Time Well Spent…

Where do I began? As I sit here at my computer, and reflect back on the various educational skills, development, and knowledge that I have received, as a graduate student at Walden University, I can’t help but to wipe the tears from my eyes. As I am currently creating this blog, a feeling of overwhelming joy has taken over me. I can’t believe that I have lived to see the day where I have completed a mission that I started years ago. It feels amazing!

As  I proceed to continue this blog, I will describe three(3) deeply felt learnings from this educational program. During my time here at Walden University I have learned the importance of patience, challenges, and time management.

Patience: I enrolled as a graduate student at Walden University on October 9, 2017. When I first began my graduate program, I didn’t have a clue on what to expect in the program. Prior to enrolling, I heard so many negatives towards graduate programs from various people. I had friends and family members stating that graduate programs were a waste of time, all graduate programs consists of obtaining skills that you will never use in your career, and the main comment that everyone stated, “graduate programs are too expensive”. After finally beginning my courses, building relationships with my instructors and colleagues, keeping good communication with my academic advisor, financial aid team, etc. I took a deep breath and said, “Danita, you can DO IT! I continued to excel in my work as a graduate student, and I was able to respond to all the comments that were previously made before I enrolled. Graduate school was not a waste of time for me. In fact, It helped me to gain various life skills that I am able to use in my daily activity.  I will use the skills obtained in graduate school in my career. In fact, a few of them I was already expressing in my career, I just needed an enhancement. And lastly, graduate school is expensive, but what better way to invest in yourself, than to give yourself a quality education.

From: Desiree Puente <desiree.puente@mail.waldenu.edu>
Date: October 9, 2017 at 4:46:51 PM CDT
To: “dockery_danita@yahoo.com” <dockery_danita@yahoo.com>
Subject: Congratulations Danita,

GOOD NEWS!    I just wanted to let you know you have been admitted!  Congratulations.

Here are your next steps.   Log back into your profile, through this link with your email and password

Challenges: As a graduate student here at Walden University, I have faced many challenges. I am a single mother, I am working two jobs for financial stability, and I am a graduate student. I have experienced many long days and even longer nights of staying up during late hours to complete an assignment that was due at 11:59pm. I have even experienced some times whereas I completed my assignments in a timely manner, however, my computer shut down and my entire assignment was erased. However, I did not let that challenge define who I was as a determined graduate student. I picked the pieces up right where they fell and continued to strive. My biggest challenge for me, as a graduate student, was becoming a mom. Parenthood is life changing. During my delivery, I was told that I would have to have an emergency cesarean due to complications with my daughters heart rate. I did not know what to expect, however, in the outcome, I was blessed with a beautiful, healthy babygirl. After transitioning home from the hospital, and now being a full time mother, being a graduate student became a challenge. Imagine trying to breastfeed and type a discussion, assignment, and/or blog, along with the pain of a healing from a cesarean. Again, I picked the pieces up right where they fell, and continued to strive.

Time Management: As a graduate student here at Walden University, time management was my biggest deeply felt learning of all. I learned to work on assignments in advance so that if the unexpected occurred, I could face it. I also learned how to balance between managing family time and managing school. This learning has been something that I have gained throughout my years as a graduate student, and even though I am better at managing my time now, I still have a few areas to strengthen.

Long Term Goal: As I reflect back over my life, and the challenges that I have experienced, I am overwhelmed with Joy. However, it does not stop here. My long term goal consists of enrolling in a PhD program here at Walden University. After graduating from my Master’s Program, I plan on taking some time to focus on my family, prepare myself for the PhD program, enroll, and begin courses in the spring. I also plan to relocate to St. Louis, to work at the National Headquarters of an organization called Parents as Teachers (PAT). I have a lot going for myself, and I am willing to strive for excellence so that I can create a better foundation for my daughter.

FAREWELL …

First giving all honor to GOD, and thanking him for allowing me to make it this far.

To you, Professor Ernst… Thank You!

To the other professors whom I have crossed paths with in this Master’s Program… Thank You!

To my colleagues…Thank You!

