[Shamona Murphy]

My point of view is shaped by: my family, my religion, and my upbringing.

I think people can change their point of view sometimes, it depends on the person and the respectfulness of the conversation.

Something that can change perspectives is hearing a new perspective or learning new facts about the perspective.

[Clarissa Dickinson]

[Sabrina]

1. A multicultural education curriculum should be in place in every school. strongly agree
2. Families should not be expected to be involved in classroom activities. disagree
3. All learning programs should accommodate all children with special needs. agree
4. Some extended family members may confuse children, so they should not have a voice in raising or educating the child. disagree
5. My curriculum should be based on each individual child’s current interests. disagree
6. Diversity definitely includes race and culture, but doesn’t include age, ability or family make-up. strongly disagree
7. Media in general delivers fair and accurate accounts of events around the country. disagree
8. The United States should discontinue relations with countries that engage in human rights violations. strongly disagree

[Trainer]

Sabrina, embracing multicultural education and family involvement is crucial. However, individualized learning and inclusive diversity should be valued more. Keep exploring!

[Madilyn]

[Sinead O’Donogue]

Imaginary Child’s Family Description

Child’s Name: Amina

Age: 5 years old

Country of Origin: Somalia

Family Structure:

• Mother: Halima, recently moved to the U.S. with Amina to reunite with her sister who has been living in the U.S. for several years.

• Aunt: Nasra, Halima’s sister, who supports the family and helps them settle in.

• Extended Family: Grandparents and other relatives remain in Somalia.

Ways to Celebrate the Unique Characteristics of Amina and Her Family

1. Language and Communication:

• Learn basic phrases in Somali and use them to greet Amina and her mother. Provide language support through bilingual books, posters, and labels around the classroom.

• Invite Halima or Nasra to share traditional Somali stories or songs in their language with the class.

2. Cultural Traditions:

• Include Somali holidays and cultural events in the classroom calendar. Celebrate events like Eid al-Fitr with activities, food, and music that reflect Amina’s heritage.

• Display cultural artifacts from Somalia, such as traditional clothing (e.g., Dirac), crafts, or pictures of Somali landmarks.

3. Inclusive Curriculum:

• Integrate stories and educational materials that reflect Amina’s cultural background and other diverse cultures in daily lessons.

• Use culturally relevant teaching practices, like using real-life examples and storytelling that connect to Amina’s experiences.

4. Family Engagement:

• Create opportunities for Amina’s family to share their culture, such as cooking a traditional dish, sharing customs, or explaining the importance of specific holidays or traditions.

• Offer a “Family Wall” where families can post pictures and stories about their home countries or experiences, allowing Amina and her family to display their roots and feel a sense of belonging.

5. Support Transition and Adjustment:

• Provide a welcoming environment that acknowledges Amina’s experience as an immigrant. Recognize the potential challenges she might face, such as adjusting to a new language or making friends, and offer additional support.

• Set up a buddy system with a peer who can help Amina navigate the classroom routines and build friendships.

Discoveries About the Diversity of Family Structures

Diversity in family structures can vary widely in any community, reflecting differences in culture, socioeconomic background, language, immigration status, and much more. This diversity enriches the learning environment by bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Recognizing and celebrating these diverse structures helps create a welcoming and inclusive community.

Brainstorming Ideas for Welcoming Families and Enriching Programs

• Family Nights or Cultural Potlucks: Organize events where families bring a dish from their culture and share stories, music, or crafts from their background.

• Multilingual Communication: Ensure all communication, including newsletters and school events, is available in multiple languages spoken by the families in the community.

• Inclusive Celebrations: Celebrate a variety of cultural and religious holidays, not just the mainstream ones, and teach children about their significance.

• Family Input: Regularly seek feedback and input from families to ensure programs and policies are inclusive and responsive to their needs.

Sharing these ideas on the community forum can foster dialogue and encourage the exchange of additional practices that promote inclusivity.

