The hope that I have is that I can create an environment for children that welcomes all diverse backgrounds. Creating an environment that is welcoming to everyone can be challenging, but with some hard work and an understanding of each childs diversity this can be accomplished. I also hope to share the importance of this with my staff. I have learned that as a society we are so focused on the dominant culture, that the others seem to get lost. I will advocate for all children and make sure that everyone's cutlure is celebrated.
My goal is to educated others on diversity. I thought that I had a good understanding of diversity, cutlure, "isms". But after completing this course I learned that not only did I not have a complete understanding of it, other do not either. This is a topic that needs to be taught and re-taught.
I enjoyed reading many of the post from everyone. I truly enjoyed learning about everyone and hearing so many stories. It made me feel that we have all had so many of the same experiences, and it helped me learn.
Thank you and Good Luck to everyone.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
I would welcome a family from Scotland. This is a place that I know nothing about.
The five things that I would do to prepare for myself to be culturally responsive are:
1. I would research their government, and learn what there laws are. This will help me understand how they may react to certain laws in our country and I would be able t explain the differences.
2. I would learn about their customs and holidays. This will teach me about what they believe in and if they celebrate any of the same holidays as we do.
3. I would learn about any other language they may speak.
4. I would find out which region of the country they are from, what is the culture like there and what are the different religions.
5. I would learn about how family's function in Scotland. For example, do extended families live together, what are the cultural norms for society, what is the hierarchy within the family structure.
I hope that by learning these different things about Scotland, I will have a good understanding of what the family may be like. It will help me be more sensitive to their needs and avoid unintentionally insulting them. It will also give me topics to discuss with them which will make them feel as if they are part of our community. There also may be similarities between their culture and mine and I can use that to help them feel as if they are part of this community now. Making a family feel special and welcomed is important in the success of the child in the classroom.
The five things that I would do to prepare for myself to be culturally responsive are:
1. I would research their government, and learn what there laws are. This will help me understand how they may react to certain laws in our country and I would be able t explain the differences.
2. I would learn about their customs and holidays. This will teach me about what they believe in and if they celebrate any of the same holidays as we do.
3. I would learn about any other language they may speak.
4. I would find out which region of the country they are from, what is the culture like there and what are the different religions.
5. I would learn about how family's function in Scotland. For example, do extended families live together, what are the cultural norms for society, what is the hierarchy within the family structure.
I hope that by learning these different things about Scotland, I will have a good understanding of what the family may be like. It will help me be more sensitive to their needs and avoid unintentionally insulting them. It will also give me topics to discuss with them which will make them feel as if they are part of our community. There also may be similarities between their culture and mine and I can use that to help them feel as if they are part of this community now. Making a family feel special and welcomed is important in the success of the child in the classroom.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression
The best memory that will give the best example of how I have experienced prejudice and bias is when I met my husband. I came from what most people would think of as "rich" neighborhood, a middle class family. My family was far from rich, but perception is sometimes the key to judgement. I was 16 when I met my husband and he came from a part of town that my family was horrified that I was in. His family was poor, his mom was raising 3 boys alone and was on welfare. To my family this was unacceptable. My mother did everything passable to keep me from him. Because he came from a different social class, my family thought he must be no good.
The feelings that this brought up for me was disappointment with my family, anger and I rebelled against them. I did not understand what the difference was. I realized that we were different and that is what made us so good together. My family was horrible to him and his family. I was sad for them when they were treated as if they weren't equals. Although my family seemed to have it all, believe me we were just as dysfunctional as many family's are. The difference is we put on a good show.
To this day, although my husband has proved himself over and over again my family still doesn't really accept him. They would need to change their understanding of diversity and culture and learn to embrace all types of people, before they would be able to get over prejudice. My husband has been a good provider and loves me and our children with everything he is. He can't seem to live down where he came from. I have learned alot from this and have never judged anyone my daughter or son have dated or been friends with.
I had never thought about this being a form of bias or prejudice before. But that is exactly what it is. Although my husband was not judged on his skin color, he was judged by his address. I am taken back by how my family could be this way. When I was young, my thoughts were they just wanted the best for me. Now I have a clear understanding that it was not about what was best for me, it was what was about what was best for them. My husband and I have been together for 25 years, he is my best friend! If I would have had that same prejudice I would never had the opportunity to find him.