Sometimes just saying Thank You, says it all. Words can not express how I am feeling at this moment. I am sure each of you are sharing the same feeling of joy as me. It has truly been an honor to meet each of you. Some of you were in several courses with me, and others I just met during this course. However, I wish each and everyone of you the best. Thank you for your continuous discussions on the discussion board, the encouraging comments on the blog assignments, the greetings during the beginning of this course in the class café, etc. It has truly  been an amazing experience. I am hoping to cross paths with many of you as we continue to strive for excellence in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Best Wishes,

~ Danita J. Dockery

dockery_danita@yahoo.com

danita.dockery@waldenu.edu

International Organizations…

During my further research on child abuse in Early Childhood Education, I have came in contact with several organizations on a state, local, and national level. During this week of study, students were challenged to research international organizations which supported and offered resources towards the student’s selected research topic of choice. This assignment was very intriguing to me because I was not aware that there were organizations internationally, that supported my research topic of child abuse. It was such a pleasure to know that child abuse affected the world internationally.

International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN): This organization supports child abuse on an international level. This organization was founded in 1977, by Henry Kempe.

Mission/Goal:  ISPCAN’s mission is to prevent cruelty to children in every nation, in every form: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, street children, child fatalities, child prostitution, children of war, emotional abuse, and child labor. We are committed to increasing public awareness of all forms of violence against children, developing activities to prevent such violence, and promoting the rights of children in all regions of the world. 

• To improve the quality of current efforts to detect, treat and prevent child abuse

• To disseminate academic and clinical research to those in positions to enhance practice and improve policy

•  To increase awareness of the extent, the causes and possible solutions for all forms of child abuse

• To facilitate the exchange of best practice standards being developed by ISPCAN members throughout the world

• To support international efforts to promote and protect the Rights of the Child

• To design and deliver comprehensive training programs to professionals and concerned volunteers engaged in efforts to treat and prevent child abuse.

This organization gives the opportunity to become a volunteer, give a donation, and/or become a country partner. In order to become a member of the organization you will have to complete an application and and submit a $35 membership fee. Benefits of becoming a member consists of:

• Subscription to Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal, our monthly peer-reviewed publication

• Access to educational webinars, data tools, and special reports on cutting-edge CAN topics

• Reduced rates at ISPCAN international congresses

• Training and networking opportunities across all disciplines

• Connect with like-minded researchers, practitioners, and multidisciplinary professionals globally

• Opportunity to contribute CAN data to the special reports and represent your region

• Multidisciplinary training tools and curricula, e-courses, e-library of reports, presentations

• Free use of ICAST data collection tools, available in multiple languages

• ISPCAN publications including World Perspectives on Child Abuse & Resource Guide on Child Maltreatment Data Collection

• Participate in ISPCAN Working Groups and Regional Networks

Home

 

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF): This organization works within 190 countries/territories making sure to promote the well-being and security of all children across the world.

UNICEF believes

All children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

This organization gives the opportunity for one to donate. This organization also provides opportunity for employment. The employment opportunities are offered mostly in various parts of Africa. There are some opportunities that are offered at the Headquarters which is located here in the United States.

 

https://www.unicef.org/

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): This organization is a professional organization that works to promote high-quality early learning, for all young children, birth thru age 8. I feel that this organization will be essential for those children in our Early Childhood Programs for those children who are experiencing abuse, to at least have a peace of mind, and a nurturing environment while they are at school. The organization has over 60,000 members of the Early Childhood Community, and over 50 affiliates. This organization gives the opportunity for individuals to search the Career path website in which they will receive tips on how to search for the appropriate career according to their educational credentials.

https://www.naeyc.org/get-involved/advance-your-career/career-center/job-seekers

 

Job/Roles in the ECE Community: National Federal Level…

During the second week of this course, students were challenged to research and present organizations that were effective as Communities of Practices (CoPs) for their chosen Capstone research topic. This week, students were challenged to take their research deeper, and present National/Federal level organizations that would be effective Communities of Practices for their chosen research topic. As I researched Communities of Practices for my research topic of “Abuse”. I found several organizations that support my advocacy for the children and families that are served in our Early Childhood Programs.

