Interview Progress
I have found two amazing individuals to interview with regard to my topic focusing on Children exposed to risk, trauma and stress with the subtopic being violence/fear in families/neighborhoods. Both individuals I have found had a personal passion for this topic themselves in some aspect and are both very motivated in what they do. One success that I experienced is that after interviewing one of the participants, we have discussed ways to further discuss the concerns and actually find ways that I can volunteer and get involved in what they are doing to help these students at risk outside of my classroom. I also learned a valuable trait with regard to the motivation that I as well as others may possess in assisting children in being successful. My interviewee mentioned that sometimes what we want for a child, is not always what they want for themselves or what their families want for them; that does not mean that change is not possible, but rather that it may just be a bit more difficult to see it. I connected with that insight because it provided comfort when at times I have felt defeated in my endeavors of trying to help every child see themselves better than who they are.
So far, I have been able to find several articles that focus on the effects of children exposed to trauma, stress, and risks, as well as interventions to avoid these things from having such a major effect on children. Most recently the research that I have found focuses on resilience and how children are able to move forward from issues of their childhood once it has already occurred.
One question I have is: A lot of times children in poverty or African American children are normally seen with the most issues in regard to my topic. Do you believe that there are children who do not fall in that category that get overlooked simply because they do not fit the stereotypical expectations?
Hi Whitney,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post. I agree that sometimes the things that we desire for a child are not what the parents or the child wants or needs. I do not think that children who do not fall into the categories of poverty of being a African American get overlooked. I think all children who experience trauma from violence in their home or neighborhood will show some signs of stress, withdrawal, behavior problems, etc. Teachers and early childhood professionals can usually recognize those signs pretty easy.
Well LaQuetta I have found so far through my research that there are many kids who get overlooked in any category simply because we do not always see the signs of the neglect. My idea in asking this question is because now that researchers have found who these issues are normally found in, do we think that it is possible that since it is already difficult and we have found at least one clue as to who it is normally seen in, that we tend to look over that being the issue in other students that do not fit the description of the commonly affected child? If you do not think so, with that information why is that?
DeleteYes Whitney I believe children do get overlooked in cases of stress and trauma for many reason and yes one of which is stereotyping the issue. I also think children get overlooked because their stress and trauma was not stressful or traumatic for other children so their point of view it not looked into. I'm very happy you found a way to volunteer. I was hoping to volunteer with one of my interviewee last summer. (I have known her for a long time.) However, they only offered training while I was working and I could not get out of work the first month of a new job. Best of luck to you are you go forth and change the world of these children.
ReplyDeleteThat is great insight to consider Freya. You are right, they get overlooked for more than stereotypical reasons and one being that of their issue as not seen as being as serious of an issue at all. Great response post.
DeleteGreat post! Yes, I do believe children get overlooked because they do not fit the typical stereo-type of most children or families. Too many times families try there best to hide their challenges. Therefore, teachers may not even realize that family needs help or assistance.That's why teachers have to build a relationship of trust with the family in order for that family to confide in them. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post, Whitney. I would also agree that children are overlooked because they do not fit the stereotype. Unfortunately, they fit into a different stereotype and suffer great consequences because of it. Have you read the book called A Chid Called It by Dave Pelzer? Your question made me think of his story. As educators, we must be mindful of the whole child. Best of luck with your research!
ReplyDeleteAmanda Wentz