Communicating with
International Contacts:
Throughout the course we have had the opportunity to
communicate with and learn from early childhood professionals in various
parents of the world. Though it was unfortunate
that I was unable to communicate with an international professional on a weekly
basis, I am happy to have seen the podcasts from the World Forum Foundation,
which were very beneficial and insightful as well. Here are three tokens (or consequences) I have
gained from learning about early childhood education internationally:
1. I can consider myself informed!
Prior to communicating with professionals outside of the United States,
or even the facility where I currently work, I did not know much about early
childhood education in various parts of the world. After reading colleagues blogs, listening to
World Forum Podcasts, and examining several websites, I am excited to say that
I now am much more informed about issues and trends, not only in the United States,
but in other parts of the world as well.
2. Ignorance is NOT bliss
When reflecting on this course, I must admit that when I
began the course I was ignorant of some of the issues we studied, including poverty,
diversity, and quality care, not only in the United States, but in other parts
of the world as well. I suppose that
unconsciously I thought it was easier to ignore the problems, rather than
facing the facts. However, after
studying these issues in the United States and researching the common issues in
other parts of the world as well, I have certainly become informed, which has
fueled my passion to bring about positive change in early childhood education.
3. Creating Bonds
Discussing issues in early childhood education with
international professionals, as well as reading about issues on the blogs of
colleagues, allowed me to come to a better understanding of early childhood
systems in other countries, and form a bond with these professionals (even if I
was the only party aware of it) because of the similarities shared. As educators, forming these bonds with
professionals who share the same opinions and compassion can be somewhat of a
relief, as well as a motivation to make ourselves and our classrooms better for
our students and their families.
A
Personal/Professional Goal for International Awareness:
After reaping the benefits of studying early childhood
issues not only in the nation, but worldwide, I have come to the conclusion
that I need to continue to make myself aware of the issues in early childhood
both nationally and internationally. My
professional goal for doing so is to research current news related to early
childhood issues, especially internationally (as it was typical prior to this
course for me to search and become aware of national preschool news). I have already found that Fox News for
preschool may be a good website for doing so, so I plan to check it weekly in
order to achieve my goal of becoming more informed about international issues
in early childhood education.
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/topics/education/preschool.htm
To my colleagues of
Issues and Trends in Early Childhood Education:
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have helped me make it through my first
course at Walden, and you have all been wonderful! I appreciate everyone’s assistance,
especially when I posted a million questions in the Q&A portion of the
course home page. Most of all, I’d like
to thank you for the wonderful insights you have shared throughout the course
that have helped me better myself and my classroom. I know my current and future students are
thankful for you, too! :o)
Erika,
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! And, thank you for your wonderful posts, insights, and great resources! It has been wonderful having you in class!!
Blessings,
Susan
I love your statement - "ignorance is not bliss"... It is true, knowledge can be frustrating and frightening... knowing what happens to children and families here and abroad is truly sobering. Every day, children and families suffer because we are unable or lack the will to make the sacrifices that must be made.
ReplyDeleteI hope that this class sets us all on a path to become advocates for children and families. It is simple enough - beginning with a pen and paper or e-mail... a letter to the editor... attendance at a rally...becoming one small blip on the radar... but 100,000 e-mail messages... 100,000 blips on the radar...
that is the what the future of children and families depends upon...
Erika,
ReplyDeleteNo Thank you for having such great and meaningful posts each week! I have truly learned so much through this process. Even though I have found great comfort in the fact that there are others that feel the same way I do, I also no feel a bigger fire to make changes for our children. If we all can ban together then maybe we can all make the change that we are all hoping for a reality. Thanks so much and good luck, maybe I will see you in our next set of classes :)
Sara
Erika,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gregory; many times, children and their families suffer because many of us are unable to stand up and make that sacrifice. Partly because of the fear of the unknown, and maybe because we just don't know how to make a sacrifice. This course has enabled (all of us, in my opinion) us with the resources necessary to be advocates.
I am hopeful we will all become better advocates and not be afraid to make sacrifices for children and their families. As I previously stated, thank you for the great insights! I always leave your posts very informed!
Blessings,
Susan
Erika,
ReplyDeleteI love your statement "Ignorance is not bliss". Before this class, I had given little thought to what was going on in the field of early childhood in other places in the world. I had some brief contact with teachers from other parts of the world at conferences and of course was familiar with the work done at the Pikler Institute and Reggio, but that was it. I now realize how much there is to learn from the rest of the world. Like you, I hope to continue to stay informed about what others are doing in other parts of the world.
I have enjoyed reading your posts. You are very insightful and reflective about working with young children and their families. I hope we meet again in another class.
Geralyn
Erika,
ReplyDeleteI too like your comment "Ignorance is not bliss" often Ingorance is simple Ignorance! In today world of technology and fast pased life styles Ignorance if often blamed for eveything from bad manner to bad policy making. It is part of our jobs as educators to open peoples eyes about problems that are happening around them and take action. This doesn't mean always mean taking political action it simple means doing what right at the molment.
Tell someone that what they said was WRONG if you hear worlds that are unking! Take time to use kind word when speaking to strangers. Walk up to the child with a handicape at the park and introduce you child and start a conversation that parent. This will let other children know that its ok to play and ask questions like are you knew to the area! Great Ice Breaker and can lead other topics!
Thanks for Sharing Erika and good luck at Walden!
Thank for you all the insightful comments and kind responses. I have enjoyed learning from all of you as well!
ReplyDeleteI don't think that any of us were ignorant to the topics that were addressed in the past eight weeks. I do think that we often feel helpless in our current position. Speaking for myself, I have read research on all of the topics, however, when you read several pieces in one week it begins to mount and take hold. Instead of thinking what should I do, I began to think what can I do? That is one reason I have loved this process so much.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Erika. You were just being strait forward with yourself. You were not being ignorant, maybe you just weren't interested in knowing at the time. There is a lot to learn in this field, and I am still learning.
ReplyDelete