Week 8: Time Well Spent

It feels surreal that this is our final class in the MS in Early Childhood Studies program together. As a result of studying the courses and learning together with you all, I’ve become a better person. I’ve learned a lot about diversity, social justice and child advocacy. On my journey of being an early childhood professional, there are at least 3 lessons that I will use to make a difference in the lives of children and families!

1.      It is essential to develop and maintain strong teacher-family partnerships. In most cases, the family and teacher want the best for the child being educated. As an early childhood professional, I want parents to know that they are a valuable resource in their child’s future success.

2.      Creating activities that encourage children to be proud of who they are and where they come from is a priceless gift that anti-bias educators can give. If children are comfortable with their family structure, gender, race, varying ability or beliefs, they will develop the habit of learning to respect the differences in others.

3.      I will embrace diversity by loving everyone despite their beliefs or differences. I feel inspired to meet more diverse groups of people and learn about their languages, parenting styles, varying abilities, customs and beliefs.

 

I have the long term goal of using social identities to help children and families celebrate their own identities while learning about the social identities of other children and families.

Dr. Teri and my lovely colleagues have made this learning experience a life-changing experience by sharing their opinions, experiences, explanations, practices, theories, questions, comments, time and love for the various issues in the early childhood field.

I know that all of you are going on to do great things like earning your PH.D., getting married, having children, being your very own boss, becoming teacher of the year and many more things. I really wish everyone the best!

THANKS FOR BEING ROLE MODELS, LEADERS, AND ANTI-BIAS EDUCATORS TO EACH OTHER, TO THE CHILDREN AND TO THE FAMILIES!