Family

This is actually a hard time for me realizing that this is actually the last post we will share together a this group. I have cried with you, laughed with you learned a great deal from you and become close to you. But most of all you have become like family to me. I looked forward to receiveing your encouraging words. We are now looking forward to our future which we are now even closer to. Thank you for everything. I would love to stay incontact with you my personal e-mail is rhdaniels54@gmail.com stay in touch. Have a blessed holiday and please remember to keep the familys in prayer that lost their love ones.

Blankets

 Teacher to Teacher

 

     When one of the teachers that I work with came up with the idea to do something for the Sandy victims I was more than happy to help her set plans in motion. The forming of the group began with our principal giving permission to allow us to have a blanket drive for people in need especially the Sandy victims. Our principal agreed to allow the students to bring in a blanket and as a thank you the students were allowed to wear jeans, Wearing jeans to school means a lot to the students because we wear school uniforms.

     In three days the students and teachers collected 103 blankets for those in need. Our goal was to collect 300 blankets. In an effort to help I agreed to match the blankets by asking members at the church to donate blankets. The blankets were then moved from the school to the church where they were on display for others to see and hopefully be encouraged to help us reach our goal. It was a success and we now had 200 blankets. Not wanting to give up on our goal we began to reach out to other churches and we even purchased more blankets. Once again we were successful collecting approximately 300 blankets.

     The journey of the blankets had only begun. When the teacher came up with the idea it was agreed upon that we wanted to directly put these blankets into someone’s hands that would be responsible for seeing that those in need would receive the blankets. A native of New York I agreed to take the blankets from North Carolina to New York. Little did we know that what started out an idea for a blanket drive was about to turn into a journey.

     Last Saturday around 12:00 noon someone broke into our church stealing the after school programs 51’ Flat screen TV off the wall, 3 computers, their Blue Ray DVD among other things. We were naturally hurt but in the midst of the hurt a miracle had appeared to have happened. All the blankets for the blanket drive were located under the TV that was stolen. In order to get to the TV a person would have to throw blankets on the floor, knock the Christmas tree over and stand on the donated food that was around the Christmas tree in order to step on the table to take the TV. None of the above happened. The blankets were in place, the tree was upright and the food was still in place. That means whoever stole the TV knew that the blankets were very important to us, enough that they removed some blankets, stood on the table, stole the TV and then took time to place the blankets back.

     Well I am in route on my way back home from New York. With a team of 8 volunteers, 4 men, 2 ladies and 2 students we successfully went to New York and delivered the blankets. Through fate and my cousin we were linked together with a group of outreach volunteers called Manna of Life who faithfully work with people who are displaced, in shelter homes and they help with feeding the hungry in the area. Before we actually left there was a lady who came in the office asking for a blanket (conformation). The beautiful thing about the trip and giving the blankets was Manna of Life had been given toys for children, this group was touched so much with our donating the blankets they donated over 100 Christmas toys for our youth in the after school program.

     As I was leaving the lady who had been so kind and thankful for the blankets put her arms around me and said I am a school teacher and I work with children. What an ending, from teacher to teacher what started out as a desire for a teacher to reach out and show ended up in the hands of another teacher to carry her dream on. As I passed all the beautiful blankets which now had a new home, I reached out and picked up a colorful new blanket and held it real tight, this was the adjourning stage the final journey of the blankets with me.

     There was a moment of sadness so much had transpired since the children first began to bring the blankets. The blankets had survived a robbery, and traveling over 500 miles to reach their new destination. At that moment it was not important how much money had been spent, or how many tolls had been paid, or even the hundreds of dollars spent on gas, what mattered most was that it was done from the heart. After all this is the season of giving and because of these blankets over 100 toys will bring joy to several children at Christmas time? The team of 8 had completed their goal walking away with a better feeling of self-worth.

 

Reference

 (Adapted from O'Hair and Wiemann, 2012,

 

Disagreements

Disagreements

     Daily I disagree with students in regards to how they disrespect their teachers. Students try to explain to me why it is alright to argue back at a teacher, be rude and disrespectful to their teachers, use profanity or harsh words and sometimes threaten their teachers. Regardless to how upset these students are with their teachers I try to hear them out and then offer some good sound advice. I have stated in the past that I am old school and regardless to what the teacher said under no circumstance were we allowed as we were told to talk back.

