What I Have Learned...

One hope that I have for children when learning about diversity is just to help see that everyone is different, and that this is ok! When children walk into my classroom, they come to me as a "mini me" of their parent. Of course, they have picked up on their parent's bad habits first instead of good. I hope to teach children that it is ok to think for themselves, so they can decide to accept the black person just like the white person or the hard working custodian just like the teacher.

One goal that I would like to set for our field is to implement more hands on learning that can expose children to diversity. I realize now that this is so easy to do. It can be done by simply using pictures, videos, but I would really like to have people come into my classroom if possible. Children need to see that a woman can be a doctor, and a man can be a nurse, etc. Anti-bias education is something that our field needs, and it can be done with something as simple as adding a few lessons to our curriculum.

I would like to thank all of you again for your professional support and encouragement! I have learned a lot about myself in this course as well as a lot about each of you. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays for those who do not celebrate. I cannot believe we are two courses away from graduation!!!

Creating Art

I am young, and she is old.
I see the beauty in it now.

I have brown skin, and she has black skin.
I see the beauty in it now.

I am short, and he is tall.
I see the beauty in it now.

I am a professional, and he is a custodian
I see the beauty in it now.

I am Christian, but she is a Muslim.
I see the beauty in it now.

She has a mom and a dad, but he just has a mom.
I see the beauty in it now.

I am right handed, and you are left handed.
I see the beauty in it now.

You are different, and so am I!
I can have started to see diversity now.

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

My five year old son says all sorts of things all the time! I never know what he will say, and I never know when he will say it. It is hard as a parent to teach him not to say these things because he will go to school sharing them. At the same time, I can censor what my son says, but he also comes home with new words or sayings that were inappropriately said by his friends. As an educator and parent, I will do my best to make sure to teach my children and students to be unbiased. “If we want children to thrive in a diverse world, and choose to stand up for themselves and others, then we must choose to help young children make sense out of the confusing and often emotionally charged messages they receive about themselves and other” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 87).

Recently, my son pointed out in public that one family was black and white. He was so confused and said that this man was could not be this girl’s father because he was a different color. He mentioned that his friend Kaitlyn is Black, but her brother and parents are also Black. I was so embarrassed, and I do not know who heard because I immediately grabbed him and walked away. I can only hope that the family did not hear since they did not stop me and give me an ear full of their opinions. I told my son that everyone’s family is different. I said that families can come in all different colors, and he just said ok. He was content with my answer. He still notices what color people are, but since that day he has not verbally said anything.

I think I did a great job of answering my son in an anti-biased way. If he were older, I could have elaborated more about the many types of different families like blended, single-parent, and guardians, etc. If this occurred in my classroom, I could have read books or used puppets to talk about diversity like seen in, “Start Seeing Diversity: Physical Ability and Characteristics” (Laureate Education a, 2011). One teacher in, “Start Seeing Diversity: Race/Ethnicity,” used photographs of people of different colors to teach about diversity (Laureate Education b, 2011). We have learned a variety of ways to teach in an anti-bias way, and I really plan to implement newfound knowledge starting with my own children.

References:

Derman-Sparks, L., Edwards, J. (2010). Anti bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington D.C.: NAEYC.

Laureate Education a, Inc.. (Producer). (2011). EDUC 6357: Diversity, Development, and Learning. [Video]. In Start Seeing Diversity: Physical Ability and Characteristics. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6060948&Survey=1&47=7996221&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Laureate Education b, Inc.. (Producer). (2011). EDUC 6357: Diversity, Development, and Learning. [Video]. In Start Seeing Diversity: Race/Ethnicity. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6060948&Survey=1&47=7996221&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

This week we were asked to share our thoughts with our colleagues on at least two of the questions posted.

1.)Share some of the ways you noticed that homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children including books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and schools.

As I look around, I can see that toys and movies focus on heterosexism today. Nearly every little girl has a Barbie and Ken. Most girls even begin to fantasize about meeting a real Ken one day. The summer movie hit “Toy Story Three” included this Barbie and Ken scenario in their script recently. Today children also look in their classrooms and see posters of two parents including one male and one female, so children begin to assume that this is what is right (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). I have to personally set aside my opinions towards homophobia and expose children to all types of families because what they see through mass media is not what they may be getting around them in reality. The classic picture of a nuclear family is quickly fading, and it is being replaced with a blended, single, or homosexual families.

2.)How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child.

