It's soooooo Hard to say Goodbye, to a GREAT class!!!!

Over the past 8weeks, we have all had the opportunity to engage, learn, and encourage one another. This class has been very interesting, because it was about something that we all do each and everyday but in different methods. When thinking about communicating with one another, you mainly just think about creating a dialogue if back and forth statements and or questions. You rarely think about executing "effective communication skills"

Thank you to each and every one of you for your encouraging words and positivity that you all have shown throughout the class. I pray that everybody continues to strive through the last few classes and successfully complete this program.

I can be reached at Sherrell.widgeon@waldenu.edu or personal email Relly810@yahoo.com

Thanks Again,
Sherrell

Adjoining- Group Project/Meeting

During my undergrad, one of my professors assigned the class into groups of 8/9 people. We were given the task of coming up with a devastating event and to report on it. The details that we were supposed to include was the location, how devastating was it, how many people did it affect/kill, what did the people do as of a result of it, and what were some suggestions on how people could've been better prepared. There were many roles to be handeled; such as research all the information, document and outline it online in the discussion board so your fellow group members could view as well, and type the whole paper up. The last role was a collaborative part of answering any questions from other groups and or the professor.

A few of my classmates lived in or near the surrounding area, so they were able to provide detailed information. A few of the negative interactions that took place were, not everbody participated in the actual research of the information, not did everybody participate in reviewing each part and finalizing the main paper. A few classmates popped in every 2/3 days, i'm not sure for what since they didn't provided any useful information. Nevertheless when peer evaluations came around, everybody "expected" a good report. However, some classmates were let down when they received theirs and it wasn't what they thought it would be!

At the beginning of the group I announced to my partners on the group's discussion that I'd be leaving to go on vacation midway through the week; however I would have all of my assigned work completed and submitted for them to have and include in the report for when it was turned in. I also emailed my teacher letting her know of my preplanned absence beginning on that Thursday throughout the next week (I was going on a cruise). So the beginning of the week went as normal with assigning roles and splitting up areas for research, deciding what day and times would be best to meet on the discussion board and compile all that we had found thus far, etc. Before I left, there were three discussions announced; the first three/nine people logged on, second nobody showed up except me and one other student, and third was rescheduled because everybody had posted that it was a bad time. So needless to say they had about 2 or 3 more after I left. However, during the second meeting of me and one other I posted and "attached" my whole findings and gave permission to make any corrections or add-ins that they felt necessary, but pretty much that was my work. I came back from vacation and checked my grade, to my surprise I had received an "D" for the class. After emailing and the professor and checking over the group's evaluation report they had reported that I barely attended any meetings and I did not deliver nor produce any work in assisting with the project. I was shocked but I knew I had done so and would not stop until it was proven. I sent the professor the attachment and also I had him take a look at my groups discussion board where I posted my work. What apparently happened was, they used my work as if they found It themselves and not given me credit for delivering it ahead of time, thinking since I wouldn't be there during peer evaluations I wouldn't notice. Needless to say, everything was in black and white and my grade became changed to an "A".

I think one think that could be improved is communication apprehension, so if there is someone who doesn't feel comfortable reporting or speaking/sharing their information in fron of others, they can email there portion to another student and he/she can then post it. (O'Hair & Weimann, 2012 ) That was the worst group I had ever worked with, so the adjoining process was easy for me, because I never ever wanted to work with either one of them again. I had lost all trust for them, even if we ended up in another class together, it would be strictly about classwork.

Resource
O'Hair, D. & Wiemann, M. (2012) Real Communication

Week 5- Conflict

Think about any disagreements, or conflicts, you have recently experienced or are currently experiencing at work with a supervisor or colleague, or someone in your personal life. 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? Could you look for a broader range of solutions to your disagreement? Could you use some of the principles of nonviolent communication or the 3 R's to better help you resolve this conflict?

- My last disagreement was with  my 2nd supervisor in charge. She constantly comes into my classroom and tells me "I'm not doing something right". I have come to the understanding and realization that prior to me being hired, that was her classroom, so she hasn't fully detached herself from the class. She constantly wants me to leave everything in the same place as when she had the class, and to do things her way. Which I absolutely refuse because I am my own person with my own style. I had this conversation with her on more than one occasion, what worked for you over the last 20years, may not work for me with the new children. I was next told that I never complete any of my paper work on time and need to do a better job as the lead teacher. My first reaction is to be aggressive and to protect my character. After expressing that paperwork gets completed when time is available, she decides she doesn't like my answer, and said no it's because I make excuse after excuse. Well I take offense to that especially when I tell her each day Oh, the internet is out again, or can you put coverage into my class so I can go into the hallway and work on paperwork, or oh the fact that I've had 5new children within the past week and half on top of 2 constant all day children who cry nonstop. I then realized since she's not understanding my point of view nor is sensitive to my struggle, I then ask for assistance without being aggressive nor making facial expressions. One suggestion that was given is to either find or make time to get it done, everybody else does. I think said my last statement and went quiet. Which was, I refuse to take work home because I am not on the clock and nothing we(teachers) do are ever appreciated. Then I got another lecture on how "effective" teachers do things such as; take work home, and how one of her good friends does it all the time. I sat at the table with my hands folded and listened. I'm reminded from week 2 or 3 that in order to become an "effective communicator, you must be an effective listener", and from that point on I had nothing left to say!

Also, if appropriate, ask your colleagues for their input and advice regarding, if not specific problems, how they have learned to be more effective communicators as it relates to conflict resolution skills.

