Closing of a Class

I just want to wish everyone in my class the best as we continue on this journey. I just want to say thank you for all those stopped by my blog and made posts. Also thank you to those fellow classmates who are going through this journey with me. I appreciate your time, input, and experiences. I appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow with and from you. Thank you for the support and words of wisdom. They really have helped me through my journey. Whatever it is that this class leads you to, I hope that it helps you accomplish your dreams and know that You can make a difference. Good luck to you and may God continue to guide your steps!!

Adjourning

            When you work in a group sometimes the hardest and best times are when you say good-bye and the project is over. I see it like a job you have been working at for years. It is bitter sweet. Groups “adjourn or disband when a project or task comes to an end” (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin & Teven, 2015, p. 249.

            In the past when I have worked in a group, it was bitter sweet. I was glad it was over but am gonna miss the good things. I tend to be a bit of a control freak and want things to get done on time, etc. So as a result, I will take on more than is fair or I should as a result. And no one is gonna stop me because that means less they have to do. So really, I am hurting only myself. I am a people pleaser, so me to say no is hard. Even in my current job, I have been told that things happen to me because I allow them to. They are right, I don’t know any other way. I see it as, which battle to choose, this just isn’t one of them. And, there are worse things I could do or complain about.

            I think that groups where communication was hard, and expectations were not laid out ahead of time is easier to adjourn. Even if the expectations were laid out but not met, those groups in my opinion are not hard to leave. They do leave an impression though and are ones that you never forget but still glad that you will not be a part of it any more.

            While I enjoy working with others, but because I tend to move and leave so often, all groups really are bittersweet to me. However, the hardest pairing I have had is the one with my sister. I just recently lost her and now I am left with memories with her. At times we made a good team. In this particular case our pairing/grouping was just 2 people but when we got together we made suck an impact. I love and miss my sister a lot. When she would leave or I was the one leaving it was always hard to say goodbye. Not all groupings are work related.

            In the past when we had to have “termination rituals, or final get-togethers” (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin & Teven, 2015, p. 249), they were pot lucks, parties, or dinners. It seems like if things have to come to an end, it is best with food. I am all for that.

            As we adjourn from this master’s degree program, I hope that all my colleagues would finally meet and walk across that stage to collect our diplomas with dignity and grace. It will be a great moment to relish in our accomplishments. I did not walk across the stage when I graduated with my bachelors’ so for me personally, it will be an extra special moment. Dinner afterwards would be great too. Some kind of celebration, I hope.

            I believe that adjourning is an important part of teamwork because it is what solidifies the process. It is what gives it closure. When we don’t get that and just walk away, it could leave uncomfortable voids. However, by having adjourning and participating in a termination ritual then you know the job is done and we are free to move on with no regrets or questions.

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J.  (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Nonviolent Communication, Conflict Management & Disagreements

I am no one special. Just like many, I encounter disagreements on a daily basis. Recently I encountered a disagreement with my mom during a very stressful time in our families lives. In her way to deal with the emotion she lashed out at me and got very angry. Because it is my mom, I was very torn about how I should move forward. I have known people in the past to just cut them loose regardless of who they are. Without going into details, I will say that I am very warranted if I so choose this route, however, it is not me and goes against my beliefs. So, I have chosen to evoke the strategy of Forgiveness. It is hard. “Forgiveness does not condone, excuse, or allow me to forget their transgressions or behavior, but it does allow me to reduce the reaction I choose to engage in” (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin, & Teven, 2015, p. 235). This strategy puts me in control and still allows me to live my life in a way that pleases me. I am choosing a nonviolent conversation to have with my mom. I am sure the relationship will be different from now on. I am sorry if you cannot relate, but I ask that you do not judge my decision, especially since I have not given total details. I have always said that I love my mom and will not always like her decisions but will always love her but the last disagreement we had crossed the line way more than any of you can comprehend. Also through the third side positioning, I sympathize with how she feels and understand that her behavior is based on how she is dealing with a personal family matter, however, I am going through it too, and as a way to collaborate with my mom, I will do what I can when and how I want to from now on (The Third Side, (n.d.). This may not please her but I have to do what pleases me.

          I have shared this situation with several people to include colleagues I trust and admire. They are in disbelief but understand my positioning. They also agree with my decision. I don’t want to stop communicating with my mom but see that I first have to forgive, perhaps walk away like a timeout, but still can communicate but in my time and terms. This is a hard decision for anyone to make. Emotions are high and can play into my decision. I have consulted several people as to what my path should be and this seems to be the best solution for my mind, spirit, soul, and emotions.

          When we disagree, we should take time to reflect, consult with someone and just talk it out with someone else. Their insight and outside perspective can be very helpful as to what should be your next step. I am glad that I have supportive people around me to help, cause I know if I had to make this decision alone it could be bad, wrong and regrettable. Nonviolent conversations are great but if emotions take over, it could no longer result in nonviolent. While we would all like to make compromises sometimes the opportunities are not always there. In every situation, the best solutions may not be the same each time.

