What I Have Learned

One hope that I have when thinking about working with children and families is to expose them to the different diversity that is within this world. I would hope and pray that I will be able to help the children and their families grow a deeper understanding and knowledge of differences in each individual and to have an appreciation for all people. I also hope that families would learn how to embrace their differences and cultures and be more open in sharing their cultures, rituals, values, and beliefs with other children and families with in the classroom setting. In doing this it can help enclose the gap between educators and families, help educate other families and children, bring the community in unity, and use as a teaching instrument in realizing and understanding accepting everyone. My overall hope is to make each family feel loved, valued, comfortable, and respected within the classroom in learning who they are and also let them know that I am teachable as well.

One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to diversity, equity, and social justice would be to educate and provide teachers with more courses and/or training in diversity. As early childhood professionals we need to stay abreast on current trends as well as new notions or concepts so that we can edify our students to the finest of our abilities and to their fullest potential. I will also like to stay up-to-date in anti-bias education and see it incorporated more into classrooms. In staying current on the latest trends and issues of the world, I will be able to not only educate myself, but my students and fellow colleagues as well.

I would like to say thank you to my colleagues for all of your support throughout this course through the discussion boards, and blog post. Not only have you helped me grow as an individual, mother, and educator, you have helped me grow as a person. I appreciate all of the comments that were posted on my discussion posts as well as blog, I read each and every comment and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your feedback. This has not been an easy journey for me but because of your support, I have been able to strive a little further. May we continue to learn and grow together as we move into our next course. I pray for your future success as you continue your educational journey at Walden University.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank you, Dr. Kien for all your feedback and prompt
replies to my mass of emails I have been sending you throughout the course. You are truly a great instructor. I have enjoyed have you teach me and encouraging me to dig deep within myself and find out who I truly am and be free to express it through my work. I appreciate your words of encouragement, your corrections throughout my work, and most of all your understanding and knowledge of the information presented in this course.