I decided to answer this question because I one day hope to be a Principal, so this is a situation I will without a doubt encounter. I would first start off by telling this parent that we need to step back and examine the bigger picture. The bigger picture is that my teacher is very qualified to teach thus why she was hired here. I may not agree with her lifestyle choices, but her heart has not changed and her passion and experience in teaching still remain. I need to bring to the parent’s attention that it is not the teacher she has a problem with, but it is her own personal bias she needs to work on. It is ok to not agree with her lifestyle choices, but she needs to learn to accept that we are all different. I would go one step further to say that this teacher’s homosexuality does not interfere with the children’s education, and I would gladly connect this unhappy parent with former happy parents to tell her how pleased they were with having her. I would also offer to have this parent back in my office again to really sit down and dig deeper to find out why this situation bothers her as well as offer resources to help her work through her personal bias. If we want our children to thrive in this diverse world, then we first need to expose them to it first, and we may have to help some adults unlearn their biases as well (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).

Reference:

Derman-Sparks, L., Edwards, J. (2010). Anti bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington D.C.: NAEYC.

Good-bye EDUC 6165

I honestly cannot believe that another eight weeks have past again! On top of that, I cannot fathom that we are three classes away from graduation! I want to take a moment to thank each one of you in my group for taking the time to read through my blogs and discussions each week. I was challenged by my colleagues to dig deeper for answers, and I have been verbally supported by each of you each week. I have no doubt that most of our paths will cross again in our future courses. If you wish to keep in touch, you should find me on facebook! I am on their every day. Until we meet at Graduation, good luck and thank you!

Communication In Action (Week 6)

According to O’Hair & Wiemann (2009), there are five stages of team development which consist of forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. The last stage can be difficult for many. As a military spouse, I have had to say good-bye to my husband too many times. As an educator, I say good-bye to colleagues, families, and students yearly and sometimes more than that.

I do not think high-performing groups are hard to leave because the journey is truly just beginning. I have said good-bye to my fellow classmates every two months, but I have reconnected with many of them throughout our master’s program. Graduation is closely approaching, and this adjournment is going to be bittersweet. We will be saying good-bye to each other, but the doors to our future are about to open so much wider! High performing groups like our class seem easier to adjourn.

I find that the hardest groups to leave consist of ones that seem like family. After living with my college roommates for so long, it was so hard for me to say good-bye. We all still keep in touch, but my heart truly ached unlike when I say good-bye to my classmates. I find it is harder to adjourn with groups whom I intimately know or have known for a long period of time.

Every group that I have been a part of has had some sort of closing ritual. In our classroom, we say good-bye to each other via our blog accounts. As a military wife, I say good-bye with tears, kisses, and hugs. As an educator, I say good-bye with a hug and a big smile. Most people typically adjourn with a celebratory dinner or just a simple thank-you and good-bye (O’Hair & Weimann, 2009).

Adjourning is an essential part of teamwork because it means that our work is done, and it is clearly time to move on. It is necessary because it is a time to reflect on our accomplishments as well as failures (O’Hair & Weimann, 2009). I like to think of it on a positive note which is that I rather leave while things are still good, but every good thing must come to an end.

Reference:

O’Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2009). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.

Communication in Action (Week 5)

            This week we were asked to share a personal conflict we are having with someone that involves communication.  Then we were asked to reflect on how we could solve this problem based on some newfound knowledge we have learned in our course recently. 

I have really been struggling communicating with my son’s Kindergarten teacher.  A lot of parents are unhappy with how she is handling a few things.   His teacher sends home apples with students if they behaved during the day.  The entire first week of school went by, and my son did not bring home one apple.  I emailed her the following week only to find out that my son had a horrible week and, she literally had nothing good to say about him.  I was angry that she did not even let me know that he was having problems, and I was disappointed that she could not think of one good thing to say about him.  I am a firm believer that when I communicate with parents about a problem I am having, I must share something positive first.  She also sends out emails about twice a week if our student has not mastered a topic.  Our students are about to be assessed, and I have tried to seek guidance from her.  She simply told me to just go look at the standards online.  There is no way that she is going to test over all of them at one time, thus why I was seeking a short list.  I have confided in many parents, and they are also upset with the emails they are getting.  If so many of us are receiving them, then she needs to go back and re-teach!  Overall, the teacher is not slowing down and it seems like she is sticking to her agenda and not the children’s. 