- Asking one of my coworkers from my classroom about how she communicates. She said at the beginning she asks for whatever it is that she wants and if it is not provided then she becomes very aggressive, irate, and remind them that they have done it for someone else and they going to do it for her as well. She states that while she knows being unruly doesn't help, but sometimes she feels that she is taken advantage of when she doesn't stand her ground. I asked her for instance how does she communicate when speaking to professional leaders. She said it's almost as if she goes into a little shell and only responds when a question has been asked to her.

My Communication and Listening Skills

During week four, we were asked to answer three assessments as well as having others perform the same assessments about us. The assessments were; Communication Anxiety Inventory, Verbal Aggressiveness Scale, and Listening Styles Profile. From taking these assessments, I learned a lot about myself and how I communicate and listen which is something we cannot judge on a normal basis.

My communication Anxiety shows that i'm in the middle of feeling concerned about some communication situations but not all of them. Verbal Aggressiveness showed that I can be argumentative and at times I can attack another person's character. The Listening Profile showed that I am very concerned about other's feelings and at times it can work against me because I put too much trust in others.

For the most part my other evaluators hit right on with the verbal and listening styles profile, and slightly off for the communication. They said they noticed me as uneasy in some communication situations but definitely not in all. I definitely agree with the Listening Styles Profile. I can tend to be very argumentative if I feel that my character or knowledge is being challenged. I know in the long run that it needs to be turned down a bit, but I just can't allow people to misrepresent me especially if I am present at a meeting.

Communication

• Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
• If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

-It all depends on what group of people I am speaking too. If I am at work and speaking to my supervisor or parents, then I'm speaking professional and making sure that all my sentences are grammatically correct. I also make sure that I'm making eye contact and not speaking the whole time with my hands.

On the other hand, if I'm speaking to other colleagues and or family and friends then I am a little more relaxed with my speaking habits. I may use my hands to describe something, I may not always remember to allow the other person to go back and forth in the conversation. Speaking with this group of people is more relaxed than it is when speaking to parents and or supervisors.

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.
- The first strategy is to get to know and become familiar with the people or groups that I am speaking too. "Try to withhold judgment long enough to gain a deeper understanding than first impression allows" (Gonzalez, Mena- J. 2010).
- The second strategy is to determine or identify what the communication is going to be about. "Men are more likely to report; while women are more likely to establish rapport" (BeeBee, S.A & BeeBee, S.J & Redmond, M.V 2010)
- The third strategy is to "designate rules that are associated with social rules until they are broken" (Vockovic, A. 2008).



Resources

Gonzalez, Mena- J. (2010). 50 Strategies to communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

BeeBee, S.A & BeeBee, S.J & Redmond, M.V (2010). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon

Vockovic, A. (2008) Multicultural Education and Technology Journal, 2(1), 47-59
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The Six Little McGhees

The show that I decided to watch was The 6 little McGhees on the OWN Network.

No Sound:

What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?

What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?

-  The mom and dad were in the kitchen having a conversation. Both of them were displaying very unique facial expressions, so to me it looks like they were having a very intense conversation. The next clip was the family went to a store to try on bathing suits and swims shoes. The dad could be seen pointing to each child and pointing to the ground as in he was telling each one of them to sit down. The lady from the back brought out a stack of shoes, in which the children got up and started running, crying, and i'm assuming yelling.


With Sound:

What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?

        Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?

- The mom and dad were in the kitchen having a conversation about getting their children swim lessons. The mom had went and registered the children at the YMCA, and was relaying the information to her husband that she had received from the aquatics director. In regards to 2year olds receiving swim lessons, they must participate in the "mommy/daddy and me class; which means that each child must be in the water with an adult. Well being that they have 6 children and only them 2, they became frustrated about who could they call on to help them out each sunday, when most of their friends are in church.  When the family went to the store, the dad was having the kids feet measured while the mom was in another area of the store picking out swim suits. The children became reckless and began running around the store and becoming little terrors as they tour the store into pieces. I think my assumptions would have been more clear and in full detail had I known what the facial expressions and the conversation was about.

Effective Communication Behaviors

For your blog this week, think of someone (e.g., family member, celebrity, politician, friend, or professor) who demonstrates competent communication within a particular context. What behaviors does this person exhibit that make him or her effective? Would you want to model some of your own communication behaviors after this person? Why or why not?

The one person who demonstrates competent communication is my father. I selected him outta array of other individuals because I deem him to be the most effective helpful person. Some behaviors that my father exhibits; are great listener, sympathetic, knowledgeable on many subjects, always willing to help, and has great advice.

For example during my first year of college, my father "told" me that when I begin getting my refund checks from my student loans, that I would send them back immediately. Being a first year college student I didn't understand why I had to give this money back right away; in the same manner that I saw all my other friends going across the street to the mall and going shopping. He explained to me, that in the long run when it comes time to having to pay my loans back that I will already have a head start and will not have fell behind. Trying it his way, I then noticed when the statements came, I was actually ahead of my payments. Had I not had my father to guide me in submitting what was right and not being careless, I would have been behind and possibly messed up my credit.

I would like to model some of my own communication behaviors after my father, with listening because some people just need somebody to listen to them and not provide any comments or criticisms. I also would like to be more sympathetic, because even if I can't be successful in helping, I can at least try.

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 work with children and their families who come from diverse backgrounds, is to see me as I am. I hope that the family vows to give me a chance and work with me so that I can incorporate their culture into my curriculum. However, they must understand that before I implement their facts into the lessons, I must first learn about them. Learn and research some basic language, beliefs, wants and needs, and also what there goals are for their child.

