The one person I look to for communication guidance is my husband (LaMar). I admire the way he is able to walk up to someone he does not know and become immediate friends. This can happen in a store, on a bus, at a community function, or wherever he seems to be. He has the ability to make people feel comfortable and can often change their somber or angry moods to pleasant and happy ones.
He teaches at an alternative school, where you need to have much finesse when working with wayward teenagers. He seems to understand each individual, their situation and is able to take the majority of them from low self-esteem to knowing they have the ability in making their lives worthwhile.
I believe the reason he has so much success with people is he accepts them for who they are and where they are at that very moment in their lives. He genuinely likes people and cares about what happens to them.
When he participates in conversations with people, he always makes the conversation about the person he is talking to, not about himself. He has enough confidence and self-esteem that he does not have to “toot his own horn”. People are usually drawn to those who want to know about them. This is especially true for people who need a self-esteem boost.
I am always watching LaMar’s relaxed mannerisms as he engages with people and how he smiles with his mouth and eyes. Body language is such a great magnet in attracting people to enhance relationships.
I am working towards a more relaxed me as I strive to be a positive influence in all my relationships.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
Professional Hopes and Goals
Of my many hopes and dreams, one wish that I have for every child and their family is to have their own hopes and dreams and to be supported in their quests by all who associate and work with them. It is through this support for every family that diversity will be an accepted general rule, equity will be an opportunity for everyone, and social justice will prevail.
One goal I envision for the early childhood field in relation to diversity, equity, and social justice, begins with me. I can best support diversity, equity, and social justice, by becoming a voice and advocate for anti-bias education. My first step in the direction of conquering prejudices, isms, and injustices is to put into practice steps that will lead to becoming an anti-bias individual.
In chapter three of Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves, Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards outline some key steps that can help us succeed in such a mission:
Stay focused and never stop.
Make a habit of self-reflection and self-correction.
Be aware of a road filled with complexity and disagreement which are necessary for growth.
Learn to recognize and celebrate accomplishments as they will energize our continued path (2010).
To our instructor (Johnna Darragh) and all my diverse friends/colleagues:
I thank you for your stories, expertise, wisdom, and tolerance. I want to thank those who responded to my blog and discussion posts. Your words of wisdom and affirmations made it all worthwhile.
I especially want to thank Johnna Darragh for her patience and planting the seed of knowing that I can be an inspiration to others as she has been throughout this course.
I wish you all a journey filled with diversity, equity, and social justice!
Until we meet again,
Sally Brooks
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).
One goal I envision for the early childhood field in relation to diversity, equity, and social justice, begins with me. I can best support diversity, equity, and social justice, by becoming a voice and advocate for anti-bias education. My first step in the direction of conquering prejudices, isms, and injustices is to put into practice steps that will lead to becoming an anti-bias individual.
In chapter three of Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves, Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards outline some key steps that can help us succeed in such a mission:
Stay focused and never stop.
Make a habit of self-reflection and self-correction.
Be aware of a road filled with complexity and disagreement which are necessary for growth.
Learn to recognize and celebrate accomplishments as they will energize our continued path (2010).
To our instructor (Johnna Darragh) and all my diverse friends/colleagues:
I thank you for your stories, expertise, wisdom, and tolerance. I want to thank those who responded to my blog and discussion posts. Your words of wisdom and affirmations made it all worthwhile.
I especially want to thank Johnna Darragh for her patience and planting the seed of knowing that I can be an inspiration to others as she has been throughout this course.
I wish you all a journey filled with diversity, equity, and social justice!
Until we meet again,
Sally Brooks
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).
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Welcoming Families From Around the World
My imagined emigrant family comes from Fortaleza, Brazil.
The first thing I would do is make sure I know how to pronounce the names of each individual in the family. Dr. Eugene E. Garcia spoke about the importance of being able to enunciate children’s names when he spoke of how a teacher changed his sister’s name from Ciprianita to Elsie (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Taking time to articulate someone’s name correctly can make a first meeting less cumbersome, and shows individuals that you care about them. Enlisting help from someone who speaks the native language of Portuguese would be helpful. This could be a staff member or whoever assisted the family in filling out the enrollment form at the child care center where I work.
Secondly, I would review and become well versed in the information on the enrollment form, and then schedule an initial home visit taking someone who could translate if necessary. During the visit, I would strive to lay the foundation for a relationship to form. I would do this by listening to what the family has to say about their journey from Brazil to America, about their hopes, dreams, and fears, and what their expectations are for their children and specifically for the child who will be in my classroom.
Third, I will prepare my current students for welcoming our new friend by displaying a picture of the new student and talking about how wonderful it is that we have someone who has come all the way from Brazil to be with us.
