When I changed from adult
education to diversity, I did so because of a new-found passion. Our last 2 classes have intensified this
passion, changing my thought-process forever.
I understand that stereotypes that were a part of my childhood; this
realization is the backbone for my growth.
I wish that I could sprinkle some pixie dust and change the world into
one that is accepting of all… a world where our differences are valued and
celebrated. While I cannot alter what occurred
in my preschool, I can work to change future classrooms. I can share (and will share) my new-found
knowledge with early childhood professionals during every workshop and class
that I teach. 
My hope for the future of early
childhood is that EVERY child is able to attend a pre-school program where an
anti-bias curriculum is being infused in the school’s every day
curriculum. With today’s changing
population, it is no longer an option.
Young children need to understand the importance of accepting, and
celebrating, our similarities and differences.
Extending this knowledge to families is the icing on the cake.
At this point, it is almost
impossible to comprehend that we are almost at the end of our Master’s journey…
1 more class to go! It has been an
amazing ride, and I would not trade one minute of it. Thank you to my colleagues for sharing a part
of themselves with us each week via our discussions and blogs. Our honesty has enabled us to grow
individually and as a group. 
Here’s to our final step… I
wish you a fantastic next class, and I look forward to working with many of
you! I know many of us will keep in
touch…
Hi Lois,
ReplyDeleteIt is been so great to have you in the class, and I felt I was so lucky to be with you in the same discussion group for most of courses. I have learned so much from your stories and your experiences. As you said that I cannot believe we have got only one more course to go to finish off our course. At first I doubted if I could do it or not. I should say thank you for you, the professors, and all other colleagues, as without you, I cannot be here. I hope we can keep in touch. Thank you so much.
Xiyue
Hi Lois,
ReplyDeleteAs always, I have enjoyed reading your post. You bring up a good point, and that is that we cannot change the past. I shared in my blog this week a quote: "what you allow is what will continue" and this sort of sums up your comment in that you will strive for change.
I share with you in yourappreciation for the class' honesty. Without it, i think we would all not have grown in this process. The past courses have required us to take a candid look at ourselves, and try to seperate what we think we know from what we 'do', and I have seen a transformation in myself (even though I had always considered myself anti-bias). We have all grown. This was a valuable experience.
Hopefully we keep in touch in the future. Best of luck on your capstone course.
Thanks,
Amy
Hi Lois, I have truly enjoyed reading your post throughout the coures. I hope that children will be able to attend a program where there is an anti-bias curriculum as well. Children need to learn about their diversity as well as the parents and as always we as teachers learn new things as we educated our young children on diversity. I thank you for your comments throughout the course and I wish you the best in the future!
ReplyDeleteLois,
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed reading your blogs, the pictures makes it come alive. You have been an inspiration to me with your thoughts and experience. Lois, you are right with today’s changing population, especially in our schools our young children need to understand the importance of similarities and differences, but that we are all the same. We as early childhood professionals has to help in this journey with our children to strive to be the best that they can be.
I think it should be required to attend school in Pre-K. This will give the children the opportunity to build a stronger foundation. I have really enjoyed your posts, comments, and concerns. I can be reach at Vinson.Starr@waldenu.edu . You gave me another view of working with children in many ways. Please continue to do strive for the best. I wish you good luck as you continue to higher your education.
ReplyDelete