What I Have Learned

The one hope I have is that I can motivate each child and their family to feel comfortable to express their needs regardless of their diverse background.

My goal is to be able to give each child and family all the necessary guidance that will be needed to educate their child from all diverse backgrounds.

I would like to thank each of my colleagues for all the support and kind remarks given to each of my blog post as well as the discussion board. 

start seeing diversity

Start Seeing Diversity: Creating Art

                                                                      “Why”

                                             Being bias can cause sorrow and hate.

                                             Being bias mean we try not to relate.

                                             Children are our future so let’s cultivate.

                                             Let’s make their future brighter and motivate.

                                             Working together is a must to make this country great!

                                                                                

Start Seeing Diversity: "We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

I once observed a 3rd grade class when one of the students made a comment that one of the T.V. personalities was gay. The teacher's response was "that is inappropriate to say". This appeared to be a wonderful "teachable moment" of anti-bias education (Sparks, Edwards, p. 32). Children can make comments that may reflect discomfort or rejection of diversity. Children at that age are eager to say what they have heard or think. I feel at that time the teacher could have asked do you know what the word gay means? At that time, a discussion regarding diversity could be presented to the class to assist with understanding diversity in various individuals.

Reference
Sparks, Edward. Anti-Bias Education.

Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

Start seeing Diversity Video” Blog: Gender, Gender identity, and Sexual Orientation

Some of the ways you notice that homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children includes books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and schools. I believe the child’s environment dictates more of the homophobia that what the world does. When children go into the stores the toys are arranged in a certain order. The boys toys are altogether and the girls are separate. We as parents sometimes do not think outside the box and think this is just for the girls and this is only for the boys.  The video “Start Seeing Diversity Video” Blog: Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation. I thought about how little boys and girls can view various toys. Children honor what they see and are taught. I think a child can play with any toy and not necessarily be label as taking on another sexual characteristic.  Early childhood centers should have a wide range of toys for all genders. Children should be able to relate to all toys if that is their chose.

 

How would you 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 would let the parent know that the center or facility is an equal opportunity employer and that would be considered discrimination. I would explain they could take it to the next chain of command if they were not pleased with the information given by me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Multimedia: "Learning from Another's Life Story"  Tina

 

Course Media: "Start Seeing Diversity: Gender"

 

Course Media: "Start Seeing Diversity: Sexual Orientation"

 

 

 

 

Professional Hopes and Goal

I hope that I will be able to influence and motivate all the staff, children and families that I will be working with in my professional quest of early childhood. I hope that I will be able to touch all diverse cultures and add a better quality of life to each and every family.

My one goal is to be successful in being able to understand and relate to all diverse cultures. I want to be able to respect and always be available to lend a listening ear for needed services to all that I may come involved with.

A very special thanks to all my peers that have been so helpful in getting needed feedback to assist me in my journey in this course!!!

Welcoming Families From Around The World

The name of my family's country of origin is South Africa.

I will prepare myself culturally by:

1. learning more about how my family operate, feel, and the way in which they live.
2. Let them realize they are individuals and human beings.
3. Communicate with cultural sensitivity.
4. Be aware of the specific needs and try to respond appropriately.
5. Allow them to plan and relate to their culture and background as as well as my own.

           I believe that all of the diversity, I have learned in this course has made me understand the importance of relating to other cultures. I will  be able to utilize the knowledge and understanding to assist my family with enrichment of my country and culture. They will also be able to enrich my knowledge of their country and culture.

The personal side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression.

 

I can remember an incident when a friend of mine was looking for housing. The individual that had the rental property stated to my friend that the house was available for rent. This was all communicated through a telephone conversation. My friend went to see the rental property and after seeing my friend was African American, she was told the property was no longer for rent. My friend later telephoned back and spoke by phone again and was told the property was available for rent. The landlord was unaware that this was the same individual that had gone to see the house. 

 This made us very aware that this property was not available to be rented to an African American. This was not an example of how equality should be.

  This is an incident to let society know that racism is still alive some of society has not adjusted to the diverse changes that should have occurred centuries ago.