The topic I chose for the simulation is: Diversity in Early Childhood Education. I chose this topic due to the fact that I have been teaching in the Georgia Lottery Pre-K program since Georgia received the Pre-K in 1993. Over the years, I have observed many different cultures and diversity in the classrooms thorughout child care centers as well as the public school settings. I have had the pleasure to work with many children that speak more than one language as well as with their parents. Along with this, there has been a lack of translators for me to talk to parents one on one, so we have to resort to using the child(ren) to translate the conversations. I would much rather, have a parent-teacher conference with just myself and the parent, so that the cvhild (ren) are not involved in that process.
I love the research chart, I am able to get a better understanding of terms used and their defintions, a highlight that caught my attention, that allows me to expand on the topic and give a personal comment and I can hose a reflection question to reflect on and write about. I also love the article "A practical guide to reading research articles", the information that is throughout this package is useful and makes reading articles and journals easier and I feel that I have gained more information by just using the suggestions within the handout, than I would have reading the whole article or journal.
I would like for all of my colleagues to know that I am open to any ideas or suggestions that will help me to benefit more than ever with this class, so that I can carry it with me throughout the rest of my time at Walden University. The only advice that I would give to any of you, is to read, read, read! I have found that over the time here at Walden University, the most important thing is to be sure to read any and all materials that is provided my the instructor of the class. The resource that I would share when it comes to writing journal reviews or any application is if you are unsure, ask!
If any one has any ideas or suggestions, please feel free to post. I am open to any help with this class. I am open due to the fact that whatever I learn from this class and any other well only be for me to provide better high quality programs for the young children in my care or that I am affliated with.
Lori - Diversity is so very important. Being in the military the last 18 years as well as growing up in a military family I have expereinced so many types of educational systems and such a diverse population as well. I have been the minority in so many places and the majority in a few places. I have seen the importance of being open minded and accepting other cultures and beliefs. I have also seen what can happen when there is no acceptance and that is not a pleasant situation to be in. I am glad that the education system realizes the importance of diversity and has a curriculum to teach and promote this.
ReplyDeleteLori your topic on diversity is one that I am sure you have a passion for. I know that the Georgia pre-k teachers are challenged daily with the limited access of communicating effectively with children from diverse backgrounds. My pre-k teachers feel the same way as you. They just attended a training that dealt with diversity and how to incorporate families more. It gave them some other resources to look at and I will try to get that information and forward it to assist you in your research. We are here together to succeed.
ReplyDeleteLori, diversity in the classroom is a wonderful topic. Considering that our classrooms grow more and more diverse and we need to be prepared for that change. In the headstart I currently work at as part of the weelkly activities they have incorperate a multicultural activity, and each classroom has an english speaking teacher and spanish speaking assistant teacher. This aliviates the need of a translator, because they support each other when it comes to informing the parents.
ReplyDeleteIf you find it helpful I can provide you with some activities they use with the children in the classroom to support diversity.