Wk 8 What I have learned

     One hope that I have when it comes to me working with children and families,s that I set a positive and honest example for them. I must take into consideration what is best for all parties and think and plan for the future of those I am working with or for.

     One goal that I am setting for the early childhood field when it comes to children and families with issues relating to diversity, equity and social justice is: Is to be open and honest with myself and those involved. To be able to give children and families the required support, resources and/or materials that they made need at any time.

     To all of my colleagues, it is great feeling within my heart to know that like myself, there are other individuals that seek to help young children and families within our society. We are fighting a tough battle, but if we as early childhood educators and professionals stay strong and focus, we can help those who need help. I am sad to see this class end, however I am excited about being 2 classes away form completing my Master's program. Good luck and best wishes to all of you!

WK 7 CREATING ART

   

This is what I have learned from this course. Early Childhood Educators can help young children COPE with bias, discomfort and trauma. We have to do it for the children. Taking care of them now and they will take care of us in the future!                  

WK 6 "We Don't Say Those Words In Class!"

   I could not think or recall a time when this situation happened with me and my son's, however my co-teacher gave me a situation with her and her middle school aged son.
   Last spring Ms. R and her son Z were on a field trip with his 7th grade class at the Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta, Ga. Ms. J said, "As they walked through the museum looking at the artifacts throughout the museum, "her son "Z" said really loud in front of other students and chaprones, "Wow, look at that UPS man, why is her wearing his shorts about his knees," Z continued with, "Look everybody he looks gay with those shorts on." Ms. R said, "The UPS man looked at the group and just shook his head.
   Ms. R said, "Z that is the requirements of the company UPS", it identifies the company, as well it is woren for professional reasons and that what he said, "Was not appropriate."
   That certain companies require their employees to have certain dress codes and there is nothing wrong with the employees shorts.
    An anti-bias educator, could have explained that we should judge or talk about someone, just because they wear their shorts differently than other people. This educator could have gave examples of other companies that require certain dress codes and the importance of looking nice, decent and respectful for the company that people work for.

Wk 3 6357-6

   My response that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books that contain gay, lesbian or same sex families, every child should be accessible to all books, regardless of who is in the books, every early childhood classroom should be diversified and this will help each child to developed a positive identity of not only themselves, but those around them. Each child must be given the opportunity to learn about all people, as early childhood professionals, we know that we are their first experience to the outside world, so I do not see what books about gays, lesbians or same sex families, should not be included.
    If I was told that a parent/family member did not want their child to be cared for, educated by or interacted with: I would be apalled, just because a person is homosexual or transgender does not mean that they are not capable of caring for young children. Once again, the early childhood field must have diversity not only from sex, race or gender. Children will benefit from all people, it should not matter who the person is,  that is taking care of the children. My concern is what they do in the classroom with the child and that they have the best interest for the young child at heart.

WK 8 Moving On

I know that without support from my colleagues through discussions and blogs, it would be difficult to keep pushing forward. Even though we have never met, I feel like all of us have the same goals in mind.  I also tried to be positive throughout any situations and with positive and mature adults, if helps make it so much easier. This class has defintely helped me with my communication and collaboration skills and I feel the same for my colleagues.

My wish for my colleagues is that they continue to reach for the stars and keep in mind the reason that wse are doing this and it is for the future generations. They need all of the support and positive encouragement that we ALL can give them. We have to remember if we just help to change one life, we have made an accomplishment. With all of the early childhood professionals that are in the field, that would be alot of lives that we would touch.

My contact information is jesselori@bellsouth.net, lori.gardner@clayton.k12.ga.us, (404) 402-3099 cell phone.

Good luck and best wishes to all, if I can be of any assistance to any of you, please feel free to contact me.


think about how your colleagues have supported you, how you have supported them, and what you wish for your colleagues as they continue on their professional path

WK 6 Team Building and Collaboration

    In my judgment, I do feel that the high-performing groups are the hardest to leave, since it takes a team to make the group to perform, then once the goals have been accomplished it is hard to say goodbye.
   Also, groups that have the clearest established goals and objectives, along with a leader and a great dependable team are also very hard to leave.
   The hardest group I would say for me to leave was when I received a promotion this school year as a Lead teacher and I am no longer a part of the Paraprofessional team at my job. The paraprofessionals at my primary school have a great relationship,they go out to eat, they exchange gifts and just look out for each other and take care of each other.
   When the paraprofessionals found out that I had been promoted, they prepared for me a secret luncheon during the week of pre-planning, I was so shocked and they truly caught me off guard.
   Another group that is hard for me to disconnect from is my high school graduating class, we were the first class to graduate from a new high school and over the years we have set up many alumni invents and regardless of what is going on in my life, I will drop it or postpone it to participate with my high school classmates. My husband just shakes his head and laughs.
    I truly have not thought about saying Good-bye to my colleagues after this class is completed. I would hope that we all some how keep in touch rather through internet, text messages, etc. We have built some strong relationships, eventhough we have never met in person, I love the atmosphere and I know that the individuals that have been in many of my classes since Sept of 2010, have the best interest for young children and their families at hand.
    Adjourning, is letting us know that the job is complete as well as relationships have been built. As a team member, you have learned to trust and respect those that were in your group. All members of the group have worked effectively to reach a common goal.

Wk 5 Communication in action

   I have problems communicating with my 19 year old son. He thinks he knows everything and some of the choices that he is making currently in his life are not good ones.  If I say something to him, he swears that I don't know anything, he says "Ma, your are from the old school and this is new school."
   So I have been biting my tongue and I am letting him spread his wings and fly on his own. I told him in order to live in my house he either needed to enroll in college and/or get a job, so guess what he decided to do. Move out without doing either one.
   All I can do is pray that God keeps him safe and sound from any hurt, harm or danger. Hwever, it is hard for me not to express my voice, because he is my son. Any suggestions?