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 I would like to set for the early childhood field that is related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice, is to provide a diversity training/workshop once a quarter. This would primarily be to learn and implement new information, tips, and activities. I think it is very important to keep up with society, being that there is always new information being updated each day.

A brief note of thanks to your colleagues
-To Ms. Snider and Classmates,

I have enjoyed the past eight weeks, from interacting during discussions, giving feedback on blogs, and from getting helpful tips from the instructor. I have definitely learned from each and every one of you. I also have a new outlook on the topics we discussed, that will make me start looking at certain situations in a new light now. I will take what I have learned and implement it into my classrooms and into my teaching style.

Thanks again, Sherrell

Welcoming Families from Around the World.

My family's country is: Haiti
Five ways I would prepare myself for the family's arrival:
-The first thing I would do is to do a little research on the country the family is coming from. This would give me an insight on how their environment and community looks. I would also find out what language is commonly spoken and find out of the family uses it or not. If they did, I would begin learning some of the basic language enough to communicate greetings, needs, and wants.
-The second thing I would do is gather informational documents and pamphlets on resources around the local community if help was needed. It would provide shelters, welfare, how to get assistance for having a baby (WIC), clothing and or food pantries etc.
-The next preparation I would take is to briefly train my teachers in the class he/she would be entering. I would give them the basic language, some common beliefs that is known to be followed in Haiti with a "just in case" they do follow these certain beliefs. I would also learn about the foods that Haitian people eat, and see if I can get at least one of the meals added to the school lunch menu each month.
-Another preparation I would make is to ask the parents to write down a short survey about the child. Likes/dislikes, habits, eating habits, rituals, beliefs, what makes the child happy/sad or scared.
-Lastly, I would schedule a special meeting with the parents and child and an interpreter(if needed), to go over the school's handbook, policy, and paperwork. I would also allow the parents and child to meet with the teacher to discuss any necessary information that each other both would like to share. This would also be an great opportunity for the child to meet the teacher. I would request that the parents stay a few hours at drop off the first day just to make him/her feel comfortable, and to see how the child interacts with the other children. I would end by telling the family that the doors are always open, and that they may come in or call to check on how the child is doing.


A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family:
- I hope that by taking these preparations, I would getting a better understanding of the family and they would for me as well. I understand it can be difficult entering into a new environment; but more so, into a new country where everything around is foreign. As long as communication is open between the parents and myself/teachers I think that the family will have a wonderful stay while their child is attending the program.

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

- This past weekend I went to the beach and board walk with some friends for my birthday (My birthday is today-Saturday!!!!) and the people who push the carts up and down the boardwalk carting people from one end to the next gave a group of young Caucasian girls a different price  of a flat rate of 20dollars to the opposite side of the board walk, and told my group of friends the price is $5.00 every three blocks. I asked him why were the girls giving a different rate when clearly the rates are posted inside of the cart! The man was stunned and wasn't aware that I overheard his previous conversation. He then offered us the same "special" as the other girls, and because furious when we denied all together.

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

- This situation diminished equity from the simple point that the guy should not be giving deals to certain individuals as if the money he collects goes to him personally. That's his job and he works for a business, the professional side to that is treat each individual the same because at the end of the day, he doesn't know if I work for the company or not and doing a mandatory observation of my employees.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

- This brought up prejudice, biased, and also the fact that I am not good enough. I was just so taken back that after it all happened the man still denied the fact he was being unfair. 

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

- The cart guy would have to do his job properly and charge customers the posted price that is labeled inside of each cart. Even though he may correct his inappropriate behavior, I would still decline and refuse taking any cart anytime I am on the board walk because of one back experience. My feelings are that if the man did it, they all must do it.
 

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

According to Dr. Sue, microaggressions are: "everyday verbal, and nonverbal and environmental slights, snubs, or insights, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership" (Sue, D. 2011)

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 microaggression that I can recall from another time that had me furious was; being in a department store and having two different scenarios occur. The first one was as soon as you enter a store there's always somebody to recognize you and welcome you to their store. I said hello and thank you. The store person proceeds to ask if there's anything specific I am looking for and can she be of any assistance to me? I again say thank you, but I am just looking. She says, okay if you shall need some help my name is  _______ and I will be happy to assist you. For the third time I say thank you, and walk away. About ten minutes into looking at clothes, I see these two children running in and out of clothes racks, being unruly, and not tended to by a responsible parent or caregiver. The woman (who I assumed was the mother) notices my facial expression and displeasure of the children being annoying. She then desperately and dramatically calls the kids at the top of her lungs and said "oh my gosh" you two children need to stay at my side where I can see you, do you want somebody to kidnap you!" As that situation died down, the same store representative came over and begins straightening up each pile of clothes that I walk next to.

Having felt so beyond disrespected, annoyed, and that my constitutional rights had been violated; I immediately left that store and within the next few days email a letter to the headquarters of my experience. A response was returned apologizing for feeling that I was being stalked and furthermore followed. Having proof that I was a very regular customer, they had just hired new employees and many complaints had been coming in about similar situations. In an effort to assure that never happens again, I was given some coupons (basically to shut me up); but also told that him the CEO himself would look into the situation. Something I doubt, but okay.

From both aspects of the mother thinking I was a kidnapper and the store clerk thinking I was there to steal merchandise; I felt humiliated, annoyed, disrespected, amongst a bunch of other feelings. I still often wonder what would I have had to done differently in body, language, or facial expressions ??? I also felt that something other than shelling out some coupons which is very easy to do and have somebody shut up for a few dollars of discount, should have been done. Even though I never received and never will because I do not know that lady, but I would have liked to ask the lady why it was that she thought I was a kidnapper? And honestly I would have appreciated an apology, because in all actuality what are you teaching your young children; that all black people are kidnappers??? That is totally unacceptable!