Our course in communication has really taught me a lot of new knowledge and tips that could help me mend my problem.  One solution is to change the power dynamic.  I feel that his teacher is on a power trip thus why she is refusing to listen to parents because she feels that only she knows what is best.  I know the Principal well because we use to go to church together, so I have been considering setting up a conference with her and my son’s teacher.  Sometimes, we do have to seek higher authority.  I just do not want this to backfire and my son suffer because of it.  Another solution is to simply compromise which is what I have been doing.  I understand that she is my son’s teacher, so I am spending a lot of extra time at home tutoring him over everything that he is bringing home as well as rewarding him often for good behavior.  I do believe it is my job as a parent to reinforce what is happening at school.   

I would love to hear what my fellow professional colleagues have to say as well as parents!  Should I compromise and continue to do what I am doing, or should I go one step above the teacher and seek counsel from the Principal?

Who Am I As A Communicator? (Week 4)

     The three tests that we took this week that measured communication anxiety, verbal aggressiveness, and listening styles were really beneficial!  I scored a 36 in anxiety which seems like a good balance, and I scored a 77 in verbal aggressiveness.  I ended up in group one which is people-oriented in my listening style. 
     The one thing that surprised me the most was that the two people who measured me in these areas were so similar!  I was really anticipating some differences.  My closest friend had the same score as me in anxiety and listening, while my husband was just a few points off of my score in verbal.  The similarity really surprised me because I expected that I was going to be more critical of myself as a communicator when in reality I was right on target. 
     I did learn this week that I need to work on my verbal aggression.  I had no idea that I was aggressive until I took this test, and I was stunned when I saw my score!  I can specifically recall two events this week when I did resort to personal attacks, and I really can't recall if I said anything hurtful.  Since I am an educator, I am really going to work hard on biting my tongue because next time this incident could involve a small child.
     Since my scores were nearly identical among all three tests, I turned to facebook to poll my friends.  I asked them what they thought of me as a communicator as well as to share any weaknesses or strengths.  I was really shocked that only a few responded.   I think this could have been because they did not want to hurt my feelings.  Anyhow, the ones that responded shared that I am very direct, informative, and I am not afraid to share anything. This could be similar to my verbal aggression.  They continued to say that I am a really good listener which coincides with me being people-oriented.  Overall, everything that was said directly reflected my scores!

Communication in Action (Week 3)

   
I do find that I communicate differently when I am with different groups in my community.  First, I find myself being really modest and reserve when I am in church.  I am always smiling and greeting people with a handshake.  I do not share to much about my personal life, and I do more listening than talking.  Second, I find myself more laid back when I am surrounded with fellow military spouses waiting at the bus stop.  We talk about our personal life and use slang.  Third, I realize that I communicate differently when I talk to my son's teacher.  Even though I am a teacher myself, I listen attentively and remind myself of my role as a parent.  We have communicated via email that we are partners in my son's learning. Fourth, I also notice that I communicate differently with Korean people.  I can only say a few words in their language, so I say them when I pass a person by and smile.  I use a lot of nonverbal actions to communicate with the Koreans here in general.  Overall, I do not think about how I communicate with different groups of people, but I obviously do.  However, I feel that it comes naturally.

Communication in Action (Week 2)

            This week I watched an episode of Army Wives with the sound off and then turned on.  When I watched it without any sound, I could tell that the characters were all very close.  I saw a lot of hugging, smiling and touching.  These people did not look like family, but they obviously felt like one.  I had to rely on a lot of facial expressions to tell me what they were feeling and expressing.  Through this, I could see happiness, distress, sadness, and anger.  I had a general grasp about what was really going on, but the lack of verbal communication made it really hard to understand the characters.

            I watched the episode a second time with the sound turned on, and what a difference that made!  I was able to hear all the details about each character and the plot.  I really got to know the characters this time around, and I could even sympathize with them! I do believe that my assumptions would have been even clearer and correct if I had been watching a show that I watch regularly. 

            This assignment was really insightful and beneficial.   I realized how important verbal communication is because I really did not comprehend crucial details with the sound off.  However, I realize that nonverbal communication can speak volumes, so I am really taking a step back to examine myself in this area.  Overall, I have to say that there needs to be a balance between nonverbal and verbal communication skills and cues in order to really be an effective communicator.

Role Model in Communication

Hillary Clinton is an excellent communicator.  I have admired her since I was a little girl when she was our First Lady.  She has spent decades in front of the public, and in my opinion she is an expert in the communication field.  She speaks clearly, fluently, and from the heart.  She is not passive, and you will always see her make eye contact with her audience.  When she walks, she does not slouch, but she carries herself with dignity.  I would without a doubt like to model her communication skills. 

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 I can make them feel welcomed.  The beginning of a relationship is challenging at first because you do not know anything about each other.  There is also no going back to the beginning like there is no going back to how we handle our first day of school.  I hope that I can make these families feel comfortable enough to contact me on any concern that they may have, and they can feel right at home in this new environment.

