"Start Seeing Diversity Video" Blog: Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

Welcome back!

Week 3 of the Diversity, Development, and Learning course is under way! This week we continue to tackle isms in light of learning the impact of family influence along with isms. We read and discussed racism, sexism, and heterosexism or homophobia in this week's content. Our assignment calls for us to choose 2 questions or scenarios to respond to in regards to this topic, as you will see below. The two i have chosen to respond to are as follows:

1. Some of the ways you noticed that homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children including books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and schools
2. Your response to those who believe that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families

First of all, we live in an ever-changing society with individuals of varying genders, races, ethnicities, cultures, beliefs, abilities, and sexual orientations. Therefore, the dynamic of families have changed and expanded in a variety of ways over time, as well. This will impact the children who are in your classrooms each day and each year as they are raised in families of a variety of forms and styles. As stated in last week's multimedia presentation, "There's so many different ways to be a family. It doesn't matter who's in the family, but it matters that you love each other and take care of each other. That's a family," (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). These words ring true in my heart as I appreciate and respect their meaning greatly. As educators, we need to be aware that there are a variety of different types of families in today's world and the children we work with in our classrooms can come from any of them! There can be single parent or two parent families, racially mixed families, extended families, blended families, adoptive families, families with two mothers or two fathers, and more. Being aware of the different types of families is not the only step we can and must take; rather we must also be sure to acknowledge, accept, include, and appreciate ALL types of families as there is a "need to validate all the different kinds of families children are coming from," so that no child or family feels invisible or unimportant as compared to others (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). 

Based upon this understanding, educators and professionals must recognize that there is limited literature and examples of promoting, accepting, and appreciating ALL types of families in this society. Resources for promoting all types are limited at best, especially for families with same-sex parents. Like it or not, this is an increasingly common family formation that we must acknowledge and accept to ensure the positive development of the child from such family. Personally, I feel it is wonderful that same-sex parents are becoming more common as these couples should have the rights of any other couple and family. Therefore, heterosexism and homophobia that permeate children's literature and media needs to be remediated immediately! We need to find more examples of books, videos, movies, etc. that include this type of family in it's context. While I understand this is a hot topic for debate amongst many individuals, including educators, I remind you to consider these words and actions from a teacher who also was against utilizing and promoting such relationships and families: "Although this was difficult for her, the teacher said she knew her role was to help all children develop a positive identity, regardless of her own beliefs" about same-sex marriages and families (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). 

Furthermore, to all the individuals who believe such examples of family and relationships should NOT be included in the early education of a child, I ask you - WHY NOT? The common myth that educating a child about such relationships and families will make them show such tendencies is completely false. Tina Reynolds is the perfect example of such. She raised her children to be equal. She allowed her daughter and sons to be who they wanted to be, to explore and learn and play with whatever they wanted, regardless of what her family had to say about it. By doing so and by being a lesbian woman in a same-sex relationship, she did not impact the sexual orientation or choices of her children's lives due to this. Her children are straight and married with children and families of their own; she simply allowed them to explore and become more whole by allowing them to respect and understand all gender roles and opportunities. Therefore, I challenge the nay-sayers to think and ponder the fact that "it is still important to acknowledge the existence of families with gay and lesbian parents so that children are prepared to be respectful when they do meet people who are lesbians or gay," (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). Allowing educators to teach about and children to learn about ALL types of relationships, identities, and families will allow your child a positive, nurturing, and fulfilling opportunity for development in the Early Childhood years. 

As I know this topic can be controversial, I am passionate about equal rights for all and truly stand by my belief that all individuals should have the right to marry and create families with whomever and however they see fit, as long as it does not harm any individuals in the process. This example does not and will not harm individuals, rather it will strengthen and enlighten all individuals, including children, teachers, families, and community members, along the way. I apologize if you are offended or do not agree with my beliefs, but I stand by my word. The world would be a much better place if ALL individuals could take the journey towards an anti-bias life that each of us are currently working on through these courses. <3

References:

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d. a). Start seeing diversity: Sexual orientation [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu. 

Laureate Education, Inc. (n.d. b). Looking inward. [Video webcast]. Retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6357/CH/mm/audio_player/index_week1.html

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d. c). That's a family! [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu.

