Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

      Before digging deep into the subject of microaggression I had not at all been so alert. Now, I feel like I notice it all the time. When watching television, or when I hear people communicate with myself of with others. This week I observed two forms of microaggression within the classroom. Both of which involved people assuming a child was of a certain ethnic group because of their name.

Situation #1: A little boy has been going home and telling  his parents about his friend Muhammed. When the little boys father came into the classroom, I noticed that he kept pointing to one particular child and saying "LOOK, there's your friend Muhammed". The father then started to speak to the child and say "Good Morning Muhammed", the child looked at him puzzled and would not speak. I politely said to the parent, "that is not Muhammed that's James", and directed him to where Muhammed was sitting.  The little boy (James) that the father thought was Muhammed is half African American, half Caucasian; therefore he has a very tanned skin complexion and very dark hair. I believe that the father assumed that he looked middle eastern being that Muhammed seems to be  a common middle eastern/Muslim name, especially within the city. However, Muhammed is a black boy. His parents are from Senegal(Africa) and are Muslim so they named their son after their profit. I could see the embarrassment in the fathers face, but I did feel it was wrong to assume that the tanned skin boy was Muhammed.



Situation #2:  There is a little boy in one of the classrooms named Wolfgang. When speaking to one of my coworkers about how adorable I thought he was she said "WOLFGANG? Is he Native American?" Wolfgang is Caucasian, his parents are of German descent. When I said No, where do you get native American from? She laughed and said "well you know Native Americans have names and nicknames like wolf, bear, hawk." Now from my experience I have never met someone that was Native American with a name or nickname like that. But throughout the media, movies, books, stores, toys, I have seen/heard names like that being attached to Native American culture. I thought WOW, she came up with that conclusion SO FAST, but maybe had the shoe been on the other foot, I may have thought the same, or similar. I know for sure I would not have thought German.

My Family Culture

During a catastrophic event, where my family would have to evacuate the country and I was presented the opportunity to only bring 3 items that represent my family culture, I would bring, what I feel are the most important things to not only myself but my family. These 3 items would be a family cook book, the bible, and family photo albums.
Of the three, if only given the opportunity to choose one, I would choose the photo album. Although cooking is  a big part of my family culture, and there are recipes written from my great grandparents on up, I am positive that another one can be created. Most of the people in my family have no problem cooking without reading the ingredients or recipes, so I would have no major issue with leaving it behind. Hopefully my family and I would be able to remember them all. The bible is another book that I feel has been so prominent in our lives that many scriptures are stuck in our head and can passed on. Hopefully wherever we would relocate would have access to bibles. The photo albums are something that have photographs, holiday cards, letters, and other memorable items that tell the story of my families lives. This is something that cannot be duplicated, can not be re-written and can never be brought back if left behind.

I am glad to have taken the time to think about what best represents my family values. I have never done this before. Although I can think of so many things, I am positive that these three would be on the top of my family members list as well.

Sharing Web Resources

The site that I have been keeping up with is NEA; National Education Association  (http://www.nea.org/). Everything about this site relates to my profession. Its all about education! From the educational goals to the tools and ideas for teaching, I am loving this site!

The one thing I would wish would be included in the site is more early childhood focused topics. Many of the educational issues, grants and information deal with those in elementary school and so forth, although teaching tactics can be applied to ANY classroom, it would be great to have the option to focus on what grade level best applies to you and your classroom. Nonetheless, it isn't too often that I go onto the site and  not come across articles or topics that catch my attention, or come across ideas that I can share with my fellow educational staff.

Although I have not yet come across many articles pertaining to the participation of economists, neuroscientists, or politicians, I am sure this information could be obtained in the grants and events section discussing representative, annual meetings, and annual meetings with staff and supporters from all over the world and from different professional friends, all in favor of enhancing education.

There is a lot of social media, video clips, and daily teacher articles that discuss and express issues and trends in and out of the classroom.  Educational gaps and funding are common issues expressed on this site. The highlight topics are currently core assessments, testing standards, supporting troops and high school graduation.