The feelings that this brought up for me was disappointment with my family, anger and I rebelled against them. I did not understand what the difference was. I realized that we were different and that is what made us so good together. My family was horrible to him and his family. I was sad for them when they were treated as if they weren't equals. Although my family seemed to have it all, believe me we were just as dysfunctional as many family's are. The difference is we put on a good show.
To this day, although my husband has proved himself over and over again my family still doesn't really accept him. They would need to change their understanding of diversity and culture and learn to embrace all types of people, before they would be able to get over prejudice. My husband has been a good provider and loves me and our children with everything he is. He can't seem to live down where he came from. I have learned alot from this and have never judged anyone my daughter or son have dated or been friends with.
I had never thought about this being a form of bias or prejudice before. But that is exactly what it is. Although my husband was not judged on his skin color, he was judged by his address. I am taken back by how my family could be this way. When I was young, my thoughts were they just wanted the best for me. Now I have a clear understanding that it was not about what was best for me, it was what was about what was best for them. My husband and I have been together for 25 years, he is my best friend! If I would have had that same prejudice I would never had the opportunity to find him.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Microaggression
I had never realized how micoraggression affected my life until this course. The one microaggression that I have experienced is that I live in New Jersey and I am Italian. I have a very Italian heritage and many people in the area have always assumed that since I am Italain and have many influential family members that my family must be part of the Italian mafia. Of course this is ridiculous, if I was part of the Italian mafia, I would be alot richer than I am, LOL!!! I never realized how this affected me until this course. It never really bothered me until I got older. This is such a sterotype of Italians, everyone thinks that if you live in New Jersey or New York, and you are from an Italian culture and your family has money you must be tied to the mob.
Microaggressions can be very damaging. I really resent that fact that people think that because of my heritage, that I must have a family involved in crime. Now that I have a better understanding of what and how micoraggressions affect people I will make sure that I am more aware of sterotyping people according to thier culture and heritage. These assumptions can be very damaging to a person mental health.
Microaggressions can be very damaging. I really resent that fact that people think that because of my heritage, that I must have a family involved in crime. Now that I have a better understanding of what and how micoraggressions affect people I will make sure that I am more aware of sterotyping people according to thier culture and heritage. These assumptions can be very damaging to a person mental health.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Diversity and Culture
I spoke to 3 people that were all in different parts of their life. Each one had similiar ideas as to what culture is.
The first person I spoke too was a caucasin women in her late 50's and was a stay at home mom when her kids were young. Her thoughts were that culture is how you were raised and all about family and tradition.
The second person I spoke with was a spanish women in her early thirties in the early childhood field. She said that she never really thought about what culture was or how it influenced her. She felt that it was important to raise her children with a strong sense of their spanish culture and family and traditions were very important.
The third person I spoke with was a man in his fiftys, who is puetro rican. He is very proud of who he is and where he comes from. He was born in puerto rico and feels that family is everything. Although he feels that he has definalty been influenced by the dominant culutre, he trys to keep up with his culture.
What I found by speaking with these 3 different people is that they all had never really thought about their diversity or culture much. They practiced what they were taught and there traditons were very important to them. The dominant culture where they live has definalty changed there culture and they do not always feel that there culture is accepted. Although they have strong beliefs in there way of life, they seem to keep it in their house, and not show so much of it in public. Family was the most important thing to them, and they all keep their culture alive with their family.
After speaking with them I realized that if people don't really think about how their own culture influences their lives then how do we teach our children to be accepting of others if we don't feel accepted. The man that I spoke too had such a strong love for his culutre, but since it is frowned upon he choses to keep it home. When I asked how understanding they were towards other cutlures, they basically said that they had never really thought about it and they only focus on their way of life. They all agreed that they need to accept everyone and be proud of who they are.
The first person I spoke too was a caucasin women in her late 50's and was a stay at home mom when her kids were young. Her thoughts were that culture is how you were raised and all about family and tradition.
The second person I spoke with was a spanish women in her early thirties in the early childhood field. She said that she never really thought about what culture was or how it influenced her. She felt that it was important to raise her children with a strong sense of their spanish culture and family and traditions were very important.
