What I have learned

My hope is that I continue to strengthen myself to be an anti-biased educator to help support all learners of any background. I will continue to support diverse children and their families to form a partnership to help their child reach their fullest potential in my classroom.

A goal I set for myself is to continue learning ways and insight about issues related to diversity, equity, and social justice. My goal is to engage in professional development, trainings, or webinars that will give me knowledge so that I can strengthen myself as a well-rounded Early Childhood professional.

Thanks to all my colleagues for your support during this journey. It has been a great experience to link up and share ideas, comments, and new knowledge as it relates to the early childhood field. I wish you all continued success and happy holidays.

Warmest Regards,

Tierra Jackson

Creating Art

I ndividually                                            

D eveloping

E xplicable personalities and characteristics

N otably

T hru traumatic experiences, biases, and discomforts

I nto

T he

Y oung child

I created this poem entitled “IDENTITY” to define how young children start developing diversity early on. As we have been learning from this course, these early experiences of trauma, biases, and discomforts will shape how we start to view the world around us. It plays a significant part on how we develop and form identities as a young child.

References:

Image from-

Rubashkyn, E.R.(2014, March 14). Eliana’s Blog.

Crossing Borders [Blog post]. Retrieved from

http://elianabutterfly.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/gender_identity_mtf_story.jpg

Start Seeing Diversity

An instance I can recall happening when a child pointed out something they noticed different was with my little cousin. We were out shopping in the mall and I can remember seeing a shorter than average person coming towards us. I was hoping my little cousin would not comment or even notice the difference, however, she did. As the lady was approaching she stated, “Why is that lady so little?” I really was in a moment of shock. I just was like “Shhh, Be Quiet!”

                The message I communicated to my cousin was that this person is different. Not only that, but that we should now respond to what we see. Now when she sees another person that is of shorter than average height, she may think that something has to be wrong with that person. Professionally, it would have been best not to just “shhh” my cousin, but perhaps explain to her that there are many different people in the world. People come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. Later, I may even share some books about differences in people.

Seeing Diversity-Gender and Sexual Orientation

“Bias related to sexual orientation, also called homophobia” (Laureate Education, n.d.). Heterosexism in my own words is the strong beliefs people have that heterosexuality should pervade in our society. I decided to observe a children’s TV. show and view children in an early childhood setting for any stereotypes or biases related to sexual orientation or gender roles. While watching the Sophia the First, I noticed that the girl characters wore lots of pink and were very well mannered. Spoke sofetly and seemingly nurturing and caring characters. I noticed the boy characters were more dominate and wore darker colors. In the early childhood setting, I noticed the boys seemed to only play with trucks, cars, and blocks. The girls tended to be interested in dress-up and taking care of baby dolls. However, there were some boys that did enjoy pretend play, but I did not seem them interact so much with the dolls. It seems as if societal views on girl’s vs boys have had some influence on our young children.

The “need to validate all the kinds of families children are coming from” (Laureate Education, n.d.) is the main reason early childhood educators should include classroom materials that depict same-sex partnered families. I think we should remember, as children we don’t get to choose the family we’re born into, so we could at least acknowledge that these types of families do exist. It helps the child not to feel bad or singled out because of the family that they were born into. For parents that have strong feelings against homosexual or transgendered individuals caring for their children. I would share the importance respecting differences in others. Also to remember that we would not want to be singled out because of choices we made in life, but maybe consider the child take part in the classroom. If there are still any discomforts I would respect the parents’ choice and just place the child in another room.

I have heard the term “tom boy” said to a little girl that likes to dress in pants, tennis shoes, and shirts vs dresses and skirts. She preferred rough play and doing more building in the block area. I think it may have caused the little girl to start thinking she was different in some way, although she continued dressing and playing the way she preferred.

References:

Video: Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Start seeing diversity: Sexual orientation [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Thanks for Supporting Me

This course has been so helpful for me both professionally and personally. With support from my colleagues in the discussion boards and blogs, I was able to gain feedback to strengthen my communication skills. Also with weekly resources, video segments, and text readings I was able to extend my knowledge about how to communicate effectively. Overall, I appreciate all the support as I continue my journey into my master’s degree. I know that I have learned about the type of communicator I am and am continuing to build skills to become competent as a communicator. I wish all my colleagues continued success.

