My Virtual Office

I hope everyone likes my virtual office. It could have been more kid friendly. I wanted it to look professional but, more comfortable for children. If I were designing this room I would put children's chairs(colorful) and items children would feel comfortable looking at. I also like bright colors or children designs on the walls. My office would be designed to make children feel able to talk about their problems and feel it is a safe place to be.

Time Well Spent

The importance of the work we do as early childhood educators are as much about the families of children and the communities, as it is about children. Because, children will develop identity, we know all children have individual personalities; they're born with temperaments, and they have preferences like adults have.

  Children need to know they are valued. As early childhood educators we have to continue to grow to help young children to be able to move forward. We need to have the passion to create a just world for all diverse children (Laureate Education, 2012).

Everyone has the ability to inspire others. When children are in preschool, it is the most critical time of their life. As early childhood educators doing what you believe is the first step of doing what you will always be proud of. (Laureate Education, 2012).

 Merging Vision, Passion, and Practice 2012 Laureate Media, Inc.,

  To Dr. Teri,

 This course was the most challenging for me at Walden. I will carry it wherever my future takes me.

To All My colleagues,

I don’t know how to thank you for all your support of my challenge; you have given me more than you will ever know. To have a group of such caring and devoted individuals in the early childhood field lets me know children in our care will be okay with the world. Good luck to all of you. Please keep in touch with me. My e-mail is kstokes@comcast.net. 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The best way to ensure all children have a fair chance at a brighter future is to give each child the opportunity to learn and grow early on. The early steps  for a child to be successful is through programs that lays a critical foundation of language and literacy skills for children from birth to age 5, so they can enter school ready to succeed without hunger or poverty. I have chosen three international organizations I would be interested joining, to change the lives of children who are need.  

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves and that is a healthy start. They give children the opportunity to learn and to be protected from harm. Any time a disaster strikes, children’s needs are put first. They are advocates for change in the USA and around the world. They are committed to the children the world’s most vulnerable kids who are learning to read. They are dedicated to saving children’s lives. Every child needs to receive a start in life and that includes good health and an early education. Save the children realizes young children lack the early opportunities they need to lead healthy and successful lives. A minimum of 7 years management experience in a corporate or an NGO environment, or level three in management within the finance department of a national or international organization (save the Children, 2011).

 United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF is there when an emergency strikes, whether sudden or natural disaster children require protection to ensure their safety. UNICEF’s global mandate for children specifically provides their focus on protecting children from the immediate and long-term effects dealing with emergencies.  UNICEF works with other organizations to partner on a number of issues by strengthening child protection systems and promoting positive social norms in all circumstances to prevent and respond to violence, abuse and abuse directed at children. International professionals are normally required to have an advanced university degree in a field relevant to the work of UNICEF. In some cases, extensive qualifying work experience may be considered instead. Please be sure to check the academic requirements of the vacancy announcement you are interested in (unicef.org, 2011)

World Health Organization (WHO) knows that. existing high-impact, low-cost interventions such as vaccines, antibiotics, improved breastfeeding practices and safe hygiene practices have already saved millions of lives  WHO is passionate about their cause and are committed to our mission: to promote the equal rights of children Improved health outcomes, with WHO meeting the expectations and partners in addressing global health priorities.They are focused on the actions and areas where their Organizations have a unique function, and financed in a way that makes possible their motivation. WHO plays a leading role in helping the many international nations play an active and effective role in contributing to the health of all people. What are required to work in this organization are university degree as well as a postgraduate specialization in a health- or management-related field. These three organizations play an important role in helping with disasters and I would want to be involved with them to make a difference in a in the lives of others(WHO, 2006).

 Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved fromhttp://www.savethechildren.org/site/

Mission and core functions - WHO | Regional Office for Africa 2006 Retrieved from

http://www.afro.who.int/en/who-in-the-african-region/mission.html

 United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

The early years of a child is the most important stages of their life. This is time to develop their social and emotional development. Childcare can be costly but, you still want quality, health and   positive growth for your children. With this in mind one of the national organizations I want to pursue would be Office of Childcare (OCC). This organization supports low-income working families by providing access to affordable, high-quality early car e and afterschool programs. They work with state, territory and tribal governments to provide support for children and their families who juggle difficult work schedules and struggle to find child care programs that will fit their needs and that will prepare children to succeed in school. In order to work here you have to have at five years experience and a master’s degree in childcare (acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ).

