One hope that I will carry with me as this course draws to an end is to have the ability to support all young children and the families I will be working with and learning with in my classroom. I want each child to know I see him/her and I am here for him/her and no matter the differences that other see first, I only see a child that I can learn with.
One goal for the early childhood field is a sense of equity. All too often families must choose care solely based on the costs, availability, or accommodations. Every young children has the right to a high quality equitable program and it is now that the field of early child education needs to start discovering pathways to implement this.
Nigel, Theresa, Margaret, and NaKeisha,
The weeks have been long but the insightful interactions have been truly rewarding. Learning with each of you these past eight weeks has offered me a better understanding of what it is to be an anti-bias educator. Through our discussion posts and our blog interactions, it has been a true pleasure learning with each of you. Best wishes as each of you continue on your journey. Thank you.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Strategies for Working with Diverse Children - Farewell
As I continue on the path to be an anti-bias early childhood professional, I hope to be able to garner an environment within my classroom that all young children feel welcome and accepted. I also want for each child to know I will support him/her in all the endeavors of the classroom. I want equity for each person not only in the classroom but also within the community so by fostering this environment of acceptance and support within the classroom, the young children can carry this forth into the daily interactions with others. A young children is only as strong as the support system behind him/her so I want each family to feel a sense of welcoming and support from me. I want them to know I see the struggles and I am here to aid as much as I can, if they are willing to allow.
Mallory and Sarah,
Thank you both for making this course challenging and thought-provoking. I was worried with only a few of us in the course that posts would become stale but week after week you both brought forth new ideas and insights that allowed me to further my learning not only with you but through you. I hope you both the best as you are nearing the end of a this journey. I know each of you have a true passion and heart for the field of early childhood education and development and I am excited for the future of all the young children and families you will be learning and working with.
Mallory and Sarah,
Thank you both for making this course challenging and thought-provoking. I was worried with only a few of us in the course that posts would become stale but week after week you both brought forth new ideas and insights that allowed me to further my learning not only with you but through you. I hope you both the best as you are nearing the end of a this journey. I know each of you have a true passion and heart for the field of early childhood education and development and I am excited for the future of all the young children and families you will be learning and working with.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Impacts on Early Emotional Development
I chose the nation of Uganda. This nation is one that has fascinated me because I worked alongside quite a few nationals when I served in a combat zone. Each person was always upbeat and positive despite what I felt were deplorable and substandard conditions. Learning more about this nation has offered me an insight as to why, even in a war zone, life can be better for other nationals.
Sanitation, education and health/well-being are the major challenges for young children within Uganda (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 6). Sanitation is the need for clean drinking water and living conditions that are not soiled to the point of causing bacterial issues for everyone living in the area. While much has been done to ensure young children have th opportunity and access to education, it is important to note "While 95 per cent of children have access to primary education in Uganda, low public investment in education and rapid population growth have resulted in declining education indicators" (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 16). While sanitary living condition need to improve for healthier, the well-being aspect is difficult as violence is still very present. "Gender-based violence and violence against children are widespread in Uganda and need to be addressed urgently as part of a child protection system that works on both prevention and response" (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 17). Each of these factor rely upon one another so when one area begins to improve then the others can too.
Health is the core of how a person lives. Without clean and sanitary drinking water the young children are not able to avoid illnesses which in turn causes other struggles for the child and the family. If a child is being abused, this can have severe emotion issues for the child from low-esteem/self-worth to even the health of the child being compromised overall. When a child feels helpless then the biology of the child suffers. If a child is not able to learn or gain knowledge to better him/herself, then the cycle will continue.
Reading through the report, there has been so much that has changed over the years to support this nation and its people. Clean water initiatives as well as education about vaccinations have offered this nation the stepping stone for growing stronger and healthier. While the violence within this nation is disheartening, it is also cultural which is no excuse but for foreigners to come into the areas and experience this it is difficult. Language and cultural barriers would be the most difficult for helping educate others about violence. While here in the United States, we take advantage of many programs and supports to be healthy, clean, and safe, others do not have this. This is something I will always keep in mind when working with young children who immigrate for other nations. Understanding that not only the culture shock but also the mental shock of support and care.
Reference
Murthy, J., & Ntabadde, C. (Eds.). (2019). UNICEF Uganda Annual Report (pp. 1-36, Rep.). Uganda: UNICEF.
Sanitation, education and health/well-being are the major challenges for young children within Uganda (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 6). Sanitation is the need for clean drinking water and living conditions that are not soiled to the point of causing bacterial issues for everyone living in the area. While much has been done to ensure young children have th opportunity and access to education, it is important to note "While 95 per cent of children have access to primary education in Uganda, low public investment in education and rapid population growth have resulted in declining education indicators" (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 16). While sanitary living condition need to improve for healthier, the well-being aspect is difficult as violence is still very present. "Gender-based violence and violence against children are widespread in Uganda and need to be addressed urgently as part of a child protection system that works on both prevention and response" (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 17). Each of these factor rely upon one another so when one area begins to improve then the others can too.