 In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people
- I noticed that most microaggressions in one way or another, all trickle back down to discrimination, prejudice, and other stereotypical traits. Realizing that we are about to go into 2014, we as a people need to let these things go and allow the world to be as it is without juding individuals, making jokes and teasing, or grouping people together because of the color of their skin. My question will always be the same until there is an answer to come from it; WHEN WILL IT ALL END????


Sue, D. Dr. (2011) Microaggressions in Everyday Life; Course Media

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

1st Person (Mother)
Definition of Culture- Some things that are handed down from generation to generation
Definition of Diversity- A mixture of people, places, and things. Not all of one thing.


2nd Person (Monique)
Definition of Culture- Culture is a set of value and norms learned from being a member of a specific ethnic member group or groups.
Definition of Diversity- Diversity is differences in people that are physically visible or in some cases invisible.


3rd Person (Rashaad)
Definition of Culture- Culture is your roots, upbringing, and values
Definition of Diversity


4th Person (Andrew)
Definition of Culture- Culture is your music, fashion, experiences, and traditions shred by a group of people.
Definition of Diversity- Differences listed in the things above.


5th Person (Dad)
Definition of Culture- Culture is one's background and the environment that they grew up in.
Definition of Diversity- Correlation of different ethnicities.

6th Person (Aaron)
Definition of Culture- Mark of people's growth in society, whether it be the; clothes food, religion. Basically the way of the people from the region.
Definition of Diversity- Differences between the cultures and the uniqueness of each individual one.

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?

- A lot of the responses are very similar  with one another; however just worded differently. Some aspects that I've studied in the course are; religion, food, clothes, traditions, and values.

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

- Some characteristics that weren't mentioned were; political views, education, or means of transportation,

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

- Thinking about other people's definitions of culture and diversity has really broadened my own thoughts. When you hear the words culture and diversity, most times you think of the general, basic, and vague traits; however, but when you actually give it some time to think about it you find deeper meanings. Even though clothing is a form of culture I have never thought about mentioning that; even more so it's a form of art as well!

My Family CUlture

A description of the three items you would choose

- The three things that I would take is a small photo album, the Bible, and family heirloom; such as pocket watch.

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

- I chose these three things because they are the most significant pieces of items, that hold the most cultural meaning to me.
 * The first item is a photo album. I chose this because it shows me exactly where I came from. It also shows pictures of family members both near and far. Each picture is worth a thousand of words, and depending who you ask or show the picture to; perhaps will grant you a different story.
 * The next item is my Bible. Being that I'll be taking to a country where culture is totally different than mine, I felt the need to have my religion and (Basic instructions before leaving earth) with me. Even though I have the Word in my heart, I may be able to share it with others and or use it to do studying on my own.
 * Lastly, I will be taking one piece of family heirloom; such as a pocket watch. The pocket watch that I have is one that has been passed down from 5 generations and I look forward to having it passed down to me as well. I can only imagine the stories and facts that I would be told; had the my actual ancestor still been here with me today. Passing artifacts down from one generation to the next just shares so much cultural background information.

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

- I would feel cheated. I was told previously that I could have three special items, and upon arrival directions were changed and now I could only have one. I would also feel alone, being that these three items gave me a sense of comfort and history as to who I am. The one item I would still keep is the pictures so I knew what my whole family looks like, remembering the good times and even the bad times.

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

- Family culture and diversity within the family is very important and will always be. I can say I'm blessed to have such a interesting family, that practices religious beliefs, in addition to cultural beliefs. It is also important to have sit downs with the older people of your family so they can tell you about the family history. The children can sit down and learn through puppet shows or singing songs. If I never knew or endured these type of things, I wouldn't know me or where I came from.



*Disclaimer, I'm not sure how the font changed midway through, but for some reason I can't get it to change back; please over look that. *

When I think of Research.....

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

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

From taking this class, I have learned about the skill of Research. I never knew nor took the time to dig deep into the skill of research and all that it entails. I am amazed to have went through 7 weeks of class, and to have learned about all the components that make it up. For instance; standards and guidelines, ethics, options and considerations, quantitative and qualitative reasoning, mixing methods, and lastly the equity of research. Unless you're an actual researcher, you never get to see the nitty gritty work that has to be completed for a research project to become successful..

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

I learned that there are different ways in which to conduct research, as well as retrieving information. For instance, you can sit and simply observe and take data, or you can actually interview the individual or groups of people.

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

A challenge that I encountered is by understanding some of the language used. When researchers are in the midst of a project, they use a vernacular that pertains to the course of work that they are doing. So that took a little getting used to and some time to look up words and then place it in the context that it was used to determine it's rightful definition. Another challenge that I ran into was selecting a topic and sticking with it. I chose a topic in week 1 and then having to select 3 subtopics was the first roadblock because I thought of so many other topics that sounded much better, I'm guessing because my original topic was wayyy too broad. Then as the weeks went on and I believe in week 7's discussion and I had a class mate suggest a better way of delivering the topic in words, but still using my topic and thought. One reason i'm not a biology or earth science researcher because it seems like it gets harder and harder each time you break it down.

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

Well considering the fact that early childhood professionals conduct research each and every day by obtaining observational records on their progress and areas that need to be worked on. I still have some confused feelings after taking this course, but I feel confident that I can at least conduct a research on a child's progress throughout the school year based on academic objectives and the behavior that is displayed.

