Literature tells us, “Children who are economically disadvantaged families are more likely to experience socioemotional problems, such as impaired peer relations, low self-esteem, lower levels of sociability and initiative, and classroom externalizing, and internalizing behavior problems than children who live in families with greater financial resources.” (Lichter, Shanahan, & Gardner,(p. 91).)
Conducting my research would help to keep children in the classroom rather than expelled and isolated. If, in fact, the data shows that poverty is the cause of antisocial behaviors rather than treating the behavior i.e., suspension, expulsion, detention, etc. we can treat the cause of the behavior i.e., poverty.
My perception of the field of ECE has not necessarily changed. I still have the utmost respect and adoration for the professionals who work in the field. It indeed is a taxing one.
Additionally, Thank you for keeping me going. This class has been an ultimate challenge and through this course you all, my colleagues have helped me more than you know.
Lichter, D. T., Shanahan, M. J., & Gardner, E. L. (2002). Helping others? The effects of childhood poverty and family instability on prosocial behavior. Youth & Society, 34(1), 89–119.
Haleema,
ReplyDeleteThe quote you shared from about the possible socio-emotional development of children from economically disadvantaged families is powerful. As early childhood educators, we do not have the power to change the economic status of our children's families; however, with a better understanding of the social and emotional deficits linked to poverty, early childhood educators can develop an empathetic understanding of the children's behavior. Early childhood educators can use this knowledge to develop a safe and connected environment that supports and nurtures healthy social and emotional development in the children.
Wishing you well,
Donna
Haleema,
ReplyDeleteEnough cannot be said about poverty. Poverty has a strong hold on the mindset of children and families who are living in poverty which cripples their ability to rise against it. There needs to be more spotlight placed on issue of poverty so as to break the vicious generational cycle that keeps families in that state by empowering those affected by it.
Hello Haleema,
ReplyDeleteResearch on poverty could answer a lot of questions about children's behavior who are in poverty, I love the poem, Cause I ain't Got No Pencil. It explains all the things this little boy in poverty has to do before going to school, and once he gets to school he gets in trouble for not having a pencil. You have picked a good simulation research topic. I wish you well going forward.
Here is the poem Cause I Ain't Got No Pencil by Joshua T. Dickerson:
I woke myself up
Because we ain’t got an alarm clock
Dug in the dirty clothes basket,
Cause ain’t nobody washed my uniform
Brushed my hair and teeth in the dark,
Cause the lights ain’t on
Even got my baby sister ready,
Cause my mama wasn’t home.
Got us both to school on time,
To eat us a good breakfast.
Then when I got to class the teacher fussed
Cause I ain’t got no pencil