[Sinead O’Donogue]

Reflection on Responses to Differing Points of View

People often respond to differing points of view in various ways, including:

• Open Dialogue and Discussion: Engaging in respectful conversations and seeking to understand the other person’s perspective.

• Defensiveness: Feeling threatened or defensive when faced with opposing views, which can lead to arguments or conflicts.

• Avoidance: Avoiding or withdrawing from discussions that involve differing viewpoints to prevent conflict or discomfort.

• Empathy and Understanding: Attempting to understand the experiences and reasons behind another person’s perspective.

• Agreement or Compromise: Finding common ground or agreeing to disagree, allowing both parties to coexist with their differences.

Do We Ever Change Our Views?

Yes, people do change their views, although it may take time and several factors to do so. Changes in perspective often result from:

• New Information or Learning: Exposure to new facts, data, or research that challenges existing beliefs.

• Personal Experiences: Significant life events, such as a health crisis, personal loss, travel, or exposure to different cultures, can alter perspectives.

• Empathetic Relationships: Forming relationships with people who hold different views can foster empathy and understanding, leading to a shift in viewpoint.

• Reflective Thinking: Taking time to reflect on personal beliefs and why they are held can open the mind to new possibilities or changes.

• Cultural and Societal Changes: Evolving societal norms, cultural shifts, and exposure to diverse viewpoints through globalization and technology can influence beliefs.

• Positive Role Models or Leaders: Influential figures, mentors, or leaders who demonstrate or advocate for different perspectives can inspire others to reconsider their views.

[Sara Sul]

Scenario: Amina, a child who recently immigrated to the U.S. with her mother and younger brother, is from a Somali background. Her family faces financial adjustments and speaks Somali at home. They practice Islam and celebrate Ramadan and Eid.

Ways to Celebrate Amina’s Unique Characteristics:

Cultural Celebrations:

Classroom Activities: Celebrate Ramadan and Eid with activities and invite Amina’s family to share traditions.

Multicultural Days: Host events showcasing Somali culture.

Language Support:

Bilingual Resources: Provide Somali-English materials.

Language Buddies: Pair Amina with a buddy to help with English.

Family Involvement:

Family Meetings: Learn from Amina’s family about their culture and involve them in classroom activities.

Parent Volunteers: Invite Amina’s mother to share her experiences.

Cultural Sensitivity:

Education: Train staff on Somali culture and Islamic practices.

Inclusive Curriculum: Reflect diverse perspectives in classroom materials.

Personalized Support:

Accommodations: Adjust for prayer times and dietary needs.

Emotional Support: Help Amina adjust to her new environment.

Discoveries and Brainstorming for the Community Forum

Diverse Family Structures:

Variety: Recognize different family forms and tailor programs to support them.

Adaptability: Design flexible programs that reflect diverse family needs.

Welcoming Environments:

Inclusive Communication: Use language and materials that represent all family structures.

Community Engagement: Partner with local organizations to support diverse families.

Enrich Programs:

Diverse Perspectives: Include varied experiences in the curriculum.

Family Participation: Encourage involvement from all families in school activities.

Professional Development:

Training: Offer workshops on cultural competence and inclusive practices for staff.

These steps will help create an inclusive environment that supports and celebrates the unique characteristics of every child and family.

[Trainer]

Sara’s suggestions on celebrating Amina’s unique characteristics show a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to creating an inclusive environment for diverse families. Great insights and ideas.

[Sara Sul]

STATEMENTS

1. A multicultural education curriculum should be in place in every school.

   • I agree. Multicultural education is essential for fostering an inclusive environment that respects and reflects diverse backgrounds.

2. Families should not be expected to be involved in classroom activities.

   • I disagree. Family involvement is crucial for supporting a child’s learning and development and building a strong connection between home and school.

3. All learning programs should accommodate all children with special needs.

   • I agree. It is important to ensure that learning programs are inclusive and provide support for children with special needs to succeed.

