Reflecting on Learning!

     My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional is that I learn that educating all children is vital to our progression as a people.  I feel like there is an abundance of hope for the children because of our advocacy efforts. By enrolling in and soon to graduate from this program, I feel as though I have the tools to begin to promote an anti-bias education for all children and families. As an advocate, I would like to encourage all my co-workers to research or enroll in a program that will enable them to learn about anti-bias education. Dr. Julie Edwards said, “We will never learn everything about anti-bias education because the field is still evolving (Laureate, Inc.) I just feel like she is saying, “Start now.” You see, I am confident that my love for children and the knowledge that I have acquired while focusing on anti-bias education is the foundation I need to promote these efforts. 

     To my very supportive colleagues, I commend you for continuing in the program.  You have been a pleasure to share ideas, comments and concerns with.  I appreciate what each of you brings to the table.  As we part our separate ways, I hope that the love of children will sustain you throughout this journey.  Be blessed and be a blessing!

References

Laureate, Inc.  Your Commitment to Anti-Bias Work" https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_3396868_1%26url%3D

All OF GOD'S CHILDREN!

     I am drawn to Mexican people living in poverty because I spent one week on a mission trip in Matamoros, Mexico.  It was an awesome, life changing and gratifying experience.  I had the opportunity to spend days at a vacation Bible School assisting the directors of the camp. While there, I served food, taught English, played games, carried water and ice from the market and spent time with the children.  Too many times, we (Americans) take basic things for granted.  I met people so grateful to God for what little they had.  People invited us into their homes to dine for a home prepared meal.  Each meal consisted of corn tortillas and beans—my favorites.  While I was there, I observed young children carrying water in enormous jugs.  The water was used for drinking, light bathing and washing dishes.  It was scorching hot, humid and sometimes raining but no one complained, they just did what was necessary.  Before I left that trip, I felt as though I connected with the people because in actuality...We are all God's children.

     I read an article about Lucia, who struggled to manage her disease by attending hospital appointments.  She wants nothing more than to attend school and learn.  How noble of her.  She is determined to learn. She attends a  community school whose strives to build better lives for all who attend.  (http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/mexico_62078.html)

     I also read an article which focused on the message of the President of Mexico who made light of the poor children who don’t have access to education and healthcare.  He said, "When most of us think of a poor child, we tend to picture a rural child. We don't imagine as readily a girl living in the shadow of a city school that she will never attend, nor a boy growing up only a short walk from a health clinic he will never enter, nor a family deprived of services enjoyed by those living only streets away" (http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/mexico_61864.html ). I was personally touched by his outcry for help for those who other people probably “walk over” everyday. 

     As a parent, my heart goes out to all children who are impoverished.  As an educator, I need to be abreast on conditions of children worldwide, not just in the U. S.  I can make a difference--- one child at a time.  I will never accept that only children who are local are my concern.  Whatever small part I can contribute to reaching and changing a child’s life, I will.  Where I am in my life now, I can only educate myself so that I may begin to strategically plan how I will contribute to humanity outside of my country.  My trip this summer has taught me that I can donate my time, love and attention to poor children and that is a start to changing lives. 

Sexualization of children

     Sex is everywhere! From an early age, children are inundated with sexual images every single day. Parents are sexualizing their children at alarming rates—maybe unintentionally or maybe not. My eyes could not believe this video clip.  (Please don’t watch if you are easily offended by children acting like adults. Also, you must sign in to YouTube to view.) This is a new dance called “twerking.” My definition of twerking is gyrating your sexual organs to music imitating sexual acts with one’s clothes on.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyDiPsEgNdU&ytsession=tSSZLQx3UfttWXaN7QzIM3PAcbQa20bGi5C9e2o6EpHuVivwlAfszD7og2nKBkYNzSODi2XqR0nvOf5gNkScNtwleQnj_--URUYFj5-vCoO3WPcd3CT4LOHCNFcto1mPFulU5WVxWCoM4or_RBH4VFhQODLzhzE6mItjeV1IOl-kiqbQDCpIenXhjr98mjIBpa5TR_7A2oPbGod0UGfdTQ8d36AveWqP0_Fip1yi3ffIEdA_XYnWa4o0QMx0M7GnPdK4Jb0qTjrR6X5_W4nUqHPG43HZ4pUPXP5Pw23JE15NkE3vwO2CYFMt7U1vpSeNGrYST5Na76PUgvYHdyYiOKEWZf-ZvGrWCZXLCk9eamfWXyjbVQYsSUtmRf1Qkg5018T02zjox0RYIFxK-D5IQlX4lq2L0XiNlOiB66Y0PfjXM3aPIgCOIGm7BPUQKcqRq_KHgUnkU9ChyOLkg6StRSfnr1zmw85fsaLE_vdzZ_vnmw6Rbd5h8A8Ga39wLdzgZJpAdVrBask   I agree with the authors who say, “Children as young as four learning to gyrate to songs in ways that might have stunned grown-ups a few decades ago” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 2). As  a child, I can remember being reprimanded for sing a song called,  “Let it Whip!” I had a strict family upbringing.  My opinion is when children are allowed to perform these types of dances or wear sexy clothing; it is putting sex on their minds, making certain body parts come alive and making them inquisitive to go the next step.   

     I think children are becoming victims of sexualization because society accepts it as normal.  For example, last semester, a kindergartener entered our school campus wearing an ill fitting uniform and red lipstick.  Yes, she wore it proudly and stated that her mom said “If anyone says something just lie and say it is lip gloss because you have dry lips.” What is really going on? Kindergarten? Should we, as educators, accept this as normal? I don’t think so!  Thanks to the administrative team at my school, the parent was called to give them the opportunity to dress the child compliant with the school districts bylines. Authors iterate, “these children are acting in ways that make perfect sense given the sexualized environment that surrounds them” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 2).

     Have you seen the Bratz dolls?   These dolls are dressed in minis and fishnet stockings, tight jeans and skimpy tops.  Dolls are role-models for girls.  Is this the role-model we want for our young children? Do we want to dress our five year old girls like this?  I think the problem is if children commonly view these examples of fashion, they will accept this dress apparel as normal. 

     As an educator, I never equated sexualization with education.  I was never provoked to think about this subject but again, Walden University has roused my awareness and made me think outside of the box.  From this week’s subject, I have learned,  “That these stereotypes and media messages limit opportunities for children to develop as whole people and undermine the very foundation necessary for children to actualize their full potential and to value and respect themselves and others” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 6).

References

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf

-isms That Separate!

     Since beginning this program, I have learned so much about myself.  I have been forced to face issues and strategically problem solve resolutions to those issues.  For this assignment, I was requested to describe in detail the -ism that will be a barrier for me as an early childhood educator.  I have a BIG problem when I feel as though someone is being discriminated against because of class.  As an educator, I once witnessed a teacher not allow certain children to participate in parties because they did not bring anything to share.  What a shame! I was an inclusion teacher so I made the children a party bag which was against the  wishes of the veteran teacher.  The teacher said to me privately, “The parents need to get off their lazy welfare A** and provide for their children.” I was furious! According to Derman-Sparks and Edwards, “This belief implies that it is a result of laziness if a family is living in poverty” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 109).  All I could think of is “Why punish the children for  the predicament the parent has gotten them into?” I know this will be a challenge for me because I would like other teachers to help dispel the myth, “People are poor through their own fault” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 109). I feel as though once we, early childhood educators learn better, we should do better.  What do you think about not allowing children to participate in a class activity because they are unable to bring an item to share?

References

Derman-Sparks & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C. ,National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).