Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week’s blog assignment was interesting to me as I was able to learn about the topic of micro aggressions and its impact it has on so many individuals, class, gender, and races, etc.  I’ve learned that some behaviors and remarks are unintentional and some are regarded as intentional/deliberate prejudices that people have and think about others. During this week’s observations, I was able to witness a form of “microaggression” that was played out as a deliberate insult towards a particular person. One of my colleagues whose office is next to mine is a heavy-set white female who is working on losing weight and is doing a great job at it. She works out every day and is consistent at it.  She has lost a tremendous amount of weight and is still keeping her goals before her. This week I overheard two of her employees talking and laughing about her and how she works out all the time and is still heavy. The comment and assumption made by one lady was that she is fat and they can bet on it that her house is not clean and that she is a “lazy” person.  This was a microaggression in the form of a microassault with an assumption and/or prejudice against fat  and/or heavy-set people.

My emotion towards this assumption was that I was a little taken aback with the comment made. I felt like the comment was unfair and that they should give her more credit for her discipline in sticking to working out and eating properly because my colleague has been working on her weight for a little over a year and has and is looking good. She shared with me that she enjoys food but her health was getting the best of her and that she needed to work on herself. Sometimes people’s assumptions and judgment on others are inconsiderate and harsh. I also felt that they made an unfair judgement about her. To assume that her home is unclean and that she is lazy is unfair. She actually is a very organized person and when it comes to her weight this is something she struggles with as we all have some issues that we need to work on.

My observation this week has reminded me that our society has a long way to go and that people are cruel, and are prejudice. I have been subject to prejudices as a victim and as an unintentional offender. However, when I read of and am reminded of their existence it makes me do better and become a better person in keeping my comments and assumptions to myself. But more importantly, it allows me to be open minded, compassionate and accepting of others even the more.

 

 Perspectives On Diversity and Culture 

  

This week's blog assignment allowed me the opportunity to sit and talk to three friends/colleagues on their perspectives on diversity and culture and how it relates to their world. Many of the responses were similar but because each person is unique in their own rite, expression of their culture and diversity took on a different meaning. 


My initial discussion took place with one of my colleagues whose responses and ideas were similar to what I have read during this past week. She stated, "culture is important because it is what we bring into our families. Things such as my traditions, holidays that I celebrate or choose not to celebrate, my traits and/or behaviors that I have. I think they are the way in which I act and/or respond to certain situations. My interaction and my beliefs and religion. My culture is my connection to self and my family's roots.  Her perspective on diversity is that, "it is being able to adapt to the environment and people you are around and being accepting of others. It is a way of connecting with people"(M. Hemington, personal communication, Nov 12, 2015). 
 
My second conversation consisted of a discussion with my friend who is a Reading Specialist and Elementary School teacher. Her perspective regarding culture and diversity as an African American female. She states, "culture is the make up of characteristics that are shared within families and relationships. They represent beliefs, views and standards that are practiced and applied to families. It also means being proud to be part of a family/culture that represents who we are.  My definition of diversity for me simply means a melting pot of differences"(S.Thompson, personal communication, Nov 11, 2015).  

  
My last discussion was done with my friend/colleague who shared her experience growing up in America and in an area that was not diverse in culture and ethnicities. She states, "culture to me is everything. It means the way in which my grandmother woke us up in the morning to the way in which we celebrated holidays. It also represented our communicative ways with others. It affected the clothes that we were allowed to wear or not, and the way in which we traveled on vacations. I believe diversity is being able to see beyond color and gender. But being able to look into people's thoughts, actions, and their soul of who they are. Growing up, I was not able to see different ethnicities but after the age of 12, I was able to really see the world and see other people that were also part of a world that I had no idea of. I enjoy the differences that people have (T. Heath, personal communication, Nov 13, 2015). 
  

One aspect that I was surprised that was not mentioned is the aspect of food. Food is usually a huge expression of culture. Regardless of the ethnicity, many cultures enjoy sharing this part of their heritage. Food is a way of sharing and building relationships with individuals. Another aspect that was not mentioned but is of importance is religion. Culture does also represent religion. This is big for me as this represents my faith. There are many individuals that do not really practice and/or believe what I believe but this is what makes us different and does affect "diversity".  
 