My second choice of organization I would choose to work for is The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a non -profit organization dedicated to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to be successful in life. Their mission is to unite, inspire, and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development. This field will require a bachelors degree or better. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, developments of children and families, to be stronger, in their communities. I would like to be involved in such a worthy area of early childhood care. Since 1974, NHSA has worked hard for policy changes that ensure all at-risk children have access to the Head Start model of support for the whole child, the family and the community (nhsa.org/)

Lastly, I would love to be involved with the NAEYC, that Positions its Statement Association's issues to early childhood education practice, policy, and professional development for which there are controversial and have critical opinions. This organization has the most powerful part of early childcare requirements. Position statements are developed through a building approach of family studies, early childhood special education, or elementary education with a concentration in early childhood education issues affecting young children’s education and development. In this field you need to working on an associate’s or higher degree in early childhood education, child development (naeyc.org).

National Head Start Association Retrieved from

http://www.nhsa.org/

National Association for the Education of Young Children Retrieved from

http://www.naeyc.org/

Office of Child Care/Administration for Children and Families Retrieved from

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

 Teaching in the early childhood field is the position I have always wanted. There are more numbers of children now attending school and for this reason programs in the U.S., are listing more early childhood education jobs. Early childhood educational organizations have made it aware of the necessity of educating children beginning with infancy, toddler and the preschool years. For this reason, it has caused growth in the number of employment positions within the work of early childhood education.

Three local or state organizations or communities of practice I would choose; one would be a special education teacher who works with children who have learning, mental, emotional or physical disabilities. This teaches children with disability various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to children with mild and moderate disabilities. I believe all of these would be very rewarding to help special needs or any child develop their potential (aacte.org).

 The second organization or communities of practice that appeals to me is a nonprofit organization such as the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) an advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. They create the policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure they access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation (aacte.org).

The last would be The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) which is an international membership organization who works with or on behalf of young children with disabilities and other special needs. Their purpose is to promote policies to support the finest development of young children with special needs. Most of these types of jobs require five years experience and a master’s degree or above (aacte.org).

Early Childhood Organizations | Early Childhood Retrieved from

http://aacte.org/programs/early-childhood/early-childhood-organizations 

Passion to Action

 My Wordle communicates what I have inspired during my programs, please look at it because; this took me quite a while to get the concept. Thanks

<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/7622812/Untitled"

Reflecting on Learning

In the Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves, I am learning to continue reflecting on my work, and learning from any mistakes. Even if it doesn’t happen the first time, I will keep on the distinctive path of becoming an educator activist (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). One of my goals as an anti bias teacher is to identity how I have been programmed by the stereotypes or prejudices absorbed about myself and others; to uncover learned stereotypes, discomforts, and biases. My most passionate hope for my future as a teacher, in order to serve children will be to work with their families. Children are too immature to rationally understand the fixations of racism or being prejudice; as they grow up, their behaviors will show how much influence from family of societal stereotypes and biases so, this is what anti-bias deems as teachable moments to guide children to recognize all children for the unique

To Dr. Pickens,

 I would like to thank you most of all for such a rewarding course on anti-bias teaching, you were supportive and gave much guidance on how to achieve the goals of teaching all children. I will take this with me as I take my journey into early childhood education.

To my colleagues,

 Thank you all for the opportunities to learn how you teach children in diverse cultures. I learned from this group how loving and caring we have to be to share in children’s lives. The more teachers such as yourselves the better off children can learn to accept others. It was a pleasure to get to know all of you. Good luck in all of your ventures.

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

UNICEF is productive in helping to create a world where every child the rights. They have the worldwide power to influence the decision-makers to turn the most innovative ideas into reality.  That makes them irreplaceable among world organizations, and rare among those that work with children. UNICEF was created just with that purpose in mind (unicef.org).

