What I Have Learned - EDUC 6357

 

There are many things that can be taking from this past 8 weeks in EDUC 6357. When I think about working with children and their families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I can build a solid relationship with both the children and their families that will provide me with a platform to reach their child developmental needs. I hope that I can uncover any hidden bias about other cultures, races, backgrounds or religions and approach them confidently but respectful.

A goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity and social justice is to not to only teach the fundamentals and be an advocate but to make an effective long-term impact on the perspectives of children and their families, encouraging them to PAY IT FOWARD and leave an even bigger impact by applying what they are learning on the on-going issues of diversity, equity and social injustices to their daily lives and interactions with others.  

I appreciate all of the feedback and additional resources provided from all of my colleagues. I have enjoyed hearing everyone views and ideas from a personal and professional level of how many of our own childhood factors have played a major role in our current lives and how our biases can have an impact on the children we teach. 

Reference

Quotes:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/89860955044712242/

http://www.picturequotes.com/ive-learned-that-i-still-have-a-lot-to-learn-quote-356557

https://wisdomquotes.com/learning-quotes/

Diversity - Creating Art Through Song - EDUC 6357

 Jernigan and Daniels states "Racial stress can emerge when systems are oblivious or unwilling to acknowledge the presence of racism and its negative implications on the development of Black children and adolescents who are forced to find ways to cope with the ongoing psychological stress" (2011). As a consequence of law enforcement abuse of authority and lives loss, the current pandemic, and other life traumas locally and abroad with  no clear direction or sign of improvements I relish in children ability to be resilient. While educators do their best to curve the impact of racism or any form of discrimination by educating students on ways and reasons to treat each other equally, parents, media, leaders, and society as a whole must also acknowledge and play a role to remove any bias they have towards people of color. Over 30 years ago there was a song called "We are the World" that I believe equates to how we should embrace life and each other so that black and brown children and their families can live an equally fulfilling privileged life and not be limited according to the color of their skin. Below I have shared the original song and a modern version that was created as result of a tragedy in Haiti. Listen to the words closely. 

We Are The World 25 For Haiti - Official Video

WE ARE THE WORLD - Original - 1985

 

References

Laureate Education (2020). Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma: Racial Trauma in the Lives of Black Children and Adolescents: Challenges and Clinical Implications. Extra_Racial Trauma _2011_ Jernigan & Daniel.pdf 

We Are The World Haiti (2010). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glny4jSciVI

We Are The World (1985). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M7c-JOnPdw

"We Don't Say Those Words in Class" - EDUC 6357

 It is week 6 of EDUC 6357 and I can think of countless times that I have witnessed a time where a child has been silenced or reprimanded as a result of pointing out someone that they saw as different. It is rare that I am just shocked by what some kids will say but there is this one time I was just at a loss for words.  

 My friend has 2 granddaughters that always seem to say exactly what is on their mind. I can remember once we had planned to have brunch one Saturday after having a mani/pedi with the little princesses when one spilled juice on her clothes. We decided to take a detour to Target to get her something else to put on. We were in the checkout line when my friend youngest granddaughter Regan looked back at the woman standing behind us and proceeds to tell the lady that she must eat a lot because she was fat (insert bulging eyes and dropped mouth) . Then the older sister Mallory says to the lady our momma eats a lot that’s why she is fat. My friend Sandra was paying for her things when she grabbed both girls and placed her hands over their mouths while apologizing to the lady. Once we were out of the store, she took both girls to the side and told them that telling someone that they are fat can be hurtful and that if they can’t say anything nice, they should not say anything at all. Both girls looked at each other as if confused and asked their grandmother how that was not nice when they were telling the truth. Once she explained it to them a little more it seems they understood how that could have been hurtful and very much so disrespectful. My friend Sandra told them that they should always have something nice to say about everyone and they should let people know the nice things they like about them. So now the girls tell just about everyone that they are pretty or just smile. 

In a classroom setting presenting children with books or videos can help to build a better understanding of why telling someone they are fat, tall, short or different them themselves to be hurtful. I also think having a child write down how they would feel if someone were to say hurtful things to them would affect them so that they will be less likely to inflict that type of emotion upon someone else and incorporate it with positive attributes or ways to be kind. I honestly do not believe either of the girls meant any harm, but I also think that some of the things that they have heard is interpreted as acceptable or to be normal which made them comfortable to express themselves as they did.  

