Final Blog

As we say our good byes from this course, I would just like to say a thank you to everyone who would have supported me through their comments on my blogs or discussions, allowing me to view things from a different light.

As our journey continues on different paths, let us remember what we learnt about communication it will not only help us professionally but also in our personal lives. Adhere to the Platinum rule!

Feel free to leave your comments and any contact information you wish to share.

Adjourning

The adjourning stage takes effect when the project the team has been working on is coming to an end, and the individuals of that team will be going on their separate endeavors. As it has been said; some people come into your life for a season, a lifetime or a reason. The reason of those individuals on the team would be to achieve a main goal and purpose. Just like in life it is hard and difficult to say good bye to friends and those you have become fond of.

Within a team saying goodbyes become difficult because everyone has become accustom to working together, and knowing who like what, what ticks off a person, how to work around their differences. Moving on to a new group/team means the process of getting to know a person has started over. It is also difficult on entering a new team at times, because there may be comparisons between the new team members and the previous one worked with. A mind set of meeting new people, and getting to know and accept them is what needs to be in place when adjourning  from a team. One team in which I was apart of that I found difficult to say good bye was that of when I was in university doing my bachelors degree, there was this one group project that was being worked on. At the end of the semester we did not want go our separate ways because though it was a challenging assignment we all had fun working along making it the best done assignment. Also because we knew we would probably not have the opportunity to work together on a group again made it even more difficult because usually group assignments are no fun.

I do imagine adjourning from my colleagues being a bitter sweet moment, more sweet than bitter for me. My reason for it being more sweet than bitter is because I would have my Masters, no more long days and nights of studying, and fortunately technology allows for us as colleagues to stay connected as it is doing throughout our studying currently.

Conflicts

During this past week I have been working beside this particular colleague. I am a bank teller and at times we switch the station that we sit at. So during this week, this particular colleague would ask me questions of what she should do in a situation and most times she asks if I am sure, and still end up doing her own thing which at times is not the best solution. One day I told her if you are going to ask my opinion and still do what you want, just stop confusing me by asking me, she did not reply to that statement.

 

Although I do believe that she has the right to take my opinion or not, I somehow still find it as a bother for her to question me to end up not taking my advice. Two strategies that i believe would be beneficial in this situation with be that of connecting with the universal needs and values, and using cooperative strategies. 

Connecting with the universal needs and wants allows me to understand what my colleague truly want from me when she asks a question or for my opinion in a given situation. She might just need confirmation on what she is doing, or she is just seeking a vast amount of views in order to choose the best one. Either way I have to be understanding of the fact that asking me a question does not mean she will use my response. 

In using cooperative strategies, we can both come to a solution where I am only question where absolutely necessary. With this strategy though I still have to be cognizant of what may be necessary in her opinion may not be necessary to me, So with this strategy I too have to apply the platinum rule of "do to others as they themselves would like to be treated". In the fact that I would still have to answer her necessary question even if I do not deem it as necessary. 

Conflict and communication can be deemed to go hand in hand, for the simple reason of everyone communicating for their benefit. A little compromise and cooperative communicating can go a long way in having effective communication.  

    

Who Am I As a Communicator

For my evaluations on myself as a communicator I ask a friend from work and a friend from church to do the evaluations. To my surprise my evaluation about myself which I did first was very similar to the results that were received when done by my two friends. The major differences were between the scores on the Communication Anxiety Inventory, myself and my friend from church placed me in the elevated category, while my friend from work placed me in the moderate. I believe the reason for the difference is because while I am at work I am not in the position to be speaking in public or otherwise very often if at all, while at church I have been in leadership positions and it would be more noticeable in the church forum.

Two insights that I would have gained this week would  include:

1. Schemas are a very deep rooted contribution made to our perceptions of people or things around us. It is very interesting to realise and understand the smallest or biggest things that have taken place in our lives that cause us all to view things differently. Though we view them differently that mean or make anyone better than the other.

2. It is important to know that although we have our perceptions, we must still have an open mind to other people's perceptions. This will assist in having effective communication within the early childhood field, with families, colleagues, etc. Though taking this stance may cause difficulty when working with others since they may not have the same mind set, one must still work with the other to come to a common ground without simply dismissing another's point of view.