     The biggest disagreement that I have with the students is that no one listens to them and everyone believes the teacher. It’s hard to explain to a student that you are not saying the teacher is always right but what I am saying is that you have no right to be disrespectful. My instruction to them is if there is a problem go home and tell your parents, they are the adults and let them handle the situation.

     Big mistake, the student’s remarks to me is if I tell my mom or dad they will come out to the school and curse the teacher out and then the teacher will really be mad. So the students prefer not to tell their parents for fear of their parents making matters worse. This puts me right back where I started at telling the students if they will not tell their parents then they must be responsible enough not to try to handle adult situations themselves.

     Trying to explain to them that being disrespectful will not help their situation and it will only make matters worse. Usually after talking to them for a while the student usually calms down and I am able to talk to them and reason with them. My ultimate goal usually is to  bring the student and teacher together to talk about the situation. Prior to the meeting I ask the student to apologize to the teacher for being disrespectful. Most of the time they feel that they do not owe the teacher an apology but the teacher owes them an apology. My answer to them is you are not apologizing for what they have done to you but you are apologizing for being disrespectful.

     After the student is willing to apologize I bring the teacher and student together. I introduce the two to each other as if it were the first day of school. This sets the tone for a new beginning for both the teacher and the student. They shake hands, the student apologizes and often the teacher apologizes and states that they are sorry if they have caused any hurt.  This approach sometimes does not work but I am thankful for all the times that it has worked and teachers like the idea of starting all over and giving it another try.  

Communicating

Similarities and Differences

      After Thanksgiving Dinner it was at the table for assessment. I chose my daughter who has known me all her life and is probably my best critic. She is 32 years old, married for 10 years with no children. The second person that completed the survey is a 34 year old electrical engineer with her master’s degree. She has been married for 1 year and has a 2 week old baby. Her passion is being a portrait photographer in her free time.

     The one thing that surprised me the most about the evaluations is that for communication anxiety there was a three way score of 30 between the two people I chose and myself. For listening there was a three way match between the two people that I chose placing me in group 1.  I was just amazed at how well they knew me. I have never given it much thought until this assessment just how much my profession calls for me to communicate on a daily basis. There is not a day that is the same and I never know from day to day what problems I will have to deal with.

     Other insights about communication that I gained this week came under verbal aggression. It was in this area of the assessment that my score was higher(69) than the two people who took the assessment(58 & 67). It appeared that I could be argumentative at times possible hurting the person who was listening. The first thought that came to my mind was In School Suspension. Daily I deal with youth who are sent to me with behavior issues. Although these youth are sent to me I do not want to hurt their feelings any more than they have been hurt. My employment requires me to be firm with the students but in being firm I want to be fair.

     The two people who assessed me did not receive the results that I did but rather scored that I maintained a good balance between respect and consideration for others view points and the ability to argue fairly by attacking the facts of a position rather than the person holding that position. Since our scores were so different it makes me wonder if I am being to verbally aggressive.

     Another insight that I gained was because I was assessed as being empathetic and concerned with the emotions of others I am able to build relationships. Where it may seem that I am being too stern with the youth I am still building positive relationships that keep the students coming back to me just to be a listening ear. Before the assessment I did not know exactly what was going on and why youth came to me on a regular basis to share their problems. Sometimes I actually think some of the students purposely get into trouble just to come and sit with me in ISS.

     The assessment brought out a lot of good points which I plan to implement into my field of work, with my family and families that I work with and my colleagues. What I view as really important is having the ability to be a good listener. If I can be a good listener than the youth I serve will have no problem communicating to me.

 

 

 

Communicating With Different Groups

     When asked if I communicate differently with people from different cultures and groups my answer is most definitely. I am reminded of an older mother in the church who is pretty much set in her old ways. She is over 80 very religious, old timey as they would say, set in her ways, unwilling to accept change and believes that if young people want to know about sex it should be taught by someone other than church people.

      Her motto is “Don’t Discuss the Bedroom at Church”. She is very serious about this to the point that she has verbally told everyone. There is no need to try to discuss this with her because she stands firm and solid that sex and church just don’t mix. I have to smile when I hear her make this statement because this is the problem with our youth today. Our youth oftentimes feel they have no one to turn to so they turn to the streets for answers.

