Time Well Spent

At least three deeply felt learnings from this program Throughout this program I have learned so much. I have learned that this program is an early childhood program, but its focus wasn’t just about the children. It was also about their parents, families, and also staff members. I also learned about several different leaderships styles. If I wouldn’t have learned about all those leadership styles, I don’t think I would have known what type of leader I actually want to become. One last thing that I have learned from this entire program are ways in which we can help children and their families out. The way we can help them out is with all of the organizations that there are out there. There are international, state, and federal organizations that could help them out with whatever problems that they have. Overall I have enjoyed this program. At least one long term goal A long term goal of mine is to own my own daycare center. I would also like to have more than one establishment. I also hope that I can have them opened around the New Orleans Metro area where I am originally from. I am hoping that I can open them up with my husband being my business partner. Another long term goal of mine is to remain happy, healthy, fit, and successful. No matter what challenge I may come up against I want to make sure that I continually take it one day at a time and conquer it like I did with this Master’s program. I also want to continue to grow in my knowledge of the early childhood, so whatever I can do to increase my knowledge, whether it’s attending seminars, getting advice from those that already have an establishment, or evening doing research about it, then that is what I going to do. A farewell message to your Instructor and colleagues (consider uploading a video or audio podcast) Hello Dr. Johnna and colleagues. I want to wish you all the best and I also which you all much happiness and success. May God continue to bless each and every one of you in your endeavors in whatever you all hope to do in your future. I also want to say thank each one of you for all of your positive feedbacks. You all have been very helpful and I truly appreciate it. Thank you all again and I wish you all the best!!!!

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

At least three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them I chose this organization because they have so many different priorities for children. Some of those priorities include child survival development, protection/social inclusion, and emergency aid and humanitarian action (UNICEF, 2011). I love the fact that they have so many things that will help with the children and it’s great because there are so many children that need and can use the help. I chose Save the Children because they are all about helping children live happier and healthier lives. They are also the leading independent organizations creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Lastly they are recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration (Save the Children, 2011). The last national organization that appealed to me was the United States Nations Ed, Scientific. This organization stood out to me for several reasons. One main reason was because the UNESCO mission is to contribute to the building of peace, eradication of poverty. Another reason is that this organization focus on overarching objectives, such as fostering cultural diversity, and addressing emerging social and ethical changes. Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you I have been looking for several different job opportunities in my area. I am still in the process of looking on websites as well as newspapers to see if there is anything that I may be able to find. I still haven’t had any luck with any opportunities. I am still in the process of looking for a director position because this position is still a position that interest me. Another position that interest me is a pre-k and kindergarten teacher. I would like to pursue this position because I love this age group. Not only do I love this age group, but I love teaching them and helping them learn, grow, and develop their cognitive and motor skills. I want to be the one that makes a difference in their lives. Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles The skills and experience that I would need to competently fulfill each of these roles is to make sure that I know as much about how to deal with pre-k and kindergarten children. I also need to know what skills and expertise I should have under my belt to know what I need to help them out as well. Another thing I need is to be nurturing to all of my children and I would need to learn how to deal with them which takes patience. Reference Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/ Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/  