Communication is vital in every aspect of our lives, do not take it for granted when there is effective communication, for that is one commodity that is difficult to come by. 

Culture & Communication

Communication must take into consideration each individual, because everyone will be different. Each individual one may come into contact with is different in their culture and the way in which they communicate. Some persons will be straight forward down to earth individuals then others will be soft skinned, and easily hurt by words or even nonverbal communication. 

In communicating with both types of persons a few strategies that can be considered are, being understanding, listening, and responding accordingly. Being understanding is in relation to treating others the way they would want to be treated, and in order to do such one must have an understanding of a person's situation and reality. Everyone is not the same, therefore everyone cannot be treated the same, hence different ways of communication. Listening is important if one is going to know how a person feels or even understand their situation. Listening also allows for one to respond accordingly and appropriately to a person's emotions, and the situation. 

Communication is key in every circumstance, and whether we speak it or show it what is communicated will be transmitted for interpretation. Therefore say what you mean and mean what you say.   

Assumptions in Communication

The television show that I chose to watch was "Tyrant. Upon watching the very first episode of the series without sound the assumptions that I made were that, there was an american family going to visit an out of state war like country for reasons that were connected to the father of the american family. Upon arrival to the country, it seemed that the american family was well known by those who greeted them, and those who greeted them seemed to be of high importance within that country, king or such like, because the roads were cleared for their passing. The picture was filled with anger, almost everyone in this episode was angry with someone, slaps were shared, deep stares given, etc. Love and comfort was shown between the husband and wife of the american family. The adult male american seemed to be the son of the king, and the looks exchanged upon arrival did not seem to be excitement but rather just let me get this over with. The guy who greeted him at the landing strip seemed to be his brother, who was second in command after the father, as that was how it depicted in the flash backs of the american male. His brother seemed violent from the way he treated his lady, the outside women, and those that worked for him.

Upon watching the show with volume, most of my assumption were correct. The american guy did not want to go to the country, he was going for his nephew's wedding. His wife thought it would be good for him to make it alright between him and his father, but she really did not know about the circumstances behind him leaving that country to make his life in America. I was not able to decipher the plot of the entire story line, that is where words play an important role in communication.

It is interesting to see that without sound, much can be derived once one is very observant in the behaviour of the characters. You can tell the relation or lack there of, or the intensity of the relationship between individuals. Both verbal and nonverbal communication plays a very important in communication itself. Nonverbal allows one to see what is not being said, and what is said either confirms or refutes what was seen. Both sides are equally important in communication.

Competent Communication

 I believe a competent communicator I know would be a male friend of mine. He always seems willing to listen in any given situation even if the point that you are making is not one that corresponds with the situation. He understands the fact that everyone will have their opinion, and although their opinion is different to his he still sees the need to hear them out. Eye contact, humour where necessary, understanding, accepting, are good attributes that he possesses in his daily communication with others. He is able to realise when he may be wrong and stand corrected. Communication in his life comes in handy when dealing with his children, wife, friends, colleagues, but especially with teenagers and young adults who seek him for advice. In giving advice his listening attributes are necessary in order to know the situation is his advising about. Also he keeps a calm spirit in situations where many would get agitated, upset and loud.

From witnessing his competent communicator, one attribute I would love to attain is that of maintaining a calm spirit through any given situation. Calm in the sense that though the situation may upset me, I am still able to listen effectively and give necessary responses in the appropriate tone of voice.

Professional Hopes and Goals

Throughout this course we have learnt many things about diversity and culture. As an early childhood educator one should must be able to get along with other diverse families and their children. My hope is that I would treat all families similar to each other, without discrimination or prejudice against them. Going beyond how I may feel about a person, and just to give each family an equal opportunity to quality education.

One goal I'd like to set for the early childhood field, is to ensure those working in the field are aware of the bias and therefore be able to work on it or eradicate it all together. As leaders in the field we must pass on our knowledge, it will be for the benefit of the children. Treat others as you would want them to treat you; basically the golden rule. We are all diverse, consider each other's feelings.

I also would just like to say thanks to all those who would have commented on my blogs or discussions, making some interesting points for me to ponder upon. I hope everyone continues to do their best and not give up; there is a rest point at the end of the journey.

                                                 

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I am the director of a child care centre and the country my "family" is from is South Africa.


