Professional Hopes and Goals

 

“If I only knew then what I know now!”  Although I do know who initially put together those words, I will borrow them, because they express many of my feelings.  Without a doubt, as a result of my new-found knowledge on diversity and equity, I would have built very “different” relationships with my student’s families.  While our preschool welcomed children from various cultures, we did not take the time to value the cultures existent in our school.  In addition to making our families feel welcomed, this would have been a wonderful opportunity for a family to share their culture with the entire school.  Even though we did travel Around the World in preschool via a make-believe jet in our hallway, I never encouraged parents to join us. 

I hope to advocate to directors and teachers to take the time to get to know their children’s culture… talk to parents, question parents, talk to children, question children… listen to parents and children… and act upon their thoughts.  Bring their diverse backgrounds into your classroom; this requires more than a few books written in Spanish. 

My goal for the early childhood field is directly related to individual hope.  However, before teachers can fulfill my hope, they need to be educated.  Early childhood professionals must understand the importance of diversity… they must be willing to probe into their biases and stereotypes… stating that they are not biased is a cop-out; I know that first hand.  Just as we are pushing for early childhood educators to return to school and get a degree, a class in diversity and equity is mandatory.  It will enable early childhood professionals to welcome their children and their families in a whole new life; in the long run, children will grow in leaps and bounds, in environments where they feel safe and welcomed.  Parent involvement will result.

Without a doubt, this class has been eye-opening for me.  I have learned things about myself that I never knew existed… not all of which I am proud of.  I am a different person than when I began this class… I am proud of that.  I look at others differently, with respect and kindness.  Thank you to all of my colleagues for sharing this journey with me.  We have shared much through our discussions and blogs; I have shared information that I forgot existed.  Thank you for reading my discussions and for commenting; I take your thoughts and ideas to heart.  I look forward to continuing our travels together, and I value our support in each other.  I must add a special thank you to Erika, Rola, and Nancy for being there always. 

AND… Tammy, thank you for encouraging me to open-up in ways that I never imagined.  In addition, thank you for grading our papers in such a timely manner; it makes a huge difference.  Your suggestions of articles were amazing and really added to my learning.  Most importantly, however, I apologize for being the biggest pain by asking a zillion questions.  Your patience and quick responses encouraged me.  I hope that we keep in touch! 

Welcoming Families from Around the World

For approximately six months, I have been corresponding with a family from Denmark.  Approximately one week ago, it was confirmed that this family will be moving to Florida in approximately one month.  I am thrilled that Abbelone, their four-year-old daughter, will be attending our preschool.  Abbleone speaks Danish, and she learned a bit of Spanish and English in her current preschool.  Her parents speak Danish, Spanish, and English fluently.  I know that I can count on them to help Abbleone learn English and share Danish with her new class.

Here are a few ways that I will assure that Abbleone feels comfortable in her new school environment:
·        Excitedly, I shared information about Abbleone with Miss Alyssa and her prekindergarten class.  We located Denmark on a map, and together, we looked at pictures of Denmark on the computer.  As a class, we decided to send a letter to Abbleone in Denmark, welcoming her to our class.  Each child drew a picture of something special in our classroom. I asked them to share with Abbleone what they drew; I wrote their thoughts on the back of their picture. I believe their pictures will help Abbleone get adjusted to our class.  In addition, we sent Abbleone pictures of the children in our class; her mother sent us a picture of Abbleone on the computer!
·        The students have decided to make welcome pictures for Abbleone, so when she walks in, she will be surprised and welcomed.  I have added her name to a new cubbie and throughout the room.
·        I have invited my staff in to my office to discuss Abbleone’s arrival.  While my staff was a bit resistant, I assured them that all of the children in our school will benefit from Abbleone’s enrollment.  We will work together to teach Abbleone about Florida, and we will learn from Abbleone, and her family, and Denmark.  In addition, I shared some common Danish phrases with my staff; Abbleone’s new teacher suggested sharing these phrases with her students, which was a wonderful idea.
·        Since we looked at pictures of Denmark, and I knew the exact region where Abbleone came from, we added some of the pictures to her new classroom. 
·        I have discussed concerns that Abbleone’s parents may have.  Her mother is concerned that Abbleone may feel uncomfortable during lunch and snack time.  Although she wanted to come in during these times, we felt it was best that we work with Abbleone.  Her mother explained that Abbleone will not start eating until being told to, and she needs to be told specifically where to sit.  We agreed to work with Abbleone to make certain that she is comfortable eating.
·        Abbleone is used to shaking hands with her teacher on arrival and dismissal.  This will work fine in our school, because we have a 3-H rule.  Children can give their teacher a handshake, a high-five, or a hug.  Abbleone will be comfortable with a handshake!
·        I have asked Abbleone’s mother if she could share a few of Abbleone’s toys from Denmark with her new friends.  Her mother said that she would bring some toys, in addition to some books.  I was thrilled!

