I was excited to start this course, Influences Family Culture Society.  I felt like the class was going to be about what I love about early childhood education.  Because to me, early childhood education is about the relationships I build with the people I come in contact with everyday.  This course allowed me to dig deep into my beliefs and be reflective of my practices. 

There were three assignments that really helped me to reflect on my practice.  The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman, the research on my course project, and the Laureate Education videos featuring Shuan-Adrian and Marsha. 

The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down helped me to reflect on how I perceive situations concerning my students and their families.  I also thought about the manner in which a communicate with my families.  I questioned whether I create a environment in which my families are valued and not judged.  I have always tried to foster a positive relationship with my students and their family.  But after reading this book, I wondered how I could improve upon my relationships with the children and their families.

My research on childhood obesity allowed me to learn so much about the epidemic in this country.  I also gained valuable research skills which I believe will help as I continue my journey in education in using research to inform my practice as an early childhood professional.  Research about best practices and strategies will help to continue to develop as an early childhood professional.

The stories of the journeys of Shaun-Adrian and Marsha in their personal and professional lives was meaningful and inspiring.  You never realize the struggles and journeys others have gone through.  Nor do you realize how those struggles can shape the people they develop into.  Both of their stories demonstrate that experiences (directly and indirectly) can have a positive outcome in a persons life.