Assignment: Cultural Framework Reflection Journal- Early Childhood Interview reflection journal
Journal Prompt
Overview
As early childhood educators, we all operate within our cultural framework. This cultural framework can be thought of as a lens that controls how we see the world and respond to differences, particularly when working in group care and education with other people's children.
Janet Gonzalez-Mena, an early childhood education diversity advocate and author, states it this way, "That framework is influenced by and includes what are called attributes of culture, some of which I am extremely conscious of, but some of which I am barely aware of. My life is influenced by my:
i. Race
ii. Gender
iii. Age
iv. Abilities and disabilities
v. Language
vi. Social class, including status and economic level
vii. Ethnicity and national origin
viii. Religion and /or spiritual practice
ix. Original geographic location of my family where I grew up, and present location (if different)
x. Sexuality, including sexual orientation"
(Quoted in Diversity in Early Care, and Education Honoring Differences, 2008).
Instructions
For this journal, you will document your reflection of your cultural lens by analyzing your upbringing, personal beliefs, and values regarding diversity, equity, and social justice.
Write a reflection journal entry that:
i. Identifies who and/or what was instrumental in supporting the development of your cultural identity. Provides examples and/or details to demonstrate their importance.
ii. Describes at least two personal experiences (positive and negative) and how they influenced attitudes and beliefs about diversity (diversity includes racial, cultural, gender, and ability differences), equity, and social justice.
iii. Explains why early childhood educators should make it a practice of reflecting upon their daily work with young children and families. Provides an example of reflective practice.
iv. Uses professional language and tone with correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation in the 400-500-word reflection journal.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.