     So many youth come to me and ask questions about sex. Many times they are not even sexually active but are curious. Being able to talk with them many times have kept them from going out and having sex before time. In the situation of the mother out of respect and her age I try to respect how she feels by not bringing up the sex topic.  I am very careful about what I say around her and I try to make sure that our youth are careful not to ask specific questions when we are having group discussions.

     At the age of 80+ mother is not changing although change is all around her. It is amazing how the best kept secret among the elderly (sex)  still got out. Unfortunately my mom never talked with me about sex and I never had anyone who I could talk to. When I had my children it was different they could talk to me about anything and they did talk to me about anything. Sometimes I would have to have to hold my composure in order not to let them know I cannot believe this “child is asking me this”.  

My Chief Presider

Bishop William Lee Bonner

      As a young girl growing up under Bishop Bonner I remember sitting in the congregation at a young age and being mesmerized as he spoke words of encouragement out of his mouth. To me he was my father figure, strong, full of excitement, determined, giving, caring and so much more. Although he was an older pastor he managed to keep my attention even at a very young age.

     Bishop Bonner always spoke positive; he made you feel like you could accomplish anything even if it were boy problems. I remember around the age of 16 years old my mom took me to see Bishop Bonner because I was having boy drama. I remember sitting in front of Bishop Bonner and he was so gentle and kind, soft spoken and concerned. The last words that Bishop Bonner told me before we left the office was daughter you haven’t done anything wrong and don’t worry about it. Saying that to me helped me to believe that I had done nothing wrong.    

     In 1972 when it was time for me to go away to college and my dad had not prepared for my education it was Bishop Bonner who put up the money to give me my first start towards my educational goals. Bishop Bonner presides over 600 churches worldwide, he is our leader, our presider, our father in the gospel, but most important to me is he took time while in North Carolina to stop my house to say Praise The Lord. For the rest of my life I will never forget seeing Bishop Bonner sitting in my chairs at my home. This week he turns 92 years old and still remains the same, down to earth, willing to help while having an open line of communication with anyone he meets.     

Thank You

Professional Hopes and Goals

     It’s that time again time to move on to the next class. I must say that this class has touched my heart string more than any other class I have had. I have learned so much and have grown so much. The three words diversity, equity and social justice have taken on new meaning in my life or I could just say has meaning in my life. We are all different in so many ways but yet the same. This past 8 weeks has taught me to appreciate people for who they are and what they have to offer. I may not be able to speak Spanish but I can learn from and respect those who do speak Spanish. We may not attend the same church or worship the say way but we all have a right to attend the church of our choice and worship who we please. Just because I am African-American and you are of another race does not mean we cannot get along together. I am 58 years old soon to be a senior citizen but I have something to offer just as my classmates who are so much younger than me. We are all unique individuals in our own special way; we all deserve to be given a fair chance at life.

     One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I will be open minded, compassionate, understanding , eager to learn, accepting, fair, and recognizing that people are different and they come with a lot to offer if given a chance.

     To my colleagues your words have been an inspiration to my life.  There is no other class that I have shed as many tears as I have with this class. The words of encouragement and praise that you offered to me during this class will go with me forever. I guess what amazes me the most is that we have never seen each other but yet have shared so much together. I look forward each week to reading your discussion board and blogs. My hope is that I have in some way or another encouraged you as much as your have encouraged me. Thank you for your support and remember we are all unique in our own special ways.

  From Thailand to the United States

     As a child care specialist for North Carolina’s Children’s Hospital I have been asked to make preparation for 50 Hmong Children who will be arriving in the United States in 30 days from a Refugee Camp located in Thailand. Two former refugees who are now married relocated to the United States and have started a group home for displaced Hmong children refugee children.

     The living conditions in the refugee camp have been poor with over 43,000 people living in less than one mile. There are no toilets, no adequate water for bathing, no clinics for the sick, no jobs, no land to grow food and no way of getting money.

     The ages of these children will vary from 2 years old to 5 years old. In order to prepare the staff for the coming of these children I have set in motion a plan to help make their transition to the United States run smoothly.

·       Since we have their adoptive parents here in the United States I would first have them to meet with everyone in the children’s department who will be involved with these children. In this meeting we will discuss ways to better serve these children as well as learning basic words that these children will understand in their own language.

·       Next it will be important to meet with the head of the dietary department to implement a meal plan that will gradually introduce the children to American food while still allowing them enjoy their native food.