One goal that I would like to set for our field in regards to diversity is to encourage all professionals to continue training.  Diversity is evident in America, but each year it continues to change.  I believe that Spanish is going to be the number one spoken language soon.  Training on these issues will guarantee that all professionals are up-to-date with current resources and information.  As an educator, I am required to have a certain amount of training hours each year, but I think our field should take it one step further and mandate a course on diversity.  There are a lot of people who need to be reached because they are still set in their ways.

I want to thank all of my colleagues for a wonderful course!  I have learned so much about many of you through the sharing of your personal stories via blogs and discussion boards.  I enjoy reading my comments every week because I get great professional insight from many of you.  Enjoy your two week break, and good luck with your remaining courses! 

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I have just received word that I will be getting a new student in my class next week from Italy!  Since I am enrolled in a course that is educating me on diversity, I have come up with the following five ways that I can prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family.

1.  I will teach my class some words in Italian: Hello, My name is, and Thank you.  This will make the student feel welcomed as well as be proud of her social identity as an Italian.

2.  I will draw names for five buddies for my new student before she arrives.  Each day, this new student will have someone to walk with her throughout the day as well as eat lunch together.  This will make sure that this new student does not feel alone, and he or she can make new friends at the same time.

3. I will implement a Family project that each student will do that includes their family history as well as the opportunity to share any family photos.  This will give my new student a chance to teach us about her culture as well as have my other students realize that each of our families emigrated to the United States at one time in history.

4. I will arrange a meeting with this new family during the first week.  During this time, I will let the parents know a little more about how my classroom runs as well as let them tell me anything they would like about their family or child.  I want to begin this family partnership that is pertinent in education today.

5. I will conduct my own research on the country of Italy.  I will try to learn the customs and traditions.  This will help me make small talk with the child’s family which will also help the parents adjust and feel welcomed.  A little knowledge really goes a long way!

I can only hope that this preparation will really help my new student, her family, and I adjust!  I can relate to what it feels like going to a country where everything is foreign to you, but I can recall some people going out of their way for me to make me feel at home.  I hope to be able to do this for this family. 

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

When I was in sixth grade, my Science teacher called about half of us out of our class to go help some third graders.  I was very excited to be of help.  When we got to the computer lab, we were told that we needed to help these students complete their assignment by translating from Spanish to English.  I was embarrassed because I did not speak Spanish.  I knew a few words, and I pretended to help the students.   This prejudice that I experienced diminished equity because I was called out by a teacher simply because of the color of my skin.  My Science teacher picked me out of a class full of kids assuming that because I look Hispanic that I also speak Spanish.  She did not even bother to ask me.  This incident brought up some mixed feelings for me.  I feel embarrassed because I did not know Spanish, and I also felt ashamed that my family is Hispanic, yet I do not know our mother tongue.  I also felt belittled, and because of that I did not approach the teacher to let her know the truth.  This incident turned into greater equity because it encouraged me not to assume anything about anyone, and it motivated me to learn Spanish.  I have spent six years learning the language because my parents also felt insecure and they did not teach me.  I know enough to understand someone, but I am still working on speaking it! 

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

I went to a church function about six months ago, and I ended up sitting at a table with a Principal that I had interviewed with awhile back.  We were very amicable and talkative at the table for awhile.  When her husband sat down, she introduced me to him as a teacher that she interviewed awhile back.  She continued to go on and say that I didn’t get the job because I lacked a few qualifications. 

According to Dr. Sue in the video this week, I experienced microinvalidation.  The principal insulted my professional experience.  At the time that this took place, I felt embarrassed and shocked.   I was embarrassed that everyone at the table heard that I was not qualified to teach at her school even though I have my teaching certificate, and I was shocked that a leader like herself would publicly degrade a person. 

The assignments this week helped me recognize my perception as well as others regarding discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes.  Today I called to reschedule a doctor’s appointment for my son, and it took nearly 30 minutes because the lady did not speak English well. My knowledge of microaggressions kicked in because I did not want to say anything to offend this lady.  I was very polite and very patient knowing that she must have felt embarrassed that she could not understand my spelling of my son’s name.   This week I realized that sometimes we do not think before we speak, and these words can really have lasting effects on a person.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

 

I asked three different people about what their definition of diversity and culture is.  I asked two of my best friends, Betty and Courtney.  Betty is a first generational immigrant from Cuba.  She came to our country when she was a freshman in high school.  She is currently in dental school.  My friend Courtney has been a missionary to Africa, China, and Peru.  I think that both of the ladies offer a great first hand insight into culture and diversity.  I also asked my step-son, Jonathon who is 14 years old.  Since he is a military brat living in South Korea, I wanted to know what he would have to say.  Below you will find the responses from each individual.

