Demonstrates Competent Communication

This year I heard a motivational speaker and I found him to be very interesting. He was very funny and when he told a story it was like you were there. I watched him keep children from 6 to 13 engaged in the stories. He described the scenes and people in the stories so vividly. He walked around the stage and interacted with the audience. The children were so excited and they tell stories he has shared many times. They were life lessons and very interesting. They made you think about how you could be a better person. He turned normal everyday individuals into super heroes. After I heard his stories I understand how to keep children engaged even with a boring story. When I ask my children if they want to hear a story now they always say yes. I like to model my communication style after his because I want children to stay engaged and have fun doing it.

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds (any format and any length)

My hope for working with children from a diverse background is that they feel accepted and whole. I have heard so many professionals and read articles that state or say that we are not leaving children whole. As a professional I do not want to take a child's home culture from them. My hope for the environment for children is that they can walk into a classroom and feel comfortable and at home. My hope is that home culture is not taken away from children but rather accepted and a part of their lives. I hope that families will be accepted and involved in their children's education and care. My hope is that educators are open and willing to understand the new ideas and tools. My hope is that young children can help make a difference in the world when it comes to diversity.


One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length)

My goal is to help educate more teachers and community about inclusion and accommodations. I want all educators and families to understand what these terms are and what the purpose. I am around too many individuals that do not understand what they are. Inclusion is not just about disabilities it is about allowing all our individual characteristics not stop a child from being accepted. When a child learns different or has another language it does not mean that are not smart. They need a classroom setup to help them succeed.

A brief note of thanks to your colleagues

I would like to thank all my colleagues for the information and knowledge that have provided me. I would like to wish everyone good luck in their courses and in their careers. I look forward to more interactions with colleagues I see in my next class. Thank you for the experience.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

The country that I have chosen is Denmark.

Culturally responsive
1. First I would find out what part of Denmark they are from. This will help me to do research on the culture that is in the area.

2. I will see if there is anyone that I know on social media that is from Denmark or has visited the area they are from. I will also go to the library and find some books.

3. I will get items that relate to their home culture and have them in the classroom.

4. I will find books to read to the other children about Denmark so they are informed about the country.

5. I will see what types of activities the family likes and see if I can incorporate it into our curriculum.

By preparing not only myself and the students it might make the transition easy for all individuals. I know the children are going to be curious about the new child so by giving them information ahead of time can help. I know that I might have to have an interpreter but many of countries already teach English early. I am hoping that by learning about the country before hand it will help me open the lines of communication for the children. I believe that it will help me start a open line of communication with the parents. I would also like to invite the parents to the classroom to talk to the children. The more that we can make them feel welcome and be interested in them it will help. I believe that what I need to do is look at them as individuals and not objects. I need to be interested because I want to get to know who they are. I want help their child transition and help them feel good about entrusting me.

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

When I was in high school my entire team except 2 of us got busted at a party. We had big games coming up. They got suspended for 2 weeks. We brought up jv players to fill the roaster. We won both games and not one of us got praised or told we did good. It was like nothing happened. I also feel that during my time at Walden I have read papers and opinions from scholarly work that has been biased toward my political affiliation and to my race.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

I think that by not acknowledging our accomplishment it meant no matter who or what that coach did not value our effort or accomplishments. Our teams never said good job or that they were sorry. I felt very low at that point because I was not sure why I wanted to be part of the team. From the incidents of the material I have learned that I need to be very knowledgeable and realize that biases and prejudice happen all the time you may not see it.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

With my team the feeling was frustration and anger. I only remember twice that I ever want to quit and this was one of those times. These were times that I realized that not everyone handles adversity properly. I new that my friends were sorry but it was hard to admit it. The feelings from the articles is frustration and complete disbelieve that these individuals are providing information to the early childhood professionals that are suppose to be teaching unbiased in the classroom to children. My daughter had a teacher this year that taught about FDR. Her opinion of him was that he was a bad president. My opinion and the opinion of her other teacher was not that he was a bad president. I told my daughter that it was how you saw his presidency and who you are affiliated with. She was still confused and not sure want to believe.

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

I have learned that not every person knows how to admit they are wrong and apologize. I have learned that I am only in charge of my actions and education. I just need to be the role model to help individuals change.