·       These children have never seen a toilet, running water, people who look different from them, spoken English or heard English so this will all be new to the. I will put a welcoming committee together that will basically and gradually introduce these children to a modern way of life. We do not want the children to become fearful so we will move at a slow pace.

·       Since these children will be living in the United States they will need to learn Basic English so there will be teachers who will begin to teach them English.

·       It is going to be very important to have their adoptive parents on hand during this two week period. The children will be able to relate to them, they look like them, they talk like them and they eat food that they like. This will give the children a sense of home and their culture.

     These preparations hopefully will allow the children to make a smooth transition from the refugee camp to their new home. After leaving the hospital I have been asked to continue to follow and assist the adoptive parents and children for the next three months. My job as a childcare professional will be to direct an onsite child care center for the children to begin preschool.

   

References

    UNC Health Care

    http://www.ncchildrenshospital.org/news/usnews/rankings12-13   

    The Refugee experience in Thialand

    http://www.cal.org/co/hmong/hthai.html

Atlanta, Georgia

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression  

  One memory that I have of an incident where I witnessed someone else being the target of bias and prejudice was around 15 years ago. For Spring Break I took a group of approximately 30 African American teenage youth to Atlanta Georgia for Spring Break. At least 60 percent of the group was males. While in Atlanta I decided to take the group to Underground Atlanta. My directions to them were to walk around, do some shopping and to meet me back at a certain time and location.  Prior to coming I instructed everyone to be on their best behaviors, do not go in stores in large numbers, and not to stay in the stores to long.

     After being in the Underground for about an hour one of the youth came and told me that security had one of my youth for shoplifting. I quickly went to the store and found the youth being questioned by security. I asked the young man what was going on and he said that he was accused of stealing something. He told me that he had brought something from the store and I asked him if he had a receipt and he said yes. I asked for the receipt and sure enough he had it. Security told us that they were sorry for the mix up. 

     The young man was terrified at what had just happened. I knew that he had been questioned because he was a black male in a store and with other young black boys. Personally I feel that the situation was unfair and that the young men were automatically being watched because of their race and because it was more than one youth in the store. I did explain to the entire group that it was important to be very careful when going in and out of stores. I told them to keep up with their receipts. As I listened to different ones I could hear them saying that was not fair, we don’t even want to go into any other stores.  Their comfort of going into stores and shopping had left a bad feeling in them.

     As for me I knew that I had to try to protect our youth as much as possible and educate them on how to protect themselves in situations like this one. I had never had a situation like this one to happen to me before so I could only imagine what it felt like the, embarrassment and shame of being accused of stealing.

     In order for there to be changes for greater equity I feel that the store managers would have to come together with security and their employees and put together steps to be followed in cases where one is suspected of shoplifting. Just because there are more than 2 black boys in a store does not mean they are there shoplifting. The easiest thing that could have been done was for security to simply ask the young man if he had a receipt before he accused him of stealing

Micro aggressions

Practicing Awareness of Micro aggressions

Growing up as a little girl there was an old saying that sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never harm me. As years passed by I learned that this statement was not true because words can sometimes hurt even more than the stone that hits you. I have two wonderful grandsons who received a scholarship to attend one of the most prestigious private schools in Eastern North Carolina. The school has around 750 students which around 720 are white students and around 30 students are black. My grandsons are two of the black students that make up the 30 students.  My daughter called me upset because her best friend asked her why would she send her children to an all-white school wasn’t public school good enough for them. My daughter became so upset about the statement. I explained to my daughter that everyone was not going to be happy about her sending the boys to a basically all white school but this was a great opportunity for them and that they would be alright.

The micro aggression that was spoken to my daughter hurt because instead of her friend looking at the boys as having the opportunity to attend this school she viewed it as our family think we are better than others. No I do not feel we are better than other but I do believe we are just as good as others and we have a right to educate our children where ever we chose. There are so many that would love to attend this school but it was my grandchildren that received the scholarship and for this opportunity I am grateful.

 

Diversity and Culture

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

I chose to interview 4 Caucasian college interns working towards their master’s degree in Health and Physical Education. I chose these 4 because they have been assigned to observe In School Suspension. At first when I asked the question they pretty much just looked at me with a blank stare for a few seconds as though they wanted to make sure that they gave the right answer.

After deep thought these were their answers.