References:

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

The Third Side. (n.d.). The third side. Retrieved from http://thirdside.williamury.com/

My Communication Style

I was so nervous to have people evaluate me. The people I chose were my sister and my husband. I do understand that this is very necessary for me to see how people see and understand me. Once I got over the initial shock and uncomfortably I just accepted it. Finally, when I went through the information, it wasn’t so bad. My husband is the person I am with the most. He sees me on a daily basis, through good and bad. However, my sister knew of me in my less popular days of my past and some days in my present, however she knows my character overall. I am her older sister by quite a few years so I want to lead by example for her.

            Based on the information, in the area of communication anxiety, both my sister and husband rated me low. I gave myself a higher rating but only to the next level which is mild. This tells me that others think I have less communication anxiety than I think of myself. This gives me confidence though.

            Finally, for listening, we all agreed that I am a people oriented person. I even knew this, so this was not surprising to me. I want others to be comfortable. The description is true of my character too. I definitely trust people more than I should. I leave myself open to get hurt, but I can promise you it only happens once.

        Both of these have taught me to incorporate them in my professional and personal life. I see that I use them, great things will come when it comes to communication. I need that help, honestly. Communication is so important in both areas of life.

            This week, I remembered that our appearance tells others a lot about ourselves. We know that but this week I learned really what they could be saying and why. I found it interesting and gave me lessons for the future and life. I will definitely be sharing this with others to include my children. 

Cultural Communication

Just like our families make us who we are, so does the culture. And because of culture, it affects the way we communicate. I have been told that I communicate with people differently. I have experienced many cultures in my lifetime. I have seen people who do not share the same culture and try to communicate with each other, it is very interesting and then I reflect on how I communicate with others and I do the same. My mother is Korean, and my family always know when I talk to her because my words are broken etc. My mother has lived in this country my whole life, so her understanding of the English language is good but I still communicate this way so that she understands. I look like and idot in retrospect, but I continue to do this. Even I when I lived in other countries, this was habit. I thought I was doing well and being offensive, but through my studies of people and communication I see it differently now.

        One of the things that I have learned this week is about culture myopia. I originally thought this was about being prejudice or discriminatory, however after further understanding I see that it is not really that, it is just someone who has lived a certain way or lifestyle and see someone who does not relate in the same way and don’t consider or accept their way suffers from cultural myopia. I shows that people live differently, it makes us a great melting pot. It is so hard when others don’t accept or find others relevant. It makes them narrow minded, and gives others the perception that they think their way is the only way.

Another thing that   learned this week was about the Platinum Rule. Yes, we should treat others the way we would like to be treated, however not everyone wants the same thing you do in life or period. So, in retrospect this theory cannot be applied to everyone. However, according to the Platinum rule, treating others how they want to be treated sounds better for the other person. Now, this skill requires a little more insight and investigation on the other person to know how to treat them. I see this applying more to people you know as oppose to strangers. For example, I know friends who want flowers, where I do not want flowers. So, to give them flowers knowing I don’t like them caters to their wants as opposed to mine. It did require me to get to know them but it will have great rewards in the end.

        Finally, the last thing I gained insight on this week was the information on the “Generational Characteristics” (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011, p. 92). I did not know that my generation has great insight to my interpersonal communication skills. I kinda of agree with what my generations says about me, however, I do not always do what the majority of people do. I see that the values for each generation seem to be right and very interesting to see people I know who fit into those generations and make some sense of them. In all honesty I like to see things like this, it always gives me more insight to myself, friends, family and others I know.

References:

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon

Episode Analysis-Communication Understanding

For my latest assignment I had to watch a television show with the sound off.
Back in the day I loved Judge Judy. It just so happened to come on again on my day off, so I chose this. I don’t get to watch it anymore and haven’t seen it in years.

Based on what I have learned this week, through communication, without any sound. It was an interesting experience. I had to use what I knew about communication to watch it without sound. I had to rely heavily on my other senses. I could read a little bit of their lips but mostly what I got from the episode was body language, facial expressions and facial expressions from audience members. Their behaviors told me a lot of what was going on even though I could not hear anything. I did witness deception. An “attempt to convince others of something that is false” (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin, & Teven, 2015, p. 99). There was a lot of gestures and body movements that was evidence. These things may not have been picked up if there were sound, but since I had no sound I had to rely on these types of movements and gestures to gain some kind of understanding. Previously, I understood facial expressions but never knew of “oculesics.” “Oculesics is the study of the use of eyes to communicate” (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin, & Teven, 2015, p. 104).

          Because of the type of show it is, the relationship is parents of a young child, daughter. They are not together. Based on what I saw, and how they perceived to be communicating, they are upset with each other and felt the need to bring things to court because they could not verbally communicate civilly with each other.

