What I Have Learned

 

 

 

 

What I Have Learned

            It is my desire to help children and families of diverse backgrounds by greeting them with a welcoming heart, loving spirit, and a listening ear with the hopes of making their lives better.  I have learned that quality early childhood education is a valuable gift for every child because it enhances cognitive, emotional, and developmental growth.  Anti-bias educators are extremely concerned about the future of all children and making sure that they are respected (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).   I am committed to do the work and make sure these goals are manifested in my personal and professional career.

          One goal that I would like to see take place in the early childhood field is the acceptance of an anti-bias curriculum because it makes children’s lives to become whole.  Every child deserves the right to live a quality life without biases and free from exploitation and unsafe environments (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).  Family culture needs to be recognized in the learning environment so children can feel a home/school connection and take pride in their cultural identity and customs (Woodward & Oates, 2010).  It is very important for students to hear their home language in the classroom when experiencing early education because it strengthens them socially and academically because it creates self-worth (Woodward & Oates, 2010).  I will continue to be a strong advocate for social justice and equity for all children and families from diverse backgrounds so they can have feelings of belonging to society.

          I wish my colleagues continued success in the field of anti-bias education and I am thankful that they freely shared personal experiences during this journey.  My outlook on life has been positively impacted because of the classroom interactions and I am a better person for it.  Collaboration makes us stronger because when we share with another person, we become a part of their story and their experience.

 

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children

          and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Woodhead, M., & Oates, J. (Eds.) (2010). Early childhood in focus 6: Culture and Learning.

            Milton Keynes: The Open University