Redefining Family :)

Hello friends!

For week 2 of our newest course, we had to create and/or share a collage, photograph, video, song, etc. about our childhood and family. Additionally, these items had to represent what our definition of family is and what we think of or consider to be family. I love photos and collages. I chose to make a variety of collages of varying individuals to represent what family is to me, who is most important to me, etc. These individuals have shaped my childhood or life in some way, shape, or form and continue to be a huge part of my life to some extent. Below are each individual collage I have made, as well as a description of who is in the collage, what it means, why, etc. The collages are in no particular order, just how they uploaded.

^^The collage above is of my younger and only brother, Ryan, and I through the years. He is one of my best buddies and I still remember the day I found out about being a big sister. I couldn't stop talking about it because I was SO excited! He has been my little buddy ever since he was born and the protectiveness I have over him is because I care so much. He is one of the greatest people I know. He has made my childhood and life so much better. Even though he drove me BONKERS at times, he always made me laugh, too!^^

^^This collage is of some of my cousins and I through the years. There are two quotes about cousins that I have always loved. One says, "Cousins are the siblings God forgot to give you." The other is, "Cousins are the first friends you will have in life. Cherish them always." My cousins and I have always been close and most of my childhood memories revolve around Friday nights at Aunt Sue's, summer vacation filled with swimming, Barbies, bike riding, and trips to the park with all of my cousins, family vacation to Wildwood and Sea Isle every summer, and much more. My life would have been SO different without the love, support, and laughter with my cousins. ^^

^^My immediate family is my foundation. My mom, dad, brother, and I are all close. We may drive each other crazy but we would do anything for one another. We have had so many ups and downs and been taught so many lessons through the years that formed and shaped my childhood in many ways. Additionally, my grand mom (mom's mom) was one of the most independent and strongest women I have ever met. A true role model and heroine to each of us females in the family. Always looked up to her and even though she has been gone 5 years this October, we all always will. ^^

^^Friends are truly the family we choose for ourselves, I am a firm believer in this philosophy. This collage is filled with friends through the years who have been a second family to myself and my brother and my family as a whole. Senior year of high school, going on 10 years ago, I lost two of my best friends to a brain aneurism and leukemia. I still miss them every single day and wish they could be here but am so very grateful I had the chance to have them in my lives as long as I did to shape my childhood and outlooks on life. Jessy was my very best friend from 1st grade to 12th grade before she passed. Kelli and I met in middle school but connected instantly. Other friends from college and high school who are still in my life are pictured. They continue to be my second family, no matter how much time, distance, or life gets in between we always will be there for one another and pick right up where we left off! ^^

^^ My cousin, Jacki, and I are extremely close and she is one of my best friends in the world. Her three daughters are like the little sisters I never had. Her youngest, pictured three times with just me, is my goddaughter. I was there for the birth and raising of each of the three girls. I was each of their first babysitter. I have always been like their big sister and will always be there for them, as their mom has always been for me. ^^

^^Lastly, my very best friend and love of my life, Mike, cannot be forgotten. We have been together for over eight years and he has helped me through some of my most challenging times, tough transitions, and changes within my life. He has truly shaped my life for the better. His continuous support and love keep me going even in the toughest of times. While we did not experience childhood together, he has reminded me yet again what the true meaning of family and love and support can be and reminds me daily of how we will raise a family with our own definitions and ideals together. <3 ^^

Teamwork & Team Building Experiences

In week 6 of our Communication course, we have been discussing the concept of teamwork, team building, and leadership. Each of these three concepts work together to create a whole: a team or group of people working together to accomplish a vision, task, goal, etc. Successful teamwork does not develop or take place over night; rather it takes commitment, dedication, trust, respect, focus, and determination to work together to accomplish a goal to complete a vision. Team building and development takes place through five stages: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.


From this week's learning, it became evident that the foundation of teamwork is mutual trust and respect. Without this as the foundation, a team will never be able to bond and be successful. A team needs to build a strong foundation of trust so they know it is safe for them to commit to the cause and know that they will be supported through the journey by their teammates. Each stage of the development of a team has it's own important milestones and markers, but the final stage can sometimes be the most important. The final stage is called adjourning or adjournment, which means "the project is coming to an end and the team members are moving off into different directions," (Abudi, 2010, p. 3).


This week we needed to consider our own experiences with the stages of team development and team building, focusing on our experiences with the final stage mentioned previously and answer the following questions: When was it hardest to leave a team at this stage? Why? What closing rituals and goodbyes have you shared with your team? How do you imagine you will adjourn from the group of colleagues you have formed while working on your master's degree program? Why is adjourning an essential stage of teamwork?


In my opinion from my own personal experiences with teamwork, I think it is hardest to leave a team that is successful and formed a close bond. When you build a team, you must learn to trust one another and support one another - this becomes a major support system in your life - whether it is a team of family or friends, a sports team, a work team, etc. Once you build a strong foundation based on trust and respect, you build strong and powerful relationships and possibly friendships with the other team members. Therefore, a successful, supportive and well bonded team will be most difficult to adjourn from at the completion of the task at hand. From my own experiences with adjournment from a team, closing rituals have ranged from celebrations to handshakes to hugs and tears. Depending on the context and relationships of the team will depend upon the closing ritual utilized. For example, I played softball for 12 years of my life and some of my fondest memories are the end of the season celebrations we shared together in adjournment. Someone was always moving on to a new age group or team or college so it was always time for someone to adjourn to a new team, which was bittersweet. However, celebrating together with a pool party, yummy BBQ food, and games with friends was a great way to commemorate superb teamwork.


As our seventh class begins drawing to a close over the next two weeks, it is interesting to consider how I imagine my adjournment from this program and my new colleagues will be in just a few months. I once again was filled with bittersweet feelings of appreciation, gratitude, excitement, and sadness. I am so thankful to have met and learned from each of my colleagues in each of my courses thus far. I feel as though I have learned something special and been encouraged by every single one of you and for that I am thankful. I feel excited in anticipation of meeting each of you at graduation next summer! I think it would be lovely to celebrate our conclusion next summer at graduation together over lunch or dinner or a drink as we have all worked so hard and grown so much through this experience together as a team. I am also feeling sad to think that I will not be able to speak with each of you so frequently yet hopeful we can remain colleagues and contacts both professionally and personally after the adjournment from this team in a few months. :)


Lastly, I think adjournment is a very important stage of the team development process in that it provides conclusion and closure to a chapter of your life and the completion of a journey. I think it helps us to celebrate our victories and achievements while reflecting on our mistakes, failures, and challenges overcome. This stage can be a relief for some if the team was not successful or compatible but a dread for others who have grown close with their teammates. Either way, adjournment helps us to memorialize a special experience in our lives in which we have learned and grown greatly for the next step of our journeys in life - personally and professionally.




References:

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Conflict and Communication

This past week in class we have been discussing the influence and impact of conflict and negative communication skills on the effectiveness of communication between individuals. We learned about the 3 R's created by Magda Gerber, which include respectful, reciprocal, and responsive interactions. We also learned about Nonviolent Communication (NVC), which provides strategies and principles for avoiding or overcoming negative conflict. After reading and discussing such issues with communication, we needed to consider and examine our own experiences with conflict either in our personal or professional lives. How did this conflict impact the communication? More importantly, what are two strategies learned that could help manage or resolve the conflict more effectively and productively? Why and/or how are they effective?


Considering the topic at hand, I recollect an issue with a colleague from this past school year. This colleague is an individual who is very loud and likes to be heard by all, very frequently interrupting or speaking over others to get her point across or share what is on her mind - whether related to what is being discussed or not. She believes that she has the right to speak her mind to anyone, including administrators, as she often yells at them to get what she wants. She claims that she is "defending the children" in her classroom, yet she admits that she "enjoys making waves" to see what can come of it. While we work in different grade levels as this individual is a preschool self contained teacher and I am a fourth grade teacher, we are in the same building and have the same lunch period in the faculty room. During the lunch time, I would see this individual daily for 20-30 minutes. Almost daily she would interrupt my conversations or questions, along with any other individuals in the faculty room. On one particular day, I had posed a question to my colleagues regarding something my cousin who was in 1st grade in another district was experiencing. In New Jersey, we now have HIB laws against bullying. HIB stands for Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying and is taken very seriously within the schools in our state. My cousin had been encountering several instances of being bullied by two other students - one in her grade and class and the boy's older sister who was in 5th grade. I had asked my colleagues about the HIB laws just to confirm that I had the correct information before helping my Aunt and Uncle who asked for my advice on how to handle the situation with the principal since nothing had been done thus far, despite their requests. During this conversation, my colleague described previously, interrupted and began to practically yell at me about how to handle the situation. When I reminded her that I was inquiring to confirm I had the correct information and that it was not my own child, she still reprimanded me for how I was handling the situation and how her school was handling the situation. Once again I reminded her that I was attempting to help my Aunt and Uncle prepare to handle it appropriately to which she completely became angry and started to yell that I should not allow a child to be treated that way. This became an infuriating experience very quickly during a time of day in which I like to rest and recharge my batteries for the afternoon with my students. While I wanted to simply lose my cool and say things I should not say, I instead took a few deep breaths and allowed her to finish her rant before finally responding to say, "Thank you for your thoughts on the matter. Again I was just inquiring about the policies. I appreciate your passion and concern about the issue and I will help my Aunt and Uncle to handle it appropriately." After that I turned to another colleague and began discussing something from our fourth grade classes that we needed to finish that week in order to move on from the conflict.


Reflecting back on the scenario, I feel as though neither of us were being appropriate or effective communicators. Strategies that I have now learned in hindsight that could have helped could be to use questioning techniques and nonverbal cues to show I understand and care yet am curious why she is so worked up over the issue; and be willing to talk through and hear her side to compromise and take advice from her, as well. During both strategies, I could remind her to take a deep breath to help her remain calm, as well. I think both of these strategies could help both of us to be more effective communicators because it is allowing us to be more aware of the other individual's emotions and thoughts on the matter, utilizing empathy. Additionally, it would help us to utilize and perfect our listening skills to communicate more clearly and effectively with one another and later on with our children and families, as well. I think the principles of NVC and the 3 R's are helpful information that I now have as a resource in case an issue such as this were to take place again in the coming school year.

Communication Evaluations

In week 4 of this course, we had to personally evaluate our communication styles based upon three surveys of three different areas of communication: communication anxiety, verbal aggressiveness, and listening skills. In addition, we had to ask at least two individuals to complete the three surveys about our communication skills, as well. The individuals could be family, friends, colleagues, etc. To complete this exercise, I completed all three surveys first, followed by having my boyfriend of eight years, Michael, complete it. Next, I asked my mother to complete it and a colleague and friend of mine, Jen, whom I work with in my school building and at summer camp this summer.


Upon completing the surveys myself, I learned that I have Mild Communication Anxiety based upon my score of 42. In other words, this score and label reports that I have unease and discomfort with some communicative situations, while feeling completely confident and at ease in others. On the second survey for Verbal Aggressiveness, I scored 61 which meant that I scored "Moderate" on the scale and have a good balance between respecting others and holding my ground for something I feel strongly about. Lastly, on the Listening Skills survey, I scored in Group 1, which means I was in the "People Oriented" grouping. Therefore, I exhibit empathy and understanding to help foster good relationships through communication, yet can have difficulty in judging others when necessary due to this. After discussing the survey scores with Mike, my mom, and Jen, I found that their scores were either the same or closely similar in range to my own scores overall. Mike scored 42 as I had on the Anxiety survey; 60 on the Verbal Aggressiveness survey compared to my score of 61; and Group 1 as I had on the Listening Styles survey. My mom scored 35 on Anxiety survey, close to my score of 42 and still within the range of the same description I received of Mild Anxiety; 64 on Verbal Aggressiveness, which was again close to my score of 61 and in the Moderate range; and Group 1 as both Mike and I had on the Listening Styles survey, meaning I am considered People Oriented. Lastly, my colleague and friend, Jen, who teaches first grade in my building, completed the three surveys about my communication skills based upon what she knows of me in the workplace and personally. She scored 36 on the Communication Anxiety survey, which is also in the Mild Anxiety category; 56 on the Verbal Aggressiveness survey, which is also in the Moderate range; and Group 1 on the Listening Styles survey, which is the People Oriented grouping.


It was not surprising to me that Mike, my mom, and I all scored either the same or closely similar scores on this survey as I believe they are the two people in the world who know me the best. They are the two individuals with whom I speak to daily and guide me through the ups and downs of life. I was pleased to know that we all scored similarly, proving what I had already thought about our relationships and understandings and respect for one another. On the other hand, something I was surprised by was the fact that ALL FOUR of us scored in the same categories and score ranges. While I would expect that from my mother or from Mike, I was pleasantly surprised to see the consistency of scoring from a colleague of my workplace. This was reassuring that I am making strides to communicate effectively in all aspects of my life as I had hoped I was doing, yet at the same time provides me with insights on what to improve as I continue on my journey towards competent communication and anti-bias education.


After completing the work revolving around the concept of communication this week, I have continued to have my eyes opened to the reality of the matter at hand. Completing the surveys about my own communication skills was a great opportunity for me to truly examine, analyze, and understand how I am communicating with others in all aspects of my life. One of the greatest insights I gained this week comes from having the opportunity to recognize my owns strengths and weaknesses in terms of communication, especially within the field of education. I realized that I have always been uncomfortable with public speaking but I am slowly overcoming the fear and anxiety I have had in some forms. Based upon the surveys, I realized that I am slowly taking steps into leadership roles, as in this past school year when I created my own PLC for the third and fourth grade teachers with approval from the principal in which we completed a book study and compiled resources and practices for Reading and Language in our classrooms. Additioanlly, another insight I had gained this week was concretely recognizing the impact communication has on an individual's relationships. Based upon the feedback and scores I received from the three individuals who completed the surveys about my communication patterns and skills, I have noticed that we have a true respect and understanding of one another on a deep level, to which it should be acknowledged that the effectiveness of my communication helped to form such strong bonds and relationships. This is a truly important piece to recognize within ourselves - the impact we have on the relationships in our lives (whether it be with a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife, family member, friend, colleague, student, etc.) based upon the effectiveness of our communication skills - verbal, nonverbal, and listening.

Cultural Diversity & Communication

Week 3 is upon us already! This week we began to examine the idea of culture in relation to communication. We discussed the meaning of being inter culturally competent in communication, cultural myopia, and the importance of "The Platinum Rule" in regards to being an effective and competent communicator. Each of the aforementioned concepts relate to producing effective communication in many ways. In order to better understand the concepts discussed this week, we had to take time to examine our own communication skills in regards to interacting with various culturally diverse groups. The groups can be culturally diverse in many ways, such as by race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender, varying abilities, age, and more. After considering and discussing our personal communication strengths and weaknesses in this area, we need to create at least three strategies for improving our communication skills in relation to interacting with culturally diverse groups of individuals.


Considering the assignment at hand, I reflected upon my own interactions with individuals from culturally diverse groups and populations and the communication skills in which I have utilized in such interactions. I have realized that when communicating with individuals of a different religion, I tend to be more cautious in the wording I choose when speaking on such a topic. Due to the fact that I am trying to be more cautious, I may end up over thinking and not actively listening to the conversation enough. Another example would be when speaking about politics. While I believe I am a Democrat, I tend to avoid all political conversation as it can become a very charged and heated debate in conversation. I may venture into the topic with another individual only to find they are extremely set on their opinion or defensive of their affiliation's beliefs to which I attempt to change the subject as avoidance of the conflict. This is a flaw in my communication skills as I should incorporate the meanings of "The Platinum Rule" in this instance, empathize with the individual and attempt to utilize effective communication skills to complete the debate civilly and appropriately. Lastly, I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. In other words, you can read my emotions, thoughts, feelings, etc. all over my face or through my body language very easily. Therefore, I have to be very conscious of the nonverbal signals and cues I am utilizing when communicating with others, particularly when communicating with children and families, in order to avoid detrimental impact or tension.


In light of the aforementioned revelations, I have come up with three strategies to begin communicating more effectively with other culturally diverse individuals. First of all, I need to become more culturally competent and aware of other beliefs, cultures, etc. By doing so, I will gain knowledge to better understand and communicate appropriately with children, families, colleagues, and community members of that specific cultural background. Secondly, I need to work on conflict resolution skills, which would be to become a more empathic listener. To do so, I must focus on the speaker and begin to "put myself in their shoes" to better grasp their feelings and thoughts on the matter. This could help to resolve dilemmas and disagreements, as well. Lastly, I need to analyze my own nonverbal cues to become more aware of how they are used, how often, the reasoning for them, etc. This will be helpful to prevent misunderstandings while communicating with others, as well as to better understand the meaning of nonverbal cues of other individuals with whom I am communicating.


