Reflecting on Communication in the Early Childhood Field

As I am nearing completion of the course, I am excited and sad at the same time. I am excited because I have completed another course that will get me closer to my goal of receiving my Masters Degrees, but I am sad because I may not be in same groups with some of my classmates. I have come to enjoy learning about you via Blog Posts and Discussions. I feel like we are family.

            My colleagues have supported me by responding to my Discussion Posts. They have positively commented and posed questions that have deepened and widened my learning. They have also encouraged me to be an effective communicator. I too have commented and posed questions via their Blogs and Discussion Posts and I hope that they all feel that I have supported them.

            My wish for my colleagues as they continue their professional path is that they continue to learn and grow in the field of Early Childhood Development, complete their Masters Degree, and work as a Change Agent for children everywhere. Many thanks to Dr. Darragh and my classmates for extending my knowledge base and cultivating me in being a better learner and a more effective communicator.

Peace, Love, Happiness, and Success to ALL.

Team Building and Collaboration, Part 1

My senior high school period one class was the hardest group to say goodbye to. The group was definitely a high-performing group. A high performing group is highly focused on heir goals and high achievement. It was hard to leave/adjourn because the class was well organized and well taught by the teacher (facilitator). We had classroom norms that we as students developed and adhered to. We trusted each other and worked well together; developing relationships that are still thriving now, twelve years later. 

The only closing ritual, which was very personal, was the very last day of school. We hugged each other and cried together. From the group that I am now in as I matriculate through my master's program, I hope to gain and continue friendships and pods of networks that will help me to continue to grow professionally. I will adjourn the group by perhaps exchanging telephone numbers to stay in touch. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it wraps up the work and signifies that the goal has been accomplished.  

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

I try to avoid conflict; so thinking about a recent disagreement or conflict that I have experienced was quite difficult. However, a conflict that I could think of was about four months ago. One of my sisters asked me (via text) to run an errand for her. Well, I powered my phone off versus turning the volume down, in an effort to get a good night's rest. Well, she became upset with me and we argued back and forth. Verbally, two strategies that I have learned that may help me manage or resolve conflict more productively is:

1. Keep the Communication Open.
2. Focus on the Problem and Not the Individual.

I could have  also use responsiveness and reciprocal from the 3R's to better help me resolve this conflict.

Who Am I as a Communicator?

The assessments that I took along with what my co-worker and family member took revealed the same results; which surprised me most. It surprised me because my result and the results of the two who assessed me showed that I am verbally aggressive. That is another surprise because I am not verbally aggressive. If you knew me, you would agree that I am not verbally aggressive. Insights that I gained this week is that I am not alarmed by every situation. I communicate based on issues. I do listen to others and I am very empathetic in regards to the situations of others. 

“3” Strategies to Communicate More Effectively

Communicating with people from different groups and cultures can often be difficult. It is not difficult for me I may be different in terms of ethnicity, but because communication styles can be different among cultures and can get misconstrued. Cultural differences can sometimes make relationships difficult. Some people speak differently or perhaps speak another language. Sometimes it is difficult to communicate because of moral and global issues. Here are three strategies that I could use to help me communicate more effectively with people or groups  from other cultures.

1. Learn about the other person’s culture.
2. Learn & recognize the physical cues of the person’s culture.
3. Do not battle aspects of the other person’s culture.

Communication Skills: Language, NONVERBAL, Listening.......

Communication does not always entail talking or hearing. There are so many ways to communicate. As I watched a recorded episode of a television show that I do not normally watch (Blood, Sweat, and Heels) with the sound off, I focused on trying to understand the characters using my knowledge of non-verbal communication signals. What I honed in on were the facial expressions of the characters, the gestures they displayed through body language, and the physical distance between the communicators. Based on the ways in which the characters were communicating with each other, I think the characters are friends. Some of them appeared to get along with each other better than others. The non-verbal signals gave me clues and meaning. The show is a realty show. From the way the characters nodded their heads, helped me to understand that the characters were in agreement with each other. From the way the characters shrugged their shoulders, helped to understand that the characters were not in agreement with each other.

            My second viewing of the same recorded episode was with the sound turned on. I assumed, from the first viewing, that all of the characters were friends; but at some times did not get along. I was accurate. The characters are five women who live in New York. They are successful women who look to the friendships of each other for support. If I had been watching a show that I know well, such as “The Young and the Restless”, my assumptions would probably have been the same, which were correct. Because of the way people interact with each other, the giving and receiving of wordless signals (nonverbal behaviors), communication is not interrupted. 

Not Your Average Preacher……

My Pastor is the first someone that I thought of who demonstrates competent communication within the religious context. He has worn many professional hats in his youth and even now in his tenure. He is a certified classroom teacher, a certified family and marriage counselor/psychologist, and an ordained pastor and bishop. I consider him to be a great communicator. What makes him so effective you may ask? Well, take a look at the following list:

1.  He listens first.

2.  He is charismatic in his approach, capturing the hearts of the people he ministers to.

3.  He seeks to get an understanding before speaking or responding.

4.  He is not judgmental.

5.   He makes eye contact that is nonthreatening.

As a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and early childhood educator, I strive daily to model the communication style that he has. I want to convey and receive clear and concise messages, understanding, a positive message, and a true heart and ear for listening. This well hell me to have positive relationships with everyone I know and work with.

 

Professional Hopes and Goals

-          I HOPE that the needs of  all children and their families are met and that every educational institution work towards this hope through achieving cultural competence.