1.) Family Violence Prevention and Services Program/Association (FVPSA):

Celebrating over 35 years of provided service, this organization assist abused women, men, and young children with shelter services, foundational educational classes on dating and violence prevention, and the organization also works to connect these victims to community-based organizations within their community, that will provide other connections and resources for them to receive the assistance that is needed for them to overcome their situations and experiences. In 2014, this organization served 886,996 women, 73,339 men, and 288,633 children. Overall, this organization services 1.3 million victims, helping them with safe housing, crisis responses, advocacy level counseling, safety planning, and support groups.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb/programs/family-violence-prevention-services

2.) National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ):

Celebrating over 83 years of service, this organization adheres to children and families, making sure that each victim receives fair justice through the court systems. This organization holds about 30,000 professionals in domestic relations, juvenile family and justice systems. This organization stated that they are to report jobs and internships for other organizations in the different states in which they serve. As I researched the employment website, it stated that there are no job employments/internships at this time. Please try again soon.

http://www.ncjfcj.org/

 

3.) National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN):

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) was created by Congress in 2000 as part of the Children’s Health Act to raise the standard of care and increase access to services for children and families who experience or witness traumatic events. This organization has over 10,000 local and state partnerships, which all serve, in someway, as an advocate to child trauma/stress.  While further researching, I did not notice any positions of available employment. It looks as if the organization is made of individual members of congress. Therefore, the criteria for employment in this organization would consist of first being a member of congress.

https://www.nctsn.org/

 

References

http://www.ncjfcj.org/

https://www.nctsn.org/

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb/programs/family-violence-prevention-services

Blog Assignment: Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

 

Three local organizations that appeal to me:

1. Youth Villages Inc.
2. Kindred Place (formerly known as The Exchange Club Family Center)
3. Dress for Success Memphis

 

Youth Villages Inc. is an organization that appeals to me in my target area of research. Youth Villages Inc. is an organization located here in Memphis, TN. The organizations focus serves to protect and shelter troubled youth, during their stay here on the organizations campus, the youth are provided with mental health counseling services to help them better cope with their previous situation, family sessions/counseling, to assist with reuniting the family, housing/shelter, schooling, and full nutritious meals to help the youth with their transition in the residential program. I feel that this organization will appeal to my target area of abuse. Most of the children that are enrolled in this residential program are former victims of some type of abuse. These children have experienced physical abuse, mental abuse, and social emotional abuse. Because I plan to target abuse for my  Capstone project, I feel that this organization could be of some assistance during my research.

Kindred Place (Formerly known as The Exchange Club Family Center). This organization is located here in Memphis, TN. Kindred Place offers a wide variety of counseling services including: conflict, anger, aggression, violence, etc.  The organization includes over 30 licensed counselors that aim to assist victims of abuse. Considering that my area of focus for my Capstone project is abuse, I believe that Kindred Place will be a great place to go for further observation/assistance with my research.

Dress for Success Memphis is an organization located here in Memphis, TN. This organization focuses on putting people back together and helping them to achieve their goals with employment. The Dress for Success Memphis Organization helps provide appropriate clothing for people to wear and learn to dress accordingly for job interviews. I chose this organization as an organization to assist me with my Capstone Project because considering that my focus in on abuse, this organization could possibly help my families get hired for a job by providing the resources needed for the interviewing process.

Currently, there are several openings and available positions for Mental Health Counselors at Youth Villages. The Mental Health Counseling positions at Youth Villages require an applicant to have a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and/or a related field. These positions also require that the applicant have at least 2 or more years of experience. Currently, I am striving to obtain my Master’s degree here at Walden University in Early Childhood Studies, and I currently have over 9 years of experience under my belt in this field. After graduating, I plan on applying for a position as a Mental Health Counselor at Youth Villages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Words of Thanks…

During these past 8 weeks of study, I have experienced some days when I felt accomplished, and then there were times when I felt unaccomplished. I am a single mother of 1, a full time employee, and a full time graduate student here at Walden University. Can you say”TIRED”! Even though my plate is full of responsibilities, I can honestly say that getting through some of my worst days were experienced here in this course. There were many times were I thought I did not perform as best as I should, however, I would receive a positive/encouraging blog comment from one of you and it would make me smile. I honestly appreciate each encouraging word that was ever posted on my blog. All of the likes, comments, suggestions, etc. were greatly appreciated.

As we move forward on this journey to success, I would like to continue to encourage each of you to remain focus. The road gets hard sometimes, but it will be worth it in the end. Continue to be who you are, work towards your goal of graduating, and continue to strive for success. A round of applause to each of you. Keep up the good work!

~Danita

Assignment: Blog Assignment (Team Building)…

During this week of class, students were introduced to the five stages of team development. Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. During most of the team building activities in which I have been involved, the most difficult part of the assignment has always been the stage of  Storming. During the Storming stage, team members tend to be more focused on their own personal aspects of their expected task. For example, members start focusing on how they would like to get the goal mastered, instead the best way to get the goal mastered. In this stage, the team members compete with each other for status and for acceptance of their ideas. They have different opinions on what should be done and how it should be done – which causes conflict within the team. ( Abudi, G. 2010).