The five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards the family is:

• research the country in which the family is from, the norms, traditions, beliefs, language.
• having a meeting with the family including the child, get to know them for who they are and not assume they are like their country.
• after gathering as much information as possible, I will then pass on such information to the other educators that I work with, so that they would be prepared also.
• as educators try to rid our thoughts of stereotypes or bias.
• within the classroom place a flag of South Africa, and during lessons refer to South Africa in some instances.

I would hope these preparations benefit both myself and the family in order that the family would feel comfortable sending there child to the care centre. Also we as educators would not offend the family in any way, by our words or deeds. There would be confidence developed within the family, that they would feel welcomed and appreciated for who they are. A bond between family and educators would develop. Both educators and family should not feel as though they have to lose themselves in the process but rather just acquire love and appreciation for another person. 

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I can not honestly think any personal experience that I would have encountered. Therefore I will refer to the "Blind Side" which is based on a true story.
In "Blind Side" there was a black guy who was ostracized because he grew up in a poor community with not the best parents. Not many people expected much from the young man because of his circumstances homeless, poor grades, and no family to love and care for him. He was different from the other students and he was in a new school, probably being one of the few black children in the school. This young man had just as every right to be the greatest that he could be, with all his potential. At times people in society are not always conscious of the effects reactions towards someone affects them, and discriminating against the young man made him feel less worthy to be in such a nice school. Fortunately he was blessed with a family who love him like he was their own and that in itself boosted his self esteem, and showed him how much he was worth and his purpose in life.

This incident made me feel the at times life can be very unfair, and the people in the world do not make it any easier dealing with what life has thrown your way. With out some kind of encouragement most people give up on life and its struggles.

I believe that some change within the young man had to take place in order for him to accept who he was and his circumstances and to make the best out of every opportunity. Also a change in society and how they viewed him also had to take place, and sometimes it only takes one person in that society to make a great impact in that individual's life.    

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

It has been a challenge trying to pinpoint and occasion where microaggression has taken place in my environment. 
An example that I would have recalled is where one of my aunts usually make comments jokingly to our family who come from the Caribbean where things are not as developed, or prices not as reasonable in the US etc. She would make comments such as "you can use the speedy internet to communicate", which is a sarcasm filled statement (this was when we only had dial-up and it would always cut out etc). Other statements would be like, it's better here (US) etc. kinda down grading where the family is from. 

I would not say it is purposefully done, since most times when microaggression statements are made they are not seen as offensive initially. I do have a better understanding of microaggression and though I may have found the statements a little offensive I would not have pushed it because then it would be said that I am taking it too serious just like Dr. Sue was told in the video clip.   

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The three definitions I received on culture and diversity:

• Culture basically defines a people and distinguishes them as a group from others. This would include their beliefs, language, and attitudes. Diversity is when people of different cultures come together, or grouped together for a common goal such as an institution for learning, work organisation, also church. 

• Culture is the way of life of a particular people, it is everything, what they eat, drink, dress, music, everything. Diversity is just a mix of cultures in one place so it can be board or narrow. Example Guyana has a broad cultural diversity because they have black, white, Chinese, Indian, etc. in their country, whereas in Barbados diversity is lower because there is 90% black then everyone else. 

• Culture is what we do an how we do it, the stories told, the way individuals do things. Diversity is just varying way of doing things. Multiformity.  

The persons I asked included mostly surface culture such as language, race, food, music, dress etc. Few mentioned the deep culture such as the way we do things, what we believe in and how we think things should happen. This has shown me that the deep culture is overlooked and sometimes not considered to be a part of an individual's culture. 

My Family Culture

The three items would be:

• Bible
• A family photo of extended family
• Diary

        These three items are important to me because they all have significant meaning to me and how I have grown up withing my family culture. The photo is important because family means a lot to me, from age 13 my family on my father's side have been having family reunions as a way of keeping connected and passing on the legacy, and on my mother's side family is also important though we do not have reunions. The photo would be important because if I cannot be among them at least I would have a photo of my family to bring a smile to my face when I reminisce on all the memories we have made as a family.
       Within my family immediate and extended the christian faith has been extended down through generations, and a strong belief in having a relationship with God, this is why having the bible would be one of my items. I am able to read it and develop my relationship with God, maybe encourage others who may see the unfortunate circumstance as the end of a purposeful life. Although I have grown up reading the bible there are still many passages I would want to read, and being in a new country I may have more time to do such reading.
        The diary is an aspect in which I developed over the years of growing up. I started keeping records of events when I had to change homes in my country Barbados, I did not keep daily records but any eventful occurrence was recorded in my diary. It brought a about a method of venting when there was no one to express how I felt to, it also allowed me to keep records of things I may not remember years later, and it also allows me to see where I was and where I am now especially mentally and intellectually.