Thank You very much to each of my colleagues that have read, responded, and also lended advice and or suggestions throughout this class. I think it's probably safe to say, that if it wasn't for each other we all would be pretty bad researchers. I wish each of you the best of luck in your next class.

-Sherrell

Research Around the World

I chose ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa:
Sub-Saharan Africa's Mission Statement is  to further develop African ECD leadership capacity as a key strategy in support of child, family, and community well being and broader social and economic development.

What are some of the current international research topics?

- Pilot study of the adaptation of an established measure to assess the quality of child services in a selected orphanage in Zambia: The inclusive quality assessment tool.
- The status of coordination and supervision of early childhood education in Ghana.
- A guide for effect school and parent collaboration: A cooperative development and delivery approach in Nigeria.
- Assessment of Interaction and Stimulation in Single-Mother Low-Income Families in Malawi

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

- The University derived from trainings and seminars. The completion of the university is one year to earn either a degree or certificate.
- Every area, overview, and topic that is brought forth on this virtual university is to educate the families, community, and other staff employees.

What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

- I enjoyed reading the history; including the learners, the country that the came from, and their role in the virtual university.

Reference

 

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). (2002) http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Research that benefits children and families-uplifting stories

The topic that I would choose to do research on, are the benefits that autism children gain from using technology as a source of learning new skills. As more and more children are becoming diagnosed in the various mental health categories, the more teachers are unprepared when it comes to teaching the academic studies.

When working with children who have been classified, such as being autistic you have to find a different avenue in teaching the children; both in a way that would be interested to them, in addition to focusing in on the areas of need. Growing up in a world where technology was just becoming popular has always been the norm for me. However, seeing that schools are now implementing technology into the classrooms by using whiteboards, laptops, ipads, and other devices; the school is keeping up with the hands of times and noticing what the children are interested in. So many of the devices now have apps for everything including educational games, tests, and lessons. "Teach town is a system that provides services to children ages 2-7 that are in need of help with receptive language, cognitive, and academic abilities." (NCTI, 2007) Another important benefit children would gain, are the fine motor skills that it takes in order to maneuver the computer, mouse, or if it's an ipad then the hand eye coordination for touch screen. Some apps that are beneficial for the child to use are; Touch and learn emotions (expressing emotions and feelings), Model Me Going Places (modeling social skills), and Speech Buttons (social skills)

Resources

 

NCTI (2007) http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/index.php/2009/07/20/case-teaching-children-with-autism-through-technology/

 

 



Your Personal Research Journey

The topic I chose to research is; Autism and the process it takes for a child to receive Early Intervention. I selected this topic because this medical condition is becoming more and more common in the classrooms, and I feel that teachers as well as the parents lack the knowledge of it.

• Another reason I selected this is because, a few years ago I was a one on one for a young lady in order for her to attend a week long summer camp. She was classified as having Asperger's disorder; which is a high functioning portion of the spectrum that affects the language and behavioral side of a child.
•  My next run in was last summer when my family and I were on our family vacation on a cruise ship. We were placed at the same table as another family, who coincidently happened to be from New Jersey as well. Having set with the same group of people for nine whole days, you intermingle and begin to converse about what each family did on and off the ship that day. In addition to the "vacation talk" the mom and I had started talking about what professions we were in. When I mentioned I was a teacher, she began to open up about her son being diagnosed when he was about six or seven and he was fifteen or sixteen at the time. So the mom begin to tell me how hard it was at his new school to get him services, because he refused to take an "mandatory evaluation".
• My last and most current situation is a little boy that I have in my class now. He is a cultural student who at the beginning spoke absolutely no English and only jibberish in his native language, at the age of three. From the various books and online articles I have read in the past, I began seeing signs and symptoms that this boy was displaying as apart of the autism spectrum. Having mentioned to my supervisor on more than a few occasions, she placed him on our "review" list, which pretty much means out special educator has to come and observe him, in addition to our speech therapist to see if it was only a language barrier. As my suspicions were right, he turned out to be right on target for the autism spectrum, according to both ladies. Little things that he does in the class that is noticeable; lining objects like chairs, cars, books etc. up in one straight line. He's totally obsessed with school busses and fire trucks. Did not like when people invade his personal space, including mom and dad for hugs. If talking to him, sometimes he would stare at you as if you had two heads, and other times wouldn't make no eye contact whatsoever. Displayed and still displays a very extreme aggressive behavior physically; such as hitting, kicking, spitting, pinching, and pulling hair to teachers as well as students. Lastly, he has sensory issues, where he can just take his hand, arm, or face and repeatedly rub it across different textures back and forth just to amuse his tactile thoughts.

Some resources that I am very fond of:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002494/
http://autismnj.org/
http://www.autismfamilyservicesnj.org/index.php
http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

Final Blog Assignment

Post at least three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for your professional and personal development (any format, any length)

1. Resources
2. Lack of Communication
3. Lack of Support

I chose these three traits as consequences, because I feel this is the results we get from trying to help or form any type of relationships internationally. The only resources that we have are those online, which may or may not be true nor may not be as accurate or up to date. Oh well we think that's simple I can make a phone call or send an email (which normally deems a quicker response) However, as I experienced through this class with reaching out to an international contact, I was never responded to in all of 8 weeks. So to tie in my first and second consequence, there is a lack of support when dealing internationally, in some situations.

Post one goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations

 
One goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations, is to form a better relationship with one another. The states have so many more resources than most international countries, and if only the communication was intact then I believe we would do much better in supporting one another. Many international countries have the same concept of educating their children from birth to high school, but they don't have the resources or fiannces to do so. In consequence the children still get an education but it's nothing compared to the "quality" care that is provided here in the states.

