What I Have Learned

The one hope I plan to establish in working with children and their parents, and community of “Diverse” backgrounds is to, first build a strong and respectable relationship with each one, design an environment with diverse perspectives which, will allow each child to achieve cultural competence, encourage a sense of wellbeing for all by removing stereotypical materials, and create learning activities from diverse cultures.

 The one goal I would like to set for the “Early Childhood “field related to issues of Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice is to plan a curriculum which, includes all children’s cultural and social background. In doing this it will allow them to participate as a whole in the classroom. Also, having activities such as; art, imitative   play children are able to see themselves through diversity and can acknowledge their different life experiences

 Although, I may not have posted in a timely manner I appreciate each Colleague whom took their time out to read my “Discussions and Blogs”. I enjoyed each of you and wish each must success. Dr. Dartt, I just can’t say thank you enough for working diligently with me.  I gone through many illness but, my goal is to continue to thieve on and don’t give up.

 

 

SEEING DIVERSITY

THROUGH THE RAINBOW

 

As I sit here pondering

I see various colors of the rainbow

And in this rainbow are people which, make up different nationalities (Asians, African Americans, Cacausians, Hispanics, Lantion’s and Mexicans). Although; there maybe other kinds of “DIVERSITIY that, I’m not aware of; but we must all learn how to love, respect, and be loyal to one another.

In this rainbow one should learn to understand we are, not “Superior” over each other but, we are “Equal” in our “Fathers” eyes.

Once this has been conquered, we can all learn to live in Harmony, have Happiness, and Peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WE DON’T SAY THOSE WORDS

I can recall my very day “Subbing” a six grade class at my son’s School. His school had 2 six grade class rooms and truly, I didn’t realize this was his classroom. The only thing that came across my mind none of his classmates knew I was his mother and hope he would not call me mommy. As the children enter into the room I greeted them one by one and told them, I was their teacher until next week. I notice my child had not arrive and another little boy to class.

          The boys told me down in the restroom with another child playing with a basketball. I ask the aide in the class to keep an eye on them while I go check. My son was in the restroom playing with another little boy bouncing a basketball. I overheard my son tell the other child “You can go to class I’m going to be late because; they going to let an old lady come teach us and she ugly and fat. Now his little friend is just laughing and laughing calling him crazy.

 Then my son goes on to say, “Maybe I could go to the office and play sick”? That was just enough for my ears to hear. I went into the restroom and he was very much startled. He said what you doing at my school”? I replied getting ready to take some business in a classroom but, my question is what are you doing in the restroom? He said, “Nothing” and that’s where I reminded him the entire conversation I overheard him say about his “Substitute Teacher”. I told him those words you used to describe the teacher that’s taking your “Homeroom Teacher” place were very inappropriate and when you get down to your class you need to first apologize to your classmates for coming in class late and then apologize to the Teacher that is taking your “Homeroom teachers” place.

 Then I reminded him this conversation is absolutely by all means No way over, and we will defiantly continue it at home. The only thing my son really concern about was he getting ready to be on punishment for what I heard him say. I then told him and his friend to get them together and go to class. I left out from talking to him and the 2 of; they came down the hallway to class about 3 mins later. When he arrives and opens the door I was writing at on board as.

 He could not do anything but, stare at me, apologize to his classmates as I suggested and then came close – up to apologize to me, gave me a big hug and during Art made me a which I still have in frame, and at the end of, the day and class was over his friends kept saying why are you still sitting in your seat and the bell rang he replied “I’m waiting on my mom so, I can carry her bags”. I then told the ones that were waiting for him “Yes I’m his Mammie”.

Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

 

How you would respond to a parent/f, 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.

Firstly, I would have a PTA Meeting to announce the teachers, who will be over the classrooms also, would share some insights on the teachers and allow parents to greet and meet them. During my announcement if, any parent had a question or concern about his / her teacher sexuality I would address it by saying, the teacher has an excellent background check, came high recommended to our facility and poses no threat to your child / children. The teachers here are willing to help each child become “Lifelong Learners” in order to be productive in society.

Any other related situations, thoughts, concerns, questions, and/or areas of discomfort you would like to share related to children, gender, and sexual orientation.

I was in the grocery store about a month ago, and there was a baby in the grocery cart. I notice how customers would walk by and ask another person is “That a little boy or girl”.  This all came about because; the child had both of their ears pierce and hair was braided all over. All they were doing was stereotyping the women’s child instead of, saying to this person your baby looks very nice or just simply saying is that a boy or girl. My question I would like to pose is why people are so fast to stereotype others? I understand this has been going on for quite a while but, it needs to truly stop.

