Looking Forward to Another Exciting Course!

 Looking Forward to Another Exciting Course!

Hello!  I am Cindy Rube.  I am divorced mom of a beautiful 8 year old daughter, Haely.  This is my 17th year of teaching.  I have taught K, 1st, & 2nd.  Kinder kiddos are my absolute favorite!  I am currently teaching my 6th year in kindergarten.  I am so blessed to work at the same school my little girl attends 3rd grade.  We live in Hobbs, New Mexico, with our cat, Ashlee.  My Walden courses have been wonderful!  It is hard to believe that this is my 9th class with only one more to go.  Time has flown by so quickly!  It has been a unique experience doing homework with my daughter.  We are both so excited that I am so close to graduation!  I am so excited to be working with amazing, familiar Walden students and Dr. Sheri!  We have come so far together!  Best wishes to everyone!  Cindy Rube

My blog link is:  cindyrube@blogspot.com
 

What I Have Learned

What I Have Learned

          My hope from this course would be that I have become much more aware and informed about my inner feelings and those of my children and their families who come from diverse backgrounds.  Early in my career, I felt that my students would conform to my beliefs.  I was so naïve and inexperienced.  As a child, I had very little exposure to diversity.  This probably helped lead me to such a simple mindset.  Even after all these years, this course and my fellow students have taught me so much about diversity, equity, and social justice in early childhood education.    

            My goal from this course would be to continue to learn my about diversity and anti-bias education.  I have gained many insights for my classroom.  I need to ensure all my children are comfortable, represented, and respected for their unique gifts and cultural backgrounds.  Our kindergarten program has provided some activities, projects, and books on this topic.  However, we need to do so much more.  As educators, we need to provide instruction throughout the year in regards to anti-bias education.  Our children live in a very diverse world.  We need to prepare them for the future.

            I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Klein and my fellow students.  Our discussion posts have been so insightful, informative, and very interesting.  We have shared personal stories which have allowed each of us to gain wonderful knowledge and perspective.  I am so grateful for all the help and positive feedback I have received from all of you.  It is hard to believe how far we have come together throughout our Walden courses with only two more to complete before graduation.  We have chosen an honorable profession that allows us to make a positive impact on our little ones.  It has been an amazing experience!  Many thanks and blessings to everyone!  Cindy Rube    

"Seeing Diversity in a School Community" - Power Point

As my project, I chose to submit a power point presentation.  It displays pictures of diversity throughout different school settings and activities.  I was unable to post this power point to my blog.  I am still "technically" challenged in regards to certain computer issues.  Please accept my apologies.  However, I have posted my power point on the Discussion Post for Week 7.  It can be downloaded and reviewed from this location.  I appreciate your support and I am so sorry for any inconvenience.  Many thanks!  Cindy Rube

"We Don't Say Those Words in Class"

As we know, young children notice differences, and often comment on them at inopportune moments, children do not independently form negative associations about them.  Our little ones are innocent and say what they feel.  However, it becomes the responsibility of parents and educators to serve as role models.  We need to provide opportunities for open communication in a safe atmosphere.  As adults, we sometimes react in an embarrassed or possibly negative way when children make these comments about others.

I remember when my little girl was around three or four years old.  There is a war veteran in our community that lost both of his legs and is in a wheelchair.  He is very social and can usually be found at the local mall visiting with people.  One evening, my family was leaving a restaurant.  This gentlemen was visiting with someone in the lobby.  Very sweetly and innocently, my daughter announced to everyone that there was a man with no legs in a chair with wheels.  My initial internal feeling was embarrassment.  I remember whispering to her not to say anything, just say hello.  In her world, she was just making an observation.  Looking back, I wish I had taken the opportunity at that moment for us to visit with the gentlemen.  He would have loved to speak with her.  I later explained his situation with her.  Now when she sees him they visit.  He loves giving her little poppy flowers in honor of veterans.  Like their simple questions, these incidents are teachable moments for anti-bias education (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).  In addition, I have learned to explain physical disabilities to her.  Her grandfather lost one of his legs to diabetes.  She is so sweet and caring of others, she always has been.  I am grateful that I finally understood the importance of communicating with her.  Almost everything adults say or do around children carries messages about gender, economic class, racial identity, ability, and family culture (Derman-Sparks & Edwards).

                                                                      Reference

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010).  Anti-bias education for young children and

ourselves.  Washington, DC: NAEYC.