Culture

Culture is the language, thoughts, and behavior that you are brought up with within a community. (Kevin)

Diversity

What makes you different, how certain people standout from others? (Heather)

What’s common and what’s different? (Jeff)

Difference and similarities between beliefs and values (Forrest)

As each question was answered the future teacher became more and more comfortable with each answer given. I personally found their answers to be meaningful and from the heart. I did notice that no one defined culture as a person’s race. Not sure if this was done because I am African American and they just did not feel comfortable talking about one’s race.

When I think about the answers given by the future teachers I did sense that this was a topic that each one gave much thought making sure they gave the correct answer.

 

  

My Family Culture

     This assignment really touched my heart. I could accept the catastrophe and having to move. I was glad to read that my immediate family is among those who will be evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. As I continued to read on and saw where I had to decide on three small items that I could take I immediately knew that I would take my bible because it represented what I believed in. Since I did not know what country I would be going to I was not sure there would be a copy of the bible I could read. The second item that I wanted to take was my passport/birth certificate. Although I might not ever have the opportunity to leave the country I still wanted to have my proof of citizenship just in case I did get the chance to go back home one day. My third item I had to think about and I finally decided that I would take family pictures. My reason for the pictures is to keep the memories of my family in my mind. These pictures are my family, they way we dress, where we lived at, what we eat, our hairstyles, and our life. Through these pictures I might be able to share with other cultures our way of living.

     Learning that I would only be able to keep one personal item upon arrival was a shocker. Deciding which two items to let was a decision that was somewhat hard because I knew that I would be letting go my identity and my history. I decided to keep the Bible because this would be my source of strength to encourage me as I faced the challenges that were before me.  Prior to leaving I had recorded in the Bible all of my family’s information, date of birth, full names, family tree, birth place, marriages, and family deaths. My decision would be to give up my passport and family pictures.  I knew that giving up the passport could also mean that I may never have a chance to leave the country but my faith would give me the strength to believe if my Higher Power delivered once he would be able to deliver me. The memories of my family would last a life time so I could just close my eyes and think of them and all the good and bad times we shared together.

     As I think back over the assignment I realize that my religious background plays a very important part in my life. I am very aware that there will be cultural differences as I leave one country to go to another but I firmly that my beliefs, my family, and being culturally diverse and learning to adjust  will allow me to survive in the environment that I will be in.

Research

When I think of research

     Directly and indirectly I have learned a great deal. Prior to taking this class I knew very little about how to conduct research on a topic. I must say it was a challenge for me one that I am glad that I did not give up on. As I look back I now realize that research requires a great deal of detailed work.

     I would say the biggest challenge for me was trying to put into words exactly what I was trying to say. I knew what I wanted to say but how to narrow it down and come up with a topic was a challenge. With the help of Dr. Davis I was able to get on track and work towards achieving my goal. With help and support of my classmates I managed to stay positive and not give up.

     As an early childhood professional this course has taught me the importance of research especially when it comes to children. Children play an important role in research and should be viewed as participants with a voice.

     To all my classmates thank you so much you have no idea how much you encouraged me. I have enjoyed reading your discussions and receiving your comments. As we get closer to graduation I look forward to meeting you. Thanks again.

Ekikyere Nyamabondo : The Lazy Frog

     Indigenous storytelling in Uganda plays a big part in early childhood learning. Story telling is part of their education, moral beliefs, history, and culture. Story telling is so important that according to (Gamurorwa, 2004)it is used for early childhood development in their modern environment.

     Through research it was learned that fables, tricksters, tales, legends, myths and other stories are mainly told at night. Their sole purpose is for educating, entertaining and helping to shape character. Storytelling basically will have two themes good and evil.

     Although some may not view storytelling as important study shows that storytelling is very important and should be implemented in the early childhood development program. According to (Gamurorwa, 2004) storytelling in early childhood development promotes physical and social development which includes:

·         Stimulating the child

·         Comprehension

·         Verbal communication skills

·         Preparing children for their role as adults

·         Problem identification and resolution

·         Developing listening skills and improved memorization

·         Increased awareness about indigenous cultural and societal values and beliefs

·         Molding character through themes such as cleverness and intelligence, hard work and bravery, greed and corruption, care for others, discipline and good behavior, and marriage and family life.

     As a child I grew up listening to storytelling and even today children love to hear stories. I was surprised to learn that story telling was viewed so high in the educational part of learning and all the areas that are developed through story telling.