 

TO MY COLLEAGUES AND DR. SHEPHARD

 

Firstly, I would to give thanks to Dr. Shephard for working diligently with me, as I engaged in meeting the goals in the class. What I truly, admire about Dr. Shephard was, she didn’t give up on me, we stayed in constant contact, and not one time did she mention dropping me, from her class, and I thank you from the bottom of my HEART. Colleagues, I want you to no, these 8 weeks haven’t been easy for me but, I give Glory to God for allowing me to interact with each one of, you whether it was on the “Blog or Discussion Board” reading the postings, and sharing the comments.

The suggestions you gave lead to me being a better “Competent Communicator, and doing the last 8 weeks I was able to use “Collaborative Skills with a new team of doctors. Again I thank each one of, you for your prayers. I pray each one’s success as, we move towards our “Specializations. My “Specialization” is How Adults Learn, and I hope to meet you again on August 27, 2015 and if, not I wish each one the best in their endives.

If, anyone would like to stay in contact with me, the best way is by emailing me at:

Lawana.edwards@waldenu.edu

ADJOURING

The groups I’ve had the opportunity to work on were my Church, Block Club in the community, and working on a group project while taking courses in my Bachelor’s semester. I can admit out of, those 3 groups which, I was an active member the hardest one to say good –bye to was the group project I was working on with 6 colleagues and it ended up with only 2 young men and myself. The 2 young men were older than me, and treated me as though I was their sister. We would communicate on the phone every Wednesday and I would do three to put all of us on the phone.

Also, we three agreed before discussing our project that, we would begin with a short prayer which I lead and prayed before hanging up the phone with them. Although, there were times we disagreed but, came to a medium and kept on with our project. I always say, one has to disagree to agree some times. I haven’t work on any project in my Master’s Program. The only thing thus so far is doing the last 8 weeks of our Master’s course is to write an appreciation to our colleagues in the blog to state how we appreciate one another.

Adjourning is an essential part for me because; it gives me a chance to view all the accomplishments and goals I’ve made from my Bachelor’s Degree 2014 to receiving my Master’s Degree in 2016 which, I set out to do.

I would like to say although; at times it’s been sort of tense at times but, we all  hung in there to graduate, and I will be able to meet my colleagues which, I had the pleasure of, interacting with during discussions and blogging.

 

MANAGING CONFLICTS

Today I found myself having a “Disagreement” with my husband on where, I

would like to eat. As I stated to Tracie in her blog this happens to be an ongoing

situation due to he wants to take me out for breakfast, lunch and dinner due to I’ve

been in the hospital for 3 weeks, and he knows I want some real FOOD. He never

choose where to eat because if, the food tastes bad it would end up being my fault

due to I choose the restaurant. So, this allows to us disagreeing with one another

I’m beginning to think why go bother to go out to eat and his happens all the time.

I work on how to handle Conflicts and Disagreements. Below are a few tips.

Handling Conflicts one must: Listen for what is felt as well as said. ...

·        Make conflict resolution the priority rather than winning or "being right."

·        Focus on the present. ...

·        Pick your battles. ...

·        Be willing to forgive. ...

·        Know when to let something go.

·        maintain professionalism

·        We've all heard the old saying about "disagreeing without being disagreeable"

·        5: Recognize and avoid "straw man" arguments

·        Watch what you say

EVALUATING COMMUNICATION                                          

 

I decided to ask my husband and friend to do an assessment on how; they feel about how I communicate. Upon taking the test my husband said, I project myself very well and very well understood but, sometimes come off harsh at times. My colleague agreed with him as well. As they finish the test it stated just what, my husband and colleague applied. They both scored me in the Verbal Aggressiveness Scale level as being “Moderate level”. What surprise me was score in Communication Anxiety Inventory when, I took the test myself.