          Based on their facial expressions, body movements, and gestures, I would say the feeling of the people involved to include Judge Judy was aggravated, irritated, lying, disgust, astonishment, and agreement and times

          After watching the episode with sound, I got more clarity. I watched it differently because I had sound. The emotions, gestures, and facial expressions were different to me watching this episode. Before I heard any sound I had already made a impression of the characters, and after the sound was introduced made my feelings stronger about them. The sound just heightened my opinions. Nonverbal communication gave me an insight, but verbal brought it all home and could have made things worse. The gestures and facial expressions made more sense to the words.

Watching it this way is like watching something for the second time and getting something every time. It could be things you missed when you watched it the first time. I think this is true for even things you have seen before. I have seen movies or shows once and then watch a rerun and see things differently a second time. My eyes are more wide open because I already know what’s going to happen. 

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Competent Communication

Competent Communication

          When I think of someone who exhibits competent communication, I think of my previous boss. I really did learn a lot from her. She taught me a few things about communicating as well. She opened my mind and gave me ideas about communicating with others. I had to learn that it is not a one-way street. I also learned that if I wanted to get someone to do something I had to understand them, listen to them and communicate things in a certain way to them. I learned that you cannot communicate the same way with every person. Not everyone receives information the same way and therefore communication is individual. I also learned that wording is huge when it comes to communication. How you ask someone things or tell them things is so important. With that being said, the words we use is so important. Something that I have learned through my course of studies, when writing papers, wording is key too. So, I feel as though, this little bit of information may be minor to others but is huge to me cause of how much it has been drilled in lately. I have been taught a lot from my previous boss and definitely will be using what I have learned from her when it comes to communication. It proved to be effective when I used it before. It makes lots of sense when you look at it. It has worked, and I have changed how I communicate. I know though that I have more to learn and use when it comes to communicating. I am actually excited about taking my new course in communication. 

Professional Hopes and Goals

Through the course of Perspective Diversity and Equity I have learned soooo much on the subject that I feel like I can love, appreciate and respect more cultures and support all of our equality.

One hope that I have as I continue my work with children and their families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I do not want to unintentionally insult them. I want to respect and validate them. I want to get to know them better. I find the differences better. In the past, while I liked the past, I would unintentionally make comments or try to correct things that I saw them doing that was different. Now I want to embrace that, encourage it, and validate the differences. Just because a family's culture is different from the dominant culture does not mean I can not support them/that. I want them to know that we all matter.

A goal that I have set for the early childhood field that is related to the issue of diversity, equity, and social justice is to validate all cultures. We matter. I want to spread to others what I have learned about Diversity through this class so that other colleagues who did not have the opportunity to take this course still have the opportunity to be educated and not unintentionally insult another person who is not like ourselves and finally and probably most important, identify our own social identities. We must first know who we are before we can tackle someone else, especially children and their families.

Finally, I want to thank all of my colleagues and fellow classmates who have helped me grow through this process. I have really learned a lot about diversity, equity, social justice, and myself. Your input and feedback was valuable. I know that I am not in this journey alone, so again I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Good luck to us all.! :)

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I am one of the managers at a child development center serving our military families. A new family has just arrived and is inquiring about putting their child into our program. However, they are from India. First I will give them a tour of our facility and tell them about what we do hear and what our goals and what our mission statement is.

I plan to be culturally responsive to them by using:

1.   I plan to first and foremost hear and listen to any concerns that they may have with their child in our program.
2.   I will be observant (but not judgmental) to their ways and behaviors.
3.  I will not judge and tell them what the dominant culture does as oppose to what I see them doing.
4. I will ask if there are any ways for us to incorporate their culture into our program to help with their child’s transition and for us to gain a better understanding of them. Our goal is to know them as a whole family better.
5. I will speak to them slowly and clearly, because I have a tendency to speak fast so many do not understand what I am saying.

By doing all these things I am hoping that our family feels welcomed. I want to take away the barriers as much as possible between the center/teachers and the family. I want the family at any time they have a problem, concerns, or even praise to come to any of staff or leadership. If the family wants to stop in and watch or participate, I want them to do so without any conflicts. I want them to feel as a integral part of their child’s learning and development. It is my goal that we do this as a team (the parents and program) when it comes to raising this/any child.

The Personal side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I would love to say that I have never experienced bias, prejudice or oppression, however I live in reality and in America. I am an Ethnic female living in predominant white male America; so I have experienced one to all the above actions. By now, as much as I have experienced these incidents it is almost like second nature and at times things that I shrug off. While that is terrible to think of I have learned that you have to choose your battles. And many times this is not one of them. These happen to much that I cannot say that these types of behaviors will ever stop.

An incident that hurt me most but I had to move on if I were to ever be better, was at work. I had a boss who turned to me for everything and appreciated that I was great at my job, however when it came to promotion and moving up, they over looked me and hired someone else for the job. Not only that but asked me to train that person, everything I knew. It did come up that the new person could not do the job as well as I did and never did I get the credit I deserve and when things went wrong, I was the one, they called to clean it up. I had to leave because I was never appreciated and felt like I was only kept at the bottom. This was done in a small town. I was not from that town and I was treated like that. The small town was in Idaho, mostly made up of farmers, etc. I am an ethnic minority not from Idaho and was only brought there because of my husband’s career. I was treated like a second-class citizen. It hurt and I could not continue on. So, in the end, I left. I loved my job, but I did not fit in so I left and moved on to better things.

