What I Have Learned

I have learned that each child and family deserves the same opportunity at a quality education regardless of their economic status, age, culture, language, worldview, gender, or family structure. I have learned that each child is unique and each child has their own way of learning and adapting to certain situations or events. I learned that the first thing that as an educator, I must be self-aware, compassionate, understanding, supportive, anti-bias, fair, equal and respectful to every child and family (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). .

The one hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is to be able to communicate effectively, be able to help assist in adapting to a new environment and being able to meet all of the needs of each child and family.

The one goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity and social justice is to encourage and demonstrate fairness, equality and make sure that every child and family has the same opportunity at a quality education.

I would like to thank all of you for your responses, interactions and feedback during the course. I hope that we all be able to accomplish our goals and mission to ensure that every child and family receives a fair, equal and quality education.

 

Reference

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Start Seeing Diversity Blog: Creating Art

My definition of art is a picture that has meaning and tells a story. Art is something beautiful that is seen beyond the graphics. Art can send a message that is so powerful that it connects with all groups of people. Art is a demonstration of life and everything that surrounds it. Art is about respect, awareness, collaboration, diversity and people of all ages, gender, sexual orientation, family structure, language and cultural backgrounds. Art is a expression of your inner feelings, views, insights and opinions.

Creation of art that includes diversity and equality should be a expression of understanding, compassion and respect no matter what profession or our identity.

Creation of art with non traditional families

Creation of art with children from different backgrounds

Creation of art with adults in the workplace.

"We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

There was a time when my son and I were out at the mall and there were elderly people out walking. My son pointed, laughed and said “mom why is that man walking like that.” I stated to my son “that it is not nice to point and laugh at other people.” My son said “why.” I stated to my son that “you would not want someone to do that to you and that it hurts a person’s feelings when you do that.” I also told my son that he can and might walk the same way when he gets older but it does not make him any different than someone who is younger and walking tall. An example of an anti-bias educator communication towards the child and the classroom is to send a message to let the children know that we are all different but we should not be mocked, made fun of, judged, stereotyped or discriminated against just because we are different in so many ways (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010). 

Reference

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

Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

Your response to those who believe that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families.

In my opinion by respecting and understanding each person’s identity, this will help educators work better towards a positive and effective relationship with children and families. I believe that there is nothing wrong with children understanding and being aware of what makes a family. Children should have the knowledge and gain the respect of difference and non traditional families, so that they will not be bias, prejudice, stereotype or have a fear of having two parents of the same sex. If children are encouraged and surrounded by a negative voice or view of same-sex partners, than this is what the children will most likely inherit. Children should not be left in the dark of reality of the real world. Children should not be put in the middle to judge or be judged, but instead be educated on the different identities and choices that we assume as we become adults and there is nothing to be ashamed of. When there is biases in gender, children can perceive gender roles due to family structure roles, employment statuses of parents and messages received in the home (Laureate Education, Inc. 2012).

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 have heard a boy child call a girl child a “tom boy”. The boys were all playing ball and climbing trees in the park. A little girl from the neighborhood went over to the boys and just joined in. They all looked at her as if she was from another world. The older boy in the crowd called the girl a “tom boy” and stated to her that “girls don’t climb trees and play ball” and to go away. The girl replied “anybody can play ball and climb a tree and they are not all boys.” The boys insisted that she go away. The little girl walked away with her head down. It was kind of sad because they were between the ages of 5 and 6. This type of view from the boys most likely came from their family structure and gender roles in their culture. Many children adapt to their family cultural tradition and some do not. Educators should educate to children that gender does not limit a person to certain activities, jobs, social events, talents, or power. Educators can share the difference and similarities and opportunities for both genders by having group sessions, explaining, photographs, games, play, motivation and encouragement (Laureate Education, Inc. 2012). As a educator we can demonstrate that everyone should be treated equally, have a fair chance at a quality education, to promote the development of the child’s self-esteem, cognitive, social and mental skills (Derman-Sparks L., & Edwards, J.O. 2010).  

