To Thy Self Be True

What I think others will say about me compared to what I say about myself is not much different. I always have a smile on my face.  I find humor in most situations.  I’m kind, helpful, and positive.  The glass is half fill type of girl.  I like things organized and orderly.  There are time slots in my day when my door I not opened, I don’t take phone calls, text or answer email.  I get more done being patient.  If I don’t have the answer I see nothing wrong with saying so.  If I don’t agree with you I think it’s’ alright for us to agree to disagree.  And yes I think there are no bad questions.  Is the number of people how thing this is unusual.  Or believe I must be on a great prescription.  The reality is how or what someone says to me can have me questioning my hole being, rob me of a good night sleep and steel my week-end.  I keep my composure, I effetely communicate with the person.  Then I internals every word that was spoken, every look, everybody move, posture.  Did I miss understand what they were say? Did I  respondwell?  Did I let them down? Offend them?  Look disguised? 

This week I have gained a better understanding of the functions of schemas. I can definitely see how Selective perception is a schemas challenge in my communication skills.

        

Think about the cultural diversity you see in your colleagues at school, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, and also, possibly, within your family. Consider all the aspects that make up culture, including race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, varying abilities, and so on.

This was almost a trick question for me; however I must admit I do find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. As the fifth of seven daughters I did not ask therefore I did not get.  I moved cross country at the age of eighteen and yet, that stands true to this day.  
 Among my husband, daughters, colleagues and friends I am know for my willingness to speak up.  Respectfully as I possibly can, I speak up. I believe that it’s important for me to speak up for what I need in all of my relationships.  Being a professional I the early childhood field a must speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.  Our most vulnerable included. 

I’m embarrassed to say I have found myself communicating on a preschool leave to those who might speak English very well.  Using heavy pronunciations or speaking extremely slowly.  How about speaking loud, I pray I don’t do that! 

Based on what I have learned this week, three strategies I could use to help me communicate more effectively with the people or groups I have identified; Be an active, empathic, and patient listener. 

Episode of a Television Show

The show I viewed was The Big Bang Theory”, the show begins with two young adults, college students, talking, the male is sitting and the female is standing.  The male is texting on his cell phone all the while.  The female looks up set her hand is on her hip. The couple is shopping in a jewelry store, maybe a gift for his mom.   I learn the gift a bracelet is not for his mom but a  different young lady, Maybe the first young lady is his sister, who was mad at him because he had not yet bought his girlfriend a birthday presents. 

 Needless to say I had miss understood the communication between the characters.  First and foremost the young man is a brilliant doctor not a college student,  the first young lady is a friend, a waitress who lives across the hall and the second young lady is a friend whom the young man is considering making the relationship into more.

 I watch most all of my television on tape because of my schedule.  I am usually doing something in addition to while viewing my taped show.  It dawned on me that for the most part I use selective listening, because I have already decided what is going to happen I only stop to listen to some of the shows. 

Real Communication

I am very surprise at the challenges this assignment has brought me.  I easily came up with a list of people I found to be incompetent communicators.  but continue to struggle identifying a competent one that I would like to model.  I believe it is because I appreciate the communication skills from a variety of people.  "I see strength in her directness, but she can come off as very harsh."  "Her she is so patient with the children, but comes off insecure with the parents."  "Shes sounds very confident, but is there anything she is not an expert at?"  That being said, I find my co-work to be  very competent communicator.  I appreciate the kind words she uses when disciplining her students.  She is able to keep an even tone, calmness in her voice when she believes something is a problem.  She ask questions if she does not understand something.  I try to remain calm and never let them see me sweat but inside there is a fire erupting so I don't dear say a word.  It's not a good.

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.