-          MY GOAL FOR THE EARLY CHILDHOOD FIELD related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to learn the culture of children and their families; truly understand disability, ethnicity, gender, poverty, and race; and examine personal biases, and judgments.

-          THANK YOU Dr. Rosalie Parrish for facilitating my learning in regards to “Perspectives on Diversity and Learning”. You helped me to go beyond surface knowledge and to think critically as a scholar practitioner. You also exemplified course content by seeking to understand your students’ backgrounds (my background). Colleagues…. YOU All ARE AMAZINGLY AWESOME!!!! Thank you for the reflective collaboration and conversations via the University’s Portal. I am grateful because you all extended my learning as well.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Name of the family’s country of origin:	France
Five Ways in which I will Prepare Myself to be Culturally Responsive towards this Family	As an early childhood professional: 1.       I will be sociocultural consciousness towards the culture of the family. 2.       I will have a positive attitude toward the child and their family who is from a culturally diverse background. 3.       I will pledge to act as “Change Agent”. 4.       I will learn constructivist views of learning and how to apply teaching practices. 5.       I will learn about the culture of the child and their family.
A Brief Description of Ways I Hope that these Preparations will Benefit both Me and the Family.	The ways that I listed above can build a bridge of trust and support for the family and the school community. It will allow us to work together, speak openly about social identities, and most importantly nurture a positive self-identity for the child. Creating a positive experience for diverse children will help each child individually because the needs of the individual child can be met. This will build a secured feeling for the child at home and at school. Overall, there will mutual respect for all.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

Never Judge a Book by It’s Cover…..

I remember going shopping for my very 1^st new car. I was 18 years old. As my Mom and I walked around the lot, looking at every shiny new car, a sales man of another ethnicity approached us. He offered to show us used vehicles. My Mom politely inquired about the “new” car I chose. He verbally ran on about credit check and down payment. My Mom clearly stated that she was going to purchase the car in full. Everyone looked at us as if we were wishfully thinking/speaking. My Mom requested to speak with the manager; my Mom called her bank for account information, and proved that she had the cash to pay for the car “in cash”.

All involved were embarrassed and apologizing of course. Little did they know that my dad passed away and left my mom with enough money to raise her children and get them through round one of college.

My mom and I were targets of prejudice. We felt embarrassed initially, but validated after apologies were made. However, people should not judge people by the color of their skin, but respected as a human being.

Reflecting on this incident does not bring up any bad feelings. However, I do not believe that the employees at that particular car dealership were trained in cultural relevancy and sensitivity. This incident happened 12 years ago. I am not sure if people were being trained from human resource stand point on diversity. I know they were trained on harassment issues. I would incorporate diversity training; especially because working with the public includes working with everyone. This would be a great opportunity for equity.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

All I can say is wow! I really did not know microaggressions existed until my learning extended this week. This week I saw on television how microaggressions appear on television as well. I was watching a reality television program and someone from one race told a person from another race, “I don’t know those people”.  She said it to a person who was of the same race as “those” people. I felt surprised, embarrassed, and guilty. It saddened me to see how microaggressions are prevalent and our young people are privy to watching television. I certainly hope they do not pick up unconscious habits.

This week’s learning definitely had an impact on my perception of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes. I really do believe that people are unconscious of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes. For some people, I strongly believe they do not intend to behave in certain ways; however, I believe they have made certain discriminatory actions habits. 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Definitions of Culture:

Person #1 – Culture is the arts. Diversity means different.

Person #2 – Culture is the beliefs, and the way of life of a group of people. Diversity means that everyone is unique.

Person #3 (Culturally different from me) -  Culture is the behavior and the beliefs of an ethnic group. Diversity means different people.

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?  

All of the answers above, with the exception of the arts I have studied in my Perspective on Diversity and Equity Course. The definitions that I have received are basically similar. The definitions summarize the fact that individuals have a unique cultural identity. Being diverse (different) and unique represents that.

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission? The definitions were very vague. However, the fact the family culture and diversity exists, was omitted.

In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics? 

Considering other people’s definitions of culture and diversity has encouraged me to pay more attention to culture and diversity. Some may not think it is important. However, living in a diverse world, it is important to know, consider, respect, and assist in cultivating the culture of others to help bring balance and congruence. 

My Family Culture

If I had to stay in a country different from my own and could only take three small items, the three small items that represent my family culture that I would take with me are:

1. My Bible (small and pink in color)
2. My Cell Phone (white iphone 6)
3. My Throw Blanket (leopard print)

Those three items mean a lot to me. The first item I would take with me is the Bible. My family and I are very religious and we live our lives by the Word of God; focusing on doing good every day. The Bible is filled with instructions on how to live a blessed life. The second item I would take with me is my new cell phone: iphone 6. My cell phone represents having the ability to communicate at all times. We are communicators! My family share just about everything which makes us close knit. In addition, my iphone is filled with pictures of my family and I, which would give me the opportunity to see them at all times. The third and final item that I would take is my favorite leopard print throw blank. It is not because of the print, but it is because of the warmth it brings. My family is very caring and warm. We share our warmth with others by being caring and friendly; helping any one in need.

If I were told that I could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items that I brought with me, I would choose to keep my cell phone. I would feel a sense of loss because representations of my culture have been taken from me.

As a result of this exercise, I learned that my family and I have created and fostered a very positive family culture. Diversity and cultural differences do not diminish my culture. I not scared to be placed within a culture different than mine, doing so helps me to continue to understand others and embrace differences.