 Reference

Photo: https://www.animalrescueprofessionals.org/national-days/say-something-nice-day/

Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

 In today’s books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and school's homophobia and heterosexism are much more open and acceptable than maybe 30 years or so ago. I find that to be empowering for children in helping them to not struggle with thoughts or feelings that they are experiencing. When I was growing up the stereotypes and judgments of others was based off of their gender or sexual orientation and if they did not fit a traditional role then they were treated as if there was something wrong with them or the use of religion was thrown at them. There are still stereotypes amongst us when it comes to gender and sexism however, there is material, groups, movies, communities and many other venues of support for children and families  who do not fit what society deems to be a traditional lifestyle. As it relates to homophobia and heterosexism in an early childhood setting, I have found that including parents in the classroom environment helps children and parents express their thoughts and/or concerns both in a learning environment and can likely make it easier to approach sensitive topics at home. I think allowing children to express themselves and ask questions is one way to help them gain a better understanding of the world around them. I do additionally think that because there are so many negative sources about gender and sexism that we must be vigilante on what we allow them to watch or read.  

A few years ago, as a cheer coach I had a little boy who wanted to try out for the team. I had absolutely no issues at all with him trying out nor did his mom. During the tryout period the principal visited us a few evenings to show support. I can remember it like it just happened. He called me over and shared how he thought that although the boy mom may not have an issue with him trying out there were other parents that had brought it to his attention that they did not agree with it. I was shocked, disgusted, hurt, upset, and became angry the more I thought about it. First of all, having a cheer team was new to the school environment and I wanted it to be successful. Second, I did not want to create any negativity towards the pending new team or any of the parents. I took the time to share with the mom what “WE” yes, we would be up against and she said that she loves and supports her son, and this is what he wants to do. We compromised and made him the mascot, but it took some time for the bear outfit to come in. While the games had already started, I allowed the little boy to dress out in shorts and a school logo shirt to cheer alongside the team. Long story short, the principal was not happy with the outcome, but the team came together as one. I did not get any direct push back from any parents however, it never truly set right with me that I had make that compromise in an elementary environment nor did I have the support of the principal who I felt should have stood up for that child.  

Reference

Photo: Creator: Rawpixel 

Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Collaborative Learning Community Word of Thanks

 

"Communication is the process by which we use symbols, signs, and behaviors to transfer information"  (O’Hair, Weimann, Mullin, & Teven, 2018, p. 4).

 

Over the past 8 weeks I have learned more about myself and how my communication affects both my personal as well as my professional relationships. I have taken away a tremendous amount of knowledge from every individual that has taken part in Communicating and Collaborating in the Early Childhood Field. I would most definitely like to be of support to others as well as receive support from the relationship that were built through this course, my personal email address is ssagi1213@yahoo.com. I am not a big social media fan with that said my email is the best way to reach me and I will get it right away. I wish everyone the best in all your future endeavors. I sincerely hope we all have a productive school year. Be a good listener, don't take anything personal, be open to learn more, and take time for yourselves -

Reference

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2018). Real Communication: An Introduction (4th. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Quote: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/392235448777186189/

Connections, Colleagues and Good-Byes

Over the years I have had the pleasure of being a part of some phenomenal teams and some that were not so stellar however I can genuinely say there was something to be learned from all of them. The one aspect of the best team that I was a part of in saying good-bye was the feeling of loss. Although I have remained in contact with those of the meaningful teams I have been a part of, not being able to see them everyday, and our daily interactions was a big adjust. In my opinion high-performing groups are hardest to leave due to having and achieving a common goal in addition to creating and building a bond makes reaching a goal much more enjoyable. "Members of a group usually identify with one another because they have one or more goals in common"  (O’Hair, Weimann, Mullin, & Teven, 2018, p. 238). 

