Week 8- Reflecting on Learning

Sparks and Edwards mention, "young children need caring adults to help them construct appositive sense of self and a respectful understanding of others. They need adults to help them begin to navigate and resist the harmful impact of prejudice and discrimination" (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 11). During these past eight weeks I have learned a plethora of new knowledge. I look forward to implementing all that I have learned into my classroom. It excites me to know that I have a pocketful of new strategies and techniques to use that will not only benefit me as a better instructor, but will also benefit my students even more. Everyday at my preschool, we have a set schedule, however during circle time this gives me the opportunity to freely teach and educate my students through activities, books, and games.
I want to be a teacher that my students can remember well into their educational careers. I want to influence my students to be better and teach them important life lessons which they can take with them into adulthood. My reason for becoming a teacher is to make a significant impact on my students and promote positive experiences in their lives. In my mind, school should be fun and a place where children can freely express themselves without feeling ashamed or embarrassed for speaking their minds. In addition, parents should be welcomed into the classroom; the classroom is not only for children, but also for parents. I want my classroom to be a place where ideas can be shared and a place of learning for both children and families.
I want to thank everyone for taking the time to comment on my discussions and blog. I really appreciate the feedback. In addition, I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas, as I really appreciate your opinions and getting a different perspective on the assignments. This course has given me a lot of new insight and I would not have gained as much knowledge that I have without your help.
Thank you, and I hope that each and every one of you succeed in all your for future endeavors.

Elizabeth Santacruz

Reference:

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Week 7- Impacts on Early Emotional Development

            This week I chose to explore Latin America and the Caribbean. I chose this area of focus because this region is not far from us, and although we live just north of Latin America and the Caribbean, there are a lot of people that still deal with corruption, poverty, and war. Children and families in this region are exposed to violence, exploitation and discrimination in their everyday lives. Unfortunately, many of these encounters are taken place within the family, school and community or state institutions (América Latina y el Caribe).

            In Latin America and the Caribbean, there is a high number of children that experience malnutrition. Malnutrition affects the development of the children well before birth. However, according to UNICEF, “it is now recognized that the period between pregnancy and 2 years of age is crucial for optimal growth and development” (América Latina y el Caribe). In order to help these deficiencies in this region UNICEF works to help pregnant women with breastfeeding as well as provide Fortified Complimentary Foods (ACF), a nutrient dense food and liquid that is supplementary to breast milk to be given to children. In addition to UNICEF working towards eliminating the food challenges, they’re are also working towards eliminating gender disparities in the education system, reducing the infant mortality rate, helping to improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases, as well as providing ways to access safe and clean water.

            These challenges might affect children by their in ability to focus. If children are unable to get an adequate nutrition this will lead to low energy, interfere with their physical and mental development, thus hindering them academically and lead them to drop out of school. If children are dying young they will not be able to experience life and all that it has to offer. If pregnant mothers are not receiving the adequate amount of medical attention or nutrition, this can lead to complications in their childbirth or can negatively impact their unborn child.

            As an early childhood educator I have learned to appreciate all that I have, and to also remember how grateful I am to teach in a classroom setting with supportive and helping families. I know not all families can always be there to support their children within the classroom, however I am thankful for the ones that are able to always lend a helping hand. In addition, I think it is great how my school does not necessarily ask for donations, but parents are willing to make donations whether it is food for snack time or toys, and other educational resources we could use at the school. I know not every teacher in the world has these experiences, regardless of what it is we are all here to educate, support, and challenge our students to prepare them for a brighter future.

References:

América Latina y el Caribe. (n.d.). Retrieved August 16, 2015, from http://www.unicef.org/lac/overview_4169.htm

Week 6- The Sexualization of Early Childhood

            The topic of sexualization is sad, but true. The media has a big impact on everyone; it not only strives to persuade people to do things, but also influences on how we should live our lives. Unfortunately, young children and adolescents are at a vulnerable state in their lives, which ultimately affects their development.  According to Levin and Kilbourne, “ [girls] learn at a very young age that their value is determined by how beautiful, thin, “hot,” and sexy they are. And boys, who get a very narrow definition of masculinity that promotes insensitivity and macho behavior, are taught to judge girls based on how close they come to an artificial, impossible, and shallow ideal” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 2).

            One example that illustrates how media exposes children to a highly sexualized environment is the movie, “13 Going on 30”. In this movie, a 13-year-old girl, Jenna is searching for acceptance and wishes to look like the models in the magazines. On Jenna’s birthday she invites people to her party and dresses up like a grown up in a crop top, short skirt, wearing makeup, and with a stuffed bra to create breast. Overall, this girl wishes on her birthday to be “Thirty, Flirty, and Thriving”, and the next day Jenna’s wish comes true.

            Another example is when I was growing up, the women in the media including magazines, movies, and celebrities were often sexualized and were often thin, tan, and pretty. At the time, these were the expectations to look up to. According to Levin and Kilbourne, “children growing up today are bombarded from a very early age with graphic messages about sex and sexiness in the media and popular culture” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 1). Unfortunately, this was my experience as a child growing up, however I believe that because more are aware of the implications of how this affects the child development, the media is getting better.

            Another example is where I have children in my class singing a Taylor Swift song. In this particular song the lyrics talk about Taylor Swifts lists of ex-lovers, how love is a game, and how men are players. At the time I did not think much about the girls in the class signing this song, however now I feel like I should have said something. Levin and Kilbourne states, “when children are young, long before they can fully understand the meaning of sex and sexual relationships, the foundation is being laid for the kind of sexual relationships they will have when they grow up. It is built from their experiences, of course, both positive and negative” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 4).

            Levin and Kilbourne mentions, “in the most extreme cases, the media’s incessant sexualization of childhood can contribute to pathological sexual behavior, including sexual abuse, pedophilia, and prostitution” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 4). Now, these are the extreme implications on how the media can affect children.

References:

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf

Week 5- Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice (E Santacruz)

            I am a young looking 25-year old preschool teacher. In reality, I look like I am 16 years old. I have been working at the community learning preschool center for almost a year, and I have noticed that because of my appearance and age I find that some children and families do not consider me to be a “real teacher”. While I teach, I oftentimes find the children in my class overstepping my authority. These children only do this with me and not act this way with the other veteran teachers. While I am doing circle time with the class and with the other teacher setting up the snacks for snack time or lunch, she will have to stop what she is doing and tell the class to stop talking and to pay attention to me.

            As for family interaction, I think many parents do not take me seriously do to me being younger, however in reality, I am the most educated when it comes to schooling at my preschool center. Many parents will turn to the veteran teachers for any questions or concerns, however I am trying to break this barrier by trying to develop more of a parent-teacher relationship. In my school, teachers lack parent-teacher relationships and daily communication with the parents. According to Eric Hoffman, “families are experts in their own child (Laureate Education, Inc, 2011). And by creating a stronger bond with the families I can better cater to their needs and wants for their child. In the end we both want the best for their child.

            Since taking this course, I have taken more initiative and have written positive notes to the parents about their child’s well behavior at school. It is too often that parents are only told about a child’s bad behavior and does not get any praise for their good performance. By letting my class know that I am writing good behavior notes, this gives them positive reinforcement to be on their best behavior. In addition, this gives me recognition since I am going above and beyond in order to implement a parent-teacher bond.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Learning     about fairness: Culture, language, and economic class. Baltimore, MD: Author