Welcoming Families From Around the World

The country I chose to have my new family come from is Croatia.  In preparing for their arrival to my room I will:
1.  Read up on the history and current events of the country to learn about issues the citizens have faced in the past and current issues they are experiencing.
2.  Find out the religions practiced in the country and how I might need to accommodate the family's religious preferences .
3.  Search the community to see if other Croatian families live here and talk with them about cultural practices and beliefs.
4.  Invite any community members from Croatia, or surrounding countries, to come into the class and talk to the children.
5.  Ask community members from Croatia, or surrounding countries, if they would be willing to be a liaison to the new family as they settle into their new life.

I feel these preparations will give me the base knowledge of the family's country of origin and will give me ideas of how to include their country into the room environment.  A community member as a liaison may help with any language translation that may be necessary and will give the family someone they can rely on for any questions or directions they may have.  Taking these steps will prepare me by increasing my global knowledge and possibly learn some basic vocabulary to use when welcoming the family.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

An Incident of Bias, Prejudice, or Oppression
I'm sad to say that a conversation I had with my mother recently revealed some biased comments from her.  She was talking about a news segment she had seen where the local Salvation Army was giving out backpacks filled with school supplies to the children who needed them.  She unfortunately stated that most of them were black.  I'm sure the story was about the help available with the high cost of going back to school but my mother had to point out the color of the skin the majority of children receiving the supplies had.  It was an unnecessary comment to the new story.

This comment diminished equity because I'm sure the Salvation Army did not discriminate against anyone who showed up for the backpacks but were happy to offer assistance to any family needing it.  My mother, with her comment, was not seeing the bigger picture-that children needing supplies were getting them-but went to specific lengths to point out their race.

The comment left me feeling disappointed but I then realized I had heard comments like this all the time I was growing up, but mostly from my father.  It is through this class that I have learned crucial information so that I can monitor my thoughts and words to avoid making a similar comment.

I will need to have a discussion with my mom about her comment and share with her my thoughts on equity for children.  Then, maybe she will be able to look at other similar new stories with a new viewpoint.    

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

On a television show I watched this week, a young boy was becoming involved with a young girl who was very protected.  She wasn't allowed to watch TV except for one-half hour once a week, was homeschooled, and had a strict curfew when at the boy's house.  The boy was letting the girl believe he had done several bad things in his life because she was impressed by them.  Her parents, which happened to be lesbians, appeared at his door one night to tell the boy he couldn't see the girl anymore because he was a bad influence.  As he was trying to find the right words to explain that he wasn't a bad person and that the stories he had been telling weren't true, he said he was willing to follow the rules of their lesbian, then corrected himself and said family, home.  He used a microinsult by labeling their home a lesbian home first before correcting himself. 
I thought it was obvious he was nervous meeting the parents for the first time under the set of circumstances and corrected himself appropriately.  His character doesn't have a lot of dating experience so he verbally stumbles when he is around authority figures. 
I tried to focus on what people were saying to each other as I was observing this week, but didn't hear any microaggressions.  It has heightened my listening skills to learn about this topic and I'm sure I will be aware of interactions between people as a result of the information learned as I watched the resource video.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

For this assignment I interviewed my daughter (26 years old), her boyfriend's mother (55 years old), and the mother's daughter (12 years old).  My daughter defined culture as a group of people who share the same beliefs and diversity as multiple cultures that come together.  The mother said culture was everything that goes with an ethnic group such as their social norms and living environment.  The 12 year old said culture is different religions and different countries and the word diversity reminded her of Martin Luther King's I have a dream speech.

Surface culture was evident in the answers I received such as religion, beliefs, and social norms.  Some aspects that were omitted were deep culture aspects such as values, recreation, work, intergenerational relationships, and extended family relationships (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010).

In thinking about how other people's definition of culture and diversity, I realize that I have learned a lot about these topics.  I had limited definitions for these terms before this class as well. Now, I know there is so much to learn about individuals past what can be seen.  I know that there is so much that influences one's culture and the practices, beliefs, and customs a group may practice.  I also know that it is not appropriate to infer that a person follows every practice, belief, or custom just because they may be a member of a particular group of people.  Everyone is an individual first. 

My Family Culture

In the event I had to quickly move to another country, I would take only two things-my cell phone and pictures of my children.  I'm not attached to too many materials objects so everything, but these, could stay behind.  I would explain that my phone can give me access to my children and mom who are the most important people in my life.  Pictures of my children would give me memories of them throughout their lives.  If told I had to give up one of the items I had been able to bring, I would feel as if I had totally lost control of my ability to make my own choices for my life.  It would be very frustrating and hard to understand why I couldn't keep the few personal things I had.  I would have a hard time understanding how my possessions would affect anyone else.

I realize that immigrants who relocate to other countries have to make choices about their possessions.  My family doesn't put importance on things but on relationships so leaving things behind wouldn't be too hard for me but leaving those I love would be.  I lived 2000 miles away from my family for 8 years and it was the lowest point in my life.  Being close to family is what is important in my life, having things is not.

When I think of Research...

My ideas of research has changed as a result of taking this course.  Before I became familiar with the terms and process associated with doing a research study, I felt rather uninspired about what researchers do.  Now, even though I don't think researching is an area I will find myself, I don't feel as negative towards the word research.  I feel I can now read a study with confidence and understanding.  I have resources, now, about how to evaluate honest, authentic research when I see it and also know when I don't.  I understand the process better and respect those who undertake such an involved process.  Realizing all that went into our simulation and thinking about the work needed to actually initiate my study gives me a new appreciation for researchers and the time and effort they commit to their work.

The challenges I encountered were mostly at the beginning of the course when I didn't have much interest in the research process because it wasn't a priority for me.  I decided to commit to each week's assignments and do the best I could, even though my sister was hospitalized waiting for a liver transplant in Omaha, NE.  My mind wasn't always focused on the work I needed to do but I knew I did what I had time to do, even with little sleep at times, when I wasn't driving back and forth to see her. 

As an early childhood professional, I have learned that studies can benefit a single classroom or an entire school of thought.  I know that I could do a research study on my students if a question needed answered and an insightful study would answer it.  I feel that I could do the job if the situation arose.

Research Around the World

I looked at the EECERA website.  I found two links listed for Korea Institute of Child Care and

Education and Pacific Early Childhood Research Association.  Some of the major research projects under the Korea link were:  1)  the Curriculum Articulation between Nuri Curriculum for 5 year olds and Elementary school & Nuri curriculum for 3, 4 year olds, 2)  Recommendations for policy proposals for improving fertility rate and reconciling work and family life; a focus on in-home care for infants and suggested support measures, and 3)   A Research on an Integrated Support System for Child-rearing of the Socially Vulnerable(IV): Developing Character Education Programs in the Early Years.  

I learned that the organization is well-governed and has an extensive editorial board.  I learned that other countries around the world are concerned about some of the same early childhood issues as we are and are trying to provide the best for their children's education.