Web Resource

The website I have chosen is

http://www.nea.org/

On the site presently, there are four main highlights under the issue and trend topic:

1) Wanted: Educators Expertise on Student Assessments
2) How Hard will Budget Cuts Hit Your State?
3) Common Core State Standards
4) Experienced Educators share their Best Ideas

 

The Topic that made Editors Pick is

Students, Parents, and Educators Score Big Win Against Flawed Standardized Testing

 

 

 

This website is just so informative, not only for parents but for professionals. The best thing about it, while looking through these articles is that it highlights all current issues that are going on and /or may be a concern to so many families and educators all over the world. I never get tired of gaining information on a topic that I KNOW will eventually come up in the workplace.

 

The one highlight that really caught my eye, with the current topic of culture and diversity at hand is the highlight putting emphasis on a specific culture.

FOR THE CLASSROOM

Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Explore contributions to American history and culture with these multidisciplinary curriculum resources for all grade levels.

 

    

 

For those that are teachers or work inside of a school, this may be something to share in the classrooms.

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

        A college friend of mine was blessed to get a job in China teaching English to young children. I have kept in touch with him, excited to hear about the culture, the difficulties teaching and all the other entertaining stories he tells so well. I have never considered contacting other educational professionals outside of the United States. However,  I do enjoy meeting new people and learning about other cultures, so expanding my professional contacts brings great opportunity.
I have contacted UNICEF in Jamaica and through NAEYC through the Global Alliance program I have chosen to contact Ghana, Africa. I am currently waiting for replies.


        One resource that I find to be very informative in terms of education, other than NAEYC is the NEA (National Education Association). http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm. You can find lots of information on Early Childhood Education. Issues and trends, Tools and ideas you can use within your own educational experiences, and if you are like me, and share information with parents and families of children, then you can also gain knowledge on new and upcoming grants and events.

My Supports

 My Cell Phone

Who could ever live without their CELL PHONE? Not I. My cell phone not only serves as my form of communication to the world, but it is also my calendar/planner, calculator, GPS system when traveling, camera when I need to capture a moment, internet when my laptop is not present, and provides inderect conversing when I do not really want to speak, aka TEXT.

My Contact Lenses

Unfortunatley, I am as blind as a bat. So it is imperative that I wear my contact lenses or else Id be seeing nothing other than colors of blur. As part of my job, I travel a lot from house to house and meet with many families, I could not imagine trying to perform these duties without my biomedic55's!


My Friends!

I am the first of my family to attend college or even work in the career field of my choice, therefore it is easiestto relate to my friends. We are all going through this post-graduate/ career driven/ self- learning stge of life. It makes it easy to be able to call up some friends and discuss or joke about all the things we have in common and be supportive for one another through this journey.


I would imagine that one challenge would be the challenge of communication/ language. Communication is major is everyones lives. It is nearly impossible to go on an entire day without communicating in some way.  I am currently in a position where I am responsible for families who have dominant languages that are not English. I am familiar with some spanish, but not enough to hold a great conversatioon, and I feel so bad watching the parents and their children struggle to communicate with me in english.  In 2010 I traveled to France. I was so culture struck and had such a hard time communicating with the French that I chose to just give up and not communiucate ( other than saying Bonjour) with anyone other than my friends. I couldnt even say FRENCH FRY. It was so discouraging. I have recently invested my money in an electronic translator for those sudden moments where I come across someone who speaks another language. I am also trying to learn basic signs of sign language for those who are not able to voice whts on their minds.

My Connections to Play

 

“Play is the highest form of research.”

~ Albert Einstein (scientist)

 

The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things.”

~ Plato (Greek philosopher)

 

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning…They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play.”                  ~ Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood)

 

 

“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.”

