Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I am able to help them build on their experiences by getting them to understand the gift of being surrounded by diversity.   
We have to make our voice heard.
One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice would be to help children unlearn some of the stereotypes they have already formed.  I have found a wealth of materials that can assist me, books, materials and also individuals.

It hard to believe we have completed another class.  I'm very PROUD and THANKFUL to each and every one of you.  I hope we will be able to continue on this journey together.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Family Outreach

Volunteering  with my schools Family Outreach  program the newest family we will be welcoming into our school community is a family from Bolivia.  Not knowing much about Bolivia it will be necessary for me to do some home work.  I learn that the Spanish id on of four languages spoken there which is what the family speaks. Although there are many dialects of the Spanish language fortunately I am able to communicate in Spanish with some assistants.  The dominant religion is roman Catholic, which is what the family practices.  Bolivia is one of the least developed countries in South America.  Leaving it necessary for both parents and the young children the reasonability to work in order to sustain the family.  A few of the steps I have taking to help the family feel welcomed.

I locate and visit a Spanish market.  With hope that it will have some of the food the family is familiar with.

I vist a neighborhood Catholic church.  Picking up information about hours of services and when the Spanish speaking service is held.

On one of my visit to the library I look at the children section and find a selections of books, movie video's and Cd's in Spanish that the whole family can enjoy.

I decide to make welcome backpack for the children.  Including coloring picture with Spanish titles I printed  form the computer.        

Volunteering  with my schools Family Outreach  program the newest family we will be welcoming into our school community is a family from Bolivia.  Not knowing much about Bolivia it will be necessary for me to do some home work.  I learn that the Spanish id on of four languages spoken there which is what the family speaks. Although there are many dialects of the Spanish language fortunately I am able to communicate in Spanish with some assistants.  The dominant religion is roman Catholic, which is what the family practices.  Bolivia is one of the least developed countries in South America.  Leaving it necessary for both parents and the young children the reasonability to work in order to sustain the family.  A few of the steps I have taking to help the family feel welcomed.

I locate and visit a Spanish market.  With hope that it will have some of the food the family is familiar with.

I vist a neighborhood Catholic church.  Picking up information about hours of services and when the Spanish speaking service is held.

On one of my visit to the library I look at the children section and find a selections of books, movie video's and Cd's in Spanish that the whole family can enjoy.

I decide to make welcome backpack for the children.  Including coloring picture with Spanish titles I printed  form the computer.      

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

The most salient experience in my life directly related to my race. Having grown up in a town where I was not from the dominant culture, I have many memories from my childhood that were very painful and emotional. Obviously, because forty plus years later when asked to write about them. I feel a sense of emotion welting up inside of me and I still can recall them. I would have to share that the most painful one would be in my teen years. Hanging with classmates someone would use the word” nigger”, explaining to me “No offense”. I would stay silent, not saying a word. 

Having been taught that, that word was developed for salves by the dominant race.  It was used to make a person feel weak, degraded and offended.  It should never be used it and I must be offended by any person that does use it.   The bias made me feel bad, sad, and sorry for myself.  It hurt my feelings.    

I would later find the words to educate my classmates aka friends on why it was not alright to make such statements to anyone for any reason.  And that say “nothing against you” only makes it worst.