Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

    When Will it End

Microaggression is defined  as brief everyday indignities; verbal, behavioral, or environmental; communicated intentionally or unintentionally; containing an insulting message; often causes serve psychological stress and harm; reflect views of inferiority/ superiority and inclusion/exclusions; and happen outside the level of awareness of well-intentioned individuals (Laureate Education, 2011).

I can remember a time when my family and I were looking for seats at the airport while waiting for our flight. We sat down leaving a seat between us and an older Caucasian couple. The lady frowned at us as we sat down. She then sucked her teeth and the couple got up and moved to another area. The nonverbal message she gave off was that we could not sit near her because of the color of our skin. In a crowded airport we just wanted to be as comfortable as everyone else while we awaited our flight. To think we have to continuously go through events like this in 2020 is tiring.

As I look at events happening in the world right now it is heart breaking how much hate is in this world. I also think with Covid-19 already creating trauma in our everyday lives we cannot show love as we once were able to comfort one another.  The racism we are feeling is creating hatred in many. I saw a quote that said racism never ended it is just being filmed now. I often feel overwhelmed by all that is going on right now and have a hard time speaking on these matters. I think of my family where I have some law enforcement relatives and some first responders and we are genuinely good people we go out of our way to help others but not only are we scrutinized by the color of our skin but also our careers.

I came across a video that features a woman by the name of Jane Elliott who brings awareness to racism in America. This video to me shows how some people are not willing to change.

References

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Microaggressions in everyday life [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi3iqJykwEo

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

     I believe culture is where your family is from and where they have grown to become, then mix in experiences from every generation because the world is ever evolving. Culture refers to how particular groups of people live. The way we eat sleep, talk, and even take care of one another (Derman-Sparks, 2010). With this definition culture seems to be defined in many ways depending on a person’s perspective. 

     A colleague of mine says “culture is where you are from and how you were raised”. A friend of mine says “culture is ethical upbringing passed down from generation to generation. A way of life for a group of people or place”. She goes on to explain place because at work, church, school, there are different cultures.

     According to the class resources thus far everyone has a similar definition just worded to fit their perception. I agree with everyone’s definition. It is almost as if culture relates to expectations. Your culture brings about certain expectations, morals, rules as to how we live. Janet Gonzalez-Mena says it may sound clichés but “culture is like an iceberg only the tip of it shows and that is the part we can celebrate but the 90% that we do not see is where the tensions come in from different beliefs” (Laureate Education, 2011).

     Diversity means differences. These differences can be age, ethnicity, class, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, as well as religious status, gender expression, educational background, geographical location, income, marital status, parental status, and work experiences. Diversity is also how we accept these differences. That is how I believe culture ties into how we acknowledge differences.

     Thinking about other people’s definition of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about my workplace and my family and friends. I believe culture is what brings people together at times. Family culture may be different, but we are often intrigued by differences and amazed at the similarities we share with other people.  

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Culture and diversity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Family cultures: Dynamic interactions [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

My Family Culture

Scenario: A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture.

I love my family so much and I value our culture and relationships. Thinking of three things to take with me to a new country is difficult but here are my three things…

1. My grandmother’s photo album

2. Family values

3. A bible

My grandmother’s photo album shares so many memories for our family. My grandmother had 11 children, so I am truly fortunate to have a big family. I would want to be able to view the pictures to revisit wonderful memories. These pictures would allow us to share stories and appreciate one another. I would also take my family values because despite where we end up, I have to my family in my heart. I was brought up to show kindness, and to have compassion for others.  That saying of giving the same respect to the janitor as you do the CEO is how I was raised. Also, my parents showed me how to not judge a book by its cover because we get scrutinized too much as it is and we must be the change you want to see. Last but not least I would take my bible. Life comes with its share of ups and downs and reading God’s word helps me and my family get through good and bad times.

I would show other people better than I could tell them about how much my family culture means to me.  My family culture is important to me and these items represent who we are. Simple gestures from caring greetings to lending a helping hand or even saying a prayer for someone else shows what my family culture is. I am always up for great communication as I like to keep an open mind and learn from others to understand their culture.

I would be hurt if I had to give up something but the items, I picked will always be represented even without they physical item such as the photo album. I would keep my bible as a way to help one another through these hard times.

The insight I have gained about myself is that family means more to me than I realize and that sometimes I may even take them for granted. I have such a strong support system that I would always want to make sure I take time to values and appreciate them. Even with our family culture we still may have different culture based on our environments and experiences. I want to make sure I understand and learn from them as well as others.

When I Think of Research...

Why is your simulation important to the field of early childhood?

Over the past eight weeks creating this research simulation wasn’t easy at first but I had to change my perspective to think of how this would benefit me in my career. My research topic was The Impact on Child Development When Teachers are Prepared. I believe my topic is important because when teachers are not prepared it can cause teachers and children to become stress, there will be a focus on my behavior management than learning, and this could lead to a teacher possibly changing careers.  I want teachers to be happy and enjoy what they are doing. I also want teachers to be knowledgeable as they become a resource for parents and the community.

If you were to conduct your simulation proposal, who would benefit?

I believe children, families, teachers and the community would benefit from my simulation proposal. With prepared teachers optimal learning would be implemented in the classroom from the design of the environment to effective communication with parents. I believe teachers would have a better insight as to why collecting data and how to collect is important.  For programs such as Head Start teachers would be able to help bridge the gap for children entering kindergarten programs. Families would be able to ask questions about development such as what is and why should I be concerned with how my child develops? We as educators have to inquire and gain knowledge to educate others.