Betty: 

                       

Culture: traditions, language, festivities, beliefs, typical foods, etc, passed down from generation to generation which get incorporated into the popular knowledge and define one's upbringing. It is different for people of different countries, and even different regions within a country (subcultures). Culture brings people together by focusing on their similarities.

     Diversity: A person's different special set of qualities, talents, set of beliefs, culture, language, values, morals, etc., which makes them unique and different from anyone else. Diversity can be a great addition in any group of people (classroom, workplace, etc) if appreciated; or it can be the cause of segregation when discouraged.

Courtney:    

  

     Culture:   the belief system and way of communication for individual ethnic groups. Culture is something

that is learned. As babes we are helpless and have no identification of any certain culture, but then we are

introduced to  language and a system of looking at the world. If culture is learned it must also be taught.

     Diversity:   This is when you have many people from many different cultures. Canada is an example of

this, and we have lots of diversity because of the different people from different cultures.

Jonathon:  

    

     The difference between Culture and Diversity is that culture is a whole, while diversity is individual.

Culture is when you have a group of people that share customs and beliefs, they don't have to be tied by

blood necessarily.  Culture and diversity are very similar.

While reflecting on each individual’s answers, I see that each person has a grip on what surface culture is.  Betty stated that culture includes the language, beliefs, and traditions of people.  Derman-Sparks (2010) also stated something similar but included artifacts, and holidays.  Courtney also said that culture is learned.  By the preschool age, children have begun to absorb and learn the culture around them (Derman-Sparks, 2010). Each person brought up at least one point that was mentioned in our class this week.

  On the contrary, I believe each person omitted deep culture.  Language was mentioned by Betty which is a part of deep culture.    Ideas about education, showing emotion, values, relationships, role of children are also a part of deep culture (Derman-Sparks, 2010). I was surprised that Betty and Courtney did not mention the way we dress and act or anything of deep culture because they have lived abroad.  Culture is truly unconscious (Gonzalez-Mena, 2008).

  This assignment helped me reflect on my personal belief of what culture and diversity is.  I have to say that my personal definition of each term would be similar to Betty’s.  She really captured a lot of what we have talked about in class.  Since she is a first generational immigrant, I knew that she would have a better grasp on these terms than anyone.  This assignment helped me appreciate my own culture as well as appreciate how diverse we are as individuals.

References:

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and

 ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2008). Diversity in Early Care and Education (5th ed., pp. 8–13). Boston, MA:

McGraw Hill.

My Family Culture

If a major catastrophe struck the United States of America, I would take my wedding band, my photo box, and my camera.  I would take my wedding band from my first marriage because this is something that I plan to give my son one day.  His father was killed in combat in Iraq five years ago, and I know that my son will want to hold onto this ring when he is older.  His dad saved up all his money from boot camp to buy this ring, and he may even want to give this to his future wife as well.  I also have a photo box which I have many photos of all my family, friends, and pets that I have ever had.  It is a shoe box that I have decorated with cloth, and I have had it for over 10 years.  Every now and then, I love to open this box up and take a trip down memory lane.  I also chose to take a camera because this camera will allow me to capture our new beginning. I think it would be easy to explain the sentimental value of each of these items to another person, and I would explain it exactly the way I did a moment ago.  I would most likely get emotional though as I try to explain some of my photos.

If I was told upon arrival that I could only keep one personal item, it would be my camera.  I would be devastated and shed a few tears about leaving the other items behind, but I would be ok.  Now, I will not have anything of my past with me in this foreign land.  On the other hand, I did choose to keep my camera because this would be a fresh start for all of us, and I have to start over and capture new memories to cherish. 

I enjoyed this assignment and I found it to be very insightful.  I spent all week thinking about the three items that I would take.  This assignment required some deep personal reflection.  It was hard to think of just three items, and it was hard to think about how real this situation could be.  When I think back on the items that I chose, I believe that my photo box is what has captured my culture and diversity.  I did enjoy this blog assignment.

When I Think of Research...

I have gained a lot of insights about research in general from taking this course.  I really benefited from the first two weeks as we learned to determine which research we should use and how to determine if it is quality research.  This knowledge is something that will be carried over to the remainder of the program as well as into the field.  I also learned that research is its own field with its own terminology.  I learned about the different types of research designs as well as validity and equity in research.  I have a new found appreciation for researchers because I believe they put more time into designing the study then actually conducting it.