Despite the experiences of Storming during team building activities, the overall result, the adjourning stage, has been the most rewarding. For this assignment, I reflected back on a team building activity  during high school, were I was involved in a summer science program at Chicago State University. The adjourning stage of this group/team was bitter sweet. I was excited because the program concluded, and I was looking forward to enjoying the remaining summer days before school started, however, I was sadden to leave behind some nice students whom I met during the program. During the conclusion of the program, students received a $1,200 stipend, in which to use towards college and the director of the program hosted a gradual program in which family/friends were invited to come out and celebrate our accomplishments during the summer program.

During the adjourning stage here at Walden University, I believe that my colleagues and I will celebrate during graduation with family and close friends. Some students may prefer to celebrate afterwards with Ra party, dinner, or even a well-needed vacation. I feel that the adjourning stage is an essential stage of team building because it allows the team to celebrate accomplishments from the hard work and sacrifices that were once a struggle while reaching the goal. The adjourning stage also allows opportunity for the team to talk about the pros and cons of an experience if the goal was not accomplished. In the “adjourning” stage the project is coming to an end and the team members are moving off into different directions. This stage looks at the team from the perspective of the well-being of the team rather than from the perspective of managing a team through the original four stages of team growth. (Abudi, G. 2011). I look forward to experiencing the adjourning stage of the educational program here at Walden University.

                                                             Reference

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html.

 

Assignment 2: Blog Assignment (NVC)…

While completing this assignment, I was challenged to choose a situation in which I had a disagreement and/or conflict with a supervisor, colleague, or someone in my personal life. Choosing a specific situation was a challenge to me because I experience disagreements/conflicts daily. However, I decided to choose a personal situation to elaborate on for this assignment. Recently, my daughter’s father and I had a disagreement on what we should do to celebrate our daughter’s first birthday. I suggested that because she is turning 1 years old, and she will not remember this specific celebration, we should do something small and simple. I suggested a small birthday celebration at the house, serve small platters of food, cake/ice cream, a few balloons, party hats, etc. and just let her enjoy her special day. I am not big on spending hundreds of dollars to celebrate birthday parties. Children are simple, it does not take much to please a small child. Also, because my daughter is turning 1 years of age, she will be limited to the activities that she can/can’t participate in if we hosted a party elsewhere. I suggested that we saved the funds that it will take to host an extravaganza, and take our daughter to Disney World.

When I brought this idea to my daughter’s father he totally disagreed with what I was saying. He stated that because she is celebrating her 1^st birthday, she should have a big extravaganza. He suggested party planners, catered food, a personal decorator, special designed invitations, and a party host from the rental space. My daughter’s father stated that on a 1^st birthday celebration, one is supposed to go all out for the celebration. He wants to rent Disney characters to come out for the celebration, face painting, a D.J. and more. This situation was rather frustrating because we seemed to disagree on everything regarding our daughter’s birthday celebration.

After a week went by, we decided to talk about the birthday planning again. This time, I grabbed a pen and writing pad and started writing down each expense for the celebration. I also began to create a list of those who would be invited to the celebration. Once my daughter’s father noticed everything written down on paper, including the expense, he began to understand my point a little better. I also reminded him that our daughter will have plenty of years to come where we can plan to host a huge extravaganza for her birthday. Finally, we began to compromise, and we were able to begin planning her a small, but nice celebration for her birthday. We were also able to begin planning a family trip to Disney World during the summer to conclude her birthday celebration. My two strategies that I used were successful. My strategy of writing down expenses, as oppose to just talking about them, and being able to compromise with each other, so that both of our inputs regarding our daughter’s celebration will be reflected.

The concepts of both Non-violent communication and the 3R’s play a significant role in this situation. One of the visions for NVC states, ‘where people joyfully and compassionately contribute to each other and resolve conflicts peacefully. (CNVC.org). That was the outcome of this situation. Also, being able to remain respectful, reciprocate and remain responsive while communicating about our daughter’s celebration reflected the 3R’s in our situation.

Feel free to share your thoughts/opinions regarding the birthday celebration. Those of you who have already passed this phase of the 1^st birthday. How did you celebrate the occasion? I would love for you to share. Thanks!

Reference

http://www.cnvc.org/

Assignment 2: Blog Assignment (Who Am I As A Communicator?)