Getting to know your International Contacts (Part 3)

According to UNESCO'S director Gwang-Jo Kim, he believes there are three important skills that children must learn while they are young: Culture, Values and Respect, and History. I agree with Kim's selection, and in fact culture is something that is being more dominant in classrooms all around the world. Knowing and learning to have respect is something that should be taught at home. Having respect for all authority figures, which incudes parents, teachers, elders, and other's beliefs and practices. History will always be important regardless who you are or where you come from. History is just that, "story" it tells about where you and your ancestors came from, what they had to go through, beliefs and practices, but more importantly how you can improve the past so your future will be better.

The second insight that I found interesting was that this program focuses on the child's holistic development, and not just the academics which is teaching straight from the book. All children are different and require specific styles, accomodations, and modifications. It is very important to get to know the child and his or her needs early on.

The third insight is that teachers strategically plan their curriculum as a learning tool, way of observing and assessing their students, and also a way to further educate based on the children's individual needs.

Resources

 

UNESCO (1995-2012)

 

UNESCO. Bangkok (2013)

 

UNESCO Policy Brief on Early Childhood: Curriculum in Early Childhood and Care 2004 

Sharing Web Resources

Follow some of the outside links that you have not yet explored. Where do they lead?

-To an article called: Path to Sustanability
Within the first paragraph, the goal of the program is address: To break the cycle of generational poverty in Central Harlem and change the odds for the whole community.
-Another interesting point I found, was that some of the past history and what they have done to improve it to now; for instance "In the coming decade, the first cohorts of Promise Academy students will join the students from HCZ's afterschool programs as college graduates." (HCZD, 2009)

Thoroughly search one area of the site. What do you find?

-In this one area, I find a small description of what each program is about and the benefits of individuals who are enrolled within the class. For instance, the "Harlem Gems", is  an all day pre-k program where the teacher-student ratio is 1:4/During this program, the children learn English, Spanish, Sign Language, and even the basic skills of using sign langauge.

If you receive an e-newsletter, follow a link related to one of the issues you have been studying. What new information is available?

• Does the website or the e-newsletter contain any information that adds to your understanding of equity and excellence in early care and education?

- Yes, this program is formed to work with the very smallest creatures, which are the infants, and follow the child throughout their schooling even after college. HCZ wants to make sure that they're are producing and unleashing some of the smartest and well educated young adults.

• What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain this week from exploring the website and/or the e-newsletter?

I have learned from an old wise tale; that it takes a village to raise a child; but it takes another village to encourage, strengthen, and PUSH the children to become successful at whateverr it is they chose to.That education is just as important from the time a baby's born, through it's most independent time of a young adult.

Reference:
Harlem's Child Zone, 2010 
                   http://hcz.org

Global Child Development at Harvard University

From reading within the Harvard's website, the Early Childhood Development within the United States is trying to get all of their information correct, therefore they can begin sending policies and practices to other countries for them to implement as a trial and error at first, and continuously afterwards. One place that the US is looking to connect with is Brazil. "In collaboration with local experts, this project aims to use the science of child health and development to guide stronger policies and larger investments to benefit young child and their families." (2012, Center on the Developing Child")

Harvard's educators are working on building some type of connection with many different foreign countries as a way to curve as many people living and even dieing because lack of facilities to treat properly. Harvards' three beginning proects are: Shangai, China; Rawanda; Barbados; Trinidad and Tobago; and Suriname.

The last piece that I found interesting was listed under the; AskWith Forum. The topic was: Politics and Preschool: President Obama's Plan for Early Education. At first I thought it was very foolish for an article to be written about this, with the date for the meeting as April 10th, 2013, from 530-700pm; however, then i looked at it from a totally different perspective as this forum being advertised and those who are interested; both parents and educators should attend or find a way to listen online. One of Obama's questions of many, that he asked within the article was: "What should universal childhood education look like?" (President Barack Obama, 2013) With that question being asked, any normal person would say the same it looks in the next country; however not every country, state, or school district has the same equipment, necessities, or appropriate space. So I will be looking back on this website after the 10th of April, so see what response he has for that and the rest of questions that he posed.

Reference

 



Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2012) Global Children's Initiative. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/

President Barack Obama (2013) Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/

Sharing Web Resources

Harlem's Children Zone: http://hcz.org

What specific section(s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your current professional development?

The section that I found the most interesting and shared a lot of information pertaining to my current professional development, was: The Early Childhood Program
This program consists of 4 sub programs all dealing with children 4 and under and their parents.
Baby College
The three year old journey
Get ready for pre-k
Harlem Gems

Which ideas/statements/resources, either on the website or in an e-newsletter, did you find controversial or made you think about an issue in new ways?

I didn't find any of there information controversial; however, some of the issues the children are faced with inspired me to work with the children that I teach a little harder and to love on them a little more, for they are faced with some of the same problems:
Violence
Poor/ Lack of Money
Drugs
No insurance
School that isn't physically or mentally ready for both students and families, in addition to the staff.

What information does the website or the e-newsletter contain that adds to your understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field?

This website has an "Whatever it takes" as a motto; which pretty much is self explanatory. Harlem looks to every and all of the individuals, economists, neuroscientists and politicians that will donate time, money, or even items so that a neighborhood that can't afford to be something great, will begin by the outpouring of love from the community far and near.

What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter?

Other things that I like about the website is that once the children graduate from highschool; the program doesn't just kick you out; but futhermore, they stick with those and help them find, locate, and enroll in college, or if college isn't the road that job searching but you're not just thrown away like last night's smelly trash. I also love the fact that the organization doesn't just work with the children inside of the school walls, but also goes out and ministers to those within the community to let them know that there is still hope and nobody has forgotten about them.