4. Some extended family members may confuse children, so they should not have a voice in raising or educating the child.

   • I disagree. Extended family members often play a significant role in a child’s life and can provide valuable support and perspectives.

5. My curriculum should be based on each individual child’s current interests.

   • I agree. Tailoring the curriculum to individual interests helps engage children and makes learning more relevant and meaningful.

6. Diversity definitely includes race and culture, but doesn’t include age, ability or family make-up.

   • I disagree. Diversity encompasses a wide range of factors, including age, ability, and family structure, not just race and culture.

7. Media in general delivers fair and accurate accounts of events around the country.

   • I disagree. Media often presents biased or incomplete information, and it is important to critically evaluate the sources and content.

8. The United States should discontinue relations with countries that engage in human rights violations.

   • This statement is complex. While addressing human rights violations is important, discontinuing relations may not always be the most effective solution and could have broader implications.

<hr>POINT OF VIEW

List of Influences on Point of View:

1. Family: Beliefs, values, and experiences shared within the family shape our perspectives and attitudes.
2. Religious Beliefs: Religious teachings and practices often influence our moral and ethical views.
3. Media: News, social media, and other forms of media can shape our understanding of current events and societal issues.
4. Education: Formal education provides knowledge and critical thinking skills that influence our viewpoints.
5. Peers: Interactions with friends and colleagues can impact our opinions and beliefs.
6. Political Affiliation: Political views and ideologies can affect our perspectives on various issues.

Reflecting on Responses to Differing Points of View

Ways People Respond to Differing Views:

1. Open Dialogue: Engaging in respectful conversations can lead to mutual understanding and sometimes change perspectives.
2. Empathy and Listening: Understanding others’ experiences and viewpoints can broaden our own perspective and lead to personal growth.
3. Exposure to New Information: Learning new facts or viewpoints can challenge existing beliefs and influence changes in perspective.
4. Experience and Reflection: Personal experiences and reflection can lead to reevaluating and possibly changing one’s views over time.

Do We Ever Change Our Views?

Yes, people do change their views. Factors influencing this change include exposure to new information, significant personal experiences, and conversations with others who hold different perspectives.

Changing one’s perspective often involves openness to new ideas, critical thinking, and an understanding of different viewpoints.

[Junga]

[Trainer]

Junga’s reflections on multicultural education, family involvement, special needs, and diversity are thoughtful and insightful, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, flexibility, and balance in educational practices.

[Trainer]

Junga’s reflections on multicultural education, family involvement, inclusive learning, and global issues demonstrate a thoughtful understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in these important topics. Well-articulated and insightful.

[Junga]

1. A multicultural education curriculum should be in place in every school.

Strongly Agree

2. Families should not be expected to be involved in classroom activities.

Strongly Agree

3. All learning programs should accommodate all children with special needs.

Strongly Agree

4. Some extended family members may confuse children, so they should not have a voice in raising or educating the child.

Disagree

5. My curriculum should be based on each individual child’s current interests.

Agree

6. Diversity definitely includes race and culture, but doesn’t include age, ability or family make-up.
Media in general delivers fair and accurate accounts of events around the country.

Strongly Agree

7. The United States should discontinue relations with countries that engage in human rights violations.

Strongly Agree

8. Once you have completed that, on another piece of paper write the term POINT OF VIEW. Create a list of things that influence your thinking or point of view. (Answers might include things like family, religious beliefs, media, education, peers or political affiliation.

Disagree

[ash DEZ]

1. A multicultural education curriculum should be in place in every school. -Agree
2. Families should not be expected to be involved in classroom activities. -Agree but encouraged
3. All learning programs should accommodate all children with special needs.- Agree
4. Some extended family members may confuse children, so they should not have a voice in raising or educating the child.-Disagree
5. My curriculum should be based on each individual child’s current interests.-Disagree
6. Diversity definitely includes race and culture, but doesn’t include age, ability or family make-up.-Disagree
7. Media in general delivers fair and accurate accounts of events around the country.-Disagree
8. The United States should discontinue relations with countries that engage in human rights violations.- Disagree

I think its important to take into consideration everyone’s perspective, and even if one disagrees it matters to try to understand.