Adjourning!

       “The adjourning stage is when the team is completing the current project. They will be joining other teams and moving on to other work in the near future. For a high performing team, the end of a project brings on feelings of sadness as the team members have effectively become as one and now are going their separate ways” (Abudi, 2010). I would say teams that are high-performing and have established norms are the most difficult to leave. I believe this may happen because you a have built relationships amongst team members to obtain goals that have been set. The bond created becomes strong as the group moves from the different stages of team building. At the end, when the goal or project has been accomplished a relationship has been built with lasting memories for what has been accomplish by the team.

     One group I can recall being hard to leave was when I was Moral Dance Coach for Dance Marathon when I was a student at Texas Woman’s University. Dance Marathon committee was made of a team of up to ten students that put together a fun filled, theme packed 14 hour event to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network to help support local hospitals in Dallas- Fort Worth area. We would start with our own simple ideas once each person had their position on the team. Then we moved to storming, figuring out how we would want ‘dancers’ to be able to push through the event. We would come up with a theme for the night, decorations, music, group dance, games all to motivate our ‘dancers’ to stay on their feet for the event. Also fund raiser events to help raise additional money. Once the event happened we could see how effective our team had been at planning and now executing our event. Adjourning was fun, but yet sad because we had worked for months on this event and now we would be moving forth with our lives. We would still see each other on campus and still engage in conversations. A closing ritual we did was have a meeting to discuss how much money was raised and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the night. Also discuss what could we add to improve the event and encourage more ‘dancers.’

                As I adjourn from colleagues during my Master’s coursework, I am sure I will have the same feelings. It will surely be a bittersweet moment. I will be happy to have accomplished my goal to obtain a Master’s. On the other hand, I will miss the connections and discussions I have had with colleagues during the course of my studies. As I move forward, I will have a sense of longing to still be a part of this college community of learners.

References:

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

                

This takes the CAKE!

A recent conflict I dealt with was between someone in my personal life. We were figuring out things for my son’s third birthday party. The big deal was who would drive the birthday cake over to the venue. The cake was one of those two layer cakes made with fondue, jungle themed. Now I asked this person to drop me off with my mom, and they could take the cake and pick up balloons and I would meet them at the venue. Well, apparently this caused a disagreement that I COULD NOT comprehend at the time. The other person was very reluctant to take the cake and I couldn’t understand why it was such a big deal. Needless to say, we ended up going in the same car and we BOTH transported the cake and balloons. I think a strategy that could have helped us would be actually explaining why we either did or did not want to transport the cake. I think even showing empathy would have supported our conflict in a positive manner, as NVC suggest. The bottom line was that the other person just did not feel comfortable transporting the cake because anything could have happened during the car ride and that person would have felt responsible for any damage done to the cake. Had I shown more empathy and even asked” Why do you feel so opposed to taking the cake?” we could have resolved the issue sooner and more positively. Colleagues feel free to add any additional advice.

Who am I as a Communicator?

Doing this week’s assessments on communication anxiety, verbal aggressiveness, and listening styles was very reflective way for me to see how I communicate. Also it allowed me to see how other’s perceive my communication skills. Similarities I found for my personal evaluation and from other’s are that I prefer one-to one communication situations. Also I will do small groups, but have a strong dislike to speak in public.  Another similarity I found is that I often get tense when asked to speak publicly or with individuals whom I don’t know very well. Also I found that I had a Group 1 listening style as a similarity. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the details for this to pull up, but I know that I prefer to listen vs talk. Also I am empathetic and am often concerned with how the other person feels. I also never show impatience or a press for time. Differences I found is that in my more personal relationships I am more verbally aggressive. I tend to voice more of what I feel. I think this shocked me the most. I never really noticed how verbally aggressive I was with family members; I thought I was the same in any communication situation. I think I learned that I need to find ways to be positively verbally aggressive in my personal relationships to show more empathy towards close love ones without being defensive.