The area of the world I chose to share with my colleagues was Tamale, Ghana. Emmanuel Holortu has seen some of the worst cases of violence against children where discipline goes too far. Mr. Holortu is the head of the Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit in Tamale. His primary role is to protect children in Ghana’s Northern Region against abuse (unicef.org). UNICEF has supported a national list of reported child abuse cases, as well as training its staff to help children in abusive situations. This organization plays a critical role in the strengthening of child protection systems, supported by (unicef.org).

These experiences have a devastating effect on children’s emotional wellbeing because; they are affected emotionally, physically and socially. Emmanuel Holortu is trying to rescue children from the situation and join them with their biological family. Children need encouragement so their potential is realized. If they are constantly abused, you shut the door to that expression. The child’s self-esteem is damaged. (unicef.org).

 The personal and professional reflection I gained and the influences they have on me as a person and an early childhood professional are to realize that the education system needs to teach emotional control. A lot of adults lose their emotional control. Children rarely report abuse  because, they are frightened or even scared, what will happened to them or the adult involved with the abuse(unicef.org). We have to change the belief that violent discipline, physical punishment or psychological aggression should not happen to children; eventually they will confuse this behavior as love and the cycle will manifest itself to their children as well

UNICEF: Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Some examples of the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment are demonstrated in cartoons, books, toys and computer games. This is when we can start to make a huge difference in diminishing, the negative impact on sexualization of childhood in young children early years. We need to stay connected with your children because the risks will get higher in adolescence. This is being increasingly recognized in young children from a highly sexualized environment (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).

The implications this may have on children’s healthy development is especially damaging to children and adolescents who are developing their sense of themselves as sexual creatures.  Despite rising awareness, previous research has focused on school-age children and how they can come into contact with adolescent sex offenders. Differentiating between normal and problem sexual behaviors is a critical role of teachers, which can make a huge difference in getting rid of the harmful impact in, the sexualization of childhood on in young children (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).

My awareness of the sexualization of early childhood has been influenced and modified by studying the topic this week is by learning that children are growing up flooded from a very young age with explicit messages about sex in the media and popular culture. Preschool-aged children are naturally inquisitive and experience periods of enhanced awareness sexualization in their environments.  I am becoming more aware of how girls and boys constantly encounter sexual messages and images that they cannot understand and that can confuse and even terrify them (Levin  &  Kilbourne, 2009).

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

Racism, sexism,  any biases and prejudices are the consequences I will expect for the children and families with whom I work with while I also experience specific "–ism(s)" in my own life (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). One specific example is knowing I am an African American female and I have twice the level of discrimination to endure. I hope to learn more of my own bias, in order not to take them into the classroom. Learning who you are and what your background is gives you perspective on diversity. I know that having a better understanding of the issues, I can better explain to children and families, to help them understand, how damaging the problem of prejudice and racism can affect an individual’s pride and confidence.

My most valuable asset for working with children and families from any background is my desire to be the best anti- bias teacher I can. I have learned through this course that diversity is a way of life and I want any child and their family to feel secure, to know their children will be safe. I desire to help children understand other diverse cultures and to show every child that their culture is acceptable. In my family culture, I was brought up to see people for what they are and not the color of their skin so; it will not be problems for me to learn the cultures of another’s. It is essential as educator to get rid of any misconceptions, with accurate information to develop more positive attitudes; to learn empathy and passion for teaching all diverse cultures (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).

 Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010).  Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.

Observing Communication

I arrived at a girlfriend’s home and her two girls were playing and did not seem to change or feel uncomfortable because I was there so, I decide to seize the opportunity to watch them interact with their mother in play. They seemed to be imitating grown- ups at their table, pretending to drink a cup of coffee and discussing where they are going to shop. The girls sat down pretending to eat together. At this very young age children are able to participate and master activities, developing their own communication. On the plate she put broccoli, a drumstick, and orange slices.

She explained that she included healthy foods. The girls sat down pretending to eat together.  They started to talk about school. Brianna made a 100 on a test. The teacher said Brooke did a good job on the computer.The girls had a disagreement. Brooke tried to remove chicken from the oven and Brianna said it not ready. Brooke’s reaction to her sister’s criticism was to take a picture that was in her room of them and cut out Brianna’s picture. Her mother told her how hurtful that was to her sister so they made up and continued to play.

