Farewell

I have grown so much from learning through this program. I have opened my mind to the issues and trends in the world, and I have equipped myself to grow and learn with students and their families to face the challenges in the future.

One insight that I have learned is about anti-bias education. I chose this program, because this program is called teaching and diversity in early childhood field. I wanted to learn more about diversity and the strategies in teaching to meet diversity in my school. However, once I stated this program, I realize that diversity is part of anti-bias education. If I want to fulfill my dream of treating children fairly and equally, I have to promote anti-bias education in my programs and my daily practices. I have learned many strategies to promote anti-bias education, like the usage of personal dolls, home language and culture support, anti-bias learning environment set-up, and the positive attitude toward differences in the world.

Second insight that I have gained is about the importance of play. Since many schools and teachers focus on school readiness, children are losing time at playing and interacting with others. Children can learn and improve their cognitive development and their social skills in play. That is one thing we cannot teach from books or tests. We should let children play and grow. Our educators should be the supervisors to provide appropriate toys and materials for children to choose from and be part of playing too. It helps build trustful relationship between teachers and children. Children have the right to learn for fun and learn through fun.

The third insight that I benefit from this program is the significance of collaboration. The instructors and colleagues are very professional and supportive. I learned many experiences and stories from my colleagues to be used in my daily practices, and the instructors gave me very professional recommendations for my assignments to help me integrate myself in the whole process of the program. I also learned that a good teacher should be a good team player too. It is crucial for early childhood educators to realize that children are not the only people we have to work with. We also need to work closely with their families, our colleagues, and people from the community. We have to have the skills to work collaboratively with all people who are involved in children’s lives, as they are all part of children’s learning and living experiences. Only if teachers and families are working collaboratively, children can experience consistency both at home and at school. It is important for children’s development.

One of my long-term goals is to promote anti-bias education in as many international schools as possible. I take this one as my long-term goal, as international schools have vey large population of diversity. It is important for children in those schools to acknowledge and respect differences in the world, and anti-bias education can help children build up positive attitude toward diversity and differences in the world.

I cannot believe that I am already here to finish off my Master’s degree. I still remember the day I started this program and how nervous I was. I have met so many wonderful instructors and colleagues. I really appreciate the time we spent together to approach our dreams. It is time to say goodbye as colleagues, but it is also a new start for us to become partners and friends to share our stories and ideas. I hope we all can keep in touch, as we have been through this program together as a big family. I will definitely miss you all.

Thank you Dr. Teri for your patience and guidance in the past 8 weeks, and thanks to all the colleagues that I have in the course with wonderful insights and ideas. I will miss the learning experiences here in Walden, and I will think of you all.

Here is my email, and I am looking forward to hearing from you at anytime. sissiklesch@gmail.com

Thank you all.

Xiyue