My idea about the nature of conducting research has changed slightly.  I knew that research was time consuming and that researchers spent a lot of time making sure their study was unbiased.  Before this class, the only research I encountered was researching articles or conducting a small survey.  The way research is conducted is a very thorough process.  I now understand how complex it is and that it can easily be done when broken down in pieces.  Our second application for this course each week is a great example of breaking down a research study.

I also learned a lot from the way research is planned, designed, and conducted.  Before this course, planning meant writing down my brainstorm ideas and then move on to step two.   In research, researchers spend a lot of time planning because they continuously come back and revise again and again.  I did this with my research topic alone each week.  The designing stage of research is complex because you have to figure out which design will really fit your study.  I have learned a lot about quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods designs.   I have yet to conduct a research study, but I can only imagine that this is the best part of research.

My biggest challenge in this course was my research topic.  Over the past few weeks I really had to narrow it down and really be specific about everything.  Each week, I spent time revising it again.  I overcame this challenge by finally emailing Dr. Davis for guidance before I turned in my assignment.  I also had some minor challenges with properly defining terms in this class, and I overcame this challenge by rereading the topics a few times as well as looking in the glossary.

My perceptions as an early childhood professional have been modified by simply the way I look at things now.  As a teacher, there are always new techniques and methods of teaching to implement.  I now know that some researcher put in a lot of time to really determine if this new method will work, and it must because I now have to implement it!  I also have a new appreciation for other professions like researchers in our field.    

Research Around the World

Early Childhood Australia:  http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/  

Some current international research topics in Australia include meeting children’s emotional needs, children’s mental health, childcare quality, and school reform.  I was stunned to find that  some of the same issues that are affecting American children like childcare quality and school reform are also affecting children worldwide.  Our news coverage has been inundated with education cuts and hiring freezes in school districts, and it looks like this is an international trend as well.  I was also amazed that Australia is looking into the emotional needs and mental health of children.  My passion has always lied in this area, but it is reassuring to know that awareness is being created internationally. 

While searching the website, I did find some surprising facts and insights.  I viewed their Code of Ethics, and I found it to be similar to ours.  They value democracy, respect, integrity, and justice to name a few.  They also made it clear that nobody has to make a decision alone, and that we are all working together for the better of the children.  I also read some of the articles in their archive.  There were only two articles written for this year, and I was uncertain why.  I realize that our country encourages professionals in all fields to continually read up on current issues and trends.  As an educator, I am even required to have a certain amount of hours of training each year devoted to learning new material.  However, Early Childhood Australia does have links to the Australian Journal of Early Childhood and Every Child Magazine though. 

I did not really find anything noteworthy on Early Childhood Australia. I found a section called Everyday Learning Series.  This section includes resources for all early childhood professionals.  I looked at the link for meeting the emotional needs of children, but I found it to be a piece of a chapter.  There is a link for you to purchase the material, but I was disappointed.  The site also requires a membership if you want to really access anything.  I think that we are fortunate in America that we do have a lot of resources at hand that are free.  As an educator, I am always looking for free resources, and I rather spend the extra money for activities and supplies that my students can use in the classroom. 

Research that Benefits Children and Families— Option 2

If I could choose any topic to research in the early childhood field, it would be parent involvement in their child’s education.  As a former Pre-K teacher, I struggled with this issue.  I had parents on both sides of the spectrum.  I had parents who were eager to volunteer in the class.   These parents were the ones who asked for extra activities to work on at home.  I also had parents who told me that they really thought I was just babysitting their child until they saw the work that I was sending home.  My class lacked parent volunteers in the classroom and on field trips.  I think the busyness of American parents has led to a decreased interest in their children’s education.

However, I do believe that parent involvement in a child’s education offers a lot of positive contributions.  The first thing I see is that when parents are involved, the children are eager to do better and succeed.  The parents become a positive role model, and the child’s grades are typically higher.  Young children are eager to do whatever it takes to please their parents as well as tend to mimic their behaviors. At the beginning of the school year, I can tell which children have been read to and who has not just by their simple interest in books.   The second positive thing I have witnessed is that parents are able to help their child advance.  I had students who could not recognize their letters and numbers, so I sent home flashcards for their parents to work with.  After Christmas Break, I had nearly all of my students on track thanks to the parents who devoted some time to their child’s educational needs.  Parents tend to forget that their child’s teacher is just one person trying to meet the needs of 20 students at the same time, so it is really important that parents know that they need to help reinforce material that is being taught at school.  There are many positive contributions that occur when parent’s become involved in their child’s education, but these two examples are just to name a few. 