For your blog this week, think about the similarities and differences between how you evaluated yourself as a communicator and how others evaluated you. What is the one thing that surprised you the most? Why? What other insights about communication did you gain this week? Choose at least two to share with others through your blog and consider how each might inform your professional work and personal life.

During this week of study, I was challenged to evaluate myself and as a communicator. I also had the opportunity to have others evaluate me as a communicator. I assessed myself and I also asked my 2 cousins to take the test and evaluate me. After comparing the results of each of the assessments, I realized that some of the scores were similar and some of the scores differed drastically. My results are as follows.

After assessing myself, I recorded my results on a separate piece of paper and I also asked my cousins to record their final scores on the paper as well. On the first assessment, Communication Anxiety Inventory, my personal result was a 43. However, my results from my cousin recordings were 25 and 28. On the second assessment, Verbal Aggressiveness Scale, my personal result was 60. This was also the same exact score result from my cousin’s assessments. Lastly, Listening Styles Profile, my results were a 40. My cousin’s assessment results were 35 and 28. After completing the assessments, I sat down and carefully compared each score. For example, on the Listening Profile Assessment, the results reported, ‘you feel comfortable communicating in most situations and feel confident in anticipating such encounters’. (Rubin, R. B., Rubin, A. M., Graham, E. E., Perse, E. M., & Seibold, D. R. (Eds.) (2009).

Shockingly, I was surprised to experience that the results were the same for the Verbal Aggressiveness Scale for both me and the two others that assessed me. What surprised me the most was the answers that others chose on some of the questions about my verbal aggressiveness. I mean, even though my cousins and I are very close, I did not know that they paid close attention to my skills in communication.

My two insights of communication gained this week is that communication has a lasting impression on those that you are communicating with. Meaning, people never forget how you made them feel after communicating with you. Lastly, communication is the key to effectively avoiding worrisome situations. For example, when people communicate they can avoid things happening that will/would eventually cause drama/trouble in a situation. Effective communication can easily help one to avoid a bad situation. Using these two insights of communication in my professional and personal life will help me to leave a positive impression on those who I encounter. Utilizing effective communication will allow me to better understand situations, which will possibly guide my reactions. I am looking forward to tracking my progress of communication as I continue to progress in this class.

 

Reference

Rubin, R. B., Rubin, A. M., Graham, E. E., Perse, E. M., & Seibold, D. R. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures II: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

“Listening Styles Profile-16”

 

Diversity and Communication…

Think about the cultural diversity you see in your colleagues at school, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, and, possibly, within your family. Consider all the aspects that make up culture, including race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, varying abilities, and so on.

 

 

• Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

Communication skills are behavioral abilities based on social understandings that are used to achieve goals. (O’Hair&Weinmann, 2015). When I am communicating with those around me, I do find myself communicating differently with people according to their different groups and cultures. For example, when I am at my place of employment, I tend to communicate on a formal/professional level. My colleagues and I refer to each other by last name along with correct salutations. For example, at work, I am referred to as Ms. Dockery. When I am communicating with my children and their families, I refer to my parents as Mr./Mrs./Ms. And then their last name. I have experienced situations where my younger parents have asked me to not refer to them as Ms./Mr. because they said they are the same age as me, if not older. I always remind my parents that regardless of age, I will remain professional always as an educator.

While working in the field of Early Childhood Education, I have experienced working with all different families of different cultures. I have engaged with families of Spanish decent, African decent, and even some families of Asian descent. I have taken out time to receive some tutoring in dual languages so that I can better communicate with my children and their families that are of a different culture than I. Learning and understanding different languages allowed me to communicate differently. For example, pronouncing some of the different language, sometimes forced you to speak differently. If I was communicating with a family of Spanish decent, I would say things like Hola! When greeting them in the mornings, which would allow me to use my hands for some reason to communicate more effectively. I have also noticed that when I communicated wit my family of the African decent, I would use an accent which would change my tone of voice.

In my personal times when I communicate with my friends and family, my communication skills are more relaxed. For example, I use more of a slang form of communication by stating words like…what’s up? Yep! Etc. I also find myself communicating with lots of emojis, and LOL’s when communicating with friends and family.

 

Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.