The group that was without a doubt hardest for me to leave was when I was an Admission Rep at a local college. Everyone there worked as one unit and the leadership was heavily involved however, there was no micro managing. Everyone worked to make sure our students were on track for their higher level learning. "When leaders are able to adapt their style to the needs of the groups they guide, they can enhance the productivity and satisfaction of group member in their day-to-day activities"  (O’Hair, Weimann, Mullin, & Teven, 2018, p. 270). It was hard to leave the team because we worked extremely well together, there was a mutual respect, everyone was in full support of each other, and the best interest of the students was always the priority. 

If there was a ritual that I had to begin or be a part of would probably be a final gathering and photo to have a visual of everyone from the team. Unfortunately for this program we can do neither of those to conclude this part of our journey. I think that as a result of the discussions with the colleagues in this program, I have added new knowledge, connections, and resources to leave this course feeling nothing less than elated. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it is the point that the goal that brought the team together has been achieved. I think reaching a goal in most cases is generally a joyful time for everyone involved. The main goal of the adjourning stage are to achieve closure and conclude on a good note. According to Stein "team members may feel a variety of concerns about the team’s impending dissolution. They may be feeling some anxiety because of uncertainty about their individual role or future responsibilities. They may feel sadness or a sense of loss about the changes coming to their team relationships" (2020). 

References 

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2018). Real Communication: An Introduction (4th. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Stein, J. (n.d.). Using the Stages of Team Development. Retrieved from https://hr.mit.edu/learning-topics/teams/articles/stages-development

Quote: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/469641067385961773/

 

Conflict Strategies

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.

Maya Angelou

Recently, my two oldest daughters had a siblings conflict. I was not aware that something had transpired between them after the dinner plans had been made. I do not usually have to check to see if everyone is on the same page in order to make dinner plans or any plans for that matter, I just send the message or make the call. I was in the kitchen when things fell apart between the two of them. I walked in the living room and they were both extremely emotional and behaving unlike themselves. I was at complete lose as to what was going and basically stood in disbelief until I told both of them to squash it resulting in one of the girls leaving. When I found out what was going on between the two of them I spoke to them individually and then together. I listened to what they each had to say, I asked both individually how they could have approached the situation differently or avoided things from getting so out of hand, and told them what I expected moving forward. "When conflict is mismanaged, it can cause great harm to a relationship, but when handled in a respectful, positive way, conflict provides an opportunity to strengthen the bond between two people" (Smith, 2019). After listening to both of my daughters perspectives I was able to see that they both were guilty of not hearing but not listening to one another and had lost respect for each other in that moment of disagreement with the yelling and hurtful things being said. I think had I known what was going on I would have stressed the importance of respecting each others opinion and space. 

The strategies that I felt that help me the most and that I learned more about where 1) avoiding 2)compromising and 3) apologizing. I did not allow the girls to walk away or avoid their conflict, "when avoiding, you do not express your own needs and goals, even if you have a grievance" (O'Hair, 2018, p.225). I needed the girls to hear each other out without the tension but also to let them know how their behavior was unacceptable. This is were compromise came into play because neither of them were right nor wrong in how they felt however there was a better way they could have handled things. "The advantage of compromise us that it lets you and the other person both resolve conflicts by achieving some aspects of their goals" (O'Hair, 2018, p.228). In my opinion to hear someone apologize breaks some or all the harsh emotions that surface during a conflict. Although for some, conflicts are not as easily resolved however, my daughters were able to get some other things off their chest that had been bothering them and it warmed my heart to see and feel the genuineness between the two. "It can be difficult to apologize because it means swallowing your pride and confessing that you did something wrong. The apology may or may not be accepted, but when we hurt others, acknowledging it and expressing our regret and remorse can go a long way toward repairing the damage" (O'Hair, 2018, p.231). Soon after the apology the girls were back to their respectful, loving, supportive and goofy selves and all was well again. 

As this was truly a personal matter, I opted not to share this with a colleague but with my grandmother who I share everything with and talk to daily. First, she jokingly said I should have took both of them over my lap and spanked them for their foolishness. We laughed a bit before she told me that I handled it well and that she was proud of me but I can honestly say that she is without a doubt biased. 

References 

Maya Angelou Quotes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/maya_angelou_634520?src=t_inspirational

Smith, M., Segal, J., Ph.D., & Robinson, L. (2019, June). Conflict Resolution Skills. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/conflict-resolution-skills.htm

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2018). Real Communication: An Introduction (4th. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.