My Personal Research Journey

            My research topic is on the importance of play in early childhood.  We discussed this topic during our Child Development course, and I have been very intrigued since.  Childhood obesity is such a big epidemic today that Mrs. Obama has taken this issue on firsthand while her husband is serving his presidency.  The lack of play at home and in the classroom is in my opinion the biggest reason why our country is struggling with childhood obesity.  I also feel that children are missing out on the opportunity to be a kid and do what comes naturally to them which is playing. 

            My personal experience does play a part in this simulation process.  Before we moved to Korea, my husband and I were both working like many American families do today. At the end of the day, we were both exhausted and did not want to take our youngest son to the park or outside to play catch.  The previous courses have really opened my eyes to see the importance of play.  As a teacher, I know that play gives children the chance to re-enact what they have learned and gives them a chance to apply their new knowledge as well.  Today, I do make time for my son to play on the playground and make new friends. 

            So far, I have gained one resources for my topic of Play and I have learned new terminology. The discussion board assignment earlier this week allowed me to become more knowledgeable about finding quality research, and so far I have one article from PBS Kids.   The chart for our first application this week has also made me aware that researchers have their own language. I am really learning a lot about research that I did not know after spending four years in college!  If anyone has any resources or insight into this topic of Play in early childhood, please do share. 

EDUC 6162 Reflection

I really enjoyed working with an international contact in the early childhood field.  Unfortunately, there were some consequences with this assignment.  First, not all of my classmates touched based with an international contact.  I was fortunate to reach someone on my third attempt, but I never heard back from my first two contacts.  I can only imagine that they were not interested or completely overwhelmed with their work.  Second, I think it would have been just as effective if we were given the option to research a different country each week in lieu of the podcasts or exchanging emails.  I had to fill in some of the gaps with my international contact with information that I knew or researched.  I think learning about more than one country would have been interesting.  Third, I feel that this assignment was not beneficial for everyone.  For those who were not able to touch base with an international contact, they most likely felt left out.  This was just another research assignment for them instead of a fun activity like it was meant to be. 

My goal for the international community is that everyone becomes aware of the benefits of early childhood education.  Many countries do have a wonderful education system in place, but it usually starts at Kindergarten.  My hope is that everyone becomes aware of the great benefits of starting education earlier thus creating early childhood programs around the globe.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

Students were on Spring Break this week, so I did not gain as much insight as I would have liked.  Since our application assignment this week involves re-evaluating our professional goals, I decided to ask Dr. Yurica what some of her professional goals are. 

One goal she is currently working on is having every teacher utilize the resources that they have available in their classrooms.  She said that every teacher has a smart board in their classroom, but few teachers are using them.  At the beginning of the year, she spent time training her student aids and teachers the basics of using a smart board.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, it is like a white board.  Teachers can pick a game or a lesson and all the students can interact with it.  I was surprised to learn that such an expensive resource is available in each classroom, yet many teachers are not using them.  Korea is very modern and advanced in their technology.  They take pride in this and start exposing children to technology at a young age. 

Another goal that Dr. Yurica has is to close the gap between the teacher’s aides and teachers.  In the past, teachers put a lot of pressure on their aids to run errands and gather materials for the classroom, but her goal is for them to help teach.  This is so true because the aid is there to assist the teacher teach.  I was once a teacher’s aide and felt belittled at times.  I felt that my job was not as important as the teacher and that I was just an errand girl.  When I was teaching Pre-K, I made sure my aid was well respected by my class, and I gave her the opportunity to help me teach.  A professional partnership among colleagues is also one of my goals.

I have a few more tidbits to share about South Korea.  Teachers are very well respected here. They really respect anyone who is dedicated to preparing children for the future. In America, it seems that teachers are not well respected until about Kindergarten.   Tutors are very popular here.  There are many Americans that come here to teacher English at a foreign school and teach English on the side as a tutor.  A tutor makes about $30-40 and hour.  Anyone who holds a bachelor’s degree and a passport can apply to be a teacher here.  The foreign schools here do not care if your degree is in Engineering.  They are more interested in the fact that you speak fluent English, and people will pay big bucks for that.  The people here dress very conservatively.  You will not walk into a classroom and see a teacher in jeans, but you will see a teacher wearing high heels, skirts, and button up blouses.  The people do value modesty and presentation.  Another interesting tidbit is that children are walking around the streets and taking the subways at a very young age.  It is not uncommon for a seven year old possibly younger child walking around by themselves.  The country is very safe.  I would never let my children walk around the streets alone in America sadly. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog about South Korea.  I had somewhat of an advantage because I live here, but I have really learned a lot from Dr. Yurica.  I knew a lot about the culture, but I did not know as much about early childhood here.   I hope to one day be a Principal of an Elementary School.  It was very beneficial for me to communicate with Dr, Yurica about her role in early childhood as well as the field itself in another country.    

