Over the past eight weeks we have been learning about a few of the issues and trends that are a part of the early childhood field. We have learned from international websites as well as websites of local organizations. Since I never made contact with an early childhood professional from another country, I spent time listening to the pod-casts and the from that experience I would have to say that the first thing I gained was some perspective.
The issues and trends we have here in the US are very different from some of the issues other countries face. We may worry about hungry or poor children in out country but our children do not have to sell themselves to get money for their families. We may want every child to have a safe, high-quality environment for our children to learn in but we do not have ten year old girls, afraid to walk home by themselves for fear of being raped because it is rumored that their bodies will cure AIDS. We have issues of our own and they are important because we want what is best for our children, but I am grateful for those issues after seeing the issues other places around the world face.
Perspective, appreciation for our own issues here in the US, and lastly I would say my understanding of using other professionals in the field as resources has been deepened and solidified more in me after this class. Just this past week I was at a party for my son's new soccer team and I met a woman who was from China and I actually saw her as a resource to help me develop more cultural awareness for a little boy in my class. Her English was really good and she was gracious enough to help me understand a little bit about the Chinese culture. If I had not taken this class I am not sure I would have viewed her as a resource and even talked to her about her culture.
A goal I would set for myself, related to the field, is to continue to learn from the resources we have used through this course. These blog assignments seem like busy work at times but I am grateful to have the links posted here forever even after I have finished this class.
Thank you to those of you who read my posts and for the comments. I look forward to seeing some of you in the next class! Keep up the good work and good luck!
Dear Cari,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog postings. I hope you do continue to learn from this course resources because the more you learn, the further you will go in your field. Good Luck!
Cari,
ReplyDeleteI agree that perspective was one of the most important consequences of this course. Learning about issues around the world and in our very own communities was enlightening and helped to refuel my passion for advocacy. Good luck in the next course and I look forward to reading more on your blog.
Enjoyed reading your blog every week! This course has really taught me a lot--especially researching for our blog assignments. I had no idea that many children around the world are uneducated. I guess I have been naive about these issues, but my eyes have been opened. I wish you luck as you continue!!!! Thanks for the great blogs/discussions!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your candid comment about the reality that families in other countries face. I completely forgot about such concerns when evaluating these issues on a global scale. I am so glad that you met a personal resource!! She will help you more than you can imagine. I had a similar experience with a family from the Phillipines.
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