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

At least three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them One national organization that appealed to me was the National Education Association. The reason that it appealed to me because I read that they are committed to improving early childhood education. I also like the fact that the NEA recommends federal funds to make pre-kindergarten programs available for all three-and four-year-old children from disadvantage families. They also recommend free, publicly funded, quality kindergarten programs in all states (NEA, 2002). Another national organization that appealed to me was the Zero to Three. The Zero to Three appealed to me because they are a nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals, and policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development (Zero to Three, 2014). One last thing that appealed to me about this nonprofit organization was their mission. I love the fact that their mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life (Zero to Three, 2014). The last national organization that appealed to me was the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood. T.E.A.C.H. This national organization appealed to me because their mission is to implement and sustains programs and strategies that result in a well-educated, fairly compensated and stable early childhood workforce to ensure the long term success of our nation’s children in school and in life (T.E.A.C.H., 2014). Another thing that appealed to me about this program was the fact that they are a comprehensive scholarship program that provides the early childhood workforce with access to education. I love the fact that they have a lot of core values as well and one that stood out to me is the fact that they build partnerships for professional development and another one was how they create educational pathways, which is something I feel is big when working with children and their families (T.E.A.C.H., 2014). Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you Right now in the area I am living in there is not many job opportunities that I have heard about. I have been looking on websites to see if I could find something, but I haven’t had any luck just yet. I am still in the process of looking for a director position because right now this is a position that interest me. I would also like to pursue a teaching position working in a school. In order for me to work in a school I need to receive a teaching certificate. So, right now working in a daycare teaching those children will do for me right now until I come across a job that I am looking for that interest me. Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles The skills and experience that I would need to competently fulfill each of these roles is to make sure that I have the knowledge and experience that I need in order for me to be able to teach the children like they need to be taught. The other skills and experience that I need is to make sure that I have the materials that are needed in order to help them learn in a way that is easy to catch on to. Another thing I need is patience like I mentioned in the previous blog. No one can work with children with no patience. Reference NEA. (2002). Early childhood education. Retrieved from www.nea.org/home/18163.htm T.E.A.C.H. (2014). T.E.A.C.H. early childhood scholarship project: a national effort. Retrieved from http://www.childcareservices.org/ps/teach_ta_qac/teac-early-early-childhood-national/ Zero to Three. (2014). The latest from zero to three. Retrieved from www.zerotothree.org/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them One state organization that appealed to me was the Southern Early childhood association. The reason that it appealed to me because I read that they are committed to improving the quality of care and education for young children and their families through advocacy and professional development (SECA, n.d.). I also like the fact that they have been around for quite some time (fifty years) and not only that they are in various states and that you could become a member of their organization. Another state organization that appealed to me was the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children. I love the fact that they are the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children. I also love their mission and their goals. Their mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights, and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources(NAEYC,n.d.). The last state organization that appealed to me was the NAECS-SDE which is the national organization for state education agency staff members with major responsibilities in the field of early childhood education, from infancy through the primary grades. I love the fact that the Association promotes high-quality services to young children and their families through improvement of instruction, curriculum, and administration of programs. One last thing I like about this organization is that they allow the members of the association have an opportunity to share ideas and to work together toward the solution of common problems (NAEC, n.d.). Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you Currently where I am located I haven’t seen or heard about any job opportunities. There are some jobs that interest me though. I would like to be a director of a daycare. I feel that I would be able to bring things to the table that some people aren’t capable of bringing. For example, at the daycare I work at, there are directors that have no organizational skills, not loyal to employees, and one of them are very passive. She lets some of the employees do what they want and I feel that she needs to be in another profession. One other job opportunity that interest me is becoming a pre-k to kindergarten teacher. I love dealing with the younger children and also helping them grow and develop. Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles The skills and experience that I would need to competently fulfill each of these roles is to have great organizational skills, be a great communicator, and listener. I also need to make sure that I continue to keep my patience when dealing with the children as well as the employees. Also to fulfill each of these roles I know I would need to make sure I have educational classes that I have taken to ensure the safety of the children, CPR as well, and to have worked around children of all ages for at least six months. Reference NACES.(n.d.).National association of early childhood specialist in state departments of education. Retrieved from http://www.naecs-sde.org/ NAEYC.(n.d..About naeyc. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc SECA.(2014).Become a member of seca. Retrieved from http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/become_member.php

Reflecting on Communication in Early Childhood Field

I would like to take the time and reflect on the course from this semester. I really appreciate everyone who has responded to my blogs. I appreciate all of the insightful information that each of you shared. I also would like to thank everyone for all of the positive messages and comments they have left. All of this made me become better by taking the feedback and improving myself as a person on my communication, as well as my communication skills. I wish everyone the best of luck on their journey through their course and much success.

