Foundations of Early Childhood

Everyday interactions are opportunities to promote learning. How the teacher facilitates the learning opportunity will result in what the child learns. Sometimes interactions are purposeful in their intent others are spontaneous, each holds the potential to make a positive impact on how children feel about themselves and what and how they learn (Dombro, 2011). My observation took place in a three year old classroom. The classroom is set up in learning centers that allow the children to choose the materials they work with. The group was working in centers and the teacher was circulating around the room stopping occasionally to talk with the children about their work. Three children are sitting in the writing center working in journals. As the teacher approaches, one child says, "Look at my story Ms. Tina. I wrote about the book you read.” The teacher comments as she looks at the child’s journal, “Did you like the story this morning Mimi”? Ans walks over to another group in...

              “All childcare environments, including family child care homes, can provide excellent anti-bias materials”  (Laureate Education, 2011) . A culturally appropriate environment reflects the families enrolled. An essential component of anti-bias education is to respectfully acknowledge and support all of the children’s families to help children develop a positive sense of self. Providing materials that represent the families and children such as posters, dramatic play props, books, and other play accessories depicting varying abilities will be available to the children  (Edwards, 2010) . Exposing children to unbiased information regarding various life experiences of other cultures, diverse groups, builds their awareness of differences.  Including  photos of families and children engaged in various activities relevant to their daily lives,  also photos of other cultures will be included to expose the children...

·            My hope is to  develop a reciprocal relationships with all children and families, respect their home culture and language, and provide children opportunities to engage in learning experiences reflective of their home culture. ·          One goal I have for the profession is to ensure  diversity training is a priority. I encounter many early childhood professionals who are unaware of the importance of learning about the family's culture and how this improves relationships between the program and families.  ·       Thank you for your support during this journey. Wishing you the best in future endeavors.

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Some of the ways you noticed that homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children including books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and schools . The materials I viewed for this assignment did not feature gay or lesbian families. Books movies, cartoons, educational programs all featured families that consist of a heterosexual mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles. While some were diverse in race, age, ableism, there were not any lesbian or gay characters depicted. The one book that did have same sex parents was Everywhere Babies , by Susan Myers and Marla Frazee. There are babies of different races, sown with older people, male caregivers, female caregivers, alone and together, babies being cared for by those who love them. It is important that children are able to see their family system represented in the various forms of media they are exposed to. Children enrolled in early education programs are entitled to respect for th...

I have enjoyed our journey into the communication and collaboration field.  Your posts have added new insights into the importance of effective communication for successful collaboration.  Thank you and continued success to all

Working toward a common goal is a rewarding experience. The five stages of team development effective team building requires the group to successfully complete all stages of team development from the initial meeting of introductions to the final stage of adjourning  (Abudi, 2010) . As the group works through the development process, coming together to brainstorm, sharing ideas, and looking for acceptance trust is earned. The team leader must ensure the group is respectful of individual ideas, learn to problem solve, collectively, and settle into their roles and responsibilities in the team. As the project comes to an end the group comes together to reflect and evaluate the project’s success or shortcomings. Adjourning, the final stage in team development, leaves some happy, sad remorseful or without emotion. At the project’s completion joining one another for a celebratory farewell brings closure to a chapter of life and the possibility of future undertakings. There is a likelih...