Communicating with different cultures

Sometimes I do find myself communicating differently with people in different groups and cultures. Some ways I communicate differently is that verbally I use more simple words and shorter sentences. I do this because I feel that the person may not be able to comprehend if I start becoming too complex with my words and dialogue. Non-verbally, I tend to look away often and sometimes posture start becoming more slump. My listening skills may tend to become in a passive state, showing a sense of mindlessness. I think this happens because it’s hard to understand them and more than often we need a translator. I feel that I am really NOT making a connection with the individual and this may be why I am not fully engaged and active in the communication situation.

Three strategies I can use to communicate effectively are to do the following:

1. Not exhibit cultural myopia. Understand that my culture is not superior to others, but to understand that we live in a diverse country.
2. Follow the ‘platinum rule’ and place myself in the other person’s shoes. Develop more empathy for those that are culturally different.
3. Practice actively listening and showing respect during communication situations.

Communicating via t.v.

This was a eye opening opportunity to reflect on communication amongst characters in a t.v. program. A show I chose was "Mountain Man" on the History channel. This is definitely a show that I would not watch. Watching the show with no sound or captions did make it complicated for me to understand what was going on. One thing I had to rely on was non verbal cues. I noticed when the men where in the mountains they were isolated by themselves and their was little communication. However, when they connected with family outside of work, their were smiles, hugs, and eye contact amongst family. When I watched with sound on I could better comprehend what was happening and grasp an understanding for the characters on the show. This was my 'aha' moment.

Joyce Meyers- A Competent Communicator

  When I think of a competent communicator I think about Joyce Meyers. She is an inspirational speaker that is well known across the world for giving her motivational and inspirational speeches, books, devotionals, etc. Behaviors she exhibits is great ethics. She has good moral beliefs and shows cultural responsiveness. She communicates in a positive manner and offers genuine advice and support to those who may be afflicted, hurt, broken hearted, stressed, lost, etc and offers God's word to provide peace. She is always posed and wears a smile that speaks life into the souls of others. With the behaviors she exhibits as a competent communicator, I would definitely model myself after her. I feel that it would allow me to be the caring and supportive person that people need to hear from. I would be able to enlighten myself and others that are around me.

Professional hopes and goals

My hope for children and families with diverse backgrounds is that people can learn to appreciate differences in other people. I hope we can learn that these differences are what make us all the unique individuals. We all are unique individuals and should gain knowledge about things we don't understand or don't know anything about. Using these approaches to differences can help build a positive outlook on diversity. It's like a fruit salad, meaning each individual has their own unique flavor or  fruit to put in the salad. Overall, its flavor is enhanced when different fruits are added to complete the salad, no one looses who they are but helps make the salad better.

My goal is that we as Early Childhood professionals continue to educate ourselves and others on the importance of equity and social justice. We have to advocate to others the importance of showing equity to any family despite their culture because our children should be our first priority.

To all my colleagues, thanks for your support on the blogs and discussion boards. Your personal comments, professional advice, and experiences have given me more insight to becoming a better advocate for young children and their families. Also keep up the good work and God bless you all in our journey to obtaining our Master's degree.

Supporting a Nepal Family

The family's origin would be Nepal. Five ways I would prepare myself to be culturally responsive would be to do the following:
Gain background knowledge on their country of origin
Learn some linguistics to use for basic communication
Prepare documents needed in home language
Make the child care environment open to diverse families
Make sure other staff meet and greet family in a non invasive manner

I hope doing these things will help the.family understand we are open to diversity and providing their child with a successful school year.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

A memory of an incident I can recall from a fictional television show is from “The Wayans Bros.” I remember an episode where the oldest brother Shawn Wayans was looking for a new job and was hired for the position. Later, in the episode it was revealed that he was only hired to maintain a particular status quot of having another race in the office other than white. It was hard on this character because he was never allowed an opportunity to express his true work skills, but only hired to make sure the company had an African American person in the workplace. For this reason, prejudice and racialism evolved and diminished equity amongst equal rights for Shawn in the company. I felt a sense of sorrow for the character because he was not given an equal opportunity to show what he could do for the company. For this incident to be an opportunity for greater equity the boss/manager and the company itself would have to change its way of thinking and understand that there are qualified people of various colors that could do this job.