If I was told I could only keep one item, I would feel torn between which one to keep because they all mean something significant to me. It is difficult to part with something that has become a part of who you are, and one may try to hide and keep at least two of the items. A number of mixed feelings would arise; such as sadness, anger, betrayed, indecisiveness, dislike for the person(s) whom instructed such a choice to be made, etc.

In doing this exercise I have come to realise and understand a little more about my personal family culture, because through my experiences which make up my family culture, I would not have connected me keeping a diary to the family culture I was raised in. I say this because I do not know of any of my family members who keep diaries, but the experiences that I have faced and encountered brought me to a place where I saw a need to keep a diary. These experiences involve the culture of family.

When I Think of Research...

During this period of time much was learnt about research. I have learnt that research is not all it seems on the outset, there is more background work to be done even before research can be started, even just narrowing down the research topic can be an interesting process. Prior to this course I would have thought I would have been able to do a pretty good research paper, but now though I am equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools, I believe that a good research paper takes more than what I would have given to it initially and I am still not sure about producing a research paper for a nation to have access to.

Planning, designing, are very important in research. To have a well executed research paper, one must have an idea of the purpose and what exactly is one trying to find out. Specific topics are necessary in order to have a precise research paper with accurate results. Conducting research is a tedious process and I believe that it would take up a great amount of time, and therefore as a research one would have to sacrifice something in order to produce a high quality research paper.  

In this learning process I found my greatest challenge was narrowing down my research topic to something specific. I thought this narrowing would take away from possibly greater eye opening results. I do understand and appreciate the need for developing such specific research topics. A broad topic would take away from focusing and retrieving specific results in any particular area but would just give a general view, which takes away from the purpose of a research paper.

As an early childhood professional I am capable of doing research, it is not just for those in research labs etc. Through my research I may be able to make an impact in the lives I interact with daily.

I also just want to take this time to thank all my colleagues who have taken their time to give me feedback whether on my blog or discussion posts. I hope you all have learnt something that you may be able to use in the not too distant future.

Research Around the World

The site I chose was European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA). They have a sections for special issues which seeks to remain focus n their vision and mission. In the special issues some topics that have been focused on where for example improving quality by understanding and researching professionalism and leadership; listening to children and their parents in order to honour their voices and participation; exploring the theory and realities of outside play and learning; and most recently, understanding the evidence of children's learning from birth to three years of age.

One the website, there was an article that intrigued me, it is entitled "Introducing Children's Perspectives and Participation in Research". This article would have mentioned the rights of a child, particularly the right to participate in decision making that affects their lives and to be empowered to communicate their own views. It also went on to speak about a tension within the rights, between the right to protection, their rights to participation, and their rights to privacy. The question was asked what gives us the right as grown-ups to search children's point of view. In all honesty this is interesting, because we have learnt that children can give the assent to participation if they want to. It is technically a choice of the child, though some may argue that the child may not fully understand, what they are agreeing to. Children do have parents, whom should be able to guide their child to the appropriate choice in such a circumstance. Knowing a child's perspective is just as vital as enforcing their rights. 

This site is for anyone looking to be involved in research pertaining to early childhood, one can easily become a become of the association, and maybe one day be selected to produce a research paper. 

Link to site : http://www.eecera.org/ 

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

        I came across a research paper that was done on the effects of father involvement. This research basically focused on the kind of influence of a father being involved in their child's life could have on the child's development. The research paper also states the impact on the father's as men in their adult life and also on their spouse or partner relationship.
        Father involvement influences cognitive development, emotional development and well being, social development, and a decrease in negative child development outcomes such as delinquent behaviour. As a father being involved in their child's life, they are more self confident and effective as parents. The article goes on to speak about how a co-parental relationship has indirect effects on the child.
         I find this research to be interesting because there are many fathers out there who do not take their role seriously, and therefore having a life long effect on the child. While on the other hand some woman do not think they need the man to be in the child's life and that they will raise the child themselves. Either is not beneficial to the child, it is best that a child be raised by both parents. Without either parent their are life long effects on the child, children should be able to enjoy life with no worries rather than wondering why their father is not around and is it their fault. It was also interesting to see not only is the child affected by the father's involvement but also the father's life is positively affected by their involvement in their child's life.