        With this particular incident there was no equity. They was a clear action of favoritism. I cannot say that it is something that is new to me. I have seen it time and time again. It is not what you know that shines through but who you know that outweighs anything else. In comparison on standards, if I and the new lady stood side by side just on qualifications alone, she would not compare. All she had going for her is that she was from the small town and graduated from the school years previously. I on the other hand had college education, and experience in the job, but we saw who won. A true testament to inequality.

        I learned a lot from this experience. I loved my job and have had to take a break from teaching but it is still in my heart. I am not as hurt as I was in the beginning only because I don’t like to hold on to things because I know that the only person this hurts is me. I can probably guess 100% that my old boss sleeps well at night and is not thinking about me. In the end I don’t like to hold grudges I need to be free from things so that I can have blessings in my life.

        Because of the small town mentality, I don’t forsee and equality happening here. But if there was, that mind-frame has to change. We need to offer opportunities to those that deserve based on qualifications. When promises are made, things need to be honored. 

Practicing Awareness of Microaggression

Practicing Awareness of Microaggression

While I have faced many racial injustices in my life I never quite knew the name for it. This week I finally was able to get a name to the injustices I faced my whole entire life. However, while I got this new discovery I also learned a lot about myself in regarding microaggression. While I receive it many times, I also have discovered that I too have delivered racial microaggression to others. And like those, I never meant any harm, I may even have said things as a combat to my own dealings, no matter the reason, it is all wrong and we need to treat each other better.

As I started a new job, I knew people were going to try to get to know me better but not know just how to ask really how to do that, thus resulting in the microaggression. I just wish that in many times we would ask or say what we meant without having to get all politically correct or such. I think that if we did this it would/could make life easier. I really hate all the footing around the things we really want to know. In a time like now, if you have a problem with my perfect English, or confused by the way I look and sound then you are living in the wrong era. Many countries come from the United States of America now. In a way and this may be sad, but I wished I lived overseas again. Things were easier and better to be an American in another country. There is was an American. I did face the same racial microaggressions but never to the same magnitude as I do living in the United States.

One thing I have learned about Microaggression from Dr. Gerald Wing Sue is that “microaggression is really from the perspective of the recipient. That person really does take on the burden of interpretation.” (Laureate Education, (2011). I guess if I am not offended that it isn’t offensive. However, I don’t think that I should stop feeling offended but may be not everyone is trying to offend me is what I should be thinking instead.  

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Perspecitve on Diversity and Culture

Because of the greatness of diversity, we all interpret and understand things differently and that is ok. I had ask 3 different people what culture was and what diversity was based on their own understanding of the word. These individuals are family and friends. Each of different in our own rights but we all share similarities. I would not let them look it up because I wanted their raw interpretations. As a result, I found that culture and diversity means something different to them all. I don’t know however if that is a good thing or a bad thing because it is very important. My first interpretation of the answers is that we are so ignorant to each other. We choose what we like about someone and go with that.

Based on the answers I got in summary, culture is understood as a group of people that associate themselves with likeness similar to language, social behavior, habits, etc. Diversity was understood as the variety in people based on their culture, race, religion, beliefs, etc.

Since I have been studying these things in my current course I have come to understood culture as what a person associates themselves with. Through social identities, we gather and associate ourselves with others with similarities. Culture is the language we speak, race, religion, etc.

One thing that gets overlooked when it comes to culture is that culture can often represent things that we don’t see on the outside and can be judged on based on first impressions like, interests and likes or desires.

Based on what I have now learned and seen what others believe culture and diversity to be, this only strengthens my knowledge and thinking to be true that we are uniquely divine creatures who just happen to be different and similar all at the same time. Our differences are what makes us interesting and unique. I am intrigued when I come across someone who is not like myself. I want to learn and understand them more; find the similarities and build from that. I have lived around the world for 14.5 years and loved it. I was a foreigner in those lands but really got to learn so much from others. I appreciate our differences. I don't want to create more like me. I don't want uniformity from people. Just because someone is different is not wrong. I don't try to push my thoughts, ideas, or behaviors on them. Instead I would like to share them and then have them share them with me. This is why I have learned to make so many great dishes from all around the world. 

My Family Culture

My Family Culture:

Based on a scenario I was given for my “Perspective on Diversity & Equity” course here is what I have come up with. First the scenario is:

                A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of my country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. My immediate family and I are among survivors of this catastrophic event. However, I have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. I am told that my host country’s culture is completely different from my own, and that I might have to stay there permanently. I am further told, in addition to one change of clothes, I can only take 3 small items with me. I need to take 3 items that I hold dear and that represent my family culture.

