mentor. Moving down south I knew no one here. My supervisor was a teacher my first two years of teaching. She modeled great communication skills with her students as well as her parents. She has a demanding tone but her parents took that as she mean busy. There was always a clear line of communication with her and families. If she needed to go t a home to communicate with families she did that. She always said Mrs. Allen it’s not what you say it’s how you say it and that is true. Working with children and families we have to be mindful of how we say things. Everyone thinks differently so I make sure that my words are always professional and that my tons of voice is appropriate for parents as well as children. My supervisor inspired me to communicate with parents and gain a relationship with them.

Its Been a pleasure .....

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds (any format and any length) I hope that I’m implanting diversity fair and understanding throughout my classroom. I hope that my families are comfortable with me presenting the work diversity to my students and giving them different sceneries and examples each day. Since I’ve been in this class diversity being my main focus because it wasn’t implemented throughout the school the proper way.

One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length) One goal I plan to do is to have a teaching diversity workshop for my agency so that all teaches and well as the students can understand what diversity is and what it loos lie. For myself, I just begin getting my classroom set up into a diverse classroom and making my families feel at ease when coming into the classroom.

A brief note of thanks to your colleagues

Thank you for interacting and being in communication with me for these last past 8 weeks. It’s being a joy reading everyone post and seeing the similarity of our thoughts (Because we are educators). I wish you all nothing but the best and maybe we will be able to interact in our next few classes. GOD blesses you.

WELCOMING Families from Around the World

The name of “your” family’s country of origin

Assisting a Hispanic family of 5 from Mexico Language they speak is Spanish

At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family

I will research the family and its history

I will make sure that I have all the child records from previous schools so that I’m on the same level and not taking the child too fast.

I will begin taking second languages classes so that I’m fully equipped for the family.

I will make sure that they are comfortable with their school and the way their child is being taught.

I will make sure that I have all the materials that needed to assist this family with the transition.

A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family

I hope that these preparations are beneficial to the family because a big transition can sometimes take time. I will also make sure that the family is comfortable and that we are all on a good page and understands what’s happening. I will seek more help from colleagues to make sure that I’m fully prepared for my family and that the family is grateful got this transition.

Bias, Prejudice and oppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

I was 14/15 years old and my Boss mom came into my line to pay for her goods out of the grocery store. Well, I’m young trying to keep up with friends my age and I had my nails done. I must admit that the color was loud but it was summer time so I try and match the seasons with my nail polish. As I begin to punch the total amount of cash she gave me she stated that’s some N**** nail polish on your hand. Only N**** will wear that color on your hand. I politely said Thank you Mrs... And you have a fantastic day. I never frowned, looked sad or anything and continued on with my day. She went into the office discussed this with her son which is my manger and I heard him say Momma why would you say that to her. She looked at him and smile. Since that day, her feelings towards Black changed I think she was looking for a bad reaction but I didn’t give her satisfaction. My mom taught me to treat my elderly with the upmost respect and that’s what I do.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you? I didn’t show any feelings at the time, but when I got home tears begin to flow because I felt that I was belittled because of the color nail polish I wore. The next day my mom took me to get my nail polish changed and I wear calm and natural colors now

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity? She changed her feelings towards African Americans because she said I was very nice, respectful and has a humble spirit. She’s abut 94 years old now and every time I’m in town, I stop by that grocery store to see how she doing. It took her a while to start hugging me but now she hugs me and talks for hours.

Awareness of Microaggressions

Well, last week was our last week of Children around the World Awareness. I have different races in my class. I told one students to get me a book from the book shelve. The book that she brought back to the Circle was The Color of all Of US. The book had different shades of skin tone people on the cover. Well, I have one student that always throws rude comments about skin tone. She told the student that was sitting in front of her that her skin is the skin tone that her Maw Maw doesn’t like. He skin tone was black. The student asked her why your Maw Maw doesn’t like my skin tone. She replied she always talks about Black people and how she doesn’t like black people. Keep in mind these kids are only 4 and 5. However, the Black student told her that regardless of her skin tone GOD still loves each and every one of us the same.

At that moment after observing this conversation I immediately begin talking about being different in our own ways rather its skin tone, gender, long hair or short hair. I explained to my students that we are all different but we are all humans and we must always respect the next rather the skin tone is the same or not. During this time, I experienced racial microagression.

I realized that we have to educate our younger kids more on life and explain different things to them. I feel that if her Maw Maw would’ve explained her feelings towards blacks a little better than the student probably wouldn’t’ said that to hurt her classmate feelings.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Culture is everything we do each and every day. What we may not think is culture is considered culture. From being raised in the North I wasn't acquainted with many different cultures. Now that I've migrated to the South, I've educated myself on culture. I spoke with several different colleagues and family members over the week and they all summed culture and diversity the same definition. I composed a definition that fits each description I got this week. Culture is the way an individual lives according their families' morals and values or their own choice of living.
Diversity means a variety or an assortment.

I've learned that Culture isn't just liking something and incorporated it in your life its a life time commitment or belief. One culture and belief that I'm studying and getting familiar with his Hispanic vulture because I interact with so many Hispanic families daily. I'm also in the process of learning Spanish so for my parents that has Spanish as their primary language I will be able to interact with them by speaking Spanish to them. I think this will be amazing experience for myself as well as my families I serve daily.

My 3 items that I would love to take to another country

If I was shipped off to another country and could only take three items they would be:

One item that I would take with me that means a lot to me is a picture of my family (Husband and 2 kids). The reason I will use this as one of my items is because they mean everything to me. If I was off without my family looking at that family photo would be my motivation to keep pushing and don’t give up.

Another item I would take with me is a source of technology. As far as what kind of technology, it doesn’t matter if it’s my iPad, computer, telephone or walkie talkie. This would give me an opportunity to see what’s going on in the world through the internet. I will be able to continue to see what’s going on during this catastrophic event

One final item that I would take with me on this journey would be a bible. I would take a bible with me so that I can continue to study the word and continue to pray. I will be somewhere I knows nothing about so of course I will need prayer and the word each day. During this time, reading the bible will be my focus each and every day. I will strengthen myself with learning the bible and getting to better understand the bible.  

Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you: I would be so heartbroken but I would have to do what’s right and leave the other two items behind. They all have a special meaning to me but overall I would take my family photo because my family means the world to me.