I-1.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
This first ideal has a special significance to me because it reflects my personal experience as a mother without any knowledge base in early childhood care raising my first child verses a mother armed with that knowledge raising my second and third children. That knowledge was essential. Therefore, as educators who deal with children on a daily basis, we must acquire this knowledge first and then continue to stay abreast of any new research and information.
I-1.4—To appreciate the vulnerability of children and their dependence on adults.
As simple as this ideal might sound, it is one of those ideals that are tied to our conscience. It is indeed the vulnerability of children that makes us want to protect, advocate, and care for their needs. It is the drive behind our own reflections. No one can stand to look a child in the eye and face the guilt of hurting or failing them. Appreciating their dependence on us keeps us motivated and makes us want to continue to be their voice and their advocate.
I-2.5—To respect the dignity and preferences of each family and to make an effort to learn about its structure, culture, language, customs, and beliefs.
This particular ideal is important to me as an immigrant with different cultural, linguistic, and religious beliefs. Treating children and their families with dignity and respect is what I wish for as a parent, thus it is my duty to treat others the way I wish to be treated and reach out to them by showing respect to their own ideals.
Rola! I cannot believe it. Out of the three, I chose the same two as you! Wow. Great minds think alike. I think you commented much better on the 1-2.5 than I did. I am also an immigrant and I completely agree that I am sensitive to other's cultures because I am sensitive to my own. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Nailed it on the head!
ReplyDeleteRola,
ReplyDeleteI like how you compare having no knowledge with your first child to being armed with knowledge with your second and third children. I am on the flip side of that in a way because I didn't have children before I started teaching and now I am expecting my first child it will be interesting to see how I use that knowledge with my child. Thanks for making pointing out the difference it can make when armed with knowledge.
Rola,
ReplyDeleteLearning about the structures, customs, culture, language and beliefs can be a fun expereince for your classroom because it can be a learning tool for everyone in the class. This is also a great opprotunity for the children to share thier customs or culture with the other children in the classroom. With this being an ethical responsibility you hold very dear to your heart, you are making your classroom environment welcoming and a safe place for children to share and live thier life. Treating others as you would like to be treated is such a powerful way to live life and an important life lesson for all children. Great post!
Cassie
Thanks for your post Rola. Making an effort to learn about the children's culture, language and customs can bring insightful ideas to the teachers. I always try to do some cultural activity in my classroom and my children absolutely love it. I invite the parents to come in their national clothes and introduce their countries to the children, organize small food festivals where children get to try different food from various countries and discuss their tastes, we read folklore stories as well. I must admit I myself learn so much and get great ideas. Children also get to know about other countries and appreciate their culture and customs and therefore respect diversity and their friends more.
ReplyDeleteA Note of Thanks,
ReplyDeleteDear Rola,
I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your wonderful and insightful posts and comments. I have enjoyed reading them specially the stories you shared from your own life and experiences. You have a great talent for writing and expressing your ideas. I wish you all the best in your studies, career and life.
Maryam