Team Building and Collaboration

The adjourning" stage the project is coming to an end and the team members are moving off into different directions. This stage looks at the team from the perspective of the well-being of the team rather than from the perspective of managing a team through the original four stages of team growth (Abudi, G, 2010, p.1). When dealing with the groups (softball team), I would say the aspect that made for the hardest good-bye was the fact that some of us wouldn’t see each other again. The reason we all wouldn’t see each other again was because some of us ended up going to different schools. We all played together for a while and we ended up forming a bond like sisters (well and least some of us) so I believe that’s why it was so hard to say good-bye to some of the girls. We did exchange numbers between some of us though. I can’t think of any closing ritual that I would have wish I would have experienced other than going out and actually celebrating with each other. I can’t really say how I would have adjourn from the group of colleagues because of the fact that we are not really face to face with one another while working on this masters degree in this program. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it helps some get to know themselves and others on a different level in my opinion. Reference 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

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

Share at least two strategies you have learned about that might help you manage or resolve the conflict more productively, and why these strategies might be effective. For example, could you suggest a compromise? Two strategies that I have learned about that might help me manage or resolve the disagreement more productively, is one to think about the nonviolent communication which is based on the principles of nonviolence-- the natural state of compassion when no violence is present in the heart (The Center for Nonviolent Communication, n.d). The other strategy is using the three R’s which are respect, reciprocal, and relationship. I believe these strategies will be important because they will allow me to be able to be mindful when I am talking and making sure that I am being considerate without attacking them. I feel that using the nonviolent communication and using the three R’s will more than likely make the conversation and conflict more productive. Yes, I believe that somewhere in the conflict there could be a compromise. Could you look for a broader range of solutions to your disagreement? Yes, I believe that there could be a broader range of solutions to my disagreements. I think that listening could be a broader range of solutions. Could you use some of the principles of nonviolent communication or the 3 R's to better help you resolve this conflict? Yes I believe that the three principles of nonviolent communicator or the three R’s to better help me resolve the conflict like I made mention before on the two strategies above. Reference The Center for Nonviolent Communication. (n.d.). The center for nonviolent communication. Retrieved from http://www.cnvc.org/

Who Am I As A Communicator

The ways that I perceived myself was not much differently than the way that my friend and my husband d perceived me as a communicator. They both actually had similar scores to what I had. The fact that they both perceived me similar to the way I perceived myself surprised me the most. It surprised me the most because I expected them to perceive me as a person who does not communicate in a way that gets my point across (more effectively) the way I need to. Some other insights that I gained this week about communication was the fact that there are several types of listeners, such as selfish listening, hurtful listening, and pseudolistening. Some other things that I learned is that effective listening creates opportunities. For example, good listeners don’t just avoid mistakes; they find opportunities that others might miss (O’Hair and Wieman, 2012, p.167).I also learned that I could be less aggressive when I communicate with others and that I take in consideration others feelings when I listen. Also I ended up actually being a people-oriented person which was the score both my husband and friend said about me, which really didn’t surprise me at all. Reference O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Communication and Culture

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? Yes, I find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. I notice that when I am around different children and people of another age group and culture, every message that I tailor to them, is said differently. If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently? The ways that I communicate differently with the different groups and cultures is by making sure that I say what needs to be said to each of them in a way that they can relate to me. For example, if I am talking to friends I would sometimes use slang words, but if I am talking to people that are in a professional field, I would talk to them more on a professional/business level. Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified. Three strategies you could use to help me communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified is to make sure use the Platinum Rule which states, “Do to others as they themselves would like to be treated,” (Beebe, Beebe, & Raymond 2011 p.1). Secondly, I would make sure that I use both my verbal and nonverbal cues as ways of communicating. The last strategy that I could use to help me communicate more effectively with the people or groups I have identified is making sure that I listen and hear what they are saying. Reference Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Communication Skills: Language, Nonverbal, Listening

T.V Show Watched Meet the Browns What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating? As I watched the show there were quite a few characters that I saw, but there were two in particular that I really paid attention to. Based on the ways that the woman and the man were communicating with each other, my guess was that they were nothing more than just colleagues. What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing? Based on the nonverbal behavior that I observed, the feelings of the two characters seemed to be happy and mutual. Their facial expressions had smiles on them and their gestures and posture around each other were very relaxed and comfortable. Sound turned on What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed? The assumptions that I made about the characters were that they were nothing more than just colleagues. I figured they were just colleagues because of where the setting took place, which was in a classroom. After watching the television show with the sound on, I learned that they were more than just colleagues; they were actually in a relationship with one another (boyfriend and girlfriend). Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well? I believe that my assumptions would have been more correct if I had been watching a show that I knew well. I felt like I missed some of the gestures somewhere in the show when they were interacting with one another. Write about your experience in your blog, including what you learned about communication from this experience and insights or "aha" moments you believe would be helpful to your colleagues. When I was watching the television show, it was kind of interesting for me trying to figure out what the relationship was between the two characters while the sound was off. I thought that it would have been much easier to figure out what they may have been talking about while I watched the show. I learned that after watching television shows you can’t just assume that people may just be colleagues just because of the way that they interact with one another. As I turned the sound on, I was shocked to find out that they were in a relationship because their gestures and facial expressions didn’t give it away. I guess they didn't want to really show any type of gestures that would show that they were in a relationship because of the setting that they were in, that would put their jobs in jeopardy.