     One of the stories from the study that I would like to share with you is the story of” The Lazy Frog” (Ekikyere Nyamabondo)

Ekikyere Nyamabondo (The Lazy Frog)

A long time ago, there lived a frog that had jiggers in its feet. It was very lazy but liked to eat very much. So, one day its mother said to it:

“Lazy frog, lazy frog.”

“Hm,” the frog answered.

The mother said, “Please go and harvest some sweet potatoes.”

“I am too weak to go,” it answered.

 The mother asked the frog’s sister to go and harvest the sweet potatoes.

Then later the mother asked the frog, “Lazy frog, lazy frog.”

“Hm,” the frog answered.

“Please go and collect firewood,” the mother said.

“I am too weak,” the frog said.

Then someone else went for the firewood.

The mother again asked. “Lazy frog, lazy frog.”

“Hm,” the frog answered.

“Won’t you go at least and fetch some water?”

“I am too weak to go,” the frog answered.

The mother asked the frog to wash and peel the tomatoes, make the fire, cook food and wash the plates,

 but the answer was always, “I am too weak to go.”

 And the other family members had to do all the chores until food was ready to be served.

Then the mother said, “Lazy frog, lazy frog.”

“Hm,” the frog answered.

Please bring your plate so that I can serve you food.”

“Let me try and bring it,” the frog answered.

But the mother said, “I think you are too weak to bring the plate,” and sent him supper-less to bed.

     This study was performed by Ann Barabogoza Gamurorwa a student working towards working towards her master’s degree in the School of Child and Youth Care. I fell her information is noteworthy because she is supported by the staff, Dr. Alen R. Pence, supervisor (School of Child and Youth Care), Dr. Beth Swadner Faculty of Graduate Studies, and Dr. Innocent Najjumba-Mulindua In-country member.

Reference

Gamurorwa, A. (2004). Utilizing indigenous stories in the promotion of early childhood development programs in uganda. (Master's thesis).

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php  

Nassau County

Breast Cancer Survivor

    The Department of Health and Human Service issued a report on the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project. There is reason to believe through research that there is a possibility that environmental factors may have played an important role in the elevated number of breast cancer reports.
     In 1997 16 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after living in Nassau County, New York for 11 years. There is no one in my family that has ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. I have never smoked a cigarette, drank alcohol, or did drugs. Since it is believed that breast cancer can be heredity and there is no one in my family three generations back that has ever had it how did I get it.

     In one study it was stated that the breast cancer could have come from contaminated drinking water, indoor/outdoor air pollution, aircrafts, pesticides, other toxic chemicals and hazardous waste.

     Over the past 30 years research has been done to try to find out why so many women from Nassau County now have breast cancer.
     Truthfully I can’t explain why or how I was challenged with breast cancer. What I can say is that 16 years later, 7 surgeries, no Chemo, no Tamoxifin, only using what has been put on this earth for the healing of the body I am still here. Through continued research I hope one day there will be answers to these questions. Until then I continue to embrace each day with the positive attitude that “It Is Good 2B Here”

Rererence

http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/LIBCSP/InterimReport/index.html?view=plain#BCStats

My Personal Research Journey

     I have narrowed down my topic to Bilingual and Multilingual. I personal never thought that I would be interested in other languages. Growing up in New York we were introduced to a second language around the 5^th grade. I cannot remember how often we were taught a second language but we had a choice of Spanish or French. I remember taking French from 5^th grade to the 10^th grade and changing over to Spanish. Big mistake I became so confused between the two languages.

     Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit the Caribbean Islands and was amazed at how young their children were when they began to learn a second language. Children were introduced to a second language as you as kindergarten and once they entered the first grade they were no longer taught in their native language but are taught English. I found this to be fascinating that these children started so young learning another language.

     In St. Maarten children are taught 4 languages Dutch, English, Spanish, and French. These children start a second language as young as 4 years old. As I traveled through the Caribbean Islands I found it to be consistent that a second language was very important. It is not like they have a choice it is required.

     I have often wondered how children of Hispanic families knew English so well but their parents did not know the language. I learned through travel that by being taught at an early age these children become bilingual and multilingual at a very early age and then become their parent’s translators.

     Through research I would like to eventually know how the United States compare to other countries when it come to a second language. Personally I do not believe that we can compete with other countries who teach their children our native language. At the school I work at we start our students taking a second language at the age of 6^th grade and they only have class twice a week for one period. It bothers me that our children are not even interested in learning another language they often take Spanish Class as a joke.