                Now that the background has been laid out and told, here is my response. This assignment was a big struggle for me. I have learned that many different cultures make me who I am. While there are a lot of things I want to take, these particular items bring out culture for me. After much thought, the 3 items I have chosen to take with me is:

·         Camera- To share, take, make, and express our memories. I want to capture everything.

·         Rice Pot- My Asian side cannot live without rice. While I can make rice on the stove, it is not my specialty. (lol). My family loves rice.

·         Rings/Jewelry- Rings have been passed down from parent to child in my family. The rings represent something that the person wore and valued and them passed down to be treasured and shared with another generation. Rings have been passed down to incoming family members as a symbol as well.

Upon arrival, I was told that I could only keep one personal item and had to give up the other two, I would keep the rings. They have unpriced value. In a way, they cannot be replaced while I can and hope to buy a new camera or new rice pot. The rings have a story and history associated with each one and therefore cannot be replaced or have a price put on them.

Through this exercise I learned that this was very hard. I even tried to get help from family members and they struggled greatly. This taught me that I am a very complex, diverse individual who does not have one item to represent me or my culture. I don’t know if that is good or bad. As I continue on with this course I will continue to think of these items or even ones that I would take instead. This is a great question, I will have to share with colleagues. I hope that it will open their eyes to themselves and their culture or the ones all around us that we at times take for granted. This exercise really did show me how different we are. I don’t think it is a bad thing. I have lived all around the world and have loved the experience and can’t wait to do it again. However, this time I will have a different perspective on it because of this course. I will appreciate it all.

                                                                     

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When I think of Research....

As I type and post my last blog for this class, EDUC-6163 Building Research Competencies, I want to thank my classmates/colleagues for their support and feedback. Your guys have helped me on my path of growth and knowledge for Early Childhood.

I have gained quite a bit of insights about research from this course. I know that there is so much to consider when doing a research project. It is much more than a scientific question, where you have a hypothesis, test, results, etc. While those things are included, doing a thorough research concerning children is so much more. You must take ethics into consideration and doing the right thing, while not violating any rights, rules, or common sense.

From the beginning of this course it is no secret that I did not like the thought of research. It made me cringed because I knew what it would take to complete this course, and it would be some work. I hated to read others research to gain support for my own research. However, after I the first few weeks of complaining I made a decision not to complain anymore and do it and look at things positively from that point on; and I must say it, worked. I have a different approach of looking a research now.

When it comes to conducting research, I learned a lot and everything I now know about planning, designing, and how to conduct research. None of it is easy but in the long run, the benefits outweigh the struggle or pain. I learned just because you have an idea you want to research, there is so much more that goes into it like, design. You must decide if you want to use a quantitative, qualitative, or even mixed method research design to say the least of the things I learned.

This whole research was a challenge for me. I did not want to do it, but now my thoughts are different. The biggest challenge I had was to come up with a research topic. I did not know what I wanted to know more of, but now that I have a topic, I am very happy with the topic. It is something that will benefit my family and other children.

Finally, I feel that because of this class my thoughts on what early childhood professionals do is so important. This just fortified my thoughts about them regarding how important they really are. This also just proves that they need to be seen and taken more seriously and looked at as professionals. I don’t know many professionals who are capable of writing quality research papers. It makes me continue to wonder when we are going to be perceived differently and get what we really deserve? Who else is agreement with me? What all do we deserve?

Research Around the World

This week I was pleased to look at International Childhood Development. I had several choices. They were:

1. Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

2. Early Childhood Australia

3. European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA).

I actually needed to choose one and explore it. However, I was thoroughly intrigued and decided to check them all out. And, I must say, I was very impressed and glad to see that globally we are trying to make a difference in children's lives. I am very pleased to see that globally we understand and know that Children are our Future. We must develop them and develop them well. 

As I looked through these websites Early Childhood Australia and The European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) stood out to me because they places I have seen children excel and had a first hand look at children's development first hand. I lived in Europe for 6+ years and although Australia and England have differences, they have many similarities too. 

As I looked through both of these websites it was hard to find what research topic each were concerned about. However, after digging I discovered that both were concerned and touched quite a bit on collaboration. I agree and have seen it more relevant in my studies that those who work in the Childhood field must work with families and parents of the child. I have always heard it growing up but since getting into my studies further I see a stressed emphasis on the subject. For good reason too. It is key and very important to the growth and development of a child. If everyone is on board for the child and on the same page then it leaves out confusion for the child. I think that children have enough to get through without the people who mean the most to them are always on opposite ends for the child. I feel that as Americans we firmly believe that however, the actions do not always line up with the words.

Things that were new and interesting for me after exploring the websites was that as the assignment points out " Early Childhood Australia is very similar to our NAEYC, there are many useful resources. I liked how user friendly it was. The website was packed with lots of useful information. I love to see how things are done in another country. I love it when the outcome always benefits the children and their families. I love that we are all trying to be helpful. I also like how the website offers way to use technology. I like that it is trying to stay with or ahead of times. I feel that being current makes you more understanding to the readers and relate-able.  It just gives another opportunity to stay connected. In the EECERA website it was great to see journals and an option to write in the journal. I love that I can be a part of it and write something useful and helpful. I liked that especially and found that interesting. 

The most noteworthy information I am walking away with from exploring these websites is that in the website titled Early Childhood Australia, it gives an opportunity for additional training's with modules, etc. It also has a tab for Leadership. I like how it wants us all to be better at what we do and offers resources. It really leaves little for excuses. 


http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/   


http://www.eecera.org/ 

I feel that you should check them out. I know you will not be disappointed.

Uplifting Story-Research that Benefits Children & Families

In my line of work I come to rely on the research that affects children. I don't any children who have participated in research specifically. I will honestly say that I may be willing to participate in research for children based on what it is for and why. I will only consider research as long as I don't have to give my children any types of medication. It is one thing to expose myself *(which I have) but to do it to my children is another matter.
However, in my everyday use, I depend on articles and research for things like biting and other matters of growth development affecting young children. I have conferences with parents and other teachers to deal with issue. I even print out things for those that are visual learners so they can understand what is happening. I then try to come up with a solution or plan of action as a team. I believe that without this research or information we wouldn't have the solutions we do. In these cases I appreciate the research that was done. I do not believe that harm came to the children. Well, maybe a slight harm, like another child may get bitten. In this case it is understandable. Not nice but an understandable risk. I can't believe that I am saying that. However, when looking at it this way I see it.

My Personal Research Journey

 I am now taking a research class. I really don't know how I feel about it. At first I was intimidated and looking forward to it. Now that I have had a chance to get my feet wet; I am less intimidated, still not excited yet. I have though decided on a research topic. It is one that I am very excited to learn more about and enlighten others on too. The subject is on ADHD. I want to better understand children with ADHD and how we as educators can help them succeed.

When I first was told I had to have a subject to research, there was nothing that immediately jumped out at me. Not until I later read a post by a fellow student did I then realize I wanted to learn more on ADHD. I have a child who has ADHD and have struggled for teachers who generally want to help her succeed and do so. I have experienced that saying and doing are very different things. I also feel that they may have wanted to but did not really know how to. What works for one child may not work for another; I mean strategies. Well, the process of narrowing down the subject to subtopics has been challenging for me. I want to do it exactly the way the teacher/professor wants, and I seem to be struggling  with that too. Unfortunately, this process is not easy for me. I have too much freedom. I am a person who needs you to tell things. After all, I grew up in the military environment and am still heavily involved as military spouse. Where some may like the freedom, I find it overwhelming. However, just like all things in my life, I will accept the challenge and move forward. I do like the learning process. Even though I may not like it, I am learning things outside my comfort level meaning this will give me opportunities to grow. I believe that the first step moving forward is to change my perception of this whole thing. I need to look at it more positively instead of so negatively. From today, I will make that pact; only positive thoughts about this research. After all, in the end I will have learnt something new that will help me, my child, and my colleagues.

As I learned how to understand research articles, I found it helpful. Using the chart was also helpful to breakdown an article and then go back and see exactly what it was saying in a way that I could understand. In the end, it was helpful.

From your perspectives, do you have any advice for me? How is your process going? I can use all the help and advice I can get.

TIA

Final Review of Issues and Trends in Early Childhood

Learning about all aspects that affect Early Childhood is important. With the good comes the bad and you have to accept all aspects of the field. Three things that I can say that are consequences to learning about the International field of Early Childhood for a professional and personal stand point is:

• Globally, we have things to overcome in the field of Early Childhood, not just in our own back yard.
• Overseas do not have the same resources financially that we do here. So we must pay to help those in need. It could be costly at our own expense. The rewards could be great but comes with a price.
• Finally, I feel like we have not made much head way in the progress of Early Childhood if the conditions are so widespread. The problems and issues seem so great. It is a little disheartening. I am truly sad. I wish, pray, and hope for an end to the suffering children are faced with. 

One goal that I have for the International field of Early Childhood is that we continue to press forward for improvements in the lives of these little heroes. I say heroes, because they are overcoming great odds. We need to continue to bring awareness of this issue. Jerry Lee Lewis use to have telethons. Perhaps that's something we need to revisit to bring awareness. We need to optimize the technology that is at our disposal. 

