week 8

It always amazes me that in our country where we are so advanced in so many ways, that there still is such a level of racism that permeates throughout.  My level of awareness has expanded since the start of this course.  The one issue that really stokes my professional passion is the disparity of funding and education that still exists in our country.  Racism and prejudice are running rampart in our cities.  Many people don't realize that they have lived a life of privilege.  They believe that because they don't have the latest iPod or many luxuries that their lives are deficit.  Until reviewing the resources in this course my perspective on privilege was limited as well.  People's perspective are embedded in their own parameters.   I now realize that my life has been one of privilege.   I would like to learn more about the effects of the ism's that resonate through our country, the effects and the consequences on the individuals they affect.  I would like to take all of this researched information and implement processes to counteract the negative consequences and effects that many people are experiencing.  When I finish this program and obtain my masters I would like to open a world school Pre K - 3 in North Philadelphia.  My goal is to be able to access grants, private and federal funding in order to develop a non-bias program that would cater to needs of each individual student.   

Thank you all for taking the time to read my thoughts.  I wish everyone a happy holiday season and look forward to working with many of you again.  

week 7

I am a kindergarten teacher with a new student arriving next week from France.  I do not speak a word of French but want the student and his family to feel welcome. 
The first thing I would do is welcome his family to the school and ensure that there is an interpreter to ease communication .  During this initial meeting I would have the interpreter gather all pertinent information on the student and the family.  I would invite the parents to come as guests to the classroom and make sure that they understand all of the accomodations that have been put into to place for their child.  The student would be working with an ESOL teacher and preparations would be made to send a copy of all work home.  This will help to instill a sense of collaboration between school and home.  It will also set the tone of "family learning".  When an individual feels important and senses he belongs it helps to solidify overall development.  This not only benefits the child, their families but the overall climate of the classroom. 

week 6

There are many memories that I have in which I have experienced prejudice.  Growing up Jewish in a predominately non Jewish neighborhood was not an easy feat.  I was the only one in my class that didn't celebrate Christmas.  I remember at the holiday chorus concerts in elementary school there were never any Chanukah songs.  One year I decided that I was going to confront the music teacher and ask her if I could sing the dreidal song.  To my surprise I was told no, that no one would know that song.  I remember feeling so alone and so sad.   Instead of embracing my moment of declaration, I was insulted and made to feel that there was something wrong with my families beliefs.  The only way that this situation could of been turned into a great opportunity was to allow me to sing the dreidal song.  This could of opened the channels of communication and in turn educate and incorporate diversified perspectives. 

Week 4 microagression

 This week was an interesting one.  I was waiting for my boyfriend for happy hour at a local bar in center city Philadelphia.  As I was waiting there with some teacher friends a group of men starting to talk to us.  Fun conversation, they were a bit drunk.  My boyfriend who is black came in and came over to us.  The one guy who was talking to me when introduced to my BF hits his chest saying whats up big boy.  It was so derogatory and simplistic.  It made me sad that there are so many un enlightened people in this world.  I am not sure if it is about jealousy or fear when hatred thoughts rule your being. 

wk 3 - culture and diversity

 The first person I spoke to about culture was my sister.  My sister is very religious and defines culture as the traditions of her family and ancestors.  I am what my mother and her mother where before her.  She believes that the most important part of culture is her identity.  Her definition of diversity is that diversity is what makes up the differences between us.  

The second person I spoke to about culture was my father.  He explained culture is your being.  It is the fabric of your family and the tying bond that exists to all that belong.  Culture is a sense of belonging.  Diversity in his opinion are the characteristics that define your individuality and highlight the wonder of differences.  

I then spoke with my niece who was home visiting from college.  To her culture was expansion.  Her perspective on culture had alot to do with the levels of cultural identity.  She felt that one's culture was the parameters to their being but their chosen identities pinpointed the importance of cultural differentiation.  Within one's own culture the determining of the importance of certain traditions is what keeps a culture flowing and in existence.  

So far the resources that have been presented in this course represent many of the perspectives like the ones I have shared today.  I believe that diversity and differences are beautiful and the sooner we can teach that to our children the better off we will all be. 

week 2 - Perspectives on Diversity

 If I was told that I had to leave my home with only three things I would choose my collection of pictures, my grandmothers china and my mothers opal necklace.  My pictures could tell the story of my life and well as all I love.  My grandmother was a very important part of my life.  She came over to American when she was 24 with 3 children 2 weeks before Hitler took over Latvia.  Her china made it through the treacherous boat ride and has always been a staple at any holiday meal for as long as I can remember.  My mothers opal necklace is over 40 years old.  Since I was a very little girl I can always remember loving the necklace.  When I graduated college she gave it to me.  It means the world to me.  If I was told that I would have to give these things I would be devastated.  Being taken away from your home is tragic enough, but when you have to give up a piece of your hope that is when a soul can be broken. 

week 8

Over the last 8 weeks my knowledge has expanded immensely when it came to the early childhood research. I never realized just how much work goes into to conducting a study that is reliable and valid.  

I learned that research is about uncovering and enabling the emergence of new understandings, insights and knowledge . The road to an effective outcome is always embedded in the research that is involved.   This is especially true when it comes to young children and their families.

I believe that there certain studies where societal benefits from subjecting children to greater than minimal risks.  Risk/Benefit equation in terms of a research study has to with the variables surrounding the study. The greater the benefit a study can possibly have , a possible higher risk is acceptable. Even if the research was very valuable, possible risks must always be taken into consideration and evaluated.   Millions of people die each year from Cancer.  If there were a study where the possibility of perhaps understanding the different variables of the disease and could possibly lead to iradication then certain risks would be warranted.  When discussing the risk/benefit equation it is important to always calculate and evaluate any possible risks and consequences.  

I learned that research studies are only as good as the design.  

The last 8 weeks have furthered my understanding of the architecture of how to effectively set up a research study.  I am now aware of the different variable that need to be put into place in order for a study to be successful.