Effective communication strategies working with children, the way to go are to learn about children are to see their play. The way to find out about their play is first watch them, and then ask them questions about where they are in their play-mind (Laureate Education, 2012).  To make communication more effective all children need to feel that, to know who they are, and to bring with them their communication when they enter school. They need to feel respected, and they need to feel grounded in themselves and they need to be heard (Laureate Education, 2012).

 Watching the children in this manner, I saw how important communication is when children play. Children use their developing social cognitive skills to learn about pretend play. Children communicate, really, all different ways and use their bodies so much that if you're sensitive, you can really pick up cues about how to communicate (Laureate Education, 2012).

The insights on how the adult-child communication went that I observed was for play to be successful the children have to share the focus of attention. The mother’s attention is directed toward the expressions of her children which are reflective of her personal. experience. Children use their developing social cognitive skills to learn about how to communicate. As children play, (their roles, their attitudes and dispositions create a shared culture constructed by the mixing of attitudes, ideas, feelings and their experiences.

"Communicating with Young Children" 2012 Laureate Media Inc.,

Creating Affirming Environments

If I Imagined what it would be like to open my own Family Child Care Home I imagine this: As an ant-bias teacher I would plan to encourage children to express their own ideas, to be themselves and respect others cultural differences. I am going to learn about the families and communities of the children I teach so, that I

can do a better job in the happiness of children. 

Examining Posters, children art work, can highlight positive personality traits to be exhibited in and out of the classroom. I will support and value their unique contributions, in hopes to create a classroom communities  where children and their families feel safe and welcomed (Derman-Sparks & Olsen, 2010).  

I would make every effort to create a setting that is rich in possibilities for exploring cultural diversity. My environment would assist children in developing their ideas about themselves and about others.I would ask myself are all children represented in my classroom (Derman-Sparks & Olsen 2010). By selecting my materials carefully, so they are simple and not too much stuff, instead with clear images,that are easily used by children (Derman-Sparks & Olsen 2010).

Derma-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.

What I Have Learned

Children are shaped by their family, community, and their cultural history. I hope to make a difference as an educator, to first understand families who are diverse in ways such as different culture, economic status, and sexual orientation. As an ant-bias teacher I plan to encourage students to express their own ideas, to be themselves and respect others cultural differences. I am going to learn about the families and communities of the students I teach so, that I can do a better job in the classroom. Examining what you have learned over the years will be a little like eating an artichoke: you have to peel off the layers to get to get clearer about your experiences and assumptions now (Derman-Sparks & Olsen 2010).

One of my goals I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to recognize the biases and difficulties each type of family faces, and assure families that I support and value their unique contributions, in hopes to create a classroom community where children and their families feel safe and welcomed (Derman-Sparks & Olsen, 2010). 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

To Dr. Snider and fellow classmates, this for me has been like lying on a sofa with a psychotherapist. I have learned that so much of my identity is shaped from my cultural background and that I have to deal with it and learn to help shape the lives of all children in diverse cultures. My experience in this course has shown me how easily my biases and stereotyping can be formed. Words can’t tell you all how much I have learned and how grateful I am for all the support you gave to me. I hope our journey will continue together. Good luck to all and thank you.

Kathleen 

Start Seeing Diversity Blog: Creating Art: 
My Poem

I grew up in a place where the culture was known

Community in harmony like singing a song
I lost my father at an early age
My mother's life turned a page

I lost my grandmother in the prime of her life
Being with older sister became a fight
Learning a new language in school was cool
Getting to know other cultures and eating different food

What we want is to feel safe and accepted in a new place
To see the world as a place for us
            Making friends and being loved in the face of diversity

                     After writing my poem I found this amazing poem I thought you may enjoy 
                                                                    reading!