Microaggressions

During my second year of teaching pre-k I can recall being the target of microaggression. The beginning until middle of the school year was very stressful for me. It was not the students or curriculum; it was the conflict issues I was having with a co-teacher. She would be over possessive of the classroom and would only allow me to do certain things she felt I could do. She thought I was unable to teach effectively because of my age at the time. I was around the age of 22 during this time. I felt hopeless and like I had no voice in the instruction of our students. I would often feel withdrawn and alone because I felt like I couldn’t contribute ideas to the classroom that were appropriate. Later in the school year, she apologized to me saying, “I’m sorry I was acting like that. I thought you couldn’t do it because you are so young.”  

This week I have learned that the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and other stereotypes can be very demeaning to targeted individuals. I have learned that we must appreciate differences amongst our society. Lack of knowledge on differences within cultures can cause these prejudices’, discrimination, and stereotypes to develop. Personally, I have set a goal to get to understand differences that I have with children and families I will be working with in my classroom. Also I want to incorporate more cultural/diversity activities, so we can learn to work together in unity.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

For this assignment I choose to contact 3 important people to me. I spoke with two colleagues/friends and my significant other. All gave definitions for culture and diversity that related to things we have been learning in this course.  For example, how diversity means having a variety of individual cultures. Also how diversity does not mean that you have to lose who you are because it’s acceptance of various cultures. Culture was overall seen as an individual’s unique characteristics and can be things that have become customs or generational. One thing that I could see being omitted was lack of response to say that diversity means to recognize that there are differences. I think reflecting on their answers has influenced my own thinking in a positive way. I feel that we all have some understanding of diversity and culture. Best of all we know that diversity exist in society and are representations of each person’s unique culture.

Significant Other: Diversity: It’s division of different nationalities/ people. Not necessarily negative because of different diversities of culture. Culture: One’s nationality, ethnic background, and variety of other things. Things like food or music. It’s a person’s lifestyle.

Colleague/ Friend 1: Diversity: Differences within a group, but still being oneself. Culture: One’s traditions, beliefs, or behaviors that they follow. Qualities in a particular person. Culture could also be related to certain periods in times, such as, medieval times or Greek culture.

Colleague/ Friend 2: Diversity: the acceptance of various cultures. Culture: The customs and language of a group of people. It doesn’t necessarily mean race or ethnicity but just a common acceptance of a group of people. Often customs are passed down from generation to generation.

My Family Culture

Three items I would choose to take with me would be my cell phone, charger, and purse. Although these items may seem crazy to take with you following such a catastrophe, they all hold great value to my culture. I would need my cell phone and charger because, hopefully, I could remain in contact with other love ones and friends that may be placed in other countries. I would hope that I could remain in contact via a call, text, or social media. Besides remaining in contact with love ones and friend, I could use the pictures and videos I have to look back on memories I have created with them. I think this will help provide balance to feeling connected with my family and friends. I could also use my phone to use various applications, especially my Bible Version App, so that I could stay grounded in my word and faith in God that things will get better and to keep me encouraged during this catastrophe. I could also keep a diary of notes or things I wanted to express during this strenuous time being away from home. I also chose my purse because it has everything in it. Things like my driver’s license, teacher badge, pictures, and other important things that identify who I am.

 If I were told upon arrival I could only take one personal item and give up two, this would be a tough one for me. So I guess I would do without the cell phone because I wouldn't have the charger and I couldn't use a charger without a phone. I guess I would manage with just my purse and be able to remind myself  who I am with the items inside of it.  By doing this assignment, I learned that family culture is something that comes from within. Although we become attached to things, we have to be reminded that material things don’t last always. We have to remember that family culture, being diverse, and cultural differences will continue to exist with or without materialistic items we use on a daily basis. I feel that it comes from within our hearts how we define ourselves, beliefs, customs, race, etc. It’s something that cannot just be labeled with material things.

When I think of Research.....

