Graciele Joie P.

Reganit
ECEDSED L82

Ive always known that people give so much more of what we expect from them. I know
that students who are from families with low economic background can equally achieve what
other students can, and maybe even go beyond that. But then there are so many challenges that
these students have to go through before achieving school success. The family structure is a
factor that hinders the child from achieving school success because people in poverty usually
have big families, and it is difficult for the parent/s to meet the needs of all of their children.
Their ethnic background and their mothers educational background are also contributing factors,
according to study. They don't have good role models. They don't strive to do well in school,
mainly because that is not their goal. Their goal is to survive.
Ms. Dorene emphasized and advocates for Education for all. Given the condition of
children who live in poverty, they are left helpless and hopeless. As educators, its our job to turn
that around. Yes, it is difficult; Yes, it may be ambitious; And yes, it is achievable. We need not
focus on what they dont have. We need not focus on their weaknesses and negative attributes;
rather, we zoom into their strengths and capabilities, and use that to their advantage.
Two theories that Ms. Dorene presented is the asset theory and resilience. The asset
theory focuses on a holistic approach, the internal and external factors. The external factors
comprises of environments and relationships. This relates to Bronfenbrenners ecological
systems theory, wherein the different systems, no matter how distant it may be, contribute to a
childs development. The internal factors include motivation, positive values, and identity. It is
something like the upper parts of Maslows hierarchy of needs. Resilience, on the other hand, is
when the children see themselves as survivors. Resilient people spend their time to achieve
success, and see failures and mistakes as teachers. As teachers, we should use both of these as
models. For the asset theory, we look into the child as a whole. We consider internal and external
factors that contribute to his/her learning, and use that knowledge in customizing learning
experiences appropriate for each child. Relationships with the teachers and fellow classmates are
important. They have to be able to feel like they belong; that they are safe. As teachers, we make
an effort to get to know them and set an environment that makes them feel secured and happy.
We also tap into key persons, most especially their parents as we work together in raising
children who are resilient. We don't spoon feed them. Rather, we set high expectations and
motivate them to overcome problems. We don't have to react negatively to mistakes and failures.
That's why children are so afraid to make mistakes. They are taught to be perfect. Always,
always. But that has to stop because the real world isn't like that. There's bound to be failure,
even if you're always the first one to top the class. And the children has to know that it's okay.
They need to see how they're going to do it differently next time so history wouldn't repeat itself.
It's either they whine about it and stop trying or learn from it and let it motivate them. Our goal is
the latter.
There are so many needs of these children who live in poverty, and for me, I am entitled
to give those needs as much as I can. As a future early childhood educator, I plan to volunteer to
address the needs of the children through my time, effort, and money. I also dream of creating a
preschool in my hometown which will mainly cater to those who are less fortunate in terms of
money. Since I see how the need for a preschool is not met by our community, and how we lack
quality education, I will work extra hard to build a school. Even as a student, I engage in
volunteer works, and join organizations that focus on serving others. They need to see that they
are not alone, that there are people who care for them. And as a person, not just an educator or a
student, that is my main goal in life. I want to be a blessing to others.