Week 6 Reflection

Throughout this course, you have completed journal entries that were both introspective and autobiographical in nature. Reread your entries for Weeks 1–4. Reflect on how well you were able to describe who you are and the ways that you are growing with respect to your understanding of race, social class, gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic diversity, and abilities and disabilities.

Your fifth and final journal entry asks you to reflect on the personal and professional insights you have gained throughout the course and respond to at least two of the following questions:

• How will this greater awareness of yourself and your strengths, challenges, and comfort levels influence your life and help you relate to and work with children and families of all backgrounds, cultures, influences, preferences, and readiness levels?
• What kinds of professional development will you seek to help you continue to grow in your personal and professional knowledge of issues related to race, social class, gender, sexual orientation, culture, language, and abilities and disabilities?
• What considerations will you need to keep in mind during your ongoing quest to understand children as unique individuals and foster not only their healthy development but also take an active part in creating caring, responsive, and collaborative communities in your future professional setting?

Assignment length: 1–2 pages