Murphy-Gelderman, Fina (2020) "Children learn what they live": Foster Parents' Experiences and the Emotional Curriculum. Masters thesis, Concordia University.
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Abstract
Abstract
“Children learn what they live”: Foster Parents' Experiences and the Emotional Curriculum
Fina Murphy-Gelderman
Foster parents play an important role in the lives of foster children. This study elicited the perceptions of six foster parents about their roles as caregivers to foster children. The value of foster parents cannot be overexpressed, as they have a huge potential to be positive influences in their caregiving roles for foster children. This study was guided by two questions: 1) How do foster parents understand their roles as caregivers for their foster children? and 2) How do foster parents understand their roles in providing a learning environment for their foster children? These questions morphed into one central inquiry exploring how the role of a caregiver is intricately connected to providing a learning environment. The data was analyzed through the lens of curriculum studies using open coding, resulting in emergent themes about foster parents’ perceptions about their roles and responsibilities as caregivers as well as challenges that foster parents and foster children experience. Curriculum theorists such as Parker Palmer and John Dewey afford vital insight into the importance of the data, opening up the discussion to notions of emotional curriculum and the need for trauma-informed practices. This study provides rich descriptions of insights from foster parent on the foster care system. Findings suggest that raising awareness of the need to attend to foster children’s emotions and history of trauma may be one way forward to providing the best care for children living in foster care
Keywords: foster care, foster parents, caregivers, emotional curriculum
Divisions: | Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Education |
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Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
Authors: | Murphy-Gelderman, Fina |
Institution: | Concordia University |
Degree Name: | M.A. |
Program: | Education |
Date: | 6 January 2020 |
Thesis Supervisor(s): | Chang-Kredl, Sandra |
Keywords: | foster care, foster parents, caregivers, emotional curriculum |
ID Code: | 986373 |
Deposited By: | Fina Murphy-Gelderman |
Deposited On: | 25 Jun 2020 19:22 |
Last Modified: | 25 Jun 2020 19:22 |
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