The focus of my work so far has been limited to my immediate Center community, without looking outside to the bigger world or the bigger picture. The struggles faced by many children around the world are great. Some children travel miles to get to school, entire families dislocate to be closer to schools while other children live in poverty and filth that affect their health, well being and academic outcomes. Other children live in warn torn regions persecuted for their religious beliefs. The struggles are very real with lots of challenges. Sadly, I had assumed that children living in other countries did not face the same type of cultural prejudices as children here. I was naïve to think that if children shared similar languages, similar culture and similar history that there would not be a divide among the people as it pertained to education. I really had the blinders on and thought that what happened outside my own country did not have anything to do with me. It is difficult to turn a blind eye, especially when culturally diverse groups of people continue to immigrate to this country and into our classroom. To better provide opportunities for learning, we have to know about the plight and history of all people. We have to be culturally aware to make learning meaningful.
The international exploration has been like reading a children’s picture book for the first time in the classroom. We read children’s books to bring new information to children; we read children’s books to expose children to a new world and environment they would not ordinarily know about; and we read children’s books to reinforce information for children.
I would like to get to know more about how I can contribute to children in other countries who are less fortunate than myself. I think that information gathering and assessment will begin with my sharing that information with my current teaching community and my current children and family. I can help raise an awareness of social issues that impact early childhood education around the world.
It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you and I look forward to meeting you in future classes. Thanks to all of you for your sharing and insight and helping me to continue to grow as a student and as a professional.
Georgia,
ReplyDeleteGreat goals for helping educate children! I have enjoyed learning through your experiences and your sharing. Good luck in the future!
Dear Georgia
ReplyDeleteThere is an old saying, people are the same everywhere. And this course has proven just that. Like you, I isolated discrimination and prejudice to the United States. In the back of my mind, I knew it existed in other countries, but it was a matter of out of sight, out of mind. Also in response to your desire to get involved on a global level, there is an organization called "RESULTS". They are committed to eradicating poverty. Go to www.results.org
Farewell
Georgia,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that we need to be culturally aware in order to make a difference. Through your blog I was able to learn about some extreme trials that families are going through around the world!
hope to see you in another course!
patricia