This course has been very helpful towards my understanding of research. I have learned so many things, but I will share some key concepts I have learned. One would be how a newbie, like myself, could even define research.  According to Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford (2010) research is “a tool that helps us answer important questions about early childhood. Research is about uncovering and enabling the emergence of new understandings, insights and knowledge.”  I also learned a numerous amount of new terms that apply to research, such as, paradigms, quantitative and qualitative approaches, quasi-experiments, and others that I was able to share my meanings of the words in our weekly assignments. I now understand the amount of background knowledge and use of thought processing it takes to conduct research, as far as, planning, designing, and conducting research. Through the part 2 weekly assignments I was challenged to think of a research simulation, purpose a question that could be tested, figure out who I would study, and what types of methods and approaches I could use to validate my research study. I also learned the importance of validating research because it makes the study more solidified and also the importance of ethical concerns. A challenge I encountered was really coming up with a research question that I felt could be useful towards early childhood, but through personal and professional reflection I chose to focus on socio-emotional skills. Another challenge for me was trying to comprehend the vocabulary and learn how to apply it to the coursework. Through course readings, teacher, and colleague support I managed to push my way through. I have a greater appreciation for those early childhood researchers after doing this course. I truly am grateful for studies past, present and future because it takes a great deal of work, time, and support to provide answers, insights, and new understandings to such a valuable field---early childhood. Thanks again colleagues for your support along the way!!!

Reference

MacNaughton, G., Rolfe, S.A, & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research:

International Perspectives on Theory and Practice (2^nd ed). New York, NY:

McGraw Hill

Research Around the World

The website I chose to explore was http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php   or http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php. The organization’s name is Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and helps with providing early childhood development courses for those participants that have been nominated by Early Childhood Development committees that want to help further their knowledge on children’s development and how to support their communities and families. Some current international research topics I found were how fathers can be more involved in early childhood development and care, providing effective strategies for parent and school collaborations, curriculum development using community resources, and how grandparents can help support children 8 and under effected by HIV/AIDS. I feel these topics are very current and trendy to what issues are taken place in the country of Africa. I feel this international early childhood website is very resourceful to help Early Childhood professionals in this country become knowledgeable and supportive to young children, their families, and their community as a whole.

Research that Benefits Children and Families

    A topic I would choose to study would be implementing effective early childhood programs and rigorous, age- appropriate curriculum for older toddlers to help with the development of academic and social skills. I would choose this topic because I have a two year old son, and he amazes me with things that he has learned early on because he has been taught and introduced to these new concepts. For instance, he has learned his name starts with a Kk/ and will even try writing it. I would be intrigued to see if we start implementing early education programs and curriculum for toddlers, the advancements we could have for children that would be more school ready. Also I think it may show how appropriate education can help build a child’s cognitive and social skills if we start even early in age.  

My Personal Research Journey

The topic I have chosen for my research simulation is teacher strategies that are useful for maintaining high quality preschool or prekindergarten classrooms. I have chosen this as my simulation because I currently serve as a teacher for pre-kindergarten at Fort Worth ISD in Fort Worth, Texas. I work with children that would be considered at-risk and would love to learn new insights about maintaining a high quality classroom. As a teacher I endure a lot of situations that may be behavioral concerns, learning disabilities, children in temporary living situations, and other situations that affect the many children I serve.  I figure researching this topic will help me become well-rounded and become a better educator for the children and their families.  From constructing the research chart, I learned how to better analysis a research article. Also I am starting to learn more about certain terms used with research. I feel that “A Practical Guide to Reading Research Articles” and the course book have been instrumental in the process of becoming better at understanding research terms and how to become competent in doing research. If any colleagues have any advice or further resources to help with my topic, feel free to comment. Thanks in advance!

Resources that have been helpful:

Lepuschitz, J.K. (2011). A practical guide to reading research articles. Laureate Education Inc., Baltimore, MD. 

 Doing Early Childhood Research: International Perspectives on Theory and PracticeAppendix 1, “Getting Our Terms Right”  Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory
and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Final Blog Assignment!!!

Three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for professional and personal development:

1. 1.      I was able to learn about current issues and trends that are taking place internationally. I found out that issues we are dealing with nationally are also affecting others internationally.
2. 2.      I was able to gain some resources to learn more insight about current issues and trends. These resources offer information on trends.
3. 3.      I was able to learn new knowledge about current issues and trends and see what other Early Childhood professionals or practitioners are doing to work on helping fight these issues.