To communicate more effectively with the people or groups that I have identified above, I will focus more on self-reflection when communicating, focus on my emotions, and focus on habits. Self-reflection will allow me to think about myself and how I would want someone to effectively communicate with me. Self-reflection can help us in everyday life when we are captured by various roles and adopt multiple identities, often unconsciously. (Vuckovic, A., 2008). Focusing on my emotions and learning how to put them aside will allow me to not react in communication based on how I am feeling, but I will learn to respond according to the situation at hand. Emotions, once invoked, moderate the nature of the communication situation. (Vuckovic, A. 2008).  Lastly, focusing on my habits will allow me to not do certain things repeatedly. For example, using the word “um” when I am communicating. Habit, an established custom, frequently dominates our behavior, often unconsciously. Much of our habitual or scripted behavior involves superficial interactions with other members of our culture or ethnic group in which we rely mainly on group-based information of others. (Kuckovic, A, 2008).

 

 

Reference

O’Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.

• Chapter 2, “Perceiving the Self and Others” (pp. 41-45)

 

 

Vuckovic, A., (2008). Inter-Cultural Communication: A foundation of communicative action. Multicultural Education and Technology Journal, 2(1), 47-5

 

 

 

Assignment 2: Blog Assignment…

                                                  

I must admit that completing this assignment was super exciting for me. I am a first-time mom of a nine-month year old baby girl, and she helped me with this assignment. Sometimes when I am conducting my homework assignments, the days become challenging because after picking up my daughter from daycare in the evenings, she becomes clingy, and only wants to be around me for the remaining of the night. Thus, explaining the reason for the television show that I chose.

My daughter’s childcare teacher explained to me that my daughter was fascinated with a television show called “Word Party”. Recently, while scrolling through some shows on Netflix, I scrolled across that television show and my daughter’s eyes lit up bright, and she began to clap because she recognized the characters. Instantly, I pressed the begin button on the television show and I began this blog assignment. The name for this episode that we explored was called, “A Very Buggy Picnic”. It was so fascinating to view this colorful television show both with sound and without sound.

As I focused on the characters in “Word Party”, I noticed that each of the characters were of a different color, and each of the characters represented an animal. There were four characters in all, and they are as follows: A Blue Elephant, A Purple Panda Bear, An Orange Kangaroo, and a Yellow Cheetah. As my daughter and I both viewed the television show without sound, I noticed that each of the characters were friends, I also noticed that each of the characters were toddlers because they each wore diapers and they were very mobile as they walked around the explore different activities outdoors. In this episode, “A Very Buggy Picnic”, the entire show was based outside. The characters seemed to be enjoying a picnic together, but they were interrupted by a group of ants who were crawling all over their delicious snacks. It seemed as if one of the characters, the Orange Kangaroo, was frightened by the ants. The Kangaroo began jumping around and blowing the ants off his food during the picnic. This part of the assignment was very humorous as my daughter looked over at me because she noticed that there was no sound coming from the television.

Lastly, I finally turned on the sound to the television. I noticed that there was lots of different music on the television show. As I continued watching the show, I was able to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Yes, all the characters on the television show were friends as I suspected, the characters were also toddlers because they were diapers/pull ups, and they were potty training. I realized that the elephant and Kangaroo were toddler boys, and the cheetah and panda were girls due to their tone of voice. I also noticed that the show was called “Word Party” because the characters did not always know the name of things. For example, in this episode, “A Very Buggy Picnic”. The characters did not know the word for the type of bug that was crawling around on their food at the picnic. Of course, I noticed that the bugs were ants, however, because they are toddlers, they did not comprehend the name. The characters then went through a list of bugs and asked the “big kids”, which is the audience (whoever is viewing the show), to name the list of bugs until they were able to match the name of the bugs(ants) with the picture of an ant. Afterwards, the toddlers are rewarded with a “PARTY” as an incentive for learning a NEW word.

In conclusion, this assignment allowed me to think outside the box. I began viewing the television show with assumptions and after viewing the entirety of the show my assumptions were clarified. If this was a show that I was more familiar with, I would have not assumed certain things because I would have been more familiar with the characters in the show. I am truly grateful for this assignment. It allowed more quality time with my daughter, the show promoted educational fundamentals and experiences, and it allowed me to become a more effective listener. Effective listening entails synthesizing new information with what you already know. (O’Hair, D., Friedrich, G. W., & Dixon, L. D. (2011).

References

O’Hair, D., Friedrich, G. W., & Dixon, L. D. (2011). Listening Skills. In Strategic communication in business and the professions (pp. 94-121). Boston, MA: Allyn Bacon