Web link
http://www.ecdip.org/docs/pdf/IF%20Father%20Res%20Summary%20(KD).pdf 

       

My Personal Research Journey

Thus far my simulation process has taken  me through the possible topics that I could focus on, I have come from how efficiently and effectively to carter to each child's need with in the classroom, but after summing up my three subtopics, I still had too board topics as sub-topics. Coming out from that process my final decision on my topic is now "Differentiated Learning". This topic was chosen because in most classroom if you as a child do not understand or learn a particular topic as fast or in the same manner as majority of the class, one is ignored and left behind. This causes retardation in the child's learning progress. It is important as an educator to identify students who are not grasping the concept of a topic, find out why and try to rectify the situation by teaching it to the child in a different manner. It is hard to see children going to school everyday and not learning because their teacher did not realise that they were not understanding the concepts from the initial introduction of a new topic. Being observant as a teacher is very important, because most children will not willingly stand up and say that they do not understand especially if it seems like they are the only one not understanding.
The learning chart is not as simple as it seems at first, one has to really think about it and how to explain each aspect in their own words so it still applies to research. It is an interesting journey of research thus far and understanding and developing topics can be a challenge, especially in doing the research for the topics. Finding relevant and good research is always a task at hand.
Just for your opinion, what subtopics would you suggest for my topic "Differentiated Learning"?

Final Blog Assignment

In learning about the international early childhood field, there are consequences involved. Three of these consequences include:

- being aware of the circumstances of other children internationally and not necessarily being able to make a difference for them as one would like.

- realizing that as an educator one's role is very important, and as small a change made by oneself is just as impactful as a big change.

- realizing that in most areas the issues are similar as it pertains to the early childhood field. Therefore educators should be able to assist each other with their circumstances, whether be by giving ideas, resolutions, or physically going to assist.

One goal would be to not only think of making a social impact in your community or country but also internationally. There is a need for educators to unite and make a greater impact on the future via our children. A social change internationally is also possible.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

In trying to contact my international contact was a little troublesome this week, and it would have been the last time so I really wanted her input.

In communicating with her, she stated that there are discussions of the importance of early childhood education before children begin school. They mayor in her state just received money for full day pre-K programs in the public schools, which is in an effort to ensure the children have a certain basic knowledge when the start school. She personally has a problem with the fact that the belief of babies babies being better when at home with mommy is being eradicated, in order to get them in school as early as possible. Though by doing this everything is moving faster, babies can not be babies anymore but have to grow and conform very early. Yet many studies show that most countries with strong educational numbers do not begin till later allowing students to mature and grow before adding all the pressure.
In terms of professional development, it is usually a term thrown around but not truly enforced. Although people meet to discuss new philosophies nothing is put into effect, mostly because no one wants to change what they have been doing. In other words it is up to the individual to develop professionally, since nothing is enforced for them to develop in.

On a personal level, as a professional she would like to open her own early childhood center geared towards students with special needs. The center will provide opportunities for them to learn in their own way and still let them be themselves.She believes that that particular population of children have been warehoused from early and in truth are able to learn just not the same way as the public school dictates. She looks forward to networking with professionals in that field.

Sharing Web Resources-Part 3

Upon searching the site of ACEI; I came across this article which refers to the "International Day of Families". This day is celebrated on the 15th May, and it is to stress the importance of having healthy and happy familial relationships. Families are very important to the development of a child, they are the first teachers that child will meet, and will continue to be their role model for a long time. This day is so that families would not be taken for granted nor would families take their role likely in the life of child.