     As I research this topic I am hoping to better understand where we stand and what can be done if anything to help our children become prepared for the future which will definitely have Spanish as a big part of their lives.

Week 8: International Contacts Caribbean Island

To see is to believe

To hear brings about understanding

To internationally correspond one on one up close and personal is a dream come true.

     It is amazing how fate allows some things to happen and the timing can be just right. Months ago we planned a family trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, and St Thomas all located in the Caribbean Island. I had no idea that week 8 would place me international territory. With a little creativity I turned this beautiful trip into my international classroom. I must admit that while others were having fun I was trying to locate childcare centers and schools.

     Over the past week I have learned so much from my contacts that I am not able to write it all. As I take you through the Caribbean Islands come and go with me as I share with you what I have learned.

Consequences of learning about the International Early Childhood field:

·       They are bilingual and multilingual

·       They are not as advanced in technology

·       Education is a privilege not a right

My one goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends is that the United States should work towards setting themselves in alignment with other nationalities. While other countries are working hard teaching their children English we should be working harder to help our children become bi- and multilingual.

     San Juan Puerto Rico: Our tour guide stated that there are 50 schools located on the island. Once a child reaches 1^st grade they are no longer taught in their native language. Students are taught in English from 1^st grade to 6^th grade. All students are required to wear uniforms. In San Juan the U.S. government helps to pay for section 8, WIC, Food Stamps, Medicare, and Social Security. Private Child Care can cost as much as $400.00 per week. As I traveled through the island I noticed that family time appeared to be very important. One could see families just out flying kites, playing ball, running, talking and just have fun on Monday midday.

 The House of Orange School  

     St. Maarten has two sides Dutch and French. While on the island I visited the Dutch side. I think I was fascinated by this island because of their beliefs and teachings and their diversity. I had the opportunity to visit House of the Oranje School (Oranje is the Dutch word for orange). This school is 150 years old and too many may appear to be primitive. As I entered the school I was met by Ms. Donella office worker/educator. Although busy working she sat with me for almost 2 hours and shared her island with me.  Ms. Donella stated that daycare is not backed by the government and there are no educational requirements to open or direct a daycare. All childcare centers on the island are private owned. Present also was Mr. Anthony who stated they believe that the grandparents and the community help to raise the children if the parents have to work. For children kindergarten starts at 4 years old with the native language being Dutch but they are required to learn 4 languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, and French in that order. According to Ms. Donella the demographics have changed so much that there are over 101 different languages on this small island. Ms. Donella located a 2008 Foundation Based Education handbook written by the Island Government “The Department for Educational Research, Policy, and Innovations titled “Putting Children at the Center of Learning”. Looking through the book I began to see topics that had been discussed in my class at Walden University: Curriculum Approach, the Child-Centered Approach, the Value of Play-Cognitive Development, Social Development, Emotional Development, and Physical Development. Ms. Donella stated that someone came along talking about changing the way they should teach school. We don’t change we like the old way. With change come problems from the students, disrespect and aggressiveness. Students are not in control here. Hard work brings about results. 

St Thomas Virgin Islands: Ms. Detra elementary teacher for Faith Alive Christian Academy states that it is not all about me I have the knowledge and I impart it to the children but I allow them to experience and express themselves.  Most classes have 2 levels in one class. Everyone receives free lunch and all students wear uniforms. Spanish is a required language for Kindergarten – 8^th grade and then in High School the students are required to learn Spanish and French.

Ms. Wilma 28 year retired elementary teacher from Leonard Dober School and the mother of Detra states that today you do not get a chance to bond with the students. You have a lot more demands; you are required to do a lot more with a lot less time because we are focusing on testing and yearly progress instead of the students. This has made the students more aggressive and disrespectful towards teachers, parents, and adults. In the past you could raise your voice and ruler, you can’t do that anymore it is called abuse and threats. What has caused the most aggression is the children do not have any outlet, everything is held inside. Teachers are under contract to meet guidelines.

As I travel back to the United States I would like to say to all my classmates thank you for all the encouraging words posted on my discussion board you have been a great help to me and I thank you. I look forward to future classes and then graduation when we will all can come together to share our victory. Stay encouraged and thanks for sharing

Unfortunately I was not able to post the beautiful pictures taken at this time due to technology problems in the caribbeans.