Fourth, I would make sure that there will always be someone present who can speak the child’s native language, and I would take measures to begin learning the language myself. Regardless of the language difference, all teachers and staff will provide interaction that is emotionally and developmentally supportive as they do with all our children.
Fifth, in preparing the environment to reflect some familiarity of Brazil will make the new child feel comfortable and erase many fears. Of course, our physical environment already reflects the rich diversity of all our families. Part of the environment preparation for all families includes an open invitation to join us at any time and to contribute in ways that make them feel most comfortable.
I hope that by establishing an anti-bias community in my classroom and the child care center, the new Brazilian family will find a safe haven as they begin their journey in a new place. When we feel safe, or feel like we have connections with supportive people and organizations, a difficult trek can become much easier. As for myself, I reap the benefit of joy in seeing others succeed and a sense of accomplishment in creating an anti-bias atmosphere where all who enter feel valued and respected.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Webcast]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
The first thing I would do is make sure I know how to pronounce the names of each individual in the family. Dr. Eugene E. Garcia spoke about the importance of being able to enunciate children’s names when he spoke of how a teacher changed his sister’s name from Ciprianita to Elsie (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Taking time to articulate someone’s name correctly can make a first meeting less cumbersome, and shows individuals that you care about them. Enlisting help from someone who speaks the native language of Portuguese would be helpful. This could be a staff member or whoever assisted the family in filling out the enrollment form at the child care center where I work.
Secondly, I would review and become well versed in the information on the enrollment form, and then schedule an initial home visit taking someone who could translate if necessary. During the visit, I would strive to lay the foundation for a relationship to form. I would do this by listening to what the family has to say about their journey from Brazil to America, about their hopes, dreams, and fears, and what their expectations are for their children and specifically for the child who will be in my classroom.
Third, I will prepare my current students for welcoming our new friend by displaying a picture of the new student and talking about how wonderful it is that we have someone who has come all the way from Brazil to be with us.
Fourth, I would make sure that there will always be someone present who can speak the child’s native language, and I would take measures to begin learning the language myself. Regardless of the language difference, all teachers and staff will provide interaction that is emotionally and developmentally supportive as they do with all our children.
Fifth, in preparing the environment to reflect some familiarity of Brazil will make the new child feel comfortable and erase many fears. Of course, our physical environment already reflects the rich diversity of all our families. Part of the environment preparation for all families includes an open invitation to join us at any time and to contribute in ways that make them feel most comfortable.
I hope that by establishing an anti-bias community in my classroom and the child care center, the new Brazilian family will find a safe haven as they begin their journey in a new place. When we feel safe, or feel like we have connections with supportive people and organizations, a difficult trek can become much easier. As for myself, I reap the benefit of joy in seeing others succeed and a sense of accomplishment in creating an anti-bias atmosphere where all who enter feel valued and respected.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Webcast]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Friday, August 3, 2012
The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression
I have a good friend and a former co-worker who is originally from another country. He had his teaching degree from his home country and was a teacher there. Due to political unrest he and his family were forced to flee their home and come to America. Even though he had his teaching degree from his home country, he did not qualify to teach in America.
He had to rebuild his life from near to nothing. It took many years to rise up from his oppression. He began by opening a licensed family day care with his wife. From there, he and his wife became famous in their new community for the high quality of care they offered children and families. They always had a waiting list. The local CCR&R (Child Care Resource and Referral) invited him to teach a child care course. He was an awesome instructor. Every course he taught was always filled to the room’s capacity with providers who were eager to learn from someone who was successful at working with children and who was also one of their own (a child care provider). It took him several years to receive his Bachelor’s degree from an American university and he is currently working on his Master’s degree. My own assessment of him is that he is intelligent, kind, brave, generous, passionate about helping children, desires to lift people to a higher level and forthright in all of his dealings.
The inequity in this situation is that he should have been able to teach from the moment he sat foot upon American soil. His degree should have been recognized as being credible. Also, the local CCR&R took far longer than they should have before recruiting him to teach. Such situations make me feel frustrated, angry, and at times hopeless. I hate prejudices and oppressions as they keep those who have such potential down trodden.
What has to change? The traditional thoughts that many adhere to that create prejudices, stereotypical biases, and desire to keep people down who are seen as less than. As a human race, we must place a much greater value on life and find it in our hearts to respect those whose journey has been on roads less traveled.
As the individual who saw great things in his persona and thus recruited him to teach, I knew that he belonged in a sphere far beyond where he was. Because he was willing to transcend all the prejudices and oppressing situations that surrounded him, he is a far better person than I will ever be. I am glad that we became friends and that he felt comfortable enough to share his life story with me.