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds (any format and any length) One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is to leave the biggest impact in their lives. I would love for them to feel like they have actually learned something from me (which I have no doubt in my mind that they would not be able to). I also hope that when I am working with children and families that they won’t be afraid to talk to me when a problem comes up or with a certain situation that they may be faced with and don’t know how to handle it. One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length) One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to make sure that all educators will treat everybody equally. I think that treating everyone equally is the most imperative thing that we (professional/early childhood educators) can and should do. Another goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to make sure that I remain knowledgeable of the course material that I have learned in this course. I would love to be able to teach it to others one day when I become an early childhood educator. A brief note of thanks to your colleagues I would like to thank all of my colleagues for all of their insightful post that they have written over the course. I would also like to thank you all for taking the time out to respond to my post and for giving my positive feedback. I really enjoyed you all over the course and I wish you all the best of luck as you close out this course and move onto the next. Good luck on your journey while you pursue your Masters in the early childhood post and I pray that you all succeed and become successful in whatever you do in life. Always remember to be the best you can be and be sure to give 100% and more in everything that you do.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

            One memory that I had of an incident where I witnessed prejudice of someone else being a target of it was when I was at the airport. I witnessed one of my classmates from Medical School being discriminated against. She was an Ethiopian who wore a head wrap and when we were going through she got stopped and pulled to the side. They pulled her to the side and after they pulled her over to the side they said that they were testing her for gun powder residue. This was not the first time it happened to her. She told us every time she goes through security she gets stopped.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

            This specific incident diminished equity because all they saw was the fact that she had a wrap on her head. It wasn’t fair because they didn’t stop any of us and we all are considered to black that were together, but maybe they thought she was of some other ethnicity.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

            I felt bad for her because she didn’t deserve to be treated like terrorist. I hope that one day that all of this prejudice ends one day. I know that it will never end because of the world we live in and the people that are in it.            

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

            I believe that the people that are being taught and brought up to change their ways. No one is born prejudice, bias, or anything of that nature. They are taught those things from their parents, those who care for them, and/or people they grew up around. Not only that, they people who are being told to single out the people at the airport need to change too. If she was able to go through with no security going off then she should have been able to just continue with her day at the airport.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggression

Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggression?

One example of microaggression that I remember from another time was when my friend from medical school was stopped at the airport in security a few months back. It was a bunch of us that was leaving to go home for break. I can remember my friend being behind all of us and we all went through security with no problem.  We all were beginning to walk and we noticed that Roza was nowhere in sight.  So we stopped and waited for her for about a minute or town and then we saw her walking up towards us. We asked her what happened and she said that she was stopped and was being checked for gun powder residue on her. She wasn’t even upset because she said that she was use to this happening to her when she goes to the airport. She is an Ethiopian and she wears a scarf over her head and to me this was ridiculous. She is always being racially profiled as being a terrorist when she goes through security at airports.

In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people

                My observation experiences this week affect my perception of the effects of stereotypes and discrimination on people makes me feel very disgusted when I hear and see these things happen to people. Sometimes I wish that everybody in the world could just wake up and see that we all are equal. I also wish that people could see that this behavior is really unacceptable and not only that they should see that the same thing that are doing to these people (the ones that are prejudice, discriminating against people and stereotyping people), the same thing is going to happen to them.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Their definition of culture

After asking a few of my family members what culture meant to them, one of them defined culture as being something that we as people all have to develop to. The other two defined culture as something that we are just naturally born in and have the ability to adapt to no matter what race ethnicity one may be. One person that I would say who I believe is culturally different from me is my two nephews. They are somewhat culturally different from me because they speak totally different from everyone in the family, even their own parents. They are very proper and I just do not understand where they get it from.

