This class has most definitely been an eye opener for me!  I have learned so much about who I am, as well as how I want to be a contributor to the early childhood field.  Three things that I feel like are deep learning experiences is me being aware of what type of leader I want to be, learning about the importance of belonging to a community of practice, and learning about my passion for making a social within my community.  When I was imagining what my future would look like, I literally cannot wait to become the person I wrote about being!  I want more than anything to create a program that allow parents the chance to get involved with their child outside of their home, and help them build healthy relationships with their child.  By being a part of a community of practice that have the same vision as I do, I believe that this is most definitely possible.  In order to make a social change, I am going to have to learn how to lead.  So learning about the different leadership styles, and which one I resonated with the most really did help me!

 

A long term goal of mine would be to establish a scholarship for minority children that demonstrate service within their community.  I was able to pay for books with the scholarships that I received from my community, and I want to do the same for another student.  This is me stepping out of the early childhood field, but it is still me helping out families and students that are within my community.

I wanted to say thank you to our instructor for challenging me and providing me with such great feedback throughout this course.  I also want to thank my colleagues who have continued to support me through this journey.  I have learned that when trying to be an advocate for young children and when you are trying to make social change, having a strong support system is important-for that I say thank you. To you all, I wish you nothing but the best!

 

 

 

International Organizations

The three organizations that I chose were UNICEF, ISSA, and UNESCO.  I chose these three because I really do like what they stand for.  I really like UNICEF because they focus on disadvantage children from all walks of life whether it is poverty, domestic violence, etc.  ISSA caught my attention because I believe quality childcare should be made available to all children, and not just those who can afford.  I really like the fact that they include ages all the way up to 10 years old.  Lastly, I chose UNESCO because it is a community of practice that allow others from all over the world to interact and work with one on shared visions.  Due to all the violence, shootings, and killings that are taken place right now throughout many states, I believe establishing peace is very important and this is one of their goals.

National Organizations to Help out Low-Income Families

The programs that I chose tailor mainly to helping low-income families.  I really want to see all families excel, but I do know that it is harder for low-income families. 

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)-Is a volunteer-based program.  Volunteer advocates that are empowered directly by the courts—offer judges the critical information they need to ensure that each child’s rights and needs are being attended to while in foster care.

 Suited for Change – since 1992, this innovative and independent organization has taken up the task of catering to low-income women in a practical aspect. It provides women with professional clothing such as corporate suits to make them feel ready to take up their role as an independent breadwinner.

Crittenton Women’s Union – another non-profit organization run on a massive scale, The organization offers endless possibilities for women by helping them gain the required awareness, skill set and tact to not only reach economic independence but to establish a career as well. It also provides shelter and food to homeless families and guidance to young mothers.

Below are two jobs that I found that are available on the federal level.

Program Support Assistant-Is a federal job that provides the worker the chance to help out students financially with their student aid.  This job was of interest to me because in undergrad I had the chance to work in the Financial Aid office, and I really did enjoy it.

Child Development Director-This job is located on Air Force Bases within the states.

 

Programs for Families in Need

There are several different programs that are available on a local level in my city.  I am really interested in finding ways to help low-income families,  Therefore, the programs below are all connect by providing help to low-income families. 

1. Community Action Agency-This is a statewide agency that is available to several different counties.  This agency provides several different programs for families such as Head Start, Workforce Development, Credit counseling services, and Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program and many more. 

2. Oklahoma Alliance For Animals- This is a program that provides temporary assistance with pet food for needy families.

3. United Way of Central Oklahoma- This is a program that provides a directory for several different programs that a family may be in need of.  For example, Big Brothers, Big Sisters can be found in this program.

Here are a few job opportunities that I found to be interesting:

Founding Director of Teacher Leadership- This position requires a Master's Degree in Education, and the director must be able to observe and provide feedback to teachers that are in the school that will improve and help them grow as educators.