With the help of Abbleone’s mother, I believe that these preparations will help Abbleone feel comfortable in a new environment.  We have tried hard to bring a part of her Danish heritage into our classroom.  In addition, our research has made us knowledgeable of Denmark, which was an unknown entity to our young students and their teachers.  We are excited for Abbleone’s arrival, and hopefully, she can feel our comfort.

For us, sending Abbleone cards was very special.  The children drew pictures of areas in their classroom, explaining what they do in that area.  We hope that Abbleone’s parents will translate our cards.  The words of her new friends will give her an insight into her new classroom and some of the activities that fill our days.  The children will be very real to Abbleone, since she can see their pictures.

Without a doubt, if Abbleone and her parents feel comfortable with our school, the transition will be easier.  We have already opened up communication between her family and our school family; through our correspondence and preparation, Abbleone is already a part of us!

 

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

 When I was in college, being gay was not something that was discussed.  It was hidden.  It was almost like gay men had a disease of sorts.  I think that until I came face to face with the concept of being gay, I was close minded too; I did not understand this sexual choice.  I still don’t, but it doesn’t matter; I respect it.

In college, I became best friends with a singer, musician.  He lived in Las Vegas, and I visited on weekends.  I stayed at his house, played with his dogs, and ate his delicious cooking; I went to his shows and enjoyed his music.  We went to movies, shows, and just hung out.  I had no idea what-so-ever that he was gay.  When he finally told me, I had a decision to make.  In addition to being shocked, I questioned my association with a “gay” individual.  We talked opening about our feelings; we were both honest.  Either I accept him for who he is, or I lose one of the best friends ever.   His being gay did not change who he was; how could I be so biased?  Obviously, I accepted him, and we are still friends to this day.

However, not all of friends were so accepting.  One weekend, my friend and his partner were staying at my house.  We were going to Disneyland on Saturday with a group of my friends.  I remember it well, because I was celebrating my 21^st birthday.  There were quite a few of my college buddies, none of whom knew that my friend was gay.  It just did not matter. 

 

We met my friends at the entrance to the park.  I introduced all of my friends, and everything was wonderful.  I was so happy to be surrounded by so many awesome friends.  Then, out of the blue, my friend, Katie, told me that she figured out that my Vegas friend was gay, and she wanted to know what I was going to do about it.  I had no clue what I was to do about it.  I flipped out a bit, explaining that my “Vegas friend” had a name.  She acted as if these individuals were off limit, and without a doubt, she was uncomfortable.  I could not believe it, and to this day, I still am in disbelief that this happened.  Katie ended up leaving the park without any explanation to anyone; we had no idea (and still don’t) how she got home.  I never spoke to her again; I saw her around campus, but that was that.  There were no harsh words; she just did not want to be my friend (or hang out with my crowd) if I had a gay friend (or if they accepted my friend).

 

Remembering this gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes.  She missed out, though, not me.  I am just thankful I was able to accept my friend’s sexuality and embrace it.  Now, many, many, many, many years later, I still adore this individual; he is like a big brother to me… he is my son’s godfather… and I just wish we lived closer.  He’s gay, and I’m not; who cares? 

 

 

 

 

We met my friends at the entrance to the park.  I introduced all of my friends, and everything was wonderful.  I was so happy to be surrounded by so many awesome friends.  Then, out of the blue, my friend, Katie, told me that she figured out that my Vegas friend was gay, and she wanted to know what I was going to do about it.  I had no clue what I was to do about it.  I flipped out a bit, explaining that my “Vegas friend” had a name.  She acted as if these individuals were off limit, and without a doubt, she was uncomfortable.  I could not believe it, and to this day, I still am in disbelief that this happened.  Katie ended up leaving the park without any explanation to anyone; we had no idea (and still don’t) how she got home.  I never spoke to her again; I saw her around campus, but that was that.  There were no harsh words; she just did not want to be my friend (or hang out with my crowd) if I had a gay friend (or if they accepted my friend).

Remembering this gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes.  She missed out, though, not me.  I am just thankful I was able to accept my friend’s sexuality and embrace it.  Now, many, many, many, many years later, I still adore this individual; he is like a big brother to me… he is my son’s godfather… and I just wish we lived closer.  He’s gay, and I’m not; who cares?