Their definition of diversity

      When a few of my family members were asked to define what diversity meant to them, each of them gave me a totally different answer. One of them said that diversity meant that each and every person even in the family is all different from one another because of the way they act. For example, they said that my nephews seem to be very diverse from everyone in the family because they are the only two proper speaking ones in the family. Then another one of my family members defined that diversity means being able to express yourself in a way that makes you feel comfortable. My last family member said that being diverse means displaying several different social identities or as many as one can have.

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?

            An aspect of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers that I received for culture was the fact that there are different ways to define it. Culture does not have to be perceived as a person that is of a particular race has to belong to a certain culture because of that. For example, in a sense refers to how particular groups of people live and every day, in every action, we express our particular group culture and our individual relationship to our culture (Derman-Sparks and Edwards, 2010, p. 55). As for diversity, the aspect that has been included in the answers that I have received was the fact that being diverse has many social identities that come along with a person. It is the total opposite of culture. For example, our social identities are what make each and every one of unique and diverse, which was something that I learned by reading the course materials and getting a better understanding of it.  

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?

            The aspects that have been omitted were the fact that they say that no one mentioned that culture can be broken down into several different subcultures. For example, there is dominant culture, which means that it’s a culture of the people who hold the social, political, and economic power in society and necessarily or always meaning the culture of majority (Derman-Sparks and Edwards, 2010, p. 57).

In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?

            Some of the ways that other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics is that they make me see how everyone does not view culture and diversity the same way. Also it gives me a deeper understanding as to how I can relate to different ideas of what it means to belong to a culture and how I can be very diverse in my own culture and still feel comfortable knowing that my social identities are what make me part of a culture and being diverse.

Reference

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).

My Family Culture

A description of the three items you would choose

• If there was a major catastrophe that almost devastated my country and I could only take three items with me would be my phone, my bible, and my bank card.

How you would explain to others what each of these items means to you

• I would take my cell phone with me because it would be the only way that I would be able to get in contact with my family. Not only would I be able to get in touch with my family but it would be a way for me to stay updated on all of the information and destruction that has gone on. It would also allow me to know if I would be able to get back to my country once everything has settled.
• I would take my bible for religious regions. My bible really means a lot to me because I would need some other way to stay in touch with God. He is my main source and provider and I know that he would be able to keep me calm and give me a peace of mind, so I most definitely feel that I need to be able to read and stay close to him. In another way other than praying.
• I would most definitely need my bank card. I would need my bank card because that is the only way that I would be able to buy things that I would need. I would most definitely need food and water and hygiene products.

Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you

• If I were to be told that I could only keep one personal item and had to give up the other two items that I bought with me, I would most be upset, frustrated and a little stressed out. I would be upset because my phone I most definitely need to make sure I know everything that is going on with my family. So, if I did not have my phone I would not know how I would manage. I would not be to upset if I did not have my bible because with the technology now and days everything could be downloaded on my phone. I would be able to download a bible app on my phone. If I had to leave my  bank card, this would really suck because I need my bank card on my that way I could have food and  water.

Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise,

• After doing this exercise the only insight that I have gained is the fact that I really value my family a lot. My phone is the main thing that I feel would be the item that I would feel most upset about if I could not have that particular item on me. 

When I Think of Research…..

•What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

                The insights that I have gained about this research was learning how come up with independent and dependent variables. I also learned about how to make up my own hypothesis question and construct a research paper just by using the questions that I did from the last assignment from week eight.

•In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

                The ways that my ideas about the nature of doing research changed as I begin to do research was a number of ways. One of my ideas about the nature of doing research changed was by learning how to become a better research. Also I think that my idea of doing research has changed because it helps me learn so many different terms that I am able to use doing my research.

•What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

•What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

                One challenge that I encountered through this course was trying to come up with my own hypothesis.  The biggest challenge that I encountered during this course while dealing with was trying to narrow down my topic. That has been the biggest challenge because every time I tried to narrow it down it was still too broad. Not only was it to broad but it was also such a hard topic that I picked that made it really hard for me.

