Hopes I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is I want the children and families to feel welcome, comfortable, and to know they are respected for who they are regardless of their ethnicity, race, language, sexual orientation, ability level or gender. I also want them to know the importance of keeping true to themselves; stay true to their own culture and language. My biggest hope is that no child has to experience ridicule or discrimination for who they are or for who their family is, that the day will come when all people are seen as being people.
A goal I would like to set for the early childhood field is that we as educators will start to dismantle the institutionalized -isms in order to diminish the development of internalized privilege and oppression.
I would like to thank all my classmates for a wonderful learning experience throughout this course. It has been an enlightening experience. I have gained much insight and perspective on diversity and especially with the development of self and identity. I wish you all well as you continue your studies. We are all another step closer to achieving our ultimate goal...completing our Master's!
Hi Rhonda
ReplyDeleteYou have some well thought out hopes and goal for working with diverse children and families. We seem to have the same goal for the field. In my country there are so many institutionalized isms; even from the powers that be. I believe with your dedication and enthusiasm you are well on your way to providing anti-biased education.
I have enjoyed reading your post these last 8 weeks! I have too learned a lot about myself with regards to diverstiy and identity. I wish you well...thank you for your kind words
ReplyDeleteKeeping true to ones own self it so important after learning about all the issues that surround diversity, equity and social justice. I am so glad you added that into your blog. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and learning with us all this last 8 weeks. I think we really are better together and with each of us working on the common goal children and families will benefit!
ReplyDeleteRhonda,
ReplyDeleteYou are so articulate. I appreciate your insights and your ability to comprehend what we are saying in a post. You have contributed some very important ideas and given me things to think about as I learn more about diversity and how I want that to look in my Center and in my life. Rethinking or rewiring certain road maps for everyone are hard. Extending grace to each other as we learn is critical.
Thank you and it has been fun to follow along with consecutive classes.
Catherine