                    Friedrich Froebel (founder of the concept of kindergarten)

 

 

                

  

 

 

 

 

       I never realized it until I was older, but many of the toys my mother bought for me were INDEED toys that would prepare me for adulthood. She was very big on play household items, such as vaccums, irons, kitchen sets, baby dollas and the strollers, carriers, bottles, easy bake oven, a toy register to help me learn the concept of money. One toy that I remember to be one of my favorites was a washing machine. You could REALLY put water and soap in a dispensor and watch your clothes spin, to say the least; al lof my baby dolls and barbie dolls had dish-washing and bubble bath fresh clothing! I also became really comfortable with technology, I LOVED nanos and tamagotchi pets, I collected them. I loved them so much because my mom would not let me have a dog, so I had as many computerized pets as I wanted. I couldnt find the perfect picture, but I also had an awesome compyter pad where I culd play games, learn to spell, learn math, and much more. It was my FAVORITE toy because I could take it anywhere with me, and no one ever beat me in the brain twisting games. Lastly, what girl didnt love Barbies. I took interest in collecting the dolls, the ken dolls, the kelly dolls, the pets, the clothes, the cars, EVERYTHING, I even had barbie lingerie, from a barbie line called fifth avenue. I was often alone or around a bunch of adults, so my family would always load me up with lots of toys to keep me busy and keep my mind going.

 

      Play today is totally different, and I see that as I watch my 6 yr old sister grow. She is so into technology, she doesnt have much of an interest in barbies. She loves riding her bike and being outside, but long hours of play just doesnt seem to be as popular with her and her friends, theyd rather listen to their radios, go on the computer,play make-up or play cell phone games (I believe society does push children to be more mature than they are). Because the technology is advancing everyday, her interest advances everyday, so many toys get thrown away because after a month she is no longer interested.

 

     

 

 

 

 

Relationship Reflection

People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Each leaving behind their mark and a lifelong story. The relationships that we build with one another are for sure a blessing, regardless of what their purpose is in our lives and  regardless of how long term or shortly ended they are.

I have had many of different types of relationships. The first being the blood bonding relationship I have with my family.Without my family I would not be the person that I am today or have the motivation to strive to be exactly where I want in the future. My family is definitely in my life for a lifetime. I have three younger sisters that I can guide and watch grow and mature into young women, which to me is one of the beautiful cycles of life.

♪♫"Friends, how many of us have them? Friends, ones you can depend on."

My small circle of friends are are so very supportive and encouraging of all my ideas and successes. Many friends have come and gone, or must I say, have been a season, but the women that I have grown close to have a sisterly bond with are without a doubt amazing, and so wonderful to have to confide in and depend on.


A group of people that I would say have come into my life for a season, reason and lifetime. are my coworkers. I have formed strong friendships with many, learned much from some, and have been able to teach others. Either way, there is no doubt that the relationship formed with coworkers is a very necessary one. How else would I work so effectively with someone?  My favorite part of working, is the fact that I have hard working, dedicated people to work alongside with.


Growing up, I have learned that one of the difficult things about forming relationships is that you have to be willing to form a bond. You have to be able to trust, respect, and appreciate the person that you are forming a relationship with. You have to be able to not only talk but listen, not judge but guide, and the be able to accept their differences. As my grandmother would always say "Do onto others, as you would want them to do onto you." Maybe cliche, but it definitely holds so much weight and is so much easier said than done.
Rather a relationship is a personal or professional relationship, treating a person with the fairness and kindness that you would want in return is always key. Showing patience when patience is needed, lending a hand when a hand is needed, or offering a shoulder to cry on when crying is needed is showing that you are more than your title, but a caring, selfless individual. You never know, it may be you on the other end. Every relationship requires give and take, and as we all have heard  "to whom much is given much is required."

Quotes

In the final analysis it is not what you do for your children,
but what you have taught them to do for themselves
that will make them successful human beings.
-Ann Landers

Assessment of School Aged Children

     Educational standards and accountability now a days, starts as early as Pre-school. This is most beneficial for an early start in education and development. Being that no two children are the same and each child has their own rate of development, it is important to understand how on going developmental assessments are so effective within their purpose.

