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 -