The third person I spoke with was a man in his fiftys, who is puetro rican. He is very proud of who he is and where he comes from. He was born in puerto rico and feels that family is everything. Although he feels that he has definalty been influenced by the dominant culutre, he trys to keep up with his culture.
What I found by speaking with these 3 different people is that they all had never really thought about their diversity or culture much. They practiced what they were taught and there traditons were very important to them. The dominant culture where they live has definalty changed there culture and they do not always feel that there culture is accepted. Although they have strong beliefs in there way of life, they seem to keep it in their house, and not show so much of it in public. Family was the most important thing to them, and they all keep their culture alive with their family.
After speaking with them I realized that if people don't really think about how their own culture influences their lives then how do we teach our children to be accepting of others if we don't feel accepted. The man that I spoke too had such a strong love for his culutre, but since it is frowned upon he choses to keep it home. When I asked how understanding they were towards other cutlures, they basically said that they had never really thought about it and they only focus on their way of life. They all agreed that they need to accept everyone and be proud of who they are.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Thinking about what I would bring has made me realize how many items I have from my family that are important. If I only had 3 to chose from I would be leaving alot of my culture behind. The first item I would take are family pictures. Pictures of my grandparents, parents, children, friends and memories that I can never replace. I would also take an oil painting that was given to my parents as a wedding gift in 1969. Although my parents divorced, this painting represents my beginning and the love my parents once shared. The third thing I would take is a large crystal bowl that belonged to my great grandmother, this bowl has been passed down 3 generations. It is important to me because I would like to continue the tradition of passing it down in my family.If I had to chose one out the three items, I would chose my pictures, it is important to me to be able to share with future generations what everyone looked like, it will also help to keep memories alive.
While thinking about what I would bring I asked my husband what he thought. After thinking about all the wonderful things we had, we realized that there are very few items of importance. The most important thing is our family and our two dogs. We have an English bulldog named Shelbi and an American Cocker Spaniel, named Odie. That really surprised us, we have spent 25 years building a life and home. We have filled our home with so much stuff, and none if it is important. Why do we keep buying so much stuff!:) This has given me a little bit of a reality check, I guess there is nothing more important than your family, they alone will keep your culture alive.
While thinking about what I would bring I asked my husband what he thought. After thinking about all the wonderful things we had, we realized that there are very few items of importance. The most important thing is our family and our two dogs. We have an English bulldog named Shelbi and an American Cocker Spaniel, named Odie. That really surprised us, we have spent 25 years building a life and home. We have filled our home with so much stuff, and none if it is important. Why do we keep buying so much stuff!:) This has given me a little bit of a reality check, I guess there is nothing more important than your family, they alone will keep your culture alive.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Early childhood Research
Learning about early childhood research has been an enlightening experience. There is so much information that it can be overwhelming. Understanding how research is done was interesting. I never realized how much work there was put into research or how important it is.
Although I really do not plan on doing research, it is nice to know the process and it gives me a better understanding of how to read research and understand the process. The biggest challenge I had was finding a research topic. Ideas that I thought important were not that easy to conduct research. This has given me a new respect for research and I plan to follow research a little more closely than before.
Planning and designing research is so much more complicated than I ever imagined. The subjects, making sure that the study is valid and organizing the research is very important. The different ways to conduct research were also interesting, the use of triangulation, quantitative and qualitative research.
This course has led me to a better understanding of the importance of research and has given me a better respect for researchers.
Although I really do not plan on doing research, it is nice to know the process and it gives me a better understanding of how to read research and understand the process. The biggest challenge I had was finding a research topic. Ideas that I thought important were not that easy to conduct research. This has given me a new respect for research and I plan to follow research a little more closely than before.
Planning and designing research is so much more complicated than I ever imagined. The subjects, making sure that the study is valid and organizing the research is very important. The different ways to conduct research were also interesting, the use of triangulation, quantitative and qualitative research.
This course has led me to a better understanding of the importance of research and has given me a better respect for researchers.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
week 5
I visited the Early Childhood Australia website. This website had many interesting topics.