Professional Goals, Hopes and Dreams

As I go deeper into my study in Early Childhood Studies, I am proud to be a part of an organization that works so hard in the area of young children. This week, I have learned and stressed the importance of being perceived as more than a "babysitter". It is my hope to help change that perception and be regarded for what we really are, "Professionals", working for the holistic development of children from birth to age 8 (at least). I love what I do and hope that comes across to others I am around. I want the behavior and attitude I have towards working with children to be a contagious behavior. I know that what I am doing can be perceived as contagious because we all want to see the best in kids. Adults make a difference in children's lives. Experience and further education will bring about the positive changes we need in regards to the profession of Early Childcare.
You can have a love for children, which is the start to a prospering career. At my job, that love can transfer into a fulfilled career. We will take that love for children and offer an opportunity for growth and development in the form for education through modules and then a CDA. We want each person to continue and grow. Not only do we want the best for our children but for the staff as well. In this career, there is always new information coming about in the growth and development of children. We want our teachers to be fully prepared to handle various children and situations when regarding children.
It is my goal and dream one day to no longer be in a classroom and be the one to help guide those that are in the classroom. Not that I don't love being in the classroom and being hands on with children but I feel it is now my time to move forward and lead the younger generation. I think it the time has come to now educate and guide those that working with children. I want to take what I know and have experienced and spread it to them. I feel now is the time. Also through my course of studies I want to be an advocate for children. Never before would I have thought as a path I would walk, but I see that being a professional and an advocate go hand in hand. As a professional I see it as my duty to spread the word and advocate for the profession and children. I am really surprisingly excited about this new adventure.



After exploring the website, UNESCO I am excited to see another organization with the interest of Early Childhood Care and Education across the world. It is so important to make a difference in the lives of children. I can see that the interest should not just lie in our country but in others as well. They too continue to partner with other countries and organizations to improve the lives of children and their families. It also is interesting to me that they are not interested in an monetary help but want you to get involved through their join us tab. I see their goal for excellence and quality for children through their projects, resources and achievements sections. As I have seen through other websites, they are in various countries in the world. It is my hope that through all these organizations, we are making a difference in the lives of children.

Navigating through websites

Because we are talking about policymakers and advocates. I have decided to explore this section of the website, www.zerotothree.com. In this section I found that this area has some good articles that I would be interested in learning more about. For example, there was an article about “preventing expulsion from preschool and Child Care” I can not believe that this is happening, but at the same time I can see how. Once I researched the page a little more, I saw that there were videos related to the subject. This kind of opened my eyes to the fact that this is happening in the field of Child Care. I am actually shocked and perhaps disappointed in my peers. Children are going to act up and have temper tantrums. I feel that if a child is resulted to being expelled then the teachers are not taking the time to look at the child to see what is going on. This kind of behavior tells me that there is so much more under the surface of a child that he/she is not telling. This behavior at times also tells future problematic systems like undiagnosed special needs, etc. We are letting children fall through the cracks. This makes me sad, upset, frustrated, and disappointed all at once.

Also, researching the Global Fund for Children shows me that they continue to advocate for children. However, what they do for children is not free. The emails that I have and continue to receive from them are to solicit money people who show interest in their website. I have not yet donated any money, but am intrigued to find out, what I happens if I do. Is that the next step of involvement with this group? I don’t doubt that money they receive has only the child’s best interest at heart. It would appear that they are concerned as I am with the education and well-being of young children. Especially ones, that do not live in our country, but ones that live abroad.

Other things I learned this week is that we are continuing to press on towards the good fight for early childhood education and the inclusion of preschool children. It seems that the issues we have are not new. That tells me that we are still fighting for young children. In my opinion progress seems to be made but is it at the rate that many of would like? It would appear not. The question is then, how do we get things moving faster?  

References:
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/series/policymakers-advocates

Working Globally

Working Globally

After reviewing the website presented this week (6/10); I have found that it is interesting that the in the world “200 million children fail to reach their developmental potential by age 5” (Center on the Developing Child, (n.d). I find this information interesting because here in the United States we have many children too who fail to reach the same goal. As we have come to find out that many factors are the reason why this happens.  My question and thought is this……If children in the world fail to reach their developmental potential because of location, poverty, stress, etc.; then why do we have children failing to meet standards by age 5 as well if America is suppose to be considered the land of opportunity?

Another question that made me think as a result of things I came across in my research of this website is that if people worldwide know and understand that “the early childhood years are to be the initial building blocks for lifelong health, not just school readiness” (Center on the developing Child, (n.d); then why isn’t there more of a change? Are people not listening to what is being said? Do they care or what? So then, why does it continue to happen if people hear and understand what research has proven?

Is it because when applied in a scientific way does the world, politicians, etc. treat it the same and finally acknowledge the issue. Well I see the attention the issue has gained but is there really any change that has taken place? And if so, how and at what rate? Are we going to fix this problem 100%? I don’t think that the issues we face with children failing really is anything new. There has always been a child or children out there that will fail to be developmentally on track. Now we say that is by age 5. What was done with the children then? Were they overlooked? Were they told they were stupid? Or even, were they sent to a special place away from their families, which really is the worst answer. I feel that in the past our methods to now have improved. I feel that increased knowledge has increased which is better. I do however also feel that the issues were always there.

In reality I feel that we should have always had a look at this. Even if it was kept in the back of our minds. I feel strongly about this because it affects kids. I see it now how first lady’s have taken a personal conquest to improve children’s education and the standards. My question is why now? We have always had a first lady. Now this is taking a turn into a history lesson, but I am sure you get the point. Don’t get me wrong, I am glad we are addressing the issue but why not sooner and that we way we could have had a better plan in place or that plan could have been improved because the issue has already been addressed, tried and tested. When it comes to children, they are our responsibility to ensure children are meeting the standards developmentally. We cannot expect children to have made that goal themselves. They look to adults for guidance and direction. I think that because the numbers are the way they are we have failed children. When I say we, I mean, scientists, teachers, parents, policy makers, etc., we have failed our future.