Health is the core of how a person lives. Without clean and sanitary drinking water the young children are not able to avoid illnesses which in turn causes other struggles for the child and the family. If a child is being abused, this can have severe emotion issues for the child from low-esteem/self-worth to even the health of the child being compromised overall. When a child feels helpless then the biology of the child suffers. If a child is not able to learn or gain knowledge to better him/herself, then the cycle will continue.
Reading through the report, there has been so much that has changed over the years to support this nation and its people. Clean water initiatives as well as education about vaccinations have offered this nation the stepping stone for growing stronger and healthier. While the violence within this nation is disheartening, it is also cultural which is no excuse but for foreigners to come into the areas and experience this it is difficult. Language and cultural barriers would be the most difficult for helping educate others about violence. While here in the United States, we take advantage of many programs and supports to be healthy, clean, and safe, others do not have this. This is something I will always keep in mind when working with young children who immigrate for other nations. Understanding that not only the culture shock but also the mental shock of support and care.
Reference
Murthy, J., & Ntabadde, C. (Eds.). (2019). UNICEF Uganda Annual Report (pp. 1-36, Rep.). Uganda: UNICEF.
Creating Art
As I always create one of these for each of my students each year I felt this was the best way to highlight the content and learning of this course. |
| Created through WordArt.com |
Saturday, June 15, 2019
The Sexualization of Early Childhood
The idea of the sexualization that is taking place for young children is astonishing to me. This is truly not a new topic either as I can recall when the JonBenet Ramsey case occurred it was sensationalized on the news and tabloids how she would dress up for pageants. When I began my associates degree I had an instructor who would use the term "prosta-tots" to describe very young girls who are dressed in a very adult manner. My heart goes out to these young children because they have truly became an avenue for their parent(s) to dress them in a manner that is not appropriate at all, and even unsafe in some ways, and also by exposing him/her to material or media that is not acceptable for even most teenage children. My son, who is fourteen, still does not have a facebook account and I monitor his phone, internet, video game, and television activities because of the content that I know is being conveyed and how I have listened to many of my very young students discuss in class.
Just a few weeks ago my nephew, who is eight, recently read the sign of an adult toy store and quickly wanted to know what kind of toys do adults play with.
While having a moment of 'free dance' within circle time, a Disney song is playing but a couple of the young girls in the class are bending over and placing their hands on their knees in order to pop their bottoms out in the same manner as many dancers do in music videos.
A few years ago a popular dance show promoted a group of very young girls dancing in a very sexualized manner and even costumes. You can find the full video on YouTube as well as comments about how great of dancers these young children are.
Young children are always observing, listening, and recreating the scenarios they have witnessed. From violent video games to crude humor in children's television shows. The exposure to overly sexualized ads and other forms of media, young children do not have an escape from these increasingly provocative portrayals of other children. This is turn causes quite a few issues for young children. Girls lack great amounts of self worth simply because she does not look like others or dress in a manner that seems to be how the media portrays all young girls. If a young child is not part of the dominant group then withdraw and depression can begin at a very young age.
I volunteered my son's field day for his middle school and I was floored by what seemed as a lack of dress code. Shorts and tops were quite skimpy in terms of what I would expect a child to wear to school. While I know these teenagers are not young children, the same sexualization is occurring constantly as a child grows. I think parents should be aware and also quite involved with the media and toys a child is using. Simply handing a child a device to occupy the time is not a way to assist a child because of the content being delivered to young children through shows or ads. While I will often compliment a child on how she is dressed or how her hair is done, I think this is something I will curtail with my class this coming fall. I do not want a child to think that they're worth is solely based on the appearance he/she presents with in class. I want to focus on the qualities of the child's character.
Just a few weeks ago my nephew, who is eight, recently read the sign of an adult toy store and quickly wanted to know what kind of toys do adults play with.
While having a moment of 'free dance' within circle time, a Disney song is playing but a couple of the young girls in the class are bending over and placing their hands on their knees in order to pop their bottoms out in the same manner as many dancers do in music videos.
A few years ago a popular dance show promoted a group of very young girls dancing in a very sexualized manner and even costumes. You can find the full video on YouTube as well as comments about how great of dancers these young children are.
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| Photo Credit: https://the-end-time.org/2010/05/15/sexualizing-the-young-the-single-ladies-little-girls-dancing-controversy/ |
I volunteered my son's field day for his middle school and I was floored by what seemed as a lack of dress code. Shorts and tops were quite skimpy in terms of what I would expect a child to wear to school. While I know these teenagers are not young children, the same sexualization is occurring constantly as a child grows. I think parents should be aware and also quite involved with the media and toys a child is using. Simply handing a child a device to occupy the time is not a way to assist a child because of the content being delivered to young children through shows or ads. While I will often compliment a child on how she is dressed or how her hair is done, I think this is something I will curtail with my class this coming fall. I do not want a child to think that they're worth is solely based on the appearance he/she presents with in class. I want to focus on the qualities of the child's character.