I scored a 59 which is at the “Moderate level. In reading the reason why, it states, that I’m somewhat concern about a number of, communication contexts, but probably not all of them. Also, stated this level was the mid – point level of, communication anxiety and it is called “Situational”. Therefore, I need further information on “Situational Anxiety” to find out what it meant. In reading a short article it stated, Situational Anxiety “is the communication apprehension created by a unique combination of, influences generated by audience, time and context McCroskey, J. C., & Beatty, M. J. (1984). For example, I know what to present to my audience but, would stand straight in front of, then and be nervous but, with a small group I’m alright, and I believe this was a result of , me waiting for other speakers to come whom were running behind schedule. Therefore, this was and consider being “Situational Anxiety for me but, I made it through with the presentation. The insights I learn was ones should attempt to get acquaint with others first due to making assumptions because, him / her can be seen in a different light. This statement to me it’s better to have a face to face contact. I also, took the quiz in our text O’Hair & Wiemann (2015, p.46), which, was the Cognition Scale, and I scored a 52score meant I am thinker and self – motivated and capable of applying thinking skills within a variety of situations.

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COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY

 

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

Yes, a mother when communicating with my son and grandson, I tend to be firm in a loving way but, it’s appropriative but, still in all I’m more relax with, my family and friends due to I’m being accept for me. As a Director I have to use different straggles such as; establishing trust and understanding, and I schedule formal meeting with parents and staff.

Three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively.

1.     Put on your “real person” hat. And take off your “corporate person/executive” hat. The fact is, not many people are deeply inspired by the pieces of communication that their companies put out. Much of it ignores one of the most important truths of communication — and especially communication in the early 21st century: be real. “Corporate speak” comes off hollow and lacking in meaning. Authentic messages from you will help employees see the challenges and opportunities as you see them and understand and care about the direction in which you’re trying to take the company.

2.     I would use the “Platinum Rule” Treat others the way you want to be treated.

3.     Show respect for one’s Cultural because; their cultural is just as important as yours.

 

 

SURRENDER DECTIVE BENSON

 

          The episode I decide to watch was Law In Order Special Victims Unit on USA channel 124 “Surrender Detective Benson”. The characters playing in the movie were awesome and their names are:

·        Detective Ice – T

·        Detective Mariska Hargrtay ( as Oliva Benson)

·        Danny Pino

·        Richard Belzer

·        William Lewis (the kidnaper / rapist )

They are a group of detectives working as a mighty team trying to locate one of their missing partners that was kidnapped by “William Lewis”. As they work in groups to find their partner, there facial expression to angry, scared for Benson, disbelief, not certain, and wondering why. In this episode when William Lewis was a child, his father’s girlfriend rapes him, and now has an obsession for Detective Benson. He captures her and place duct taped hands, feet and mouth, placed Detective Benson in a van to attempt to rape her. Based on the nonverbal her teammates facial expressions show fear, danger as, they use maps to trace places the kidnaper has taken her.

Detective Benson has a confident group of, colleagues that sault out all avenues of where a kidnaper / rapist would take her, and that he would be found. Although, Detective Benson mouth was duct taped and hand – cuff to an iron bed rail. She was very angry, frightens, and scared for her life. No, because, I would have not really took the time to caught all of, their reactions. I only am looking for certain parts such as facial expressions and not gestures such as, hand movements or other actions.

 Once her rapist / kidnaper was caught her co – workers shows a sign of, being relief, and extremely satisfied that Detective Benson was captured without no other danger or harm place upon her. As a professional in the early childhood field, when childhood is in place in our care, we need to very attentive to their actions due to some children communicate nonverbal and not verbal. Watching out for gestures gives clues to us in order to give feedback to their parent, other family members and colleagues / staff.

COMPETENT COMMUNICATION

          The person I feel demonstrates competent communication is my “Mom / Pastor”. My mom was an English professor in the 1950’s and begins pastoring in 1980. She speaks in a soft tone, she never changes her posture, she has excellent eye contact with her audience and when speaking to others individually, and doesn’t mind repeating herself.  If, there’s something you missed or didn’t understand her only requirement is waiting until I’m finish speaking because, I maybe answering your question while I’m talking.

          As an professional in the early childhood field, I feel when speaking to the children and parents we serve giving them eye to eye contract, keeping ones composure and listening to what each other has to say, and not stopping the person in mid sentences will allow them to be an effective communicator.

PROFESSIONAL HOPES & GOALS

 

          The one hope I have, when working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is to establish a relationship that’s trustworthy, communicate effectively, and be flexible and understanding to their needs. In doing so, children will become lifelong learners. Also, the one goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to the issues of diversity, equity and social justice is be more aware of the knowledge that surrounds the issues related to “Diversity”.

          I would like to give that’s to each of my colleagues and professor for barring with me with while, I struggled to get my “Discussions and Blogs” in for someone to comment on. I want you all to know it’s been my pleasure to work with each of you, and I hope we all will have a chance to meet in other courses together again. I don’t like good – byes therefore, I hope to see you soon and much success in your next coming courses.