Getting to know your International Contacts

Having heard back from my international contact lady; I have selected to do the alternative assignment that was described on this week's blog instructions.

China
Basic Facts: In 2001 China's large population was a 1.27 billion people. The poverty level has droped enormously due to economic and social transition from 1978 to 2001; 250million to 35million people.

* I learned that while China is experiencing poverty issues like many other international countries; they are not as bad as others, and in fact have been been decreasing slowly over the years. While China faces problems on educating their children and receiving adequate health resources, China reports that they are one of the highest levels with an life expectancy rate of 71 years old and 85 percent of their population above the age of 15 can read and or write to some degree.

* Prior to 1992, people had to prove that they were under poverty in order to receive services; not just working and not making enough money, but literally: not working, no insurance, no education, no food, and nobody that you could depend on. If you even had as much as 2nickels to rub together, you were considered "poor, but doing better than some people".

* I have read that China is trying to work on bettering their poverty level problem; by 1 increasing the parent's ability to having a better life, by providing them some resources and increasing the minimum wage; 2 providing good quality education to all children, regardless of all the additional charges; such as tuition, uniforms, books, and other fees; and 3 insuring that health benefits are accessible to all families, so that they can seek medical and dental care regardless of having health insurance or not.



 Woman Working at Home

                       Young Children Doing Homework

                                                                               Youn Chinese Children

 

 

Reference

 

Article : Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre (CHIP). (n.d.). Knowledge for tracking childhood poverty. Retrieved from http://www.childhoodpoverty.org



Sharing Web Resources

The organization that I selected was: Harlem Children's Zone (http://hcz.org)
When making my selection, I looked at a few different organizations and Harlem Children's Zone stuck out to me the most. What caught my eye when looking at this website was the slideshow of pictures, the fact that this orgnaization deals with children from birth to post college level, and that this organization sought a need and decided to do something positve about it.

"Harlem Children's Zone began in 1970, to work with young children and their families as the city's first trauncy-prevention program. This program works on a "Whatever it takes" attitude, when working with children to ensure they become successful" (2009, The Harlem Children's Zone)

One trend that really stuck out to me was the programs "Baby College". Baby College is a 9 week extensive program for individuals that are pregnant or raising a child ages 3 and under. Why I find this program interesting is both sides of the family receives the support; the parent(s) are in classes to learn about discipline, how to read, how to nurture, the long term effects of taking care of them both physically and mentally; with the same token the children are also attending and being cared for by high-quality professionals. The children are provided with activities and equipment that is age appropriate, the opportunity to explore hands on, interact with peers, and independence. At the end of this 9week program, the parents go through a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate. Because I am an advocate for assisting children and their families I do believe that individuals who commit and complete the nine weeks, will encourage them to proivde a better lifestyle than the ones in which they grew up in.

I also learned that this organization has many subdivisions underneath of them, and each one plays a vital role to child, families, and the community. Without this vision being acted upon, the city and surrounding cities of Harlem may still have been faced with the low economical poverty level.

Resources
2010, Harlem Children's Zone

Getting Ready-Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

For this assignment, I have selected two individuals who have had and currently still does have a major impact in the early childhood field. Although I have not received a response back from them as of yet, I do look forward to communicating with them and forming a positive dialogue with each person.

The first person is: Delfena Mitchell
She is the Director of the Liberty Children's Home on the outskirts of Belize City. This program houses children from birth to give years old.
The link to her  program is http://www.libertyfoundation.org.uk/and this is where I will continue trying to reach out to Ms. Mitchell, in addition to learning more information about her program. I went about locating Ms. Mitchell on facebook, and found Liberty's group page.

The second person is: Deevia Bhana
She is a Professor of Education at the University of KwaZula- Natal in South Africa.She deals with children and their genders, sexualities, violence, and HIV + AIDS. I had to locate Ms. Bhana from searching for her on the web, for she couldn't be found via facebook.

The two websites that I have chosen to follow are:
National Black Child Development Institue: http://nbcdi.org/
Harlem Children's Zone: http://www.hcz.org/

MY Supports

Personal Definition of "Support": To receive assistance from a person (family/friends/loved ones), place(church/rehabs/medical places/educational university), or thing(Bible/spoken word/music/books)


My daily envrionment:
Work- Other Classroom teacherers/supervisors/director/resource books
- I am provided support from the other teachers within my class, to collaborate ideas and stories from personal experiences.
-My Supervisor and Director provide me support from a leadership perspective, whereas if there's something that I don't understand and or need with a particular child; they will provide some alternative methods to try.
-I often look for and read resource books, because they provide so many different things to incorporate in self and within your classroom. For instance, there's always something new to learn, whether young or old.
* If my work environment supports were to disminish, I think I would be at a disadvantage temporairly; however I would be able to still remain successfully despite the newly arisen challenge. I would just have to work ten times harder, trying to meet deadlines by locating and completing paperwork.


Home- Family and friends:
- What more can I say besides, there's nobody like Family. They shall and will have your back through thick and thin.
* If my Personal supports were to disappear, I think I would be totally lost. Even though I don't necessairly depend on them 100percent, the help and assistance that they do provide me is greatly appreciated and always accepted.

Church- My Pastor/Bible/Mentor:
-These three have been selected as supports because I can go to either of the three with questions and find an answer. I also selected these three because of my deep religious background, and having grown up in the church; this is one place I have not strayed from, even with going away to college where I had nobody to force or command I get up and go to church, it was a self desire.
*If these supports were to disappear, I would be fine becasue i still have a personal relationship with my God, whom lives within me; in addition to knowing the WORD and having it to read daily.


