Time Well Spent

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 
― Nelson Mandela

“Prejudices, it is well known, are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilised by education: they grow there, firm as weeds among stones.” 

― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

– Helen Keller

Wow! What an amazing journey this has been! A year and a half ago I never thought I would see this day. The knowledge I have gained throughout this journey has been instrumental in my current teaching practices as well as in my future hopes and visions. Reflecting on my own culture, history, and family has been an important part of my journey. As I begin to implement an anti-bias education in my own classroom, reflecting on me as an individual has been integral to the process. I have uncovered biases I didn’t realize I had and began listening with an open mind and an open heart. I see culture as way to explore and appreciate the differences in one another. I see diversity, not as a challenge, but as a celebration of the unique differences in our nation’s citizens. “The heart of anti-bias work is a vision of a world in which all children are able to blossom, and each child’s particular abilities and gifts are able to flourish” (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p. 2). As I begin to implement an anti-bias curriculum in my own classroom, I feel confident that I have the tools needed to effectively explore differences and similarities within the classroom and outside of the classroom as well.

“When we force children to foreclose on the stage of initiative, and then prematurely push them into the stage of industry, we may indeed succeed in getting some children to read, write, and complete math equations precociously. But we may also be creating a cohort of children who lack spontaneity, creativity, and a love of learning” (Pelo, 2008, p. 62). As a kindergarten teacher I see first hand the detrimental effects that an increasingly rigorous academic curriculum has on our nation's children. Play is integral to the healthy development of our young. As an early childhood professional I am working towards the juxtaposition of play and academics in the classroom. I understand now, with greater depth, the importance of play in early childhood.

With skills that I gained throughout my Master's courses I now have the confidence and know how to advocate for young children. I have gained knowledge that will help me in a future role as a leader in the early childhood field. I have also gained the communication skills needed to positively interact with colleagues, families, and children. With these skills in mind I hope to continue to advocate for play and the well-being of young children throughout our nation. Locally, I hope to increase awareness for the importance and availability of early childhood education. The knowledge and tools I have gained throughout my journey will ultimately aide in my success as a future advocate in the field of early childhood.

I want to thank Dr. Teri for a challenging, but rewarding experience in my Capstone Course at Walden University. I want to thank my colleagues for the positive feedback, encouragement, and their ability to challenge ideas. I have grown as an individual due to knowledge I have gleaned throughout this journey and from the knowledge I have gained through my colleagues and instructors. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

A Wordle that Portrays Important Concepts of my Journey:

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/6626287/Early_Childhood_Journey 

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Pelo, A. (2008). Rethinking early childhood education. Milwaukee, WI: Rethinking Schools, Ltd..