Upward Bound Summer Instructor- One must have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and a valid teaching certificate.

Child Care Assistant Director-Must maintain the Bronze level which is a high school diploma or GED,  ECD/CD Knowledge skills, administration and management knowledge and at least 3 years of experience in an early childhood setting.

Reflecting on My Learning (EDUC 6358)

My biggest hoe is to become an anti-bias educator that practice and teach my students how to become anti-bias thinkers.  This is not going to be an easy task, and I know that I  must be willing to put forth effort and have patience while I am on this journey.  I am excited to become an anti-bias educator and I am looking forward to the new school year to try these skills out!

I would like to thank all who supported me along this journey by providing me constructive feedback.  I wish you all the best on your journey to becoming an anti-bias educator as well!

Happy Learning!

My hope, goal, and a thank you to all! (EDUC 6357)

One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length)

A brief note of thanks to your colleagues

One hope that I have when working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is being able to make a connection with them and gain their trust.  Sometimes, connecting with one child and his family is easier than connecting with another child and his family.  In addition, another hope that I have is to remain patient through this process.  Although, I have learned the skills needed, I now must put those skills into action and practice, practice, practice!

One goal that I would like to set is that the early childhood field incorporate diversity, equity, and social justice into the daily curriculum and not just during certain thematic units.  This could possibly entail trainings, but I believe it would be worth it!

I would like to say thanks to all my colleagues for supporting me along this journey, and providing me with such great feedback.  I wish you all the best!  We are almost finished (:

Happy Learning!

Recipe for Happiness (EDUC 6358)

I decided to look at Angola.  I saw this interesting article over 'A recipe for happiness' and was taken away by it.  Child mortality rates are high n Angola, and this pamphlet are simple things that mothers can do around the house to prevent their child's death.  Simple things like hand washing is a component of the pamphlet. 

This article made me think about the things that are taken for granted here in the U.S. For example, teen pregnancy is such a problem that abortions are becoming a par of the "norm", while women in Angola are losing their children to death of malaria, respiratory infections, and even diarrhea. It really does sadden my heart.  This one struggle that is going on in this country, that really stood out to me.

This can affect the siblings of those who lost their life.  These children are experiencing unhealthy environment, and may have to deal with illnesses that go untreated.  Not only life-threatening, but can cause a child to slip into an emotional state of unhappiness and even depression.

"I Don't See" (EDUC 6357)

“I Don’t See”

I don’t see color.

I don’t see you, I don’t see me.

I see us. I see people who are special and unique.

People that are brown, peach, dark, and even red.

I see us being able to walk together and play together hand-in-hand.

I don’t see color.

I don’t see you, I don’t see me.

I see kids playing of different races.

Colleagues that are men and women talking from various ages.

I see us. I see people who are special and unique.

I don’t see color.

I don’t see you, I don’t see me.

I see those who are able and those who are not.

I see those who are at the bottom and those who are on top.

Most importantly I see respect among those that can and cannot.

I don’t see color.

I don’t see you, I don’t see me.

I see us. I see people who are special and unique.

 

 

We Don't Say Those Words!

I cannot recall anything that my students have said.  However, one day I was in the grocery store and my son (who is two) kept saying "momma ball, momma ball.  I see basketball."  I did not see a basketball, and I ignored him. He kept saying it, and I finally realize that he was talking about a man that was heavy set with an OKC Thunder basketball shirt on.  I quickly stated, "yes D, he has on a basketball shirt."  If a stranger would have heard him, they could have easily mistaken his comments for negative and assuming he was calling the man's stomach a ball.
It is important to rectify any situations of misconception in children quickly, without making them feel like they are in trouble.  "Children say the darnest things" is a saying we are all familiar with, but as educators, it is our responsibility to teach our children how to appropriately talk to and about others.

