Time Well Spent

Below are all that I have learn throughout this program:

• Children are known to have a brain similar to a sponge that soaks up all the information they can retain. The information is then squeezed out when the right context occurs. Emotions and reactions are part of the information that children retain and develop. Emotions are strengthened during toddlerhood, when children improve in memory and mobility (Berger, 2016). As children reach the second year of their life, they have gained so much knowledge regarding their surrounding and developed rapidly. During this age a toddler grows self-awareness, where he or she realize that they are their own selves, which is different or separated from others. This forms the stage of “me” and that’s “mine” (Berger, 2016). “Children will discover new ideas when given the chance”, Piaget’s believe regarding early childhood education. On the other hand, Vygotsky believed that “children learn from other children, without adult guidance” (Berger, 2016). Urie Bronfenbrenner believed that “The family seems to be the most effective and economical system for fostering and sustaining the child’s development. Without family involvement, intervention is likely to be unsuccessful, and what few effects are achieved are likely to disappear once the intervention is discontinued” (McEntire, 2008).

• Every person represents diversity, and diversity begins with an individual person. Social identities are known as the different roles we play in our lives, which makes up who you are as a person. “Many forms of social identity exist, reflecting the many ways in which people connect to other groups and social categories” (Deaux, 2001). We relate to each other through our many forms of social identity. We all bring our own individual social identity into our family social environment. Our social identities (diversities) change and as we learn to adapt to new environments. Each family is unique and different than any other families. They are diverse within themselves, due to the different social identities in their family. The different diversities are known as different family cultures, which are different way of life each family practice (Harris, 2008).  As a child learn more about their culture, they will feel a sense of belonging in which they will learn to accept and coexist with children of different cultures (Smidt, 2006). “Developing a cultural identity is a fundamental and complex task for all young children and one that takes place initially within the family and then broadens out into wider community and society” (Smidt, 2006, pp 106). When people start to disregard other’s differences, and start to disagree, disapprove, and dislike people of different diversity, conflicts and inequalities will emerge. When conflicts and inequalities emerge, problems are created, which could have been prevented. We create our own mindset and view of people, which are certainly not true (Gorski, 2007). We create issues for ourselves and others, which are not necessary. When we start to recognize diversity, equality and social justice will become an idea of opportunity. When we start to see and accept that people are different in their own way, we provide equal opportunity and social justice for them to be who they are. “In educational settings, love connotes that all humans deserve the right to dignity, freedom, and equal opportunities. On the other hand, hate in educational settings is defined as a lack of compassion and lack of respect for the rights of others” (Boutte, 2008). When we show more love than hatred we give a change for people to be themselves and practice what they believe. Afterall, we weren’t born to hate, we were taught to behave and act in such way.

• Through this program I have deepen my knowledge and understanding of early childhood education, and it has helped me eliminate some biases that I had against most of the “isms”. I have come to understand the importance of caring and getting to know other people for who they are and where they came from. Through this program, I have gained knowledge and skills regarding communication, which has prospered and advanced me in making effective and ethical decisions in communication skills. In order to build an effective and efficient relationship and partnership with people we communicate with every day is to create a respectful and inviting environment that includes trust, having accuracy and being open minded, and understanding others point of view without judgement. Communication can be a challenge, but when engaged, if a person joins with his or her own sets of views, without the willingness to learn, he or she is not going anywhere. Communication is all about being open and understanding. In early childhood education, effective and efficient communication is needed as a skill to build positive relationship with families.

Long term goal: My long term goal is to continue working with young children helping them learn and grow, and advocate for them. In any area of work I go in within early childhood education, I want to remain as usual working with children and their families to help and support them.

Special thank you to all my colleagues and Dr. Dartt for this wonderful course. I learned so much and I have gained so much as an individual who is passionate in working in early childhood education. Thank you to all my colleagues for sharing their ideas and perspectives, which helped me open up my mind. To Dr. Dartt for all the comments and question that got me thinking and expanding my thoughts, thinking outside of the box. I greatly appreciate everyone, and wish you luck on your future journey. Congratulations to all graduates!