One hope that I have when thinking about working with
families and children of diverse backgrounds is that I make them
comfortable. I want to be able to
comfort them in different ways than I knew before. I want to learn about their culture and have
some of that in my classroom. I hope
that these families can open up to me and allow me to help their child and
themselves feel successful in their new world.
One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood
field related to the issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is a
requirement that teachers and other staff are educated and trained on these
subjects. I would hope that this would
be a requirement to learn about diversity and teach that in the classroom.
Thank you so much to every one of my colleagues. I have learned so much with all of you on
this journey. Your insights and comments
have made me a more educated teacher with a greater passion for diversity and
culture in the classroom. Good luck in
your careers and future courses for you Masters degree.
Hi Lynette,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. I like the issue you raise about children being comfortable. I am reminded of one of the panelists in the course that talked of children being able to fit at home and out of home. I pray together with you that we be able to create such environments that will enable children and their families to fit in especially that the world is becoming a global village.
I also agree with you when you say all teachers should have diversity as one of their courses of study. This will ensure that the teachers are prepared for what to respond well to issues of diversity and equity.
Thank you for your thoughtful discussions, wish you all the best.
Florence
Making families feel comfortable is really important. Oftentimes, families are unfamiliar with the educational system, and are unsure of how they may be perceived. Building a rapport with them and allowing them to tell us a little about their aspirations for children, and their culture makes them feel they are important. Teachers should also be required to continue diversity education, and the state or school systems should offer this as a part of their training. Culture changes so much, so it is important to stay connected and continue learning.
ReplyDeleteI wish you much success as you continue your educational endeavors and as you work to educate our children and their families.
Aloha Lynette,
ReplyDeleteIt has truly been a pleasure having you in class. I too want to make the children of immigrants and others comfortable and engaging. If people are happy and comfortable they learn better. Aloha