How "isms" Effect the Families I Work With (EDUC 6358)

I have faced racism several times in my life.  I remember when I was hired as the lead teacher at a daycare, some of the families chose not to interact with me at all because of my skin color. Having faced this “ism” several times, has made me become somewhat hesitant in interacting with some of my families.  At first, I thought some were judging me because I am the only black teacher at my school, and they were thinking why do we have her.  However, during parent-teacher conferences a white mom told me that she was happy I was her child’s teacher, and when she read my biography and saw my picture she wanted me to be her child’s teacher.  I was literally in tears during this conference.

I do not treat my families or my students any different despite the “isms” that I face.  I try to teach them that although we may not all look the same, we still have to learn how to work together.  We always say that we are a family of mini-monsters, and when we have a serious problem in the classroom we have a family meeting on the carpet and discuss it. 

The direct consequence my students in their families may experience is by me teaching about it in my classroom.  Some parents are opposed to their child learning about different “isms”, but I would like for my students to be made aware of several different “isms” so that when they face one they will be able to handle the situation in an appropriate manner.

 

Dealing with Homophobia in an Early Childhood Setting EDUC (6357)

Dealing with homophobia in an early childhood classroom can become very datable.  Some parents do not think children should be exposed to the terms gay, lesbian, or bisexual at an early age, and that books and pictures that portray these terms should not be a part of the classroom.  I do believe that it is my responsibility to education my students in a way that is going to prepare for the "real world".  Homosexuality is a part of our culture, and if children are not taught about this part of our culture, then they will ignore it (which results to ignoring people who may be gay, lesbian, bisexual), and will develop a pre-prejudice towards this group of people.  If children are educated to accept all aspects of diversity, including those of sexuality, then we as educators are creating children who will be open and accepting others who are not like them.  Using books such as Felicia's Favorite Story, Heather has Two Mommies, and Tango makes Three, and Daddy's Roommate are all age appropriate books to help children become aware that all families are not the same, but they are all different and unique.

One of my younger cousins was always teased when he young (5-now 13) about being a sissy and being gay.  Growing up around him, his brothers always teased him because he wanted to play with dolls.  He would always tell me that when he got older he was going to be a cheerleader just like me.  I would always tell him, that he was going to make a great cheerleader because he is passionate about it.  His mom would even tell him to stop having those sissy dreams because she didn't want a son who was gay.

Surprisingly, this never killed his spirit and to this day he still prefers dolls, cheerleading, and other things that some may view as "girl only".  This could have caused him to become depress, and lose sight of who he really is, but he did not.  I am happy that my younger cousin is proud of who he is!

Observing Communication with Children (EDUC 6358)

I chose to observe communication amongst my TA and the students in our class during small group.  I had recently presented the concept of adding with 10 frames to the class, and she was leading this learning center.  I noticed that she was quick to correct the children, if they did not do it right the first time instead of giving them the opportunity to check their own work.  The students did not engage to much with one another, but rather only with her.  Some of the children did not communicate at all, and just completed the problem when it was their turn. 

I did notice that my TA used appropriate language and vocabulary, and provided the students with positive feedback if they did something correct.  For example, she told one student that he did a great job at reading the math problem loud and proud in his big voice so everyone can hear him.

What I took from this is that every child was not encourage to participate in communication.  It was a game in our math learning center, so each child did participate just not through the use of language. I reflected on how I interact with small groups, and notice that sometimes, I too even over talk the children instead of allowing the to actively engage in the conversation. 

Being the teacher and having an assistant, I now realize that it is jus as important that model effective communication for her as I do for the students in our classroom.  In order to model effective language/teacher talk, one must first be aware on how they are doing with their teacher talk.  Communication is a give and take.  Someone is always giving or taking in information that was presented to them.  I am now more aware, that the language I use effects not only my students but my TA as well.  I will try to become better at modeling appropriate language, providing direct feedback, and using open-ended questions to promote the children's thinking.

