I as a Communicator

When I reviewed my results and the results of others, nothing really surprised me, but what did surprise me is that we all agreed that I am a good listener. The reason that this was a shocker, because I did not think that my husband would rate me as a good listener being that he always says that I never listen to him. Learning about my different aspects of communications, my strong points and weak points, it helped me to learn where I need to be at both professionally and personally with my communication skills so that I can help my families and children. 

The two insights that I learned this week came from the listening style assessment and communication anxiety assessment. I have learned that I am a good listener who puts to much trust in others, which does not always mean that I will get the same in return. This makes more conscious of who I should trust to protect myself. The communication anxiety assessment enlightened me on the importance of being confident around children, families, and colleagues so that they can trust me. 

Rubin, R. B., Palmgreen, P., & Sypher, H. E. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

Rubin, R. B., Rubin, A. M., Graham, E. E., Perse, E. M., & Seibold, D. R. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures II: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

Cultural Communication

Cultural Communication

The three strategies that I would use to help me communicate effectively with people or groups are: 

1) The Platinum Rule-Do to others as they would like to be treated (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmund, 2011).

2) Don't expect that just because you know a person's culture you can predict his/her behavior (Gonzalez-Mena, 2010).

3) Put the culture and the person first.

I have been practicing these strategies in communication with different cultures before I knew they existed. There are two hispanic children in my classroom and their parents both speak english, but not very well. This is why I communicate with them differently than I do my parents who are American born. I let the Hispanic parents initiate anything they want to ask or any remarks in general, so that I can know how to follow up their questions with an answer in which they can understand. One of the parents have an older daughter who is able to ask things that she may not know how to word, which makes it easier for us to communicate with her and her family. I listen to all of my parents and their concerns, but I pay closer attention to my Hispanic family and their concerns and issues because I do not want them to feel like they are being treated any differently than any other family. I also want them to know that I am here for them and their child. 

GGonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc."Looking at Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures" (pp. 80–81)

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Chapter 4, "Interpersonal Communication and Diversity: Adapting to Others" (pp. 85–114)

Communication Assumptions

Communication Assumptions-Grey's Anatomy

The TV show that I chose to watch was Grey's Anatomy. I have heard a lot of people on my social media speak about how great the show is and the excitement that goes on in the episodes, so I decided to take a look. I watched the first minute of the show in silence and thought that the characters were all friends and happy with one another. I also thought that they all got along, and crying to one another due to a case or patient that might have affected them. During the nonverbal behavior, I could see that there was some anger between characters as well as sadness in the conversations that were being discussed. 

After turning on the volume, I could see that my assumptions were somewhat right. There was anger and sadness, but not how I imagined it. One of the doctors was yelling at another doctor that I thought was a student, but she was actually a doctor, and the doctor who was overly emotional with her friend was actually overemotional with her lover. These both took me by surprise because I knew once I turned up the volume, I would be right. If I was watching a show that I watch on a regular, I would have definitely had all the answers because I am familiar with the show and know all about it. 

Competent Communication

Competent Communication

There are a lot of people that I engage with on a daily basis that I have look up to for effective communication techniques, but the two that stand out to me the most are my mom and my dad. When communicating, my mom gets her point across and means what she says. She does not let anything back her down and she will fight to the end for her cause. She is also constantly asking questions to assure that everything aligns with what you said and how you said it. This is why I want to model the behaviors of my mom because she says what she has to say with meaning and pride. She also lets nothing detour her from her believes and what is right. My dad on the other hand is humble and willing to listen. Sometimes, he do not even put up a fight for some causes and just let bygones be bygones. I want this same mentality to a certain extent. I want to remain humble during communication while still getting my point across. When you are humble people are more open to respecting you and listening to what you say. This is why I would love to have a mixture of both mother and father. 

Professional Hopes and Goals

Professional Hopes and Goals

MY HOPES

The most important hope that I have for working with children and families are that I am able to make a difference in their lives. When a student of a different culture enters my classroom, I want them to leave knowing that I cared about them and I respected them as a student as well as their diversity. When you show children who are diverse that you care and you are willing to learn about their culture and home life, it allows them to open up more and build their confidence. Many Americans do not approve of diversity, but as educators it is our duty to put children and families first and show them how important they are and that they are able to accomplish all things just as any other American.

My Goal

The one goal that I have as an ECE professional is that I make all who are victims of diversity to feel that they can trust me, and also see me as a confidant. I have reached this goal to a certain extent with my current parents. As previously stated, there are two Hispanics children in my class, one of the families has a child who has many special needs so the mother is not able to participate in many activities with school. As an educator, I make sure that keep myself in the loop with this family because it is my duty to make sure their child receives her education and also that they too receive the support that they need. Not only does this goes for the Hispanics, but for all other diversity that is in my class as well. It is my goal to show that parents that I am here for both you and your child, and the ultimate goal is that they receive the best foundation possible.

My Thanks

This term has been an eye-opener for me because it made me examine who I am as a person as well as my own discrepancies towards diversity. I would like to thank my fellow colleagues for all the encouragements, praises, and opinions that I have been on my blogs as well as my discussions. They have all been enlightenments and beneficial to my profession. Once again, thank you!!!!

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Morocco Flag

Country of Origin

While working in the Child Development Center, a new student joined our four year old class. The student who has just arrived in my class is from the country of Morocco which is located in Africa. 

5 Ways to be Culturally Responsive

1. The first way I will be culturally responsive is to learn all I can about the country, especially the culture so I can know what to do and what not to do.

     2. Along with the American culture, I will also expose the students to the culture of                     Morocco so that the student will not feel excluded.

     3. I will incorporate the Moroccan culture into learning areas around the classroom such             as reading, dramatic play, and science.

     4. I will have a show-n-tell day where each child can share something about their culture           and heritage, this way the student can explain to us more about where she is from. 

     5. Finally, I will have a Moroccan day so that we all can explore the culture of Morocco

I hope these preparations make a impact on the family in many ways so that they know we care for their family and that we are not here to judge or criticize. I also want the family to feel safe and secure knowing that their child is in good care, and we all want to learn and grow with them, and this will be done by exploring the culture. 

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

The most prominent memory of me witnessing bias and prejudice is in the movies and shows that depict slavery and any other injustice done to African-Americans. Most times as I watch how the slaves and African-Americans were treated in the 1800's and early 1900's it brings tears to my eyes, because it makes you think , what could they have done so wrong to deserve the hate they were given. It was the same for Jesus, he was beaten, spit on, and everything else and he had done nothing wrong. The same goes for Blacks, even the dogs got treated better then they did and all because of the color of their skin. 

When the dominant culture used and abused Blacks it diminished equity in a major way because we were not allowed to do what they do. For example, Blacks had a school and Whites had a school. Whites had a water fountain, Blacks had a water fountain. Their biases caused for segregation in the United States, and it now seems as though they are trying to bring it back. 

When I see how my people were treated, and are still being treated it makes me sad and at the same time angry because they had no choice but to sit their and endure. Watching movies such as Roots and Rosa Parks brings brings both sadness and joy to my spirits because it shows that although things started off rocky, they always end up smooth and in your favor. 

In order for segregation to come to an end, the dominant culture would have to make a change within themselves so that they are willing to try and understand everyone's differences and biases.