He had to rebuild his life from near to nothing. It took many years to rise up from his oppression. He began by opening a licensed family day care with his wife. From there, he and his wife became famous in their new community for the high quality of care they offered children and families. They always had a waiting list. The local CCR&R (Child Care Resource and Referral) invited him to teach a child care course. He was an awesome instructor. Every course he taught was always filled to the room’s capacity with providers who were eager to learn from someone who was successful at working with children and who was also one of their own (a child care provider). It took him several years to receive his Bachelor’s degree from an American university and he is currently working on his Master’s degree. My own assessment of him is that he is intelligent, kind, brave, generous, passionate about helping children, desires to lift people to a higher level and forthright in all of his dealings.
The inequity in this situation is that he should have been able to teach from the moment he sat foot upon American soil. His degree should have been recognized as being credible. Also, the local CCR&R took far longer than they should have before recruiting him to teach. Such situations make me feel frustrated, angry, and at times hopeless. I hate prejudices and oppressions as they keep those who have such potential down trodden.
What has to change? The traditional thoughts that many adhere to that create prejudices, stereotypical biases, and desire to keep people down who are seen as less than. As a human race, we must place a much greater value on life and find it in our hearts to respect those whose journey has been on roads less traveled.
As the individual who saw great things in his persona and thus recruited him to teach, I knew that he belonged in a sphere far beyond where he was. Because he was willing to transcend all the prejudices and oppressing situations that surrounded him, he is a far better person than I will ever be. I am glad that we became friends and that he felt comfortable enough to share his life story with me.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions
This past week I have been cognizant of the many conversations around me and especially my own words. In my discussion post, I mentioned the comment I made to my sister in our exercise class. I never saw myself as one who would participate in a microinsult. It made me realize how vulnerable we are to making inferences that may hurt others and ourselves without really realizing, and do so on a daily basis.
In remembering my high schools years, physically, I was very thin. Others including my friends would refer to me as “toothpick legs” and other not so endearing terms. They thought it was funny and thought I should think it was funny. However, I did not think it was funny and it made me feel marginable and inferior.
I have not reflected on the past, that far back, for a long time. However, in doing so, I now have a better understanding of how people can take such power on a daily basis and make others feel less than they really are.
My goal from this day forward is to do my best to bring out the best in children and their families, my family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. I may not be able to change others, but I can improve myself. I must begin by being acutely aware of what I am going to say before I say it. If everyone would begin with themselves then conquering oppression would be so much easier.
In remembering my high schools years, physically, I was very thin. Others including my friends would refer to me as “toothpick legs” and other not so endearing terms. They thought it was funny and thought I should think it was funny. However, I did not think it was funny and it made me feel marginable and inferior.
I have not reflected on the past, that far back, for a long time. However, in doing so, I now have a better understanding of how people can take such power on a daily basis and make others feel less than they really are.
My goal from this day forward is to do my best to bring out the best in children and their families, my family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. I may not be able to change others, but I can improve myself. I must begin by being acutely aware of what I am going to say before I say it. If everyone would begin with themselves then conquering oppression would be so much easier.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Definitions of Culture & Diversity
Definitions of culture:
#1: A friend (60 year old male) responded that culture is related to the country of origin, how you are reared, your traditions and your heritage.
#2: A co-worker (40 year old female originally from Bosnia) responded that culture refers to music, customs, art, food and literature.
#3: A family member (65 year old male) responded that culture is all the aspects that make us who and what we are.
Definitions of diversity:
#1: Responded that diversity extends beyond cultures and involves all the differences within our country, different religions, differences in our workforce and other areas.
#2: Responded that diversity is being different in terms of culture, art, beliefs, social status, and age.
#3: Responded that diversity is the elements that make us unique.
Their answers included surface culture items such as traditions, music, customs, art, food, country of origin, etc. Even though some answers were not specific, I felt that they were striving to feel the deeper aspects of culture which entailed ideas that would reach below the “tip of the iceberg” and included how we are raised, and aspects that make us who we are. When talking about diversity, two spoke of “differences” and one seemed to make the term feel positive in using the term “unique”.
None of the explanations included political affiliation, stigmatized identities, nor were they specific when talking about ethnicity or religion, and vocations.
In pondering the explanations of my family and friends, I have recognized that they seem to be connected to surface culture, but are unaware of a deeper connection to their inner self. I realize that before this course, I might have had some of the same inklings, but now I feel a greater sense of myself and who I really am and what I really want from life. This deeper insight will hopefully help me to reach out to others so that they may also have a better understanding and acceptance of their own cultures and the wonderful diversity that surrounds us all.
