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:
Race
Gender
Age
Abilities and disabilities
Language
Social class, including status and economic level
Ethnicity and national origin
Religion and /or spiritual practice
Original geographic location of my family where I grew up, and present location (if different)
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:
Identifies who and/or what was instrumental in supporting the development of your cultural identity. Provides examples and/or details to demonstrate their importance.
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.
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.
Uses professional language and tone with correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation in the 400-500-word reflection journal.