WELCOMING FAMILIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

The county of origin which, I chose the family comes from “Haiti.” I was informed Kenyatta Jacques (name I will use for the little girl) will be moving to the United States on Monday, and her parents will be placing her in my Daycare Center. Kenyatta will be in my classroom with peers of her age. Listed below are 5 ways which, I will provide comfort for Mr. Mrs. Jacques and their daughter Kenyatta.

1.     I would go to the library on the weekend and research much as I could about the family’s country. I will view things such as; their culture, religion, and identify the language of the family.

2.     Create a welcome policy which, her parents will fill out. In the policy there would be questions relate d to her culture, language , likes and dislikes to give me  a better insight on how to address her needs, and ways her parents aspect me to adhere to her needs. This way I can implement into my curriculum.

3.     Provide appropriate books and materials for Kenyatta to use.

4.     I would create a bulletin with photos and sayings that represent children from all “Diverse Cultures” including Kenyatta.

5.     I would ask Kenyatta‘s parents if, they would like to volunteer in the classroom. When parents become involve it shows their child they are interest in their learning. Also, it’s another way for the parent to discuss their culture.

In doing the preparations for Mr. & Mrs. Jacques, and their daughter, It was my plan to establish effective communication skills, build an relationship / bond, and provide tools for Kenyatta to use in order to be an “Lifelong Learner”.

 

 

                                             

THE PERSONAL SIDE OF BIAS, PREJUICE, AND OPPRESSION

The incident I would like to share with my colleagues on “Prejudice” which was witness by my cousin and me. I drove her to Walgreens to pick up her meds, and as I begin to park the truck I notice her 2 sons and 3 of their friends entering the store. The boys weren’t a where of us being in the store. Their mom was at the counter and I was sitting near the pharmacy waiting on her. Lisa (I will refer to my cousin as Lisa).

Lisa so, happen to look – up in the mirror above the ceiling and saw this White officer following the boys from isle to isle. Lisa text my cell as said, “Girl look I don’t believe this”. So, the boys still have notice us in Walgreens as of yet. The boys went down the chips isle first and then the candy isle and now begin to look at some pops. These boys still didn’t notice the officer. As the officer was following the boys, we followed the officer to see if, he was going to approach hers children and their friends.

 Lisa goes back to the pharmacy to grab the meds while, I continue to keep my eyes on what’s going on. In my eye sight the officer was targeting 5 African American young boys, and not to mention he did not once take his eyes of these boys. One of her sons decides to purchase cookies and candy, and the others didn’t buy anything. Lisa yelled out to her younger son, “Do not buy anything out of this Walgreen’s “! The officer finally said, to the other 4 boys if, you are not purchasing anything you need to leave the store.”

 Lisa calls out to her other son and tells him and his friends to come here”. Lisa explains first to the officer that while, she was waiting on her meds, he had been following them since they arrived in the store as though were, the only Blacks in the store. Lisa went on to tell this officer “All Black’s do not steal” and also, she begin to recite what, out parents and grandparents taught us to the officer which, was “Train up a child in the way he should go; and he is old he will never depart from it.”

I could not believe this, the officer replied so quickly, since “I’ve been working here at Walgreens, all I’ve seen is “Black children and their parents and older people coming in here taking what’s not there’s.” Lisa told the office my boys will never come back into this store due you have “Racial Profile” her boys. I truly believe if; I didn’t take Lisa to Walgreens this officer would have attempted to arrest these boys. Black males are being arrest everyday here in Chicago for crimes they haven’t committed but, it’s said, “we have a justice system and we are all created equal, and to be honest I still say “No are not created as an equal”. This last statement is only my opinion.

PRACTICING AWARNESS OF MICROGGRESSIONS

I know you have already heard about what happen to me in Grammar School but, I feel it fits our topic on “Microaggression”.  Of course during that time in my life I wasn’t aware I was the target. This made me feel afraid, ashamed to come to school due to children were very cruel, and wanted to be with children and teachers of my culture.

My Perception of “Microaggression” is an professional please me mindful how we address children and their parent due to what comes our mouths because, some parents or other individuals may feel, the comment was said “intentional or you as the professional may have said it in an unintentional way. As Dr. Sue stated, “ Microagressions are brief everyday indignities that are verbal behaviors or environment, and may be intentional and unintentional when communicated to women, people of color, and gay / lesbians that psychological distress and harm” (Laureate Education, 2011).

