Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I hope that as professional educators we highlight key challenges and concerns in promoting diversity and illustrate ways to incorporate an understanding of diversity in the classroom and beyond. I feel that teachers should value diversity and they need to model this to children. Everybody is different and when people value diversity they respect that we are different.Teaching about different cultures should be taught daily and provide children a positive learning environment. As teachers,we already have a lot to do,but valuing diversity is most important.

One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity,equity,and social justice is to make sure all professionals are educated on the importance of these issues. It is important that all early childhood professionals gain knowledge about diversity,equity,and social justice in order to work effectively with young children and families.I would also like to make sure that young children have a learning environment that is positive and welcoming for all children and their families culture is supported without people being biases, prejudices,and discriminating.

A brief note of thanks to my colleagues I would like to say I appreciate the comments on the discussion board and blog assignments they were most helpful. Thanks for the support,encouragement,knowledge,and wisdom that was shared throughout our time in this wonderful class. I have enjoyed working with you guys because some of you I have been with since our first class together and I hope it continues throughout the program. We have learned so much about diversity and equity among children and their families. I look forward into seeing you guys again so that we can continue to share our understanding and knowledge about the early childhood field through discussions and blog assignments.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I have been notified that a child from Australia is joining my group of children at the child care center. I chose Australia because I know little about this country and it would be nice to get some children from here to enter my class in real life. (1.)I would have to learn all I can about the background of Australia, what is the dominant language use their,and culture. (2.)In the classroom I would put up pictures, books, diverse puppets,dramatic play clothes, pretend food, etc to add this country in an effective way that makes the classroom show that different cultures are being taught. I think this will help the children and families feel welcomed at the child care center.(3.)I would also get the other children in my class prepared so that they want be confused when they see another child come in the room that is not from our country.(4.)I would talk about Australia to them and answer any questions they may have. (5.)I will incorporate a day that we celebrate Australians and get parents to come in and talk with us so that we can hear from them and learn something new.

Many children in Australia are very fortunate when compared to many other countries and Australia has been called "The Lucky Country".In Australia many of the children have a uniquely Australian Life style. Australia is such a vast country that there is so much variety in this subject.

I hope that these preparations will benefit both me and the family by keeping me updated on Australia so that my children will continue to have great knowledge about different cultures. I think that diversity is a big issue and it should be implemented daily. I also feel that the child will learn how to speak another language which will be beneficial to have. Families will benefit from my preparation because we will build that positive teacher parent relationship communicating everyday so that they will feel comfortable about the classroom and know that their culture is not overlooked.

Reference

www.australian-children.com

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

A memory that I have of an incident that I witness my boss being a target of prejudice. I work at the hospital part-time in the department of guest services we help visitors find love ones and anything else around the hospital. One day I was working at a information desk with my boss who is white and gay. A black couple came up to the desk my boss spoke to them and ask them if they needed help finding something they said no. They walked away from the desk and went there way. We did not think anything of this and my boss eventually got off work. I did not get off until later that night. After my boss left, and bout hour later that same black couple came up to the desk and I ask did they need help finding anything and they said yes. After I help them find who they were looking for, they told me thank you and said we did not want to ask the other guy anything because he looked funny and talks to sweet is he gay? I told them that I was not going to comment on this and quickly change the subject. I feel that it was not right for me to discuss my boss identity with no one even though I knew which way he goes its not anybody's business. I also feel that nothing is wrong with him being gay. He does great as a boss and I do not have a problem with him.

To change this incident into an opportunity for greater equity,I feel that everyone in this society should be treated equally regardless of which way that they choose to go. I have no problem with gay people I just know that's not what I want to pursue, but I do not look at others that choose that way any differently. I live in Alabama and since they pass the law on same sex marriages a lot of people have been coming out about who they really are. Gay relationships are normal now and we just have to accept it and move forward.