As I look back on my time in this course and throughout the program I am grateful for my personal and professional growth. I feel that I have become more aware of what I am saying to others and how a simple statement can turn someone's world upside down.
The one hope I have for working with children and families that come from a different background than myself is to always communicate with them. It is easy for a family who is "different" or who speaks another language to become overlooked in the classroom. With open communication comes a stronger relationship.
The one hope I have for the early childhood field regarding diversity, equity, and social justice is that our undergraduate programs begin to educate and give strategies for working with families of different backgrounds. I feel that my undergraduate program discussed diversity and its importance but it was not as in-depth.
I would like to thank my colleagues for their kind words and motivation! This course has helped me to open up about my past with more than just friends/family, which made me realize, again, that I am not alone. We all have our own "backpacks" that are full of our daily/life struggles and we need to be cognizant of that when interact with others.
Chrissy,
ReplyDeleteYour goal to have open communication with families who are diverse is definitely important. I feel that if you make this a priority then families will feel more comfortable in the setting. I also like your idea of having undergraduate studies have more elaborate classes that include diversity. That could definitely help professionals in this field have a more clear understanding of what they can do when working with families. I have enjoyed learning from you and wish you the best in your future!
Chrissy,
ReplyDeleteI too agree that the issues of diversity, equity and social justice needs to be a focus in undergrad studies. It would be great if it was to become a core class for all general education, thus helping to promote the understanding and acceptance of diversity throughout all fields. I can not think of a field in which diverse encounters will not be obtained.
Carla