The issue of childcare funding was a topic that seems to be international. The information focused on low and middle income families being in need. Although more funding is needed it was noted that there is an "investment of already more than $20 billion that is already being made in early childhood education and care services" (Early Childhood Australia). The amount of money being spent in early childhood is an issue that many countries are re-evaluating. The importance of early education is becoming more popular and necessary across the world. Childcare is expensive and there needs to be more assistance for the low income.
Quality care is also an issue that was discussed on this website. Across the world it is known that the type and quality of care that children receive is important. This in not only a subject that is highly researched, it is being developed across the world. Finding this information is inspirational. I am happy to see that people across the world are beginning the understand that without quality care, our children suffer.
Sometimes it is easy to forget that early childhood is a topic that has become important across the world. Visiting websites from different parts of the world are important to understanding that everyone is recognizing the importance of early childhood care.
References
Early Childhood Australia, retrieved from www.earlychildhoodaustralia.au/
The issue of childcare funding was a topic that seems to be international. The information focused on low and middle income families being in need. Although more funding is needed it was noted that there is an "investment of already more than $20 billion that is already being made in early childhood education and care services" (Early Childhood Australia). The amount of money being spent in early childhood is an issue that many countries are re-evaluating. The importance of early education is becoming more popular and necessary across the world. Childcare is expensive and there needs to be more assistance for the low income.
Quality care is also an issue that was discussed on this website. Across the world it is known that the type and quality of care that children receive is important. This in not only a subject that is highly researched, it is being developed across the world. Finding this information is inspirational. I am happy to see that people across the world are beginning the understand that without quality care, our children suffer.
Sometimes it is easy to forget that early childhood is a topic that has become important across the world. Visiting websites from different parts of the world are important to understanding that everyone is recognizing the importance of early childhood care.
References
Early Childhood Australia, retrieved from www.earlychildhoodaustralia.au/
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Research that benefits Children and Families
If I was conducting research that benefited children and families, I would conduct an observation based research of the interaction of fathers and their children. I would conduct this research because I have seen throughout my years teaching in the early childhood field the lack of involvement many fathers have in their child's day to day life. Observing them will help answer questions such as;
1. Do children that have fathers that are involved or not involved in their life perform better at school?
2. Do children that have fathers that are involved or not involved in their day to day life behave better?
3. How do fathers communicate with their children at home?
4. Do children have better relationships overall with fathers that live with them or without them?
The positive contribution would be to give fathers the information to show how their lack of involvement with their child can hurt them. I would also give these fathers information on how to become involved on a day to day basis.
There are many fathers that for different reasons do not even know the name of their child's teacher. I think that all they need is to have an understanding of the importance of day to day interactions with their child. Giving them resources will point them in the right direction.
1. Do children that have fathers that are involved or not involved in their life perform better at school?
2. Do children that have fathers that are involved or not involved in their day to day life behave better?
3. How do fathers communicate with their children at home?
4. Do children have better relationships overall with fathers that live with them or without them?
The positive contribution would be to give fathers the information to show how their lack of involvement with their child can hurt them. I would also give these fathers information on how to become involved on a day to day basis.
There are many fathers that for different reasons do not even know the name of their child's teacher. I think that all they need is to have an understanding of the importance of day to day interactions with their child. Giving them resources will point them in the right direction.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Personal research journey
Developmentally appropriate pratice is the topic I chose. This is a topic that I have read about for years. Teachers need to understand why and how to teach children. Being able to have a curriculum that is developmenatlly appropriate for every age is extremley important in the field of early childhood education.
My personal expierence with developmentally approrpriate practice has been an interesting one. I have found that depending on which school you teach for and what curriculum they follow they standards seem to change. It is usually decided by a school board as to what curriculum to follow. These differences have left me to question what is developmentally appropriate since there are many different opinions. Constructing the research chart helped me understand the organization I will need to complete this and how much information is out there. I just hope I dont become ovewhelmed by the amount of information I may need to go through.
I would like to learn more about research that focus' on play, I am using this term in the broad sense. When I talk about play I am referring to pretend play, outside play, center play. I have read many articles that argue there needs to be more academic time and less play.( Although I dont agree with this I plan on reading all the informtion with an open mind). How can a teacher make sure that all of these activites are developmentally appropriate for the differen age groups. I am also interested in learning more about developmentally appropriate practice for infants and toddlers. There are many centