Students will learn to listen, take turns, and use their social skills to talk about their families. Students will learn about diversity through seeing and hearing different family dynamics. Families can look both different and the same. We will celebrate the differences and similarities in each others family's.

My family is large, complex, and a little difficult to explain. It can be confusing for others to follow along. My family consists of members who share DNA and members who do not. It is full of marriages, divorces, and remarriages. In school, I had a difficult time creating a family tree because there were technical names for relatives, but I referred to them differently. 

Growing up I was called a "Grandma's Girl" because I had a special bond with my grandma. I had 3 sets of grandparents including my mother's parents, father's parents, and stepfather's parents. Throughout my child hood and adulthood, I lived with my grandparents at different points in my life. My grandparents were far from boring and I will tell you about them in class. My household consisted of a mom, stepdad, an older sister, and younger brothers. Technically my brothers are consider half brothers, but I consider them as whole because we grew up in the same house. My 3rd half brother grew up in a different house. We share the same dad. I consider his older sister and brother my step siblings even though our parents never married and are no longer together. 

I have a Master's of Social Work degree with a concentration in Community Organizing. I have a Bachelors of Science degree with a major in Human Development and Family Studies.  I hold certificates in child youth and family services, diversity, leadership, and conflict resolution. Throughout my college experience, I was the Vice President of the Cultural Diversity club and The Diversity and Outreach Representative of the Student Executive Council.  I have done extensive research and completed a self directed internship that focused on developing school programs that addressed empathy, anti-bullying, diversity, and inclusion starting in Preschool. I have read articles from but not limited to Teaching Tolerance and The Southern Poverty Law Center. Activism is apart of social work. I've attended, with my daughter, marches, support rallies and panel discussions about inclusion and social justice. I have over 5 years paid experience working with children in person and online.  My nieces, nephews, and 4 year old daughter love it when I act out different stories. For over 15 years, mindset  is something I continue to study. I have read adult and children books about having a positive mindset, focusing on the good, being a change maker, empathy, human rights, inclusion, social justice, activism, and diversity. I continue to teach and show my culturally blended 4 year old how focus on the good and take action to help others. I know books act as mirrors and windows for young learners. It is important for children to see a refection of their families in books as well as learn about the lives of others. I know having a culturally blended family can have it's own challenges. Since I am passionate about children learning about acceptance, empathy, diversity and inclusion, I have helped my local library compile lists of books celebrating different holidays, and cultural months. I started researching and creating these lists before becoming a mother.