Reference 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Laureate Education, Inc. (2012). "Gender" and "Sexual Orientation". [Multimedia]. Retrieved from ttp://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6357/01/mm/sectors/index.html

 

Reflection on Communication and Collaboration

I want to thank all of my colleagues for their feedback, perspectives, honesty and collaboration. I wish everyone good luck in their career path of success with the learning, development and relationship building with children and their families. I have learned a great deal from all you and was able to reflect on what is important when it comes to communicating effectively, building a relationship, working together as team, giving respect, being self-aware, cultural aware, benefits of diversity and how to handle conflict in any situation. It was a pleasure working with all you and receiving the encouragement, motivation and passion to move on. I would like to stay in touch with all of you through email. My email is tammiemarion@bellsouth.net. I wish you all the best.

Five Stages of Team Development: Forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning

The group that was the hardest for me to leave was my team that I had trained in the emergency department. What made it so difficult and emotional was because we have always played as a team to meet our monthly and overall department goal. We joined together to help children and families in need and in distress. We all felt the effects of the parent’s pain and anxiety and came together to help ease the pain. Everyday was a new mission set out for us because we never knew what we going to get.  I led the team everyday on how to stay calm, work in a productive and fast paced environment while continuing to deliver respect and outstanding customer service.

There was really not a closing ritual but we all had breakfast, lunch and farewell party to anyone that leaves the team. However the department does choose another leader that can take on the responsibility to join a high performing group of people. I have no regrets on what I had experienced, but I believe that it was time to move on so that someone else can be successful and enjoy the strength, participation, and reward of helping a parent, family or child smile by the end of the day.

I imagine that I will adjourn the group of colleagues that I have formed while working on my master’s degree with ease and pleasure because we have all come together as a team to share ideas, give opinions and learn from each other. We all gave each other respect and understanding. Adjourning is closure but also a difficult time for departure after you have shared so much time with each other (Abudi, 2010). Adjourning is a essential stage of teamwork because it is the foundation of the beginning and end that helped contribute in bringing the team together to perform, go through the ups and down of success, demonstrating and revealing everyone’s strengths, understand, respect and work together to achieve their goals. Adjourning helps all team members involved see their purpose, explore their ideas and  at the end, to see how much of being a team can accomplish any mission or goal (Abudi, 2010). 

Reference

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

The conflict or disagreement that I have experienced was on my job with my manager. My manager would insult my work and I just started my position three months ago. My manager asked if she could speak to me, but it was not in private. My manager stated that my appeals to a insurance company was not adequate and if she was a insurance carrier that viewed my appeal that she would have threw it in the trash. My facial expression was shocking, embarrassed and hurt. I paused for a minute and then I stated to her “can I speak with you in private in regards to the issue.” When we met behind closed doors, I stated to my manager “I do not appreciate you calling me out in front of my coworkers in such a manner.” I also stated “can you show or train me in a more effective and respectful way in what verbiage should I use when sending out appeals. My manager apologized to me and stated that she did not mean to offend or disrespect me and that she would show me what verbiage to use in certain situations. The strategies that I have learned was to stay positive, when dealing with upper management do not take it personal when it comes to criticism, think before you speak, respect yourself and others, resolve conflict in a positive manner and be responsible for your own actions (NVC, 2012). These strategies are effective because there was a positive suggestion and outcome, the negative beginning of the conversation was turned around to be more effective and the tone of voice was soft and respectful. I believe that the 3 R’s of respect, responsibility and to resolve conflict was utilized in this situation. Since I was in a previous leadership role, I had the experience, professionalism and respect to know how to handle the situation in a more appropriate manner.  

Reference

The Center for Nonviolent Communication. (n.d.). Retrieved: July 23, 2012. The center for nonviolent communication. Retrieved from www.cnvc.org