My Childcare Setting (EDUC 6358)

I would want my facility to first be one that appears to be child friendly.  The appearance of any childcare facility is important. I would want accent walls of green (spring-time green), yellow, red, and orange.  Children are attracted to color, and I would allow these accent walls to be the place of where we would display pictures of each family.  I did like how Adriana displayed items to represent each child.  In my current class, we have family photos, and we displayed family trees for the first 8 weeks of school. Also, having posters around the room that the children can relate to that don't show stereotypes.  For example, a girl playing basketball, and a boy pretending to bake cookies.

I would also want a variety of toys that represent several different cultures.  Not only those that are present in the classroom, but from all different cultures.  This will teach children to learn that there are many different people who may not look like them, but you can still play with them.  Also, having a variety of books.  Books about culture differences, different families, different community helpers, etc. 

Having  a variety of toys such as Legos, dolls, block, sand/water table, art easel, math manipulatives, science/exploratory materials, book making materials, puppets, all of these items will help create an anti-bias classroom by allowing each child to explore all of these toys.  Encouraging boys to play in home-living and girls and block center would help children break the bias of girl vs. boy toys. 

I would also make some of the items that would be in my classroom such as puzzles.  I would take pictures of the students playing (girls playing with the tools set) and create a puzzle with it.  I would also have skin tone crayons and construction paper for the students to explore with.

I believe this will help create my anit-bias home facility.

Goodbye All!!

This have been a fun past 8 weeks.  I really did enjoy this class, and have learned so much.  I am thankful for those who are a part of this class.  It seems we have our on little diverse group which makes reading each of your post that more meaningful.  We all have different opinions, but we share the same goal which is becoming a better professional in the early childhood field so that our children and families we work with will benefit more from us.  I wish you all well and the best of luck.  I know you all will make a difference in the lives of those you work with. 

Feel free to add me on facebook (Kayla Minor)!

Happy Learning,

K. Minor

Saying Farewell to Groups

Leaving groups are typically not hard for me.  There has been a couple that I did have a hard time leaving.  One group that I had to leave was my sorority when I graduated.  I was the president my senior year, and we made history on my campus.  I had a bond with the girls that were a part of this group, and I was sad that I was not going to get see them as often considering I was moving to a different city.  We had struggled to work together as one, but when we did the things we were able to accomplish was mind-blowing!  When I graduated my sorority sisters all attended my graduation, and afterwards they circled me and sung our song and wished me my final farewell.  It was a bittersweet moment.

I do believe this group was hard to leave because we were a high-performing group, and we all had worked so hard together that it was hard leaving behind all of my hard work.  Adjourning from this group of colleagues is also going to be a bitter sweet moment.  There are certain colleagues that I have had in all my courses that I really do enjoy reading and receiving their input. Saying farewell to them will be important because this will not happen face to face but through my blog.  However, saying my farewell and sending wishes of good hope to all my colleagues is something I will do.

Adjourning is an important part of groups because this allows each member to reflect and share with one another the things they have learned.  It also allows the members a chance to tell everyone thank you for their contribution.  Most importantly adjourning allows each member celebrate the success of the group.

Ways to Solve Conflict

One disagreement that I have recently had was with one of my cousins.  She wanted to give my son a piece of gum, and I told her no he cannot have gum because I don't give him gum.  We got into a small altercation on how I thought I was too good, and I need to let my son be a kid.  As soon as I turned my back, she gave him a piece of gum.  I was very angry with her for doing this because I knew he would just swallow it. 

She thought it was funny, and I yelled at her without even thinking. We both have very different parenting styles, and she does not respect my way of parenting. 

One way that I could have solved this conflict was being direct with her and explaining why I did not want him to have gum, rather than telling her "I don't allow him to have gum".  Maybe if I would have taken this route, she would have respected what I said.  I feel like maybe she thought I was attacking her parenting style because she allows her children to have gum and I don't.