•What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

                The way that my perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course has come a long way. I feel a little bit better trying to do research now than I have ever before. Before doing this research I had felt like I had struggled a lot just by trying to come up with my own topic. Now I am feeling a little bit more comfortable on working with resources to help me do my research. 

Well to end this last blog, I would like to thank everyone who has responded to back to me and that have given me positive feedback. I would also like to thank Dr. Joyce for all of the positive feedback that she has also given to me and for the corrections to help me become a better research writer. To all my colleagues, I wish you all the best of luck on the rest of your journey.

Research Around the World

What are some of the current international research topics?

There were quite a few current international research topics that I chose and the one that I chose to discuss about was from Nigeria.

The topic is to the international research:

 Assessment of the Caring Practices in Two Motherless Babies’ Homes in Abia State, Nigeria and the Development and Delivery of a Nutrition Training Program to the Staff of These Homes to Improve Nutrition of Children in Their Care

What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?

Some surprising facts and insights about early childhood that I gained from exploring this international early childhood website was that when a child was referred as being in a state of bereavement, it was assumed that both parents were dead (Akomas, p.6). Today, there are a variety of definitions:

• A child who has lost both parents.

• Someone or something that lacks support or care or supervision.

• A young animal without a mother.

• A child deprived of parents by death or desertion.

• In general there are variations in the age up to which children are considered orphans (14, 15, 18 and 21 years old) and the patterns of parental death (both parents die, either parents die, or death of mother only).

 

What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

Other noteworthy information that I found was that complementary feeding is the period during which foods or liquids are provided along with continued breast-feeding. This usually starts when the baby is six months old. Complementary feeding is poorly done in developing countries, due to lack of information about what foods are appropriate, how much should be given, how they should be given, and their inadequacy in quantity and quality among other problems (Allen & Gillespie, 2001) (Akomas, p.10).

 

 

 

 

Reference

Akomas, O. Assessment of the caring practices in two motherless babies’ homes in abia state, Nigeria and the development and delivery of a nutrition training program to the staff of these homes to improve nutrition of children in their care. Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/documents/major_projects/Akomas%20Final%20UVic%20LP.pdf

 

 

 

 

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

Positive Parenting Research

           

 A positive example of the effects of research on children and families is positive parenting. If a child is brought up by parents that are caring, always positive, and nurturing, then I believe that the child will grow up the same. I say this because of experience of seeing it. My mother and my grandmother are the same exact way. My grandmother will do anything for anybody and so does my mother, no matter how bad they have been treated by that person or if they have been misused. Once a person use you more than one time and call only when they need something then it is time to let them go.

Your Personal Research Journal

Culture is a very broad topic. So as I was doing some research on it, I chose to narrow it down and talk about the impact of culture on education. Cultural tendencies impact the way children participate in education (Education, 2006). After working on the chart from the first week I learned how to pull apart a research paper by stating what the purpose of the paper and who and what was involved in the paper. So, as I begin to work on my own research paper, I want to learn some better websites that I can possibly use to make my research more credible.

Reference

Education. (2006). The impact of culture on education. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/impact-culture-education/

Final Blog Assignment

Three Consequences Learning about International Early Childhood Field

1.)    Many people, such as the early childhood educators and future early childhood educators could learn about ways in which they could help students and their families out. They could help the families out by learning a couple of things from the international early childhood perspective. They could learn about particular programs that could be beneficial to the parents and children.

2.)    Another consequence that could be learned about international early childhood field is about their different cultures. The professionals could learn about their cultures so they could know how to deal with other students that are from another culture.

3.)    The last consequence that could be learned about international early childhood field is about different organizations that they have in other countries.

Goal related to International Awareness

One goal for the field related to international is to have children learn about other cultures. I feel that if students were to learn about other cultures, then they could put it to good use. They could learn how to be a little bit more grateful and caring in my opinion. I see a lot of children that are from the United States are very spoiled.  I know that they are spoiled from experience. For example, when I went off to medical school this past year, I learned that I am very spoiled living in the United States. I lived in the Caribbean for about a year and two months and I can say that I am more grateful now than I have ever been. I lived in a place where it stays warm all year round and not only is it hot, we didn’t have AC. Most of the apartments come with air condition but if you run it, the bill can get extremely high. The food is very costly as well and they don’t have many places that are like the U.S.