     According to PBS, one of the most comprehensive ongoing assessment techniques is the student portfolio. PBS explains that the portfolio is a system for the collection of authentic assessments. Authentic assessment is a term that explains that “students are given opportunities to work in the application of knowledge and skills in the same ways that they are used in the "real" world outside of school. Authentic work samples are products of children's work that reflects real situations and problems addressed in the learning environment, rather than contrived instructional situations (PBS.org).” The authentic assessments can be done by way of monitoring child interaction, conferences with the child, and observation; Which I have become very familiar with during this month. I feel this is a very necessary skill for children to acquire, it allows teachers and parents to be sure that a child can use their educational and emotional and social, cognitive and motor skills inside and outside of the classroom; and appropriately during certain situations.

Being able to assess a child, especially within school age children is critical. It will allow teachers to make decisions based on placement for a child, it will help to determine a child’s progress on developmental and personal achievements, in case of any developmental concerns or delays assessing will help o diagnose learning problems, and assessing also allows teachers to use a different method of reporting to parents; other than just using the traditional report card or progress report.

References:

Grace, C., Dr. (Ed.). (2001, December). Assessing Young Children. Retrieved February, 2013, from PBS Teachers website: http://www.pbs.org/teachers/earlychildhood/articles/assessing.html

　

　

ENGLAND

      When I studied abroad in England, I wondered what their elementary school district was like. So doing this research definitely gave me some helpful info. In England, schools use the CAF or The Common Assessment Framework. Accoring to UK’s Department of Education, CAF is a key part of delivering services that are integrated and focused around the needs of children and young people. It is a standardized approach used by practitioners to assess children's additional needs and decide how these should be met (education.gov.uk).

The CAF is a four step process in which a practitioner can identify a child's needs early. The CAF is designed to be used when a practitioner is worried about how well a child or young person is progressing (e.g. concerns about their health, development, welfare, behavior, progress in learning or any other aspect of their well-being) ,a child or their parent, raises a concern, and/ or if a child's needs are unclear, or more intense than the practitioner's service can address (education.gov.uk).

This process is voluntary, families do not have to engage and if they do, they can choose what information they want to share. Which is interesting to me because in USA we highly encourage and recommend parental participation and engagement when it comes to a child’s educational processes and assessments.

References:

The CAF Process. (2012, April 26). Retrieved February, 2013, from Department of Education website:

http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/strategy/integratedworking/caf/a0068957/ the-caf-process

Consequences of Stress on Child Development

         
                                                            



        One stressor, that I feel is a common stressor for not only adults but children as well is violence and abuse. Violence and abuse comes in so many different forms. It can range from verbal and emotional abuse to physical abuse and even murder/death. I feel that violence and abuse is such a common stress in households, neighborhoods  and schools all over the world. There has been plenty of times where the children within the center I work in come to me and tell me that "mommy and daddy were fighting" or "the police came to my house and I was afraid". Its heart wrenching, not only because these children have to be exposed to these things, but also beause growing up around violent environments will eventually play a toll on a growing child, mentally, emotionally and socially. 

         Growing up, I had my far share of  exposure to violence and abuse within the household. However, I fortunately knew wrong was wrong. In many ways I just overlooked things, making it quite normal. Now in my adulthood, I can say I have never been into a fight, never been agressive or abusive. HOWEVER I know that growing up in  such an environment has put me at a place where I become extremely stressed if I do have to encounter serious conflict (verbal, mental, emotional). On a more positive note, it caused me to become extremely protective of myself, especially within relationships. I am very aware of the things I will allow and now allow based on the maltreatment I had been exposed to growing up. I recently had a conversation with a friend, who experienced physical, mental and emotional abuse as a child. She shared that it caused her to be very despressed, stressed, never wanting to leave her room and always very mean and angry.  Once she had the chance to get away from home she felt free.
     
         I could go on and on about the different experiences shared with me about abuse and violence.  Violence can cause pyschological, emotional, cognitive and long term affects for children. Resulting in emotions and behaviors such as  fear, issues with  self-esteem, depression, relationships problems, anger, poor school  and work performance and the lack of resolving conflict.