#1: A friend (60 year old male) responded that culture is related to the country of origin, how you are reared, your traditions and your heritage.
#2: A co-worker (40 year old female originally from Bosnia) responded that culture refers to music, customs, art, food and literature.
#3: A family member (65 year old male) responded that culture is all the aspects that make us who and what we are.
Definitions of diversity:
#1: Responded that diversity extends beyond cultures and involves all the differences within our country, different religions, differences in our workforce and other areas.
#2: Responded that diversity is being different in terms of culture, art, beliefs, social status, and age.
#3: Responded that diversity is the elements that make us unique.
Their answers included surface culture items such as traditions, music, customs, art, food, country of origin, etc. Even though some answers were not specific, I felt that they were striving to feel the deeper aspects of culture which entailed ideas that would reach below the “tip of the iceberg” and included how we are raised, and aspects that make us who we are. When talking about diversity, two spoke of “differences” and one seemed to make the term feel positive in using the term “unique”.
None of the explanations included political affiliation, stigmatized identities, nor were they specific when talking about ethnicity or religion, and vocations.
In pondering the explanations of my family and friends, I have recognized that they seem to be connected to surface culture, but are unaware of a deeper connection to their inner self. I realize that before this course, I might have had some of the same inklings, but now I feel a greater sense of myself and who I really am and what I really want from life. This deeper insight will hopefully help me to reach out to others so that they may also have a better understanding and acceptance of their own cultures and the wonderful diversity that surrounds us all.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
My Family Culture
The scenario is this: There has been a major catastrophe and I must leave my home and country to live far away within a different culture and I can only take three small but important items that represent my family culture with me. Thinking about this is stressful. I cannot even imagine such an ordeal. However, I am well aware that there are many who have gone through such affliction and only have memories of their culture.
My initial thought is to take my family genealogy book as a continued link to the past that supports my roots and where I came from. Secondly, my journal which has written details of my life thus far and will allow me to write about my journey to this new land. Thirdly, I would take my scriptures which are comprised of stories that teach and explain ideas, values, and beliefs that have guided my family, extended family, and me through the years.
I hold these items dear as they represent parts of my innermost feelings, beliefs, and values. They are my connection to meaningful relationships. They contain stories from ancestors that have helped to motivate and guide me in my life journey.
Mixed feelings of fear, anger, and sadness would fill my soul if I was asked to give up two of the three representations of myself. I hope they would give me a little time to ponder and offer a sincere prayer asking for guidance in this decision.
This assignment has helped me to understand how connected I am to my culture and how I define myself. It has opened the door to a deeper appreciation for those and especially children who have had to give up much in the face of adversity. Most of all it has given me knowledge that culture resides within my being and cannot really be gaged by material possessions. They can take away my genealogy book, my journal, and my scriptures, but they cannnot take away my beliefs, values, or my memories as they are imbeded in my heart and soul.
Culture goes deeper than a person’s hair, eyes, or skin color. It comprises their deepest feelings and intimate beliefs and values. My extended realization is the fact that my culture is imbeded within me and taking away material cultural items cannot take away my what is in my heart and in my soul.
Mahatma Gandhi said it this way, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.
My initial thought is to take my family genealogy book as a continued link to the past that supports my roots and where I came from. Secondly, my journal which has written details of my life thus far and will allow me to write about my journey to this new land. Thirdly, I would take my scriptures which are comprised of stories that teach and explain ideas, values, and beliefs that have guided my family, extended family, and me through the years.
I hold these items dear as they represent parts of my innermost feelings, beliefs, and values. They are my connection to meaningful relationships. They contain stories from ancestors that have helped to motivate and guide me in my life journey.
Mixed feelings of fear, anger, and sadness would fill my soul if I was asked to give up two of the three representations of myself. I hope they would give me a little time to ponder and offer a sincere prayer asking for guidance in this decision.
This assignment has helped me to understand how connected I am to my culture and how I define myself. It has opened the door to a deeper appreciation for those and especially children who have had to give up much in the face of adversity. Most of all it has given me knowledge that culture resides within my being and cannot really be gaged by material possessions. They can take away my genealogy book, my journal, and my scriptures, but they cannnot take away my beliefs, values, or my memories as they are imbeded in my heart and soul.
Culture goes deeper than a person’s hair, eyes, or skin color. It comprises their deepest feelings and intimate beliefs and values. My extended realization is the fact that my culture is imbeded within me and taking away material cultural items cannot take away my what is in my heart and in my soul.
Mahatma Gandhi said it this way, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.
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