"We Don't Say Those Words In Class!"
A few years ago when my nephew was about four-years-old, he was standing in line at the donut shop with his mom and he made the audible observation of "Why does that man have a ponytail like a girl?!" about the man standing in front of the two of them. My sister quickly reacted with a "Hush!" follow by "We don't talk about others outline like that.".
A message that could have been communicated to my nephew is that it is never okay to observe others or even ask questions. Also, taking the time to discuss how many men have long hair, even our brother growing up, so simply because a man does have a ponytail it does not mean he is a woman. Everyone is allowed to look or dress as he/she feels or wants to.
An anti-bias educator it would have be vital to approach the discussion in a non-reactive manner. A discussion as to why the child felt this way should be explored by any intentional teacher. This could lead into a discussion of how many people do the same things in varying cultures or simply because the person likes it. Trying to make real and relevant connections is another way to aide a child as an anti-bias educator. Providing text and photos for the children to view and understand in a manner that is able to be processed.
A message that could have been communicated to my nephew is that it is never okay to observe others or even ask questions. Also, taking the time to discuss how many men have long hair, even our brother growing up, so simply because a man does have a ponytail it does not mean he is a woman. Everyone is allowed to look or dress as he/she feels or wants to.
An anti-bias educator it would have be vital to approach the discussion in a non-reactive manner. A discussion as to why the child felt this way should be explored by any intentional teacher. This could lead into a discussion of how many people do the same things in varying cultures or simply because the person likes it. Trying to make real and relevant connections is another way to aide a child as an anti-bias educator. Providing text and photos for the children to view and understand in a manner that is able to be processed.
Friday, June 7, 2019
Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice
When I think of the difficulties I encounter with stereotypes or prejudice, ageism and ableism are two that great impact with my work with young children.
I will often do more for a young child, especially one who may have difficulties from a varying disability, then I would for another child. I often think of children as not fully capable in a quick moment but when I reflect upon the incident I know the child is fully able to complete the task on his/her own. I had a student this year who had limited mobility with the left side of his body so I would often help him with his jacket when it came to this side instead of truly encouraging him to try his best before offering minimal support for him to put his coat on.
This coming fall I will be in a classroom with 3 year-olds and I have not had too much experience with this age group. I will have to not think of these young children as unable simply because of the age. I will have be very observant in the beginning of the year to ensure I am treating each of these children in a fair manner that does not demean them. While ageism is often only referred to when encountering the elderly population, the same attitude can be seen when working with young children.
Both of these can leave me with a sense of, 'why can you not do this yourself?' but it is actually me who is hindering the child and placing the idea that he/she cannot do something. I need to listen to the child and only support when truly warranted.
Gender stereotyping is a new concept to me as I have never thought much about it until my recent courses. I know there is quite a bit that happens in communities and this presents itself within the early childhood setting. While I reflected the other day with a colleague how I did not have a boy put on a dress this year, this was just different for me as in the past I have always had at least one child explore this and a discussion would be had about how simply because he is wearing a dress he is not a girl as there are many men who wear robes or other types of garments similar to dresses. I want to ensure I am honoring the child as well as portraying a positive attitude about males who dress in a nonconformist manner.
I will often do more for a young child, especially one who may have difficulties from a varying disability, then I would for another child. I often think of children as not fully capable in a quick moment but when I reflect upon the incident I know the child is fully able to complete the task on his/her own. I had a student this year who had limited mobility with the left side of his body so I would often help him with his jacket when it came to this side instead of truly encouraging him to try his best before offering minimal support for him to put his coat on.
This coming fall I will be in a classroom with 3 year-olds and I have not had too much experience with this age group. I will have to not think of these young children as unable simply because of the age. I will have be very observant in the beginning of the year to ensure I am treating each of these children in a fair manner that does not demean them. While ageism is often only referred to when encountering the elderly population, the same attitude can be seen when working with young children.
Both of these can leave me with a sense of, 'why can you not do this yourself?' but it is actually me who is hindering the child and placing the idea that he/she cannot do something. I need to listen to the child and only support when truly warranted.
Gender stereotyping is a new concept to me as I have never thought much about it until my recent courses. I know there is quite a bit that happens in communities and this presents itself within the early childhood setting. While I reflected the other day with a colleague how I did not have a boy put on a dress this year, this was just different for me as in the past I have always had at least one child explore this and a discussion would be had about how simply because he is wearing a dress he is not a girl as there are many men who wear robes or other types of garments similar to dresses. I want to ensure I am honoring the child as well as portraying a positive attitude about males who dress in a nonconformist manner.
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