A goal for the field for international awareness of issues and trends is to stay current and continue to share new knowledge learned with other professionals in the early childhood field.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

Current issues that are being discussed where I live and work is the change in race/ethnic demographics. As many states may be experiencing, here in Texas there has been a shift in the demographics in the need for more educational programs. Murdock, et al (2012) provides the following statistics, “the future of the United States is critically tied to the success of the education of children in Texas. While accounting for only 15.7 percent of growth in the total population in the United States between 2000 and 2010, Texas accounted for an equivalent of 53.2 percent of the growth in the early childhood and school age population (ages 0-12) alone.” Opportunities for professional development are available to all involved  in education programs. For instance, Head Start offers their employees professional development and even helps assist its teachers in gaining degrees relevant to the field. Public school professionals are required to do so many hours of professional development, this depends on district policy and teacher certification requirements.

Some of my professional goals include developing strategies to use with the diverse group of children I serve as a teacher. Another professional goal I have is to build connections with others in the field to gain more knowledge about early childhood. . The last professional goal for me would be to learn how to apply research studies, strategies, techniques into my own profession as a teacher. I believe that having a resource such as UNESCO’s, will help provide me with information to help me follow my goals and stay connected with other’s in the field of early childhood education.

New insights I gained from the UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” is the following:

1. UNESCO advocates for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) 

2.  It organized the first World Conference on ECCE in September 2010, which culminated in the adoption of a global action agenda for ECCE called Moscow Framework for Action and Cooperation: Harnessing the Wealth of Nations.

3. UNESCO works in partnership with Member States, partners and other stakeholders to encourage timely and effective implementation of the Moscow Framework so that all young children develop their potential to the fullest.

References

            http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/

Murdock, S. H., Cline, M., Perez, D., & Hough, G. C. (2012). Change in the early

childhood and school age population in Texas, 2000 to 2010, and projected to 2015. Houston, TX: Rice University, Hobby Center for the Study of Texas. Retrieved November 7, 2012, from the University of Texas at Austin, Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, Web site: http://www.utexas.edu/research/cshr/pubs/pdf/final_ECEA_Deliverable_1_October_31_2012.pdf.

Sharing Web Resources

    The website I am using as a resource is Harlem Children’s Zone. When I explored outside links they mainly would connect me to a YouTube video or publication to read more about a certain topic the organization wanted to highlight. One for example, was the YouTube video with our president and a student from HCZ discussing her experience in the school program. President Obama announces the use of Promise Zones that will use the model that HCZ uses to help the 5 neediest states lowest in educational support.

    I chose to explore the websites section titled, “Issues.” In this section I was able to find current issues the organization finds important for us readers to explore and learn more about. One issue was poverty to providing more of this type programs to low=income minority families. The C.E.O. and founder, Geoffrey Canada has some videos where he discuss certain issues in short media segments. In this section you can also find articles that touch basis on different issues.

   Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten any newsletters. I just have been exploring the website to figuring out information relavent to the course. When it comes to the discussion for this week on availability, accessibility, and affordability I think that is what HCZ is all about. Providing low-income, poverished, minority children with equable educational opportunities. To learn more I suggest visiting the website www.hcz.org . I think just exploring HCZ’s webpage I learned that will programs like these we can make sure all children are given equal learning opportunities, no matter the race, income, ethnicity. Its programs like these that give us a model to follow by. Thank you HCZ.

Getting to Know International Contacts---part 2

I listened to a podcast from World Forum Radio. Unfortunately, I never was able to establish a contact, so I am completing the alternative assignment. I was able to listen to a podcast from Barbara Jones and learn some information about her and her contribution to early childhood care and education. She shared her story about becoming Montessori teacher years ago. She said it was a philosophy she was unsure about at first, but was in need of work after finishing her college work. She worked at this job and even did some work with YMCA.  She eventually started to develop a passion for Montessori and went on to pursue her certification as a Montessori teacher. She eventually opened her own school in Maine around 1984, Pine Groove Child Development Center. She continues to serve children and families for about 25 years now.

