Assignment Problem:
Section 1: Think of these as families in your hypothetical "class," and reflect on ways to engage them, help them feel included and respected, and involve them in the home/school connection experience.
- Alexis, two years old. Mom Malena is a single mom who works two jobs as a waitress and is attending college as well. Malena is a "dreamer" who is trying to gain legal citizenship status. Malena and Alexis live with Malena's family consisting of Malena's siblings, as well as her parents and grandparents.
- Julian, is a three-year-old boy who has recently been diagnosed with autism. Mom Jamie is a full-time parent. Dad Derek is a firefighter. They have a 12-year-old daughter and Jamie just found out she is pregnant with twins. Derek's family lives close by and is very involved in Julian's life.
- Sawyer, 4 years. Dads Jeff and William are a gay couple, both doctors, who adopted Sawyer when he was 1 year old. Sawyer has a full-time nanny, Jenna, who often brings him to preschool. They have no other family nearby.
- Jaiden, 12 months. Lynne (mom) and Davis (dad) have filed for divorce and are involved in a bitter custody dispute. Both have large and loving families including many aunts and uncles who are involved with Jaiden.
- Now, let's reflect on these families and strategize on how we can support them individually. Review the hypothetical "case studies" above and answer the following questions.
1. What family structures were portrayed? What are some of the structures that were missing?
2. What strengths might these families possess? What challenges might they have?
3. Choose one of these family structures and list 3 strategies that you might use to engage them and include them in the classroom.
Section 2: Please read "The Role of Diversity and Equity in ECE" from pages 100-113 and answer the following questions:
1. What role did your family's economic status play in your upbringing? Was it a source of anxiety or embarrassment? Pride? Why or why not?
2. Describe your family structure; both family of origin (your parents and siblings, or whoever raised you) and procreation, if applicable (your partner and/or children). How are/were your family structures viewed by your community?
3. what things do you find personally meaningful about the reading of "The Role of Diversity and Equity in ECE" from pages 100-113 and another reading of "8 ways to honor diverse family structures in the classroom"? State them here and add two personal annotations as well.
Noted: all your answer in section 2 must be supported with at least 2 citations from the readings "The Role of Diversity and Equity in ECE" from pages 100-113 or another reading of "8 ways to honor diverse family structures in the classroom", and it has to cite it exactly at the part it's been used.