In conducting these discussions and receiving feedback from my colleagues, I have been influenced by the fact that culture and diversity has different meanings and understanding for many people in different ways. It was interesting to hear my colleagues discuss and share about their personal life experiences and express their feelings on their concepts and share their experiences. I've enjoyed learning of and getting to know my colleagues in a more personal view as they shared their perspectives. Again, for me, accepting people as they are and being open and willing to let them express who they are is something that I am comfortable with doing. 

 

                                                   

MY FAMILY CULTURE 

 

Never in a million years would I imagine having to go through a major catastrophe such as what has been described during this week's blog assignment. However, there have been many people and families that have experienced this situation of being displaced and having to start all over. The three items that would be near to my heart that would represent my family culture would be as follows: 

 

• The first item I would grab would be my scrap book of all our family photos. Within this book would be all of our family pictures that would represent my family heritage. This scrap book would include pictures of family members from my maternal and paternal side of the family.   
• The next item for me would be my "bible" that was given to me by my mother over some 30 plus years ago.      
• The next item would be my grandmother's wedding ring that was given to me by my dad. It represents her legacy, as I did not have the opportunity to meet her. She passed away before I was born and since I was the only daughter on my father's side this was passed down to me.     

For those that would be interested in knowing my story, I would take the time to share with them each of the three memorabilia's and the story of why and how each are significant. I would start with my family photos and share who each one is in our family. I would then share about my bible and how it has impacted my life. The last thing I would share would be the piece of jewelry that was given to my by my dad and that it represents my grandma's legacy.

My feelings would be very emotional if I had to choose only one of the items. All would be hard to leave behind as each one represents a part of my life and culture. My pictures would help me be reminded of the images and faces of family members that are a part of our family. My bible would represent my faith walk. And, my grandmother's piece of jewelry would help remember who she is.

As a result of this exercise, I have been reminded of just how precious life is and at one drop of a dime life can be interrupted with a catastrophe. However, through the years and with the encouragement of many strong men and women, I have been given the gift of "faith" and hope in Christ. This experience for me and my family has been our cultural experience that has been handed down from many generations. I realize that not all people and cultures practice my religion, but this is my cultural experience that makes me unique and different from others.

                                           When I Think of Research...
 
During the past 8 weeks of Building Research and Competencies, I have learned a wealth of knowledge concerning the research design process.  There were many new insights that I had no knowledge of, but became familiar with the concepts that would help conduct a research study. I was able to familiarize the differences between quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approach. I've learned the various types of the triangulation process that helps to validate a research study. Topics such as ethics and many other approaches which all helped me to understand the process. 

My ideas about research has changed tremendously.  I had no idea about the amount of time and effort that goes into initiating and formulating a study. Learning step by step methods and approaches in bringing the study altogether from beginning to end. There are so many check and balances that need to be measured and so many ways to try to prove the methods for accuracy.

I've have learned valuable approaches in the planning, designing, conducting and most importantly the relationship connection which is so important. My biggest challenge was actually narrowing my research question down during the two weeks that required us to find a quantitative and qualitative question regarding our topic.  Each week I found myself refining and changing my question.  I like the fact that my classmates were able to provide feedback and also helped me to see my question and their approach from a different perspective.
 
Some of the ways that my perception of an early childhood professional have been modified as  a result of this course is that I have learned to see research in a different light.  I know that I am required to remain open and as a life-long learner in the field of early childhood.  As a professional, in my everyday world I have to intently think about and stay abreast of the various issues and trends that impact the early childhood field in terms of research and more. 

 I  would like to say thank you to all of my colleagues who participated in this group and a big thank you to Dr. Parrish who challenged us and pushed us to think beyond the research process during these past 8 weeks of class. 

                                                  
 RESEARCH AROUND THE WORLD

This week's Blog Assignment required that we navigate through several international Early Childhood websites that were of interest. I selected, the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA). This organization is said to be the largest international early childhood organization and is comparable to that of the National Accreditation for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 
In review of the site, some of the current international topics I found were topics that talked about, gender differences and the male/female roles in early childhood education, the use of technology with children under five years of age, video observations of children's perspectives on their lived experiences and challenges in relationships between researcher and children, scaffolding and how to increase development and also articles on the influence of children and play. Their website offers a host of journals filled with research articles in early childhood and development. 
     Some surprising facts that I've gleaned is that the organization offers authors the opportunity to have their work published and read. Information that is posted and archived on the international site is selective and is one of four early years journal indexed by the Institute for Scientific Information.
     Other noteworthy information I found on the website is that the site offers a section titled "Special Issues" or monographs. This link offers archived articles that focus on topics or developments in the early childhood field such as:
    1). up-to-date overview of current knowledge and developments in the field, and an evaluation of relevant empirical studies
    2). presentation of new developments, applications or policy implications.
    3). the development of new research methodology

These topics all provide insight on new developments within the early childhood field within an international scope. In addition, the site offers other information regarding various cultural differences that affect many ethnicities and many countries. 

