week 3 communication

Communication is described as the process through which the social fabric of relationship are created and maintained.  Communication is intrinsically embedded in all living creatures.  In order to exist in any society the basic function of expressing and understanding is paramount.  Learning how to express ones needs in a positive way is one of the most important life lessons.   Communication is at the heart of almost everything from the classroom to the boardroom.   I work in a middle school that is very culturally diverse.  I have always intrinsically implemented the platinum rule as my communication style.  The platinum rule in communication basically says that instead of behaving the way you feel would be effective, exhibit empathy and interact mirroring behavior that resonates with the other participants.  In reflection I feel I approach most people the same way.  Open and curious as to who they are and what their opinions are.  The only difference could possibly be the ages of the parties I am to communicate with. 

Communication and Collaboration Week 1

Communication is intrinsically embedded in all living creatures.  In order to exist in any society the basic function of expressing and understanding is paramount.  Learning how to express ones needs in a positive way is one of the most important life lessons.   Communication is at the heart of almost everything from the classroom to the boardroom.  I have always considered myself a good communicator but after watching my brother give a lecture I realized that I was just an amateur.  Effective communication is all about engagement.  It is allowing others to process your thoughts while not being creatively stifled.  This is what my brother is able to establish.  His communication style is respectful, informative and unbiased.  The level of ease that he exudes allows others to really listen to what he is saying and cross examine with the same level of respect.  He has done amazingly well in his professional life do to his effective communication skills. 

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.