Is it wrong to tell a higher official that they are doing it wrong? That is how you open their eyes by telling them they are wrong. There are better solutions. The children are our responsibilities.

The focus for these countries and globally “brain” development. While I find their focus to be interesting and I understand how brain development is important but should that really be the focus as to why children are not developmentally ready? Is poverty a bigger problem? How much of that contributes to the issue? I see it as a contributing factor but in a way and at times I see poverty as a small factor to the issue for these programs.

 The Global Fund for Children: Excellence

Through the GFC and its partners they teach the children lifelong skills that can improve their lives for the better and make them self-sufficient. It is not just a donation they receive but also a way for them to improve their lives for the better. They can do things on their own once equipped with the right skills to sustain them. That to me is great. This happened to Jerish, a receiptant from the GFC and it’s partners. “She now has the ability and was trained in baking and agricultural” ( Global Fund for Children, 2015).

References:

 

http://developingchild.harvard.edu/about/what-we-do/global-work/

 

http://www.globalfundforchildren.org/how-a-livelihood-program-changed-a-rural-girls-life/

 

Sharing Web Resources WK4

I have learned that if you have questions and no one around to answer the question, the world wide web is available. The information found on the web is outstanding. However, not all information is good information too. You have to use common sense and try only to use creditable resources for information. With that said lately I have been researching websites related early childhood development. www.zerotothree.com is one that has caught my eye. Each week or more I have received emails from them that has definitely given me a better understanding in my job and career. The emails alone are informative to help the lives of children. They are also very informative to the adults in their lives. Just recently I got an email from them about a weekly youtube series they are sponsoring or posting on the topic of Daddy’s matters. I think this is great. It gives an insight to how a dad matters in a child’s life. Some dad’s just don’t know how to get involved or really understand the impact they have on children. I am loving this idea. I fully support this. I feel that this is just another thing that this website and team have put together to put knowledge out there. I love it!!! Professionally, I feel that this and others like this is a great way to support families and teachers to support families we work with. Now it just so happens to be around Father’s Day that this is presented but in reality we can celebrate Dad’s all the time.

If I am going to be honest, which I strive to be, I have not found anything on the website to be controversial in my eyes. When it comes to children, it all needs to be addressed and told. If we try to say well we did not know, then ignorance can be the excuse and in my opinion its children we are talking about, that’s not a proper excuse in my eyes. Kids didn’t ask to exist so it is up to us to advocate, educate, and spread the word.

The website provides information and resources about building strong families like in the areas of child welfare, home visits, other basic needs, etc. Then there are resources and information provided for early learning experiences. These include early intervention policies and areas for early childhood systems. The website also gives you an opportunity to join the policy network offering ways to work with politicians for ECE. We want them to hear our concerns being that we are in the field.

Now that I have had time to sit down and explore the website more thoroughly, I love this website. There is not much I can say that does not help me in my career to help support me daily or those around me.

www.zerotothree.com

I have learned that if you have questions and no one around to answer the question, the world wide web is available. The information found on the web is outstanding. However, not all information is good information too. You have to use common sense and try only to use creditable resources for information. With that said lately I have been researching websites related early childhood development. www.zerotothree.com is one that has caught my eye. Each week or more I have received emails from them that has definitely given me a better understanding in my job and career. The emails alone are informative to help the lives of children. They are also very informative to the adults in their lives. Just recently I got an email from them about a weekly youtube series they are sponsoring or posting on the topic of Daddy’s matters. I think this is great. It gives an insight to how a dad matters in a child’s life. Some dad’s just don’t know how to get involved or really understand the impact they have on children. I am loving this idea. I fully support this. I feel that this is just another thing that this website and team have put together to put knowledge out there. I love it!!! Professionally, I feel that this and others like this is a great way to support families and teachers to support families we work with. Now it just so happens to be around Father’s Day that this is presented but in reality we can celebrate Dad’s all the time.

If I am going to be honest, which I strive to be, I have not found anything on the website to be controversial in my eyes. When it comes to children, it all needs to be addressed and told. If we try to say well we did not know, then ignorance can be the excuse and in my opinion its children we are talking about, that’s not a proper excuse in my eyes. Kids didn’t ask to exist so it is up to us to advocate, educate, and spread the word.

The website provides information and resources about building strong families like in the areas of child welfare, home visits, other basic needs, etc. Then there are resources and information provided for early learning experiences. These include early intervention policies and areas for early childhood systems. The website also gives you an opportunity to join the policy network offering ways to work with politicians for ECE. We want them to hear our concerns being that we are in the field.

Now that I have had time to sit down and explore the website more thoroughly, I love this website. There is not much I can say that does not help me in my career to help support me daily or those around me.

www.zerotothree.com

e.com