[Trainer]

Ash’s thoughtful perspective on multicultural education and inclusion is commendable. It’s essential to consider various viewpoints and strive for understanding, even when there are disagreements.

[Chloe]

1. STATEMENTS:

   1. A multicultural education curriculum should be in place in every school.
      – I strongly agree. By implementing multicultural education, this not only celebrates diversity among students, but also helps reduce stereotypes and prepares students for our diverse world.

   2. Families should not be expected to be involved in classroom activities
      – I sort of agree and disagree because I have two perspectives on this one. On one hand, I believe families being involved with the classroom is very beneficial and important and for that, families should be encouraged to get involved with classroom activities. On the other hand, I do know there are circumstances that make it difficult for some families to be involved.

   3. All learning programs should accommodate all children with special needs.
      – I strongly agree. It is crucial to accommodate all children with special needs so that they have access to education and can feel included.

   4. Some extended family members may confuse children, so they should not have a voice in raising or educating the child.
      – I disagree. I think ultimately, it is the parent’s or primary caretakers who have the final say, but I wouldn’t say that extended families don’t have a voice in raising or educating the child at all.

   5. My curriculum should be based on each individual child’s current interests.
      – I disagree. I think it is hard to create a curriculum based on each individual child’s interest, however, I have run an after school program where I was able to find collective interests based off of what might’ve been “trending” online to craft lesson plans or activities that would interest them.

   6. Diversity definitely includes race and culture, but doesn’t include age, ability or family make-up.
      – I strongly disagree. Diversity includes various characteristics that contribute to our individual identities that also help shape our experiences and perspectives on the world. It isn’t limited to race and culture.

   7. Media in general delivers fair and accurate accounts of events around the country.
      – I disagree. There are many sources that tend to be biased and will bend the reality of the situation to fit a particular story that supports their perspective. While there are certainly some media sources that provide accurate and unbiased information, that unfortunately is not the case for media as a whole.

   8. The United States should discontinue relations with countries that engage in human rights violations.
      – Agree.

   POINT OF VIEW:

   • Family/Friends

   • Education

   • Age

   • Experiences

   • Values

   • Political Stance

   • Beliefs

   • Geography

   • Money

[Trainer]

Chloe, your thoughtful insights on multicultural education and inclusion of children with special needs are commendable. Your perspective on family involvement and diverse curriculum is well-reasoned. Keep up the great work!

[keylin]

1. Debería existir un plan de estudios de educación multicultural en todas las escuelas.
2. No se debe esperar que las familias participen en las actividades del aula.
3. Todos los programas de aprendizaje deben adaptarse a todos los niños con necesidades especiales.
4. Algunos miembros de la familia extensa pueden confundir a los niños, por lo que no deberían tener voz ni voto en la crianza

[Cynthia]

Response to the imaginary situation with a child who has recently immigrated to the US:

– How might you welcome this child into your class community?

I think it is important to have a classroom with students that understand the diversity of the students. To welcome this child so they feel comfortable and confident about being themselves. To share about their culture and their family with others, understanding their differences.

– How might you celebrate the unique characteristics of this child?

By having them share those unique characteristics with others. By doing so, we can introduce these differences with the class so that they can share and learn from others. To accept who they are and where they come from, make them feel comfortable and accepted.

– How might you help the other children get to know this child?

By sharing stories and experiences. By sharing things about their family and how they celebrate different holidays. Sharing and learning how different other families are, which is important to understand.

[Trainer]

Cynthia, your insights on welcoming and celebrating diversity in the classroom are commendable. Sharing stories and experiences can indeed foster understanding and acceptance among children. Great contribution!

[Cynthia]