The Colors Of Diversity

		THE CRAYON BOX THAT TALKED
		By Shane DeRolf                     While walking into a toy store                         The day before today                        I overheard a crayon box                         With many things to say                         “I don’t like Red!” said Yellow                         And Green said “Nor do I”                      “And no one here likes Orange                        But no one knows just why”                         “We are a box of crayons                          that does not get along                         Said Blue to all the others                        “Something here is wrong”                     Well, I bought that box of crayons                         And took it home with me                         And laid out all the colors                       So the crayons all could see…                      They watched me as I colored                      With Red and Blue and Green                    And Black and White and Orange                       And every color in between               They watched as Green became the grass                         And Blue became the sky                                         The Yellow sun was shining bright                       On White clouds drifting by                     Colors changing as they touched                         Becoming something new                     They watched me as I colored                                    They watched me till I was through                     And when I finally finished                         I began to walk away                      And as I did the crayon box                      Had something more to say                                                “I do like Red!” said Yellow                        And Green said, “so do I”                       And Blue you were terrific!                         So high up in the sky                                           “We are a box of crayons.                         Each one of us unique                       But when we get together                      "The picture is more complete”

Colors of Diversity - Scouting Web Retrieved from

www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/SubPages/ColorsDivers.htm -  

"We "Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

 My grandchildren (three girls) come to me on the weekends their mother and father are on night shift at the same time. They know the other children in my neighborhood, which is mixed with White and Black families. They are always excited to play with the other children, when they come over. They have grown up together in a way because; they have been playing with each for quite a lot of years now. A few weekends ago they were playing with my White neighbors children ages range from 4, 6, 8 and 15 as they always do. My grandchildren range from 7, 10 and 13.  My granddaughter noticed they had a new dog in their back yard and asked them when did they get the new dog. One of the children told her when and then said to her (my dad says he only barks at black people). This is not the first time they have said words that are offensive about people of color.

I have always felt their father was prejudiced and this just only confirmed my thoughts to be true. As an anti-bias educator I said to her to explain that they are friends and the words were hurtful because, they are too young to know the difference in what they are saying, they are just repeating what they have heard. I did not get upset with them because, I have come to love these children very much, I just felt sorry for them that they may grow up with hate in their heart for people they have never met.  Their father is not very friendly so. I did not attempt to talk with him. “As you persist through the challenging times and see the fruit of work, eventually anti-bias education becomes a part of everything you do. It becomes a way of life” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010 p. 20).

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

 I have a cousin who as a child we knew he was gay. He always wanted to play school and things girls like to do. He was such a kind and gentle kid. The kids would always tease him and I would feel very sorry for him and I was afraid to take up for him, for fear that they would not play with me. As a child your instincts are always to belong to a group so, whatever the group wanted so did you. Growing up he started to dress like a girl so, he was always called sissy or fag. But he always held his up high and it seemed not to deter him for choosing to live the way he wanted to live.

 He was very resilient and it seemed not to bother him but, I know it did. However, many so called heterosexuals believe that they are not prejudice, and will say statements like have a gay friend. If that person is your friend why do you have to create a label for them? My cousin stated to me once that the fear he has of being gay is losing friends and families, or even being physically assaulted.

                       

 I can only imagine what a child goes through expressing fears to your parents that you may be homosexual and your parents hide their anxieties by reassuring you that it will go away, and that it is just a phrase. Imagine what it is like to pretend to be someone you’re not, to live a lie, to deceive yourself and your parents. They fear losing friends and families, being socially ostracized, and even physically assaulted. Let’s all help children to respect themselves by showing respect for them regardless of who they are.  

If anyone wants to listen to  to this song go to: youtube and chose, MackleMore & Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert. This profound song is one that everyone should listen to about sexual orientations of indiviuals. We should all just listen and get some idea of what gay individuals go through in this country.

Final Blog for Communicating and Collaborating

Final has become a very big word because; it means this course is coming to an end. Not only did I learn about communication in this course but, I feel we all got to know each other as well. Giving me your support in the discussions and blogs made this course become very significant for me. I have learned that communicating with others is not as simple as I thought it to be. Learning how to do unto others as they would have you do, has opened my eyes to seeing  that others opinions are just as valuable as mine, will help in my ability to communicate better in the early childhood field. I hope this will not be our last encounter together, as we take this journey to learn how to care for young children.

 My e-mail address is Kathleen.thompson@waldenu.edu and kstokes@comcast.net.. I hope to hear from everyone real soon. Take care, I will miss you all. 