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

 

PERSPECTIVES ON DIVERISTY AND CULTURE

 

I decide to ask 3 people age ranging from 33 to 65 years on their perspectives of “Diversity and Culture”. The first person was a male who’s 33 years old.  Culture is me being raised as a male following the beliefs my parents had set forth for me. Diversity was a group of people with different nationalities and identities.  Kay who’s 55 said, “Culture” was adhering to the beliefs, traditions and values my parents instead in me, and I in return passed them down to my children. I then asked her for some examples, attending church on every Sunday, my children and husband eat our meals together (breakfast & dinner).

 Diversity to me means individuals which, are from various ethnic background although, their skin is different one should be able to  live beside each another, learn each other ways and work together without any racism / bias in the community. This last person is a member from my church who’s 65 years old. Ms. Reed define “Culture” as ones heritage, language, beliefs and how society view you such as Caucasian or African American and Diversity is how some cultures may single you out due to them feeling you are beneath them although, you may have the same skin color. Her example; was Jamaicans feel African Americans don’t value anything.

While listening to the three people, I chose to define culture and diversity somewhat open my eye sight even more due to I had put a wall because; of how I had been treated.

 

MY FAMILY CULTURE

I was very devastated when, the government asks “me to evacuate to another country”. Needless to say there was not enough time to inform my children, husband and parents. I only grab three things that were near me, and they consist of my cell phone, family pictures and the cross with the Lord’s Prayer. I chose the cell phone because; I communicate daily at least 6 times a day to my family and about 3 times to my prayer partner. The family pictures I would think of all the good times we celebrated and think about my reunion back to my family. My mom gave this cross with the Lord’s Prayer for a Christmas gift two years ago. I’m a prayer warrior and as I pray for other and myself it brings deliverance in time of troubles, pray for healing, and I pray when things are going good for others and me as well.

If I had to let two items go it would be the family photos and cell phone. I chose family photos because, I can cherish the memories and the love we all had for one another, the cell phone due to being in a different environment they may not use cell phones in their country and this leaves room for me to learn their culture. In doing this exercise it made me think how other cultures that, come to the United States not knowing no one anyone, people pass judgement by showing some bias / prejudice and to me that’s not fair at all. Truly, this was something to think about.

 

 

WHEN I THINK OF RESEARCHING…

          There were 2 insights I gain from taking this course on “Building Research Competency”. The first one was some research may not have a hypothesis were as in some criteria you may to input the hypothesis, and secondly, one must be collect data and analysis it without being bias. My insights have truly changed since the beginning of the course reason being, I thought the class was about writing research paper for the entire 8 weeks but, I learn the proper steps in putting a “Research” together.

The only thing which, I found sort of difficult was picking out a journal to fit my topic, and as the process of building on my topic it became easier to me. The challenges that I encountered was putting questions together and realizes it doesn’t have to take 10 questions to make the research, and narrowing down my topic due to it was too broad. My perception of an early childhood professional have been modified because, now I’ve learned research does take a lot of effort when conducting research to help children grow and develop.

          I’ve been out of touch due to chronic illness, and I would like to use this time to, thank my colleagues and Dr. Parrish for working diligently with me. I hope we all may have a chance to meet up again in another course. I wish each of you much success as we continue on our journey at Walden University.

FINIAL BLOG

Although, I was not able to receive any feedback from, the “International Organizations” which I chose, it was an honor and privilege to learn and read about childhood field for my professional and personal development is:

1.     Learning of resources surrounding your community one is able to be an advocate to homeless individuals and family and children in Poverty. This can be done by directing them to local places in your such as; Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), provides Snap program (Food Stamps), help parents with going back to school and  receive their GED due to not getting a High School Diploma  and a Way to Work program to better themselves and their children. Illinois Lutheran Child & Family Services provides shelter for the homeless and families with children help you seek employment and help one find low income housing.

2.     The second consequence was quality. In the in the Early Childhood Field. Teachers and Centers and Home Daycares must further their

education by enrolling in workshop programs, attending meetings

and conferences to help perfect the children’s development and growth and development.

3. The third consequence was changing demographics in the United States and communication / language.

          My goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations is to continue to be an advocate to children and their parents by, being a qualified professional in the early childhood field and providing Quality learning to all children in my care, well as keep parents inform about growth and development of their child’s learning I’m providing. Providing “Quality” learning allows all children to become lifelong learners.