Communication skills are more important than many individuals realize, including myself. It is something we tend to take for granted and treat as "common sense"; however, it is quite the opposite and such skills must be acquired and learned over time. We always have room for improvement and I understand that in my journey to anti-bias education I must become an effective inter culturally competent communicator, as well.


Until next week...

Observing Communication Through Television

Week 2 is upon us and we continue to learn about the importance of effective, appropriate, and ethical communication, especially within the Early Childhood field. This week, we took a closer look at types of communication: verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and listening skills. Each of these types of communication are equally important to being a competent and effective communicator. For the assignment this week, we needed to view an episode of a television show that we do not normally watch and observe the nonverbal communication exhibited when the show is on mute and with volume on. While on mute we need to decipher what the characters' relationships are based on their nonverbal communication, as well as what they are feeling and expressing. With the sound turned on, we need to state what assumptions we made about the characters and plot based on what was observed with sound on and off and whether or not our assumptions would have been more accurate if we were watching a familiar show instead.

For this assignment, I decided to watch an episode of Modern Family as it is not a television show I normally watch on TV yet have heard from many friends it is great. After watching the episode, I ended up watching the rest of the marathon on TV that night as I found it very funny and entertaining! In this episode, there are several characters interacting in different houses but all seem interconnected. The main focus of this episode was one particular family. While watching with the sound turned on mute, you can pick up on the tension between the young characters in the show who seem to be disagreeing about entering a bedroom when the door is closed. From the eye rolling, crossed arms, stomping feet, red faces, and waving hands, you can see there is frustration and annoyance taking place in an argument between what seems to be siblings. Two adults enter (seem to be the parents) and the mom is yelling to fix the problem while dad is acting sincere using sign language and body language to signal behind mom's back that she is overreacting and he loves them all. Mom and Dad leave the room and there seems to be a disagreement, mom makes a decision, and leaves. Dad seems uncomfortable handling a situation with the daughters at first then becomes much like a drill sergeant ensuring they complete chores. The girls look scared and exhausted. Mom takes the boys out for fun to go on go carts, eat junk food, and more. Mom looks as though she is trying to force herself to be "the fun parent" and crosses the line, scaring the boys and making them eat too much. The boys look freaked out and then later sick as they get sick from too much junk food. Their body language shows that they were a family with mom and dad and four children, two boys and two girls, teenage years. The nonverbal communication shows a lot of emotion and feeling throughout, such as frustration, annoyance, worry, anger, fright, exhaustion, humor, and more. After turning the volume on to rematch the episode, I learned that the two adults were in fact the parents, but only three of the teens were their children - the two girls and one boy, the other boy was a cousin. The disagreement in the beginning took place because the boys entered into the sisters shared room when the door was closed without knocking first and the girls were in the process of changing. Therefore, an argument commenced in the hallway about privacy and sibling rivalry and the cousin chiming in as he is from a different culture that it is normal in his culture and it shouldn't be a problem here. The parents depart to another room as the mom shows her frustration through body language that she is tired of being the "bad cop" parent and the dad being the "good cop" parent and decides they should switch roles. Dad takes this seriously after a moment of being unsure because he discovers his daughters have lied and goes seriously bad cop becoming borderline drill sergeant like ordering them around all day. It is a comical twist.

This episode of the show encompassed a great deal on communication as well as concepts from prior courses on diversity and culture. The families in the show are all part of the same extended family. There is one family, as described from the episode, with a mother, father, son, and two daughters; another family with two gay males and an adopted baby daughter; and lastly the father (of the mother from the original family) and his second wife and son. This is, in fact, a modern family, as the title shares. I thought this assignment was enlightening in what we can pick up on from nonverbal communication in terms of relationships and emotions without verbal communication involved. In addition, I think it would have been a little easier to truly follow the episode if I had been more familiar with the show but the nonverbal communication from a realistic family interaction was evident and easily readable.

Until next time...