Team Building and Collaboration

My first two years in college was very hard for me maybe because, I waited until my children went off to college themselves. I was a lot older than my counterparts. I joined a study group of ten who became my best supporters. Not ever really being a part of a study group, I was a little apprehensive but, I really needed help. I became involved with nine of some devoted and incredible individuals. We always got together late in the evenings because of all of our crazy schedules. I took longer than anyone to actually retain what we learned for our test. They never faltered in believing in me. There was nothing but encouragement and I finally passed my math class with flying colors. I have never forgotten any of them. Saying goodbye as we went our separate was hard for all of us. Eventhough, that was four years ago, I will always remember the support system we had. We are all over the world now and we talk as much as we can.

 In my online courses at Walden University I have chatted with some very devoted people in the early childhood field. Some of you I have been with for a while now. I have also met new people as well. I always took online classes to be impersonal but, as we have communicated some personal things about ourselves you can’t help but get to know more about who we are. I hope we all continue own this journey together. I can imagine that we will be very successful in all parts of our lives. Adjourning is an essential phase of teamwork because you have begun and learned how to end and go into different directions. Adjourning also provides the team the opportunity to say good-bye to each other and wish each other luck as they pursue their next endeavor (Abudi, 2010).

 Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Resolving conflicts

I work part time as a CNA at a Healthcare facility on the weekends. I drive around and do personal care for patients, which have just been released from the hospital. I enjoy working with elderly patients because; they have very interesting stories to tell you about the past. Two of my patients live on the same street and I was suppose to see them at different times of the day, one in the morning and the other one in the afternoon.  Both are elderly and could not understand why I was not seeing them both in the morning. I totally agreed and went into the office to speak to my supervisor about the situation I was in because; I also did not want to come all the way back, to where I had just left.

She told me in so many words that I would have to do it that way so, everyday I had to try and make them understand that it was not my decision and I had to continue to do it this way. This bothered me because; I did not want to hurt anyone’s feeling. I decided to go and talk with my supervisor’s supervisor, who immediately understood and changed the schedule seeing both of them in the morning. My supervisor felt I should not have done that and I told her it was not personal; I was concerned about my patients care. We are not as close as we were but, I think our relationship is better this way.

The first strategy I should have used was Nonviolent Communication skills that details personal responsibility for our actions and the choices we make when we respond to others, as well as how to contribute to relationships based in cooperation and collaboration. For example, I think my approach was somewhat forceful and maybe I could have done it differently. I could have suggested we talk with her supervisor because; maybe it was not her decision to make. I should have suggested either morning or afternoon for both to be seen, which could have been a compromise for both of them. I could have used some of the principles of nonviolent communication to better help me resolve this conflict. My second strategy is to have refrained from how I expressed myself in that situation and the way I perceived the conversation to be.  NVC says we should express ourselves with honesty and clarity, while at the same time paying others a respectful and empathic attention ( cnvc.org).

All right colleagues, give me your honest opinions, I would love to hear what you think I should have done in this situation. Thanks I think, because I have not heard any answers yet.

The Center for Nonviolent Communication. (n.d.). Retrieved from

 http://www.cnvc.org/

How You Evaluate Yourself as a Communicator

  After asking a few friends, I was shocked to hear they believe I tend to take on things that others should be doing for themselves. They think that I conform to everything and I take on too much of others responsibility. For instance, every year I take on organizing our family reunion, that takes a lot of time to get people to do each do their share. So, every year I say I am not doing it and to let some else be in charge, but it always end up being me that handle everything again.

So, while your concept strongly influences how you react with others, the opposite is also true; when you interact other people, you get impressions  from them that reveals how they will evaluate you as a person and how you communicate (O'Hair, & Wiemann, 2012).

 The two to things I want to share with others is the to become more of a better listener, rather than take over conversations to make sure I get my own point across, and to stop believing I am always right when in conversations.  

The second thing I learned was about the Platinum Rule that says to do unto others as they would have you do.This particular rule has made my understanding of communication better in my personal and my professional life to become a better communicator. In effective communication the goal is to try being empathic and take a positive action toward another individual different from yourself

(Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2011).

.

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

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s