I hope that I am able to be an example for colleagues as I work with children and families from diverse backgrounds and also to the children and families themselves. This class has given me so much information and knowledge and so many new perspectives to issues that I can hopefully pass on. I hope to use this information to provide a more respectful and culturally rich learning environment for children.
One goal for the early childhood field would be to require more diversity training for staff members. I do not think I have ever had diversity training before or at least not more than a brief hour at the beginning of the school year. Yet, in this class there were so many concepts such as microaggressions and the many different -isms that I had never heard about before that have a major impact on working with children and families from diverse backgrounds. These can also impact relationships with coworkers. I think training is very important for the staff members to provide the best anti-bias and respectful environment for children.
I want to thank all my classmates for sharing each week discussions and blog posts. This class showed me how diverse we all are and no matter if we are the same gender or race we are still culturally diverse and unique in our experiences and perspectives. Each week I have been able to think about each topic from different angles due to the fact that everyone has been so willing to be open and share. It has really helped enhance the topics and I am so grateful for everything I have learned.
Jennie,
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone in feeling like our field needs more training on diversity! I think all of us have learned so much and had our eyes opened to many aspects of diversity we had never thought of before. Thanks for sharing all you have - good luck in your future classes! Maybe our paths will cross again!
Leigh Ann
I also feel the same way about this class. I have gained so much from this class and I hope to be able to impart it all the children and families that I serve and will serve. This class has truly taught me lifelong lessons. I wish you the best with your future classes.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a pleasure working with you as well. I wish you all the best on your future courses. While reading your goals for diversity in the classroom I also have the same hope. I think if we can maintain a respect for cultures and diversity we can change the world.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of taking this class into your colleagues and staff. I would like to do the same. I think it is very very important for early childhood professionals to learn about diversity and culture. I am running an English learning training school for children in Beijing. All our teachers are foreign. I am going to take the information from this class and share that with our teachers. Thankyou fro your idea. Wish you all the best in the upcoming courses. hope to meet with you again virtually. thank you.
ReplyDeletestella