Learning more about the “Global Children’s Initiative” was an eye opening experience. It’s great to know we have this type of project going on currently to help provide children with more opportunities to gain a better education around the world. I was able to learn the following insights about this initiative:

1. There are 3 domains, which include; early childhood development, mental health; and children in crisis and conflict situations.

2. Each of these domains is being guided by a faculty working group that will facilitate continuing cross-disciplinary collaboration; design and implement new projects; and engage additional faculty, students, and collaborators beyond the Harvard community. 

3. This initiative project with work to help support children in low economic situations to more well off children. Ideas will be shared collaboratively with the United States.

Websites:

http://ccie-media.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/WFR_09_BarbaraJones.mp3

http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/global_childrens_initiative__activities/

Sharing Web Resources

The section of early childhood and latest news offer relevant information for my position as a PK teacher. I can go there and read about things HCZ uses in their programs and reflect on what I’m doing currently. Reading the latest news section keeps me current with social events, policies, or positions that are taking place.

Harlem Children’s Zone president/CEO Geoffrey Canada was named one of the world’s best leaders in Fortune Magazine. I was happy to see that people who dedicate themselves to the educational field can really make a difference in the lives of so many. Also because of his hard work politicians, like President Obama has used Geoffrey’s work with HCZ to offer programs, such as these, in states where education is at a low. This is the positive support we need from politicians in the early childhood field.

Geoffrey Canada offers his position on poverty. He believes that providing children with high quality care with help with this issue. He also suggests 5 steps that could help make a difference.

1) Reform the bureaucracy.

2) End the public school monopoly.

3) Attract and retain more great teachers.

4) Make teaching and learning full-time jobs.

5) Create incentives for excellent teachers.

Seeing these 5 steps made me think about the issue of gaining and retaining highly qualified teachers in a new way. I think that creating incentives  and better pay for school educators would definitely help when trying to shape more high quality early childhood education and care programs.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

I still have not been able to get a contact to communicate with for this assignment. So I was attempting to do the alternate assignment by assessing the childhoodpoverty.org webpage, but I was unable to pull up the page. I contacted the professor about my concerns about the assignment. So being stuck in a stand still, I decided to type in Google search about CHIP and found out they partner with Save the Children. So I decided to look into their website and research poverty concerns in Nepal, Asia. I was devastated to find out how poverty has really had an effect on children and families in this country. Also I was able to find the following facts  and statistics , according to Save the Children (2014):

·         “Poverty Rate: 24%”

·         “Save the Children's programs support the formation and development of women's groups, community-based organizations, and self-help groups with leadership training, management skills, and limited seed money to expand access to credit.”

·         “Entrenched poverty and a decade of violent political instability have taken a toll on the Nepalese people, although a lasting peace is gaining momentum, creating real hope for long-term political reconciliation. Much of the population lives in remote rural areas on the plains and others living in scattered settlements in the hills and mountains. More than one in three people in Nepal live in extreme poverty, subsisting on less than $1 per day.”

Resources

Save the Children (2014).  Nepal. Retrieved from

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6150545/k.B8DE/Nepal.htm?sessionid=1395538383308.1816

Sharing Web Resources!!!

The organization I chose to study is called the “Harlem Children’s Zone” or HCZ for short. The link to the website is www.hcz.org/home . The organization focuses on providing free educational services to children and families in the community of Harlem. The program offers services to pregnant mothers and cares for these children up to after high school.  The project first started in 1970 but had expansions in 1990s, under the leadership and vision of president, CEO Geoffrey Canada, working with only several blocks in the Harlem neighborhood. The project has been such a success that the block area of the project has been widened and offers services like Baby College, early childhood programs, elementary school, high school, and even college preparatory classes, and also community outreach services.

