What I Have Learned

It is my hope that one-day families from diverse backgrounds see the importance of embracing their differences and be open to share insight on their culture, values, and beliefs with other families inside the classroom. I believe these could bridge the gap between families and staff, educate other families and children, help in bringing the community together, and serve as the basis for teaching understanding and acceptance of all.  I also believe the world would be a better place if families embrace differences instead of shielding them from today’s children.

One goal I would like to set in respect to the early childhood field would be to become more aware of resources, which could benefit diverse families and further my education in diversity and diverse groups. As an educator, I want to feel as if I am current with the issues and trends of the world. I believe by being aware of current events that I would become a better professional and individual.

I would like to express a big thanks of support to my colleagues these course. I have truly enjoyed learning new things from each of you and I feel as if I have been on a journey through each of your lives, both personally and professionally. I wish you all the best in future endeavors and Congrats to you all for making it thus far! YOU ALL ROCK!!!!!!!

Sha’Keema

Diversity Video: My Representation

"Start Seeing Diversity Blog: "We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

In undergrad, I had the opportunity to learn about children with varying abilities and after completing a major project for the course, I realized that sometimes we as humans, take these groups of people for granted and mistreat them without realizing that our words and actions can hurt.  I am fortunate to work at a center who accepts all children and families types, which has given me the opportunity to meet and interact with various types of people. In one classroom, there is a little boy who has cerebral palsy and he has a twin brother in another class. One day the children were outside and I overheard another student say, “What’s wrong with him? He broke or something?”  I immediately noticed that all the students’ on the playground were laughing and cracking jokes and especially the twin brother. I was confused. I immediately pulled all the students aside and explained to them that their actions were mean and wrong, and very hurtful.  I was more hurt at the twin brother because I imagined him coming to his brother’s rescue. I spoke his parents later and learned that he was having a hard time coping with the idea of not having a “normal” brother in his eyes.

            From that day forward, I found it increasingly helpful that I had information on various abilities to share with the children to make them aware that it is important to be respectful and accepting of all. I also encouraged the families to come in and speak to the children, to give them a firsthand look at what it actually feels like to have disability. I hope that by pulling the children aside that it showed them that I care, that I respect all individuals, and that I wanted to share with the the importance of being mindful of their actions.