Sharing Web Resources: Pre-K Now- Part 3

http://www.preknow.org/

This week I decided to explore the Family section of the website.  Last time, I examined what was available for teachers, but this week I wanted to see what is available to me as a Pre-K parent.  There was a link for parents to find a high quality Pre-K program for their child, information to help guide their child’s learning at home, stories shared by parents of Pre-K students, and the information was even available in Spanish!  The area that caught my attention was this link, http://www2.ed.gov/parents/earlychild/ready/preschool/index.html which took me to the US Department of Education site.  This site helps guide parents with their preschooler.  I looked into the recommended, “Activities” as well as the topic of, “Taking Charge of TV.” There were a lot of activities that could be use in the classroom, and they were even separated by age group.  The US Department of Education said that by the time a child goes to Kindergarten, he has watched an average of 4,000 hours of television!  That was an eye-opening statistic!  I do let my boys watch a lot of television, but my younger son can only watch educational shows.  They did recommend that a child does not spend more than two hours a day in front of the television.  There is so much valuable information here, so I bookmarked this site. 

I have been receiving daily newsletters from this organization.  The popular issue is still education funding being slashed all across the country.  Sadly, there has not been a day since I subscribed that has said otherwise.  In each newsletter, there are also quotes of the day.  One quote that caught my attention was from a Minnesota State Representative.  She said, “Over the next few weeks, our work on the state budget deficit will begin to intensify. It’s important that we do not make cuts in early education that will end up costing us more in the long run.” -Patti Fritz.  I could not agree with her more.  We have so much research to validate the importance of early childhood education, yet it is the first cut to make.  The newsletter does not really increase my understanding of equity and excellence, but the website and their links to other websites do.  I do hope to teach Pre-K again when I return to the states, and I do plan on sharing the website along with others linked to it with my parents.

This organization has helped me stay abreast of current issues and trend in my field.  Our discussion this week involved immigrant families.  I noticed this week that many of the resources are in Spanish.  Ten years ago, I would have never imagined that there would be such a need for it.  This organization is aware of the current issue.  The newsletters are also keeping me informed of what is happening in my state as well as across the country with Pre-K programs.  This week I read that my home state of Texas is voting on whether or not to pass a bill that would eliminate full day Pre-Kindergarten.   I would definitely recommend this site to fellow Pre-K teachers, parents, or advocates. 

Getting to Know Your International Contacts- Part 2

I have gained a few new insights about South Korea from Dr. Yurica.  Nearly 100% of students take the bus to and from school.  The military schools have free shuttles to bus their children home, but the Koreans also have to pay for their bus transportation like their education.  On average, this costs $1000 for a year.  It seems like the Koreans go to school year round because they only have a month off for summer vacation and about two months for winter vacation.  The reason for such a long winter vacation is because of Lunar New Year.  This is one of the most important holidays here which is similar to our New Year’s.  It is a time to go home and visit family, so many fly to other countries to travel with their family.  The most popular destination of course is America.  Another interesting tidbit is that the Korean workday and school day is different.  Most Americans are at work and school by 8am, but in Korea, somewhere between 9-10am is a good time to start their day! 

Equity and excellence are important all around in this country.  Evidence that is displayed is the technology in the country.  This country is really striving to be westernized as possible.  This country values Education so much that they want to be on top globally.  It was mentioned not too long ago on the News that South Korea came in second in Academics.  A lot of pressure is placed on children to excel.  You will not find a teenager working, but you will see them studying hard as well as perfecting an instrument or talent.  The only problem is that not everyone has access to education.  I mentioned last time education is free until third grade.   There are numerous excellent schools available, but they come with a price tag. 

Accessibility is the biggest problem with equity and excellence in education here.  Most of the country is farm land, so families usually move close to Seoul to send their children to school.  It is looked down upon and rarely heard of students who cannot go to school.  Parents are willingly to sacrifice anything including themselves for the chance to send their child to school.  I had the previous conception that they went to work with the families if they could not afford education, but that was dispelled this week.    There are child labor laws in place that encourage parents to send their children to school.  I agree with the comments left on my last post that said that America should do the same!  I think that would eliminate so many issues today if we did charge a fee for school.