A current issue or trend that caught my attention, as it relates to change in demographics, is the ‘Promise Zones’ that President Obama wants to use to model these same efforts with five places in the U.S. that are dealing with poverty and helping children. These five areas will be San Antonio, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Southeastern Kentucky and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. I feel that with the success HCZ has had in the community of Harlem, these five areas will have a great success, as well. Building the community and helping assist children with better education will essentially lower poverty and allow for more productive members of society to be raised out of these communities. It will eventually help the area and people living there in the long run. Check out the following link: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/10/us/politics/obama-announces-promise-zones-in-5-stricken-areas.html?_r=0 for more information on the ‘Promise Zones.’

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

Hello to All,

Contacting professionals has been an adventure for me. I didn’t know what direction to take on my own to establish contact with someone outside the United States, so I found it helpful to go to the resources provided on blackboard. I chose two contacts from Europe using one of the websites provided, but I wasn’t able to establish any communication with them. I pursued two more contacts from Europe, as well; I have emailed them a few days ago explaining who I am and my purpose for the contact. Unfortunately, I have not got any responses back. However, I will remain hopeful until the beginning of this upcoming week. If I don’t get responses, then I will most definitely choose the alternate assignment for part 1. Choosing an early childhood organization website was much easier for me. I decided to stick with early childhood organizations within the United States. I looked through the resources provided and picked two that stood out the most to me which were Society for Research in Child Development http://www.srcd.org/ or  Harlem Children's Zone http://www.hcz.org/. After exploring each website, Harlem Children’s Zone resonated with me the most. I feel personal connection because I represent that race/ethnicity and also professional connection because in my school district’s pre-k classes, we serve children that are considered ‘at risk’ (homeless, minority, or low-income). I can’t wait to begin my journey with this organization and with my personal contacts, whoever they will be. If anyone has been successful with establishing contacts, please share with me, so I can confirm mine.

Thanks in advance,

Tierra Jackson

My Supports

When I think about my daily supports in my life, the first would have to be my faith in God. God is the guide of my life and knowing that I can trust and believe in His word helps me to manage in life daily. I start off my morning with the support of God’s word by reading a Bible verse and committing to a daily devotional. This helps me face life in a positive, loving way and be ready to achieve any tasks that may come my way. Without this support, I would be lost, confusion, discouraged in any goal I was trying to reach and would be hopeless in this world we live in.

Another support would be the emotional, physical, and sometimes monetary support from family members. They help me by communicating with me during ups and downs that I encounter in my life. They have provided me at some time in my life a place to stay, positive conversations, and some monetary help when I needed certain things, along with emotional support. Without them I would feel that I was all alone. I wouldn’t have that shoulder I need to lean on for comfort in my time of need.

Another important support would be my technology devices, like my cell phone and laptop. These devices help me communicate with others, stay on schedule, and do important homework assignments. They help me also keep up with my social life and my friends, co-workers, and colleagues. Without technology, my life would be at a whack. I couldn’t communicate as quickly, stay on schedule, and just keep up with daily assignments and people that are in my social life.

 The support of my son Kingston helps keep me motivated to keep pushing forward in life. He has given me a reason and purpose to do my best, so he can have the best and not have to be faced with certain challenges. He is my joy and the reason I am a part of this class today. I don’t even want to imagine the support of his love being away from me. Without him I would be lost, confused, and looking for a certain something to fill the void and joy that only a child can bring.

I also need the basic supports that help me on a daily basis. These are food, shelter, and clothes for me and my son. We need food to nourish our bodies and keep us healthy. Shelter to protect us and keep us safe and warm or cool, depending on the weather in Texas. Clothes to protect our bodies and keep us warm/cool. Without these vital essentials, we would be helpless, hungry, and homeless. I don’t want to even imagine life without them.

My Connections to Play

 
       


"We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw




“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” -  Fred Rogers

      

 

 

 

When I was younger, play was always encouraged and supported. I was often encouraged  to go play outside and engage in play with neighborhood friends and close cousins. We often used our imaginations and created games to play. Sitting in front of the t.v. was not much of an option once homework was done. I feel play today is not what it was for me when I was growing up. I feel play is less encouraged due to safety concerns and technology devices readily made available.  My hope is that children are allowed opportunities to play outside, with supervision, and allowed to be creative with their play.  Also to be able to use the imaginations to create  optimal play opportunities.  I feel play is essential for children to develop physically, socially, cognitively, and creatively.