One challenge is how to protect my fortune, after I get rich.
I would want and need a fianancial planner, tax advisor, and a life coach.
I would also use the power of Prayer, because I would donate some to my church as well.
I wouldn't use my work as a support nor friends, because everybody wants to be friendly when you come into money. Family would definetly be a support because I would spread some to each immediate member and nieces and nephews and godchildren and if I have my own children by then.

My Connections to Play

 

Select two quotes that you feel summarize what play represented for you in childhood.

*" A person's a person, no matter how small." - Dr.Seuss
  " Nothing you do for a child, is ever wasted." - Garrison Keillor

Include two to three pictures of essential play items for your younger self.

Describe how people supported play when you were younger and/or the role of play in your childhood.

* Play was supported in a few different areas throughout my childhood. The first and foremos was at school, I can vaguely remember after doing our circle time activities; such as abs, calendar, weather, and helpers chart, we were giving time to play in the classroom. I can also recall recess as the time of the day that all children looked forwad to, because we had 45minutes outside to run around with our friends from other classrooms.

Next, play was allowed at home at the early age. I can remember after beginning kindergarten and first grade, etc. nothing was even considered until the homework was done and checked. My mom never really had a problem with getting my brother and I to go outside and play; because it was something that all th neighborhood kids did once homework was done, and school clothes were changed. We would all meet up on the block; play kickball, tag, footbll (with the boys), racing up and down the block, or if it was a gorgeous day, we would bring our bikes out. Then came dinner time, the streets were; clear, calm, and quiet. We were always told don't rush and eat your food just to go back outside, we have alwayssat down and ate as a family and we will continue to eat s a family. Luckily when the last bite was taken from my parents plate, my brother and I zoomed to clean our spaces and run back outside; which at this point we only had about two hours left before the street lights came on. Those were a sign that if they came on and your still outside; you're in trouble, we had to be physically on our porch with our last foot dragging in the house by time it clicked on to be safe.

One more aspect of play during my childhood, was being involved in sports. From the early age of four or five, I started playing soccer, onto t-ball, which I stayed with for a few years moving up to minors. I left the baseball scene for a few years and joined cheerleading for our local basketball association. I then joined the band in middle school, and later the marching band in highschool; where we traveled to all the games and even participated in competitions on the weekends near and far. I then went back to the bat and ball game during highschool; although now I was in softball, and continued playing softball for our local recreation association as well.

Write a brief entry on how you feel play today is similar or different from the play in which you engaged as a child and what your hope for young is now with regard to play.

* Play today is so very much different now than when I was growing up. Years ago, we wanted to basically live outside; climb trees, play in the mud, get dirty, play with the boys, etc. Now adays, it's almost as if you have to force children to go outside and play, because they have so many other things preoccupying their minds; such as, tv, electronics (video games, ipods, ipads, computers etc.) , cell phones. Another difference from when I was growning up and now, is that the children are lazy and the parents allow the children to sit around. The United States has this problem of Childhood Obesity and one of the reasons is becaue the children are not given and or bing made to go outside, exercise and to do things that children their ages should be doing like running up and down the block, riding bikes, playin tag, throwiong a football, etc.

 

My hope is for the parents and children to see how important being active, and having the opportunity to play is. We are in the time where everything is about technology, which is fine; but we have to know that those things have a time and place, and should not be used as babysitters or to replace active outside time. I would really like to see a turn for the better with children going outside and getting that real-life experience.

Reflecting on Building Relationships

Building and maintaing a relationship is very special. Having people who; love you, are in your corner, there to push you a little farther, and never let you down, are characteristic traits that can not be found in every person in which you meet. It takes a special bond between two, sometimes more individuals in order for a relationship to become productive.

     




These are the two main people that are important in my life. To the left is my mother and the left is my father. I have others, but didn't have a picture. My mother and father have always been supportive of whatever I decided to do. They both would share their opinions and encourage me to press toward the mark of the high calling if that is truly what I would like to do. I believe you can never have enough support, but you have to be careful and make sure that each person in your circle is in it for the right reasons; and my parents, I can say will always have their hearts in the best interest for me. My parents have seen me through my ups and downs during my schooling and switching schools, struggle to complete assignments and the tiredless nights of falling asleep at the computer, to moving forward in my job career, completing my BS degree (with Walden) and making Cum Laude, to starting my own business. I can truly say, I wouldn't trade these two individuals in for the world.

One challenge that I can remember, is having to learn somethings the hard way by trial and error. I came remember times when I had assignments due but my friends called to go out, my parents would remind me that I had work to be done eand of course I chose to go out saying "oh, I only have to write a paper when I come back no big deal" and by time I came back a few hours later, and sat down to do my homework there was only 2hrs remaining. I opened my books and prepared to do my assignment to only realize, I had no clue what I was supposed to do. After trying and trying to make sense of it, I had to wait until the next day to ask the instructor exactly how to do it.

Some of the special characteristics that come from these relationships are: love, nurture, listener, guidance, leadership, and encouragement.

My experiences in dealing with relationships work hand in hand, while working with children and their families. From my relationships, I have learned how to become a better listener which is something that all individuals need who deal with children besides patience. Over the years of growing and maturing, I have developed a trait of guidance and leadership that I can pass on to my children with a modified tool so they can use it at their level. Forming relationships, make communication easiser and more personable if and when it's needed; and when working with children, you're also working with their parents and or caregivers.