Week 6 Blog Activity

My reaction to the article that deals sexualization of early childhood didn't surprise or shock me based on the fact that sex is everywhere you look. The television and magazine ads are filled with pictures of young girls and teens wearing provocative clothes which leave nothing to the imagination. It has me to the point where I began to question the intent of the ads. I have had more of a professional experience with sexualization, rather than a personal one because I grew up in a home where the adults made the rules and the children followed them. The adults made the decision as to what we wore and how we wore it; the children didn't make money to buy clothes; therefore, they didn't have a say-so in the process of buying clothes. Professionally, I see girls on a regular basis who choose to wear provocative clothing and frequently hang out in places where they have already been established as adult places. Not only are they dressing like adults, they are hanging out with people who are almost twice their age. These children are growing up too fast and this could be dangerous to them physically and emotionally. For the most part, a pedophile or a sex offender could take advantage of them and the long term effect of this could be that the child doesn't trust adults or it could leave them blaming themselves whereas they never get over this idea that someone has taken advantage of them. As educators, I believe that we ought to form an alliance with the parents so that we may help them talk openly with the children. I think that we should keep parents inform on what the children are doing at school. We could also make sure that we are not guilty of showing provocative images or allowing our children to have access to particular magazines and books.

Week 5 Blog Activity

As an educator, we take on various areas of responsibility;there, it is imperative that our mindset and psychological well-being are not in shambles. In my personal life, I have had to deal with a few bouts of racism. It hasn't hindered me to the point where it has caused me to be biased towards people of different races. I try to interact with everybody regardless of their nationality. I will admit that although I haven't been affected by my experience with racism, I do recognize that it could have caused problems with my job. My job requires me to be objective, but if I allow racism to consume me, then I can't honestly say that I could be objective in the classroom. Racism may cause a teacher (anyone) to mistreat children of different races. Many of the racist people in society have been brainwashed into thinking that some people aren't deserving of respect but the reality is everyone deserves respect. It doesn't matter what color or nationality they are. I also believe that emotionally, I wouldn't be able to connect with my students on a personal level. This would be a problem because we have to get to know our students in order to be able to teach them.

Observing Communication

The place that I chose to conduct my observation in was at a store. Needless to say, I enjoyed what I saw. I found it to be cute and funny. Let me share with you what I saw: A woman walked in the store with her four year old daughter. Women became fixated on the child because she was so cute. One woman in particular was talking to the mother about the child as if the child wasn't there. I am a firm believer that children understand more than what we give them credit for. The look on the child's face told the whole store. Her face went from smiles to frowns. She actually looked like she wanted to be a part of the conversation but she wasn't invited to join. I read an article from the resources entitled "Communicating with Babies," by B. Kovach. It states that "You may have witnessed this scene countless times. Most adults talk to other adults about the baby in front of the baby. The problem with this is that even though the baby is the focus of the conversation, he or she is being described as if she is not there." This is true. Children want to be in the conversation anwering questions that they can answer. They can't have sophisticated conversation but they know some things about themselves. I believe that this conversation could have been more effective had the child been able to participate and answer some things for herself. The child actually looked hurt. Her feelings were sincerely hurt. I have learned thi week that when it come to young children, I am not a good communicator. I am guilty of what the woman in the store did. I talk to the parents about small children without directly talking to the child. I grew up in a house where it was believed that young children are to be seen and not heard. In order for me to be a better communicator, I need to pay more attention to the child. I need to look at the child as an individual.

Design of Childhood Facility

After listening to the media presented for this week, the one thing that stood out in my mind was Adriana's remark about the children and families. She talked about the biggest problem would be children been separated from their families. It is common for children to not want to leave a family environment and enter into a strange environment where they don't know anyone (at first). If I had a daycare center, it would contain the following: *Each child would have a picture or something that represent their family/home life. This will be done to allow the children to remain calm rather than go through a period of hysterics. *Of course, my door would be opened to any child, regardless of their nationality or their color. *I would provide toys, posters and artwork to illustrate the fact that I promote diversity. *I would also incorporate activities that appeal to the multiple intelligences to demonstrate the fact that all children do not learn the same way. *The physical environment would also be one that is clean and sanitary. I don't believe that parents would want to send their child to a facility that is filthy and furthermore, germs are easy to spread. *I would allow my children to work in different groups so that they may have an opportunity to work with someone who isn't like themselves. *Last but not least, my facility would be cost efficient and would accommodate all families and all races.

Week 8's Farewell Blog--6357

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 is that people who come into contact with famillies who are different will welcome them with open arms. I am not naive to think that everyone will do this but this is a desire that I have. I know, with help, that many people will overcome their fears and discomfort. Taking this course has allowed me to do this as well. 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): After studying the subject matter that pertains to this class, the goal that I have set for myself is to become more open-minded. When dealing with different people, I know that there are going to be a bit of culture shock. By me being open to all races of people, it will prepare me for the a more modern classroom. I know that there will a time when not everyone will get along, but that is the beauty of it, we don't all have to. The idea should be to have respect for all people involved. A brief note of thanks to your colleagues: I have truly enjoyed reading and responding to my colleagues and professor. I would like to thank each and every one of you for assisting in my growth as an individual. I am sure to remember you always.

In Response to Harro's Cycle of Liberation

As I was reading Harro's Cycle of Liberation, I wanted to explore the self-love aspect of the cycle because I do believe that before we can properly love anyone--students, friends, or significant others, we must first learn to love ourselves. This is a must. The poem that I have listed below is one that was inspired by all of the natural, African-American women out there who have liberated themselves and are not living inside of their own personal jail cells which can include their hair, high fashions and what other people consider to be beautiful. I got my permed hair cut off and I have only been natural for about a month but I love it. The poem is called "Hair Chronicles." Here it is: With every clip of the scissors, I feel myself growing weak. Weakness radiating from outside in, My tears provide solace after this event is over. On my golden locks, I can no longer depend. It feels that I have lost a piece of me. One essential piece--without it, I can no longer function. Looking within myself for an answer, No answer will come so I sink into a depression. My hair used to be my life, I think, as I try to find a new form of expression. I run my fingers through my little fro. And I become excited about my curls, I wonder, if this is what acceptance feels like When a misfits finally succeeds at joining forces with the popular girls. I smile inspite of all that has transpired. I am no longer bound to what I thought beauty was. I am beautiful. I am admired. I am a work of art--One that seeks to inspire

Response to "We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

I can recall one time in particular that I used to point at the neighbor's daughter and ask why her eyes were that way. My mother, after spanking me, told me not to point and ask those questions because it was rude. The message that my mother sent to me was that I shouldn't ask questions nor she I express any type of curiosity towards people who weren't like me. Had anti-bias education been around, she could have used this as a teachable moment and taught me things about diversity and the differences that we shared as human beings. I would have loved to have known about my neighbor's daughter; I could have gotten to know her and we could have become friends.