Within the website there is a Global Action put in place called the "Post 2015 Agenda". This a plan put in place to ensure children around the world where able to live to their full potential. This first had to start with ensuring all children where receiving a primary education, but although this was happening they found that the children did not know what they should by a certain age. Now that 2015 is drawing near, it is now to understand the barriers to achieving universal education. This Global Action, is catering to equity and excellence, where they are trying to ensure every child whatever race, gender, language, ethnicity, poor, rich receive a primary education, and they are striving for excellence in ensuring each child learns what is expected to be learnt.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

On speaking to my contact in located in New York City, she has confirmed the effects of inequity and how it affects excellence in a child's learning process.
She spoke about the effects of children coming from single parent homes, that after the parent has come from work most of the time they are rushing to get home and have no time for the child, their homework, or communicating with the child. Most times the parent ends up shouting at the child, or talking at the child not rather than talking to the child and not hearing their opinions. Children are thereby highly affected by the lack of relationship they have been developing with their parent, and the continuity of following orders and therefore this affects their intellectual processing of thinking and reasoning for themselves.
Another example would be that of foster children who do not have necessarily have the stability of a family, and therefore it affects their learning and social skills in school. They look for attention in different forms and ways, and therefore end up in trouble or being disruptive in class not only affecting themselves but the others in the class.
The inequity in the lives of the children and in schools, do affect the learning process of the children and therefore the excellence is not at the highest standard as they should be.

Sharing Web Resoucres

On the web source that I chose, www.acei.org, there is a new article entitled "Early Childhood in Gaza and the West Bank". This article speaks to the unemployment rate which is affecting lack of nutrition that the children are receiving. The quality of early childhood care was not high quality, the teacher to child ratio was high, and the care providers had little reparation knowledge. Fortunately there is a non-governmental, non-political organisation working for the betterment of the children and families in the Middle East, they are called ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid).

There is some information on Compassionate Schools,which made see the importance of compassion differently. This information gives insight on where compassion is purposely focus on to be taught and instilled in the children. It is important because every child has their own situation and if their peers can be a compassionate towards them in that period then there is some positive result coming forth from the stress that child maybe facing at home.

Though I did not see any direct link to the economists, politicians, or neuro scientists, I am sure that somewhere along the lines this organisation has been affected by previously mentioned. For example, to be a member of ACEI there are subscription fees, which are more than likely used to assist in the maintaining of the organisation, and with the economic crisis I am sure that those subscription fees have increased at some point in time in order to do the necessary which thereby affects the assist given to the children in need.

One new insight would be that, children everywhere need assistance, some more than others, but there is a cry from children all over the world for help and love.

Getting to Know International Contacts

My conversation partner is with an elementary school teacher in New York. I chose her because of ease to contact and it is out of my region since I reside in Barbados. Though an elementary teacher, she has taken it upon herself to facilitate a summer camp within her home. The main reason she started the summer camp was to give parents an alternative place to send their child rather than the expensive summer camps or just leaving them at home to be watched by the television. She stated that usually only parents with money are able to send their children to summer camps and the poorer families end up leaving their children at home, and by the start of school they have done nothing to maintain their brain cells.

At her camp she provides less fortunate families opportunities for their children to visit cultural locations, and an hour a day of tutoring, while being to afford to send their children. She also stated that the affluent people spend the summer taking their children to visit places and see the world giving them the advantage of greater knowledge. While the less fortunate families aren't able to because of finances, so she provides an avenue for the children to learn more in order to put a stunt in the cycle of poverty with in families.

In order for the cycle of poverty to cease there must be someone or some persons who are not in it for the money, to see a need and cater to it. Children require exposure to different aspects of life in order to grow and develop into well rounded individuals. See a need and cater to it.

Sharing Web Resources

The name of the international website is ACEI- Association for Childhood Education International
The link is http://acei.org/
This international website focuses on providing quality education worldwide, so that those children receiving can make a difference in the world, or just the community they live in.

The article that caught my attention was that of "International Mother Language Day". ACEI supported the UNESCO mission to promote multilingualism, encouraging the society to have a greater awareness of linguistic a cultural traditions. Through this day being acknowledge it also others to realize there are others of different cultures and languages whom they have to be better equipped to communicate with.

Establishing Professional Contacts

During this week in thinking of whom I should contact, I had one definite person I could communicate with, but since their Day care facility is small and and now starting out it may not experience everything. Therefore I have attempted to make contact with a preschool principal in Trinidad, I am still awaiting a response. 