                                               

     While researching violence in difference regions I came across abuse in sub-sahran Africa. One thing that i found that caught my attention was a paragraph that stated  "Violence against women is a widespread problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Surveys conducted in sub-Saharan Africa reveal that 46 percent of Ugandan women, 60 percent of Tanzanian women, 42 percent of Kenyan women, and 40 percent of Zambian women report regular physical abuse. In a Nigerian survey, 81 percent of married women report being verbally or physically abused by their husbands. Forty-six percent report being abused in the presence of their children" (http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/457?task=view). Fortunately there are advocacates that are trying to help prevent abuse in Africa and fight for women in children that commonly deal with sexual abuse.


                                                 

Mental Health of Mothers

       Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are common during

pregnancy and after childbirth in all parts of the world. One in three

women in developing countries have a significant mental health problem during this time.

High rates of mental health problems in pregnant women and mothers have been

reported to occur in countries within Africa such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal, South

Africa, and many more.

     Certain risk factors which increase susceptibility to developing mental

health problems include poor socio-economic status, less valued

social roles and status.  Mental health problems are at least 3 to 5 times higher in women exposed to   intimate partner violence and/or rape. Pre-existing psychological disturbances often surface as depression, substance abuse or  attempts at suicide, particularly when combined with a pregnancy that is unwanted.

     Mental health problems not only affects the mother but the developing infant as well. If questions regarding the ability of a mother to take care of her child arise, the survival and development of the infant is jeopardized. Maternal depression is linked directly to lower infant birth weight, higher rates of malnutrition and  high rates of disease. It also  affects physical, cognitive, social, behavioral and emotional development of children.

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References: http://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/Perinatal_depression_mmh_final.pdf

Birth Experience

                                         

My first birthing experience was on April 8, 2007. I watched the birth of my baby sister Aaliyah. Even though I had been prepping for this moment it was so beautifully surreal. I remember that I was not only excited but a little fearful of how she would turn out once she was born, mainly because my mother was in her 40's, she has chrones disease which can be passed on to children.., and my mom gives birth to SMALL babies and I just wanted this one to be healthy. The doctors inserted a heart rate monitor into my mom which was attached to the baby's head (it seemed so painful), all the IV's and swabs were almost overwhelming. Nonetheless, my beautiful sister was born at 5lbs 6oz and healthy, and I had the great honor of cutting the umbilical cord. I will always remember this being that it was my first time witnessing a live labor and because it prepared me mentally of everything that I may have to deal with once my child bearing stage begins.I chose this particular birth because I know that there can be complications during birth that can affect the mother and the child. My other two sisters were both born pre-mature with hernias, which resulted in one of my sisters having digestive problems and being on a breathing machine (which even at the age of 19 still deals with these issues) and both having speech problems as young children.

                                                    IN AFRICA

    "Healthy women and girls are the key to meeting the social and economic development of Africa. However, women on the continent are extremely vulnerable to disease because of their low social standing, lack of education, reproductive role, and traditional gender expectations (amrefusa.org)."  According to my research on how birth is done in Africa, it is obvious that it is a very dangerous procedure for both the mother and the child. This causes an extremely high risk of developmental problems for the baby and could even result in their life. 

    1 in 39 women die as a result of pregnancy, which by my own experience of witnessing my mother in pain from contractions I would imagine that alone could put someones body in shock if it is not reduced by things such as epidural or IV. The Death rates of the mother are high in Africa because of  the lack of skilled midwives, obstructed labor, anemia, and malaria. Pregnant women in Africa are vulnerable to many diseases because their immunity is low and they often do not have the knowledge or the means to prevent this (www.amrefusa.org). 

      This is a big difference from my experience and what goes on in the US. With our advanced medical care, medicines and professionals to guide women through the pregnancy process and can detect issues during pregnancy it is, I would say a smoother process than it is in Africa.