References:

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (2015). Retrieved from,

         http://www.eecera.org/journal/

RESEARCH THAT BENEFITS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

  

Children with Disabilities ---Botox and Cerebral Palsy

 

One positive effect of children and families in terms of research that I would like to share is the research that has been developing over the past tens years. Research in children with Cerebral Palsy and the use of Botox which is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent that reduces the rigidity of muscles or unwanted spasms in a specific muscle. Botox as we know it, is used as a cosmetic that helps reduce wrinkles or make body parts fuller. 

CP is a condition that is marked by impaired muscle coordination (spastic paralysis) and/or other disabilities caused by damage to the brain before or at birth.  

 
Over the past ten years, research has been conducted and proven successful for children with CP and the use of Botox.  Small amounts are injected into spastic or stiff muscles. The injection takes effect immediately blocking the transmission between the nerves and the muscles. Muscles are then relaxed and reduces stiffness promoting mobility for muscles to be stretched. It's use also helps children with ease of stretching, improvement in child's range of motion, and tolerance to wearing braces and developmental improvements in crawling, standing, or gait walking.
 
Initial research conducted a study of 250 children with CP and Botox injections.  As a result,  video's from children's gait, assessments from doctors, and reports from families found that 86 % of the children treated demonstrated noticeable improvements in symptoms of muscle spasticity. After two years, 80 % of the children still showed improvement over their initial symptoms. Reports have also proven that some children in the study were able to do more for themselves such as feeding themselves, or operating a sink faucet. Others were able to hold a pen and write for the first time. Some were able to use a computer screen to communicate. All of which have proven to be success stories regarding children.


Research on behalf of children is crucial in finding new methods and ways to help children perform and function at their highest capacity as they grow, learn, and develop in life. We were ask the question during our discussion this past week if there are any societal benefits from subjecting children to "greater than minimal risk". I believe that this is one method that society/children can benefit from. 



CP and use of  Botox is near and dear to me as this is a method that is currently being used on my grandbaby. This has helped her become more mobile.  As she continues on her journey, I believe our family will see some more benefits of its use. 

Here's a picture of one of my favorite girl's.  Meet Khloe Warner, almost 4 years  old.  She is a recipient of "Botox" use for her CP condition as a result of research. The smile that you see is always on her face regardless of what she is going through. When I think about life and situations, I am grateful and always think about my "Khloebug".  I have much to be grateful for! 

Personal Research Journey

      The general topic I chose to explore is Child Nutrition and what effects it has had on child development.  As I searched further, I found the following three subtopics that would pertain to this topic: brain development, malnutrition and child obesity.  All are of importance to me as they have touched my personal life in some sort of way. However, I decided to go with a topic that has been steadily increasing and can be viewed as an impeding issue within the early childhood field.  Childhood obesity is an alarming and rising issue that has become prevalent across the nation and in the lives of families. Many young children are affected by obesity and are experiencing more and more health challenges. Parents, caregivers and the people who love them play a huge role in ensuring that children get what is needed to help prevent and help them grow into healthy young children and adults. My research question poses the issue of, “Is childhood obesity a result of the lack of parental care”?  Children are overweight and unhealthy because they are not receiving the proper nutrition of food and physical activity that can help to avoid obesity in their early years. Although research is being conducted, there is still further study that can be explored to help promote education and ways to fix the problem.

     My personal and professional experience is that I am a director of a child and youth program and am responsible for working closely with our USDA department and family childcare providers to ensure that children are receiving and being offered nutritious meals and adequate physical activity within our program throughout the day.

Throughout my charting process, I have learned that there is so much more to conducting research and the time it takes to find out the information that is needed to prove or validate your research. Many new terminology and ideas have been given to help shed some light on the research process.  The book and other resource articles help to bring some understanding on the beginnings process. I think that with anything; the more you practice and use the tools given, the more it will help you become better at finding and producing what is needed for the outcome.

     In search of additional insight on my topic, I am asking my colleagues to share what ideas, insights and practices that are using to help get the word out and educate children and parents on the importance of helping children and families make healthier choices and practices regarding health and nutrition.