Communication

When I think of a person I know who communicates well I think of my dad. He doesn’t talk much; however he is a very active listener and when he does communicate he is highly thoughtful and clear with what he is communicating. His non-verbal communication is calm and welcoming while his tones are also calm and rarely even gives tones of frustration or anger. He is a level-headed thinker which also helps him communicate clearly by thinking about more than just himself.

Each day I try to think about how my dad communicates with other professionally and personally. When making deals and running his business he is active in conversations being attentive and I try to do the same. I work to actively listen, watch body language and tone of voice. I work to ensure I am communicating clearly as he does.

Professional Hopes and Goals

I hope through my work with children and families to be able to allow them to maintain their family culture as well as educate others on the culture. I also hope to be able to assist children as they grow create a positive sense of self as they create a social identity. Being able to communicate with the family and child to learn about them will help me advocate for the child and family making them feel welcome while creating a sense of community rich in culture.

Creating programs that embrace diversity, equity and social justice while encouraging children to create a positive sense of self would be my goal for the early childhood field. Learning how to apply the knowledge we have and model for the children and families in our programs how to embrace others and accepting what makes us all unique.

Thank you, for the past eight weeks supplying feedback and sharing your stories and knowledge with me. Having the ability to learn from all of you creates a learning network for myself and gives insight from all of you to be able to reflect upon. I hope each of you continue on this journey and continue to reflect and advocate for those children and families in your programs.

Welcoming Families from around the World

The country I would choose would be India.

The five ways I would be culturally responsive to the incoming family would be:

First, learn about the country of India what the climate is like, what the cities are like the people live in. etc. to get a sense of what life in general is like.

Second, become familiar with the national celebrations which ones are similar to those celebrated in America and those that are very different.

Third, begin to learn the language especially general greetings as well as phrases to assist with easing the transition to the American program.

Fourth, explore their food and diet differences. Learn about what the flavors and foods are look to incorporate some dishes to allow other children to explore the new family’s culture.

Finally, get to know the family as a whole. Learn about what is important what their goals are for their child in the program and how they would like to grow as a family in the new land.

By preparing for the family in the above order I will be able to get to know the family deeper than a general get-to-know-you conversation. Immigrating from a different is difficult enough to learn the new country alone. Feeling as though they are welcome and important. Also for the family to know their family culture and way of life is valued.