The site I have chose to follow and study is:

Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/
(Review also these online resources at: http://acei.org/knowledge/ )

My Supports

In my daily environment I would have to place my supports in categories, which would be family, friends, and God. My family has been my main support financially when possible, and just by understanding the importance of studying early childhood though I may not be in the field at the moment. There is also the subtle pressure of doing well, because family usually wants the best for you they ensure that I am doing my best in everything that I am doing especially when it relates to studying and pursuing your dreams. As I speak about my family it includes my extended family also which is not usually the case for many persons. My friends are another of my main support systems, without my friends I'd probably sleep all night and do no work, but my friends make sure my assignments are finished even if it means not messaging them for a period of time, not hanging out etc. They are a pure gift sent from God to be understanding and caring about my education. Most of all, where would I be without God's grace, many times we fail may not tell our friends or family, but God knows and He still loves and shows interest in our lives. He has proven time and time again no matter for frustrated or unmotivated I get He is always there, even if He sends someone to cheer me up and encourage me to see the finish line and just enjoy the journey of studying. Without my supports, I can surely say I would not be doing a masters, I would have probably given up by now, but they show me the potential I may not see, and encourage me to keep pressing on.

The challenge I imagined, was being deaf. My supports would more than likely be interested in communicating with me, so I can see them going out of their way to learn sign language, and also help to learn to communicate with them. The emotional support would also be evident because having a sudden change in a way of life and have emotional wounds on anyone, becoming frustrated trying to understand and know what is going on around. My supports would definitely try their best to comfort me, and make me smile, bringing joy to my heart would come easy by my family and friends. Certainly God will never leave me nor forsake me.  

My Connections to Play

As a child play was a natural part of my daily routine, whether it be outside or just inside the house, but play was allowed and not put down, because it was seen as vital part of growing up, or maybe just a part of growing up. At a very young age, my parents may have come and play with me, then as I got a little older around age 6 or 7, I played by myself pretend play, I have a brother so he would not necessarily want to play what i was playing, though when we did go outside we would play together. As usual there were rules, how far to go outside, what time to come inside etc, but playing was very much encouraged as I grew up. As a child growing it was a custom to receive gifts of toys, or books all which are used for the intellectual growth as a child. 

Play today compared to play when I was young, is different and sometimes non-existent, play today can be so very structured, trying to get the child to learn something specific from a specific object. When I was a child if a toy was not available children would use whatever was in the house or outside the house. There was a social aspect of play, you had to go out of your way to make a friend and be able to play, whether it be sharing a toy, colouring, or playing a hand game it was not always a purposely set up by adults but it usually came naturally by the child. Children usually set out to discover and explore on their own, the problem comes when adults try to control their exploring and then have to make up for it in setting up the correct atmosphere for them to explore, which may not always give the same results.

Play, plays a very important in the development and growth of the child, play builds the foundation for the maturity of the adult the child will grow up to be. It encourages social, mental, physical development that is important as a child and as an adult.  

Relationship Reflection

Having relationships are an important aspect in life, they allow you to be able to share your life with someone. Relationships allow for life friendships, being true to yourself, showing love, and having fun in life. In life I believe that the friendships/relationships you have should be of a positive light in some how to your life, or at least you be a positive light to that person.

In my life the relationships are made up of family and friends, family being very important to me because we as a family are very close, that includes the extended part of my family. We come together when ever possible just to be around each other, share our experiences, laugh, love, play pranks, give advice etc. From being around my family it shows how important it is to have relationship with those around you, because you never know the impact you can have on one's life. Stemming off from the relationships I have developed in my family, I have a also developed positive friendships over the years. These friendships have always been helpful whether in life decisions, school, socializing, spiritual growth, and though at times it may feel like I was giving out more of me than I was receiving, it was a matter of understanding why each individual has been placed in my life and to accept it.

Relationships are hard work, keeping them alive that is. It is true that friends can be in different countries not hear each other for a while but still when they meet back up it was like they never left. Though this is true, sometimes friends grow apart for various reasons, lack of communication, lack of trust, lack of understanding, lack of love etc., this can be the result in the little effort placed in keeping the friendship.
From have developed relationships with family and friends, it leaves me in good stead for developing relationships in the field of early childhood. In that I would be able to love each child and family for who they are and not who I want them to be, to be able to offer advice, and keep a clear communication system going on.

                                         This a picture of my family at our family reunion in 2012