Another way I could have solved this conflict was simply by not yelling.  I believe that when a person starts yelling effective communication is lost.  I could have stated that I was not happy in a regular tone.  I could have said what I needed to say in a respectful tone, in return she may have shown me respect back.

In order to solve conflict one must be able to see both sides.  One must also be able to show respect.  As a part of the 3 R's, if respect is shown then it a better chance that it will be return.

Evaluating my Communication Styles

When I started the self-evaluation of my community skills, I had in mind what my results would be.  I am person who do not mind public speaking to a large group, but do not like speaking in small groups.  The people who I had score me was my cousin and her fiancé.  It tickled me to watch both of them complete the survey, because they were laughing while doing it.  When they received their scores they both were anxious to compare it to my original score.

All three of us knew that I can be bossy when I am talking to others without even trying, so we were all tickled when the scores for my aggression came back (67,63, 62).  I know that I am somewhat aggressive when I talk, and now I see that others can realize this too and this is a trait that I need to work on.  This can affect me negatively if I am communicating with a group of people who do not know this about me.  They may think that I am rude and do not care about them, when that is not true.  I scored in group one for my listening styles profile.  I do care about others and I care how they view themselves.  This can be a positive attribute to my personal and professional life.  It will help me gain the trust of others, if they can see past my verbal aggression.

I was not surprise with my results, and my cousin and her fiancé agreed with my scores.  It was fun to do this assessment to see how I viewed myself and how others view me.  This has made me more aware of my self-efficacy and I can use this to guide my interactions that I will have with others.

Communicating with Others That are Not Like Us

When I communicate with people from different groups and culture I notice that I am more careful with my word choice.  I also, tend to try to look at the person I am communicating with to ensure that I am fully attentive.  I also realize that the tone of my voice is much softer.  I do not know why I do this, but I do it without even realizing it.  I also, tend to talk less if it is the first interaction.  I do this so that I can have a better idea of who they are. I am a big talker and I love communicating with others.  If I am speaking to someone who first language isn't English, I notice that I use my hands a lot.  I am excited to learn more ways to help me become a more effective communicator.

Three strategies that I believe will help others be a more effective communicator are listed below:

1. Pay attention to body language and your tone when communicating with others.  Often times, our body language and tone can present the wrong message if we are not careful.

2. If what you are saying would offend you if someone would say it to you, then don't say it to others.  Implement the Platinum Rule when communicating with others.

3.  Try to be a good listener when communicating with others.  Don't just do all the talking, but rather try to actively listen so that you will be able to respond appropriately.

Observing a tv show with and without sound.

I have a one year old so I decided to record one of his favorite shows.  He really like to watch Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs.  I watched it first without sound, and I must admit it was rather funny trying to figure out what was going on.  By Harry's facial expression I assumed that he sick.  His little cheeks was red and he was lying in bed.  His dinosaurs seemed like they were trying to comfort him by giving Harry a hug.

I watched it again with sound and was right! Harry was sick, and the dinosaurs was trying to make him feel better!

It was very interesting to watch the show without sound, because I actually had to pay attention to what was going on to try to figure out what was really happening.  If we did this when others were talking to us, then we would become better listeners because we would actually have to pay attention to the person that is trying to communicate with us.

Farewell All

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds (any format and any length)

One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length)

A brief note of thanks to your colleagues

This has been a fun and exciting course!  One hope that I have for working with children and families from different background is being able to have a better understanding of each of my families diverse backgrounds.  I know that this will be hard but I would like to become familiar with different backgrounds so that I can be more aware of how to teach to a different group of kids!

One goal for the early childhood field, is to have a set of standards that should be incorporated in the schools!  I think that this way teachers who are not familiar with teaching a diverse group of students will have somewhat of an idea of what to teach, although they will have to learn how to teach it.

I would like to thank all my colleagues for all the thoughts, and sharing your stories throughout this course. I wish you all the best!

Happy Learning,

Kayla