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

Some ways my perception of early childhood professionals has been modified due to this research course is that we must continue to do the research to get questions answered and needs met. I had the opportunity to participate in a focus group about investing in early childhood educators, and one of the issue was how teachers feel about obtaining higher education in the early childhood field. It was an eye-opening experience to hear feedback from infant/ toddler teachers at different locations. Many teachers want to pursue more education but financially it is impossible for many. One point they stood out for me was at some places the teacher with a bachelor’s degree was getting paid almost the same amount as someone who only had taken a few education courses. Also, when the pay isn’t increased after earning a degree some teachers go to teach in elementary schools for better pay and benefits.


As always, I thank my colleagues for taking time to read my blog and I appreciate all the feedback. Especially during these uncertain times, I hope everyone stays safe. Here is a video to say keep up the good work whether you are a parent or not and a personal favorite video Every Kid Needs a Champion.

Trochim, W. M., Donnelly, J. P., & Arora, K. (2016). Research methods: The essential knowledge base (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

A Moment to Yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEmaWIxyhj8

Every Kid Needs a Champion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFnMTHhKdkw&t=118s

Research Around the World

 

Our vision: Every young child is thriving and learning.

Our role in achieving this vision is to be an effective advocate for young children and a champion for quality outcomes in early childhood education and care. (Early Childhood Australia, 2020).

Early Childhood Australia is an organization similar to National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This organization is an advocate for young children. This organization helps to set a standard for education of young children. They offer publications, membership, professional development and parent resources.  These are all important factors to help share the importance of early childhood. This will be a website I will explore more to see how quality is recognized in other countries.

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Positive Example of the Effects of Research on Children and/or Families

The Head Start PFCE Framework is an organizational guide for collaboration among families and Head Start and Early Head Start programs, staff, and community service providers to promote positive, enduring outcomes for children and families. (NCPFCE, 2013)

Working for an Early Head Start (EHS) program has showed me the benefits of building relationships.  Head Start offers a unique whole child/whole family program design coupled with a delivery system that includes local programs, national standards, monitoring, professional development, and family engagement (NHSA, 2020). Through child development research we can create prevention, health education, and intervention programs, help communities plan for services for children and their families, and determine what additional research studies are needed (CDC, 2020). Looking at the criteria that meets child development research and the goal of Head Start I can see how research benefits children and families.

Head Start programs are a resource for the community. These programs help build and encourage positive- parent child relationships.  Working toward Positive Parent-Child Relationships Outcome, providers and programs can 1) provide emotional and concrete support to parents, 2) respect diverse parenting styles, 3) value cultural differences and home languages, 4)  reinforce the importance of fathers and other co- parents, 5)  help parents connect with other parents and community members and resources, and 6) model warm, responsive relationships by engaging in these relationships with parents and other family members (NCPFCE, 2013).

Since August I have seen parents become more confident in being an advocate for their child. Parents have formed relationship with other parents and been support for one another. Through the modeling of positive relationships, children are then able to build relationships with their peers. Research shows that when families are isolated, lack resources, and live with greater stress and instability, the risk of negative child health and behavioral outcomes is higher. Children’s development can be thrown off track when parents are highly stressed or lack social support, or when they see their child’s temperament as difficult (NCPFCE, 2013).  With the current pandemic many Head Start programs in my area are still trying hard to ensure families have the resources and support they need.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Child Development Research. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/research.html  

The National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement. (2013). Positive Parent-Child Relationships. Retrieved from https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/rtp-parent-child-relationships.pdf

NHSA Why Head Start. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.nhsa.org/why-head-start/why-it-matters

My Personal Research Journey

The development of young children is an important goal to me. Children need safe and caring environments but sometimes that isn’t always the case. I currently work for an Early Head Start program which serves low-income families and sometimes these children and families come with trauma. Trying to help these children and families cope and overcome their trauma sometimes can be overwhelming. In turn behavior guidance has become a new focus for me. According to Teachstone behavior guidance is how teachers support children’s positive behaviors, help children understand classroom expectations, and manage classrooms in a way that enables children to develop self-regulation skills and actively participate in classroom activities.

Through the help of a new understanding of quality research, I used NAEYC articles to help guide me with finding information to help with positive guidance. “Young children benefit when teachers and families establish healthy partnerships and define common goals for children. (Isik-Ercan, 2017). When it comes to behavior guidance, I think modeling becomes a great way for children to understand acceptable behavior.

Behavior guidance allows requires me to understand developmentally appropriate behaviors. In order to make decisions about the well-being and education of children based on child development and learning; individual characteristics/ experiences; and social and cultural contexts (NAEYC, 2009). Once understood about developmentally appropriate behaviors then behavior guidance can be accomplished through regulating feelings and developing assertiveness and communications strategies.

I plan on continuing to research more on this topic and I work with two-year-old who are turning three and are developing rapidly and showing new behaviors that may sometimes seem challenging but are age appropriate.

I found this video that shares a little more insight on behavior guidance. I think this is a great program they have implemented. 

References

Crump, S. (2016). Toddler’s “Behavior Guidance” & Pre-K’s “Behavior Management”: They're Like a PB&J Sandwich. Teachstone. Retrieved from https://info.teachstone.com/blog/class-pre-k-toddler-behavior-guidance-management-comparison

Isik-Ercan, Z. (2017). Culturally Appropriate Positive Guidance with Young Children. NAEYC. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2017/culturally-appropriate-positive-guidance

Ormondroyd, J., Engle, E., & Cosgrave, T. (2011). Critically analyzing information sources. Cornell University Library. Retrieved from https://olinuris.library.cornell.edu/content/critically-analyzing-information-sources

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZZQAOiq5eo