The past 8 weeks have been a very educational journey where I was able to get insight into issues I never had such deep understanding of.
To me the term poverty brought the image of poor people begging on the streets of India. It is only when I did this course and looked into the issue of poverty did I realize that poverty has many faces. It is not only the amount of income but also the instability and the unpredictability that it causes that matters for children.
I learnt from my colleagues and my international contacts that changing demographics is a global issue and most of the time teachers do not know how to handle the diversity in their classroom. However, developmentally appropriate and evidence-based practices are being recognized and implemented in many countries. Exploring the NAEYC website was very enriching as it included resources that supported my professional development with information on how technology can be integrated into the classroom and curriculum to support positive development of young children in a diverse setting.
I also realized from my international contacts that increased pressure on literacy and math is another global issue. Many of the areas of learning such as social, emotional and physical learning are overlooked. People’s attitudes about pre-k need to change, because preschool years are the exceptionally transformative years in a child’s life.
We as educators need to think more broadly and participate in group efforts to promote improvement in services to young children. I think this must be our goal to be committed and dedicated to provide a good start in the life of children and work towards caring for the ‘whole child’.
I would like to thank my international contacts: Fahra, Wanda, and Clair for without the information they shared compiling my blogs these past 8 weeks would not have been possible. I also want to thank my classmates who have been part of my educational journey for all the valuable information that you posted on your blogs as well as supporting me with your comments and encouragement.
Let us together be the change that we want to see - Mahatma Gandhi
Deepa,
ReplyDeleteThank you for strengthening my understanding of global issues with ECE. You have always been very thorough, and your passion clearly shines!
I find it interesting that a push for reading and math skills at such an early age is occurring globally.
I wish you blessings on your journey to your Master's! Maybe we will have another course together.
Kristi :)
Hi Deepa-
ReplyDeleteI really like your quote in that "poverty has many faces." When I think about poverty, that phrase always comes to mind. It is so true. After taking this course, I have learned about the poverty myths, and what we can do to help. I have learned a great deal through your blog posts and discussions. You are well on your way in articulating your passion within the EC field. You have a powerful way with words, and you are so passionate in what you do. It is wonderful to see male role models within the early childhood field. It was great learning from you, and all the best with your future classes-
Tammy
Hi Deepa,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you "poverty has many faces". I learned so much about the different faces of poverty in this course and especially over reading through my colleagues posts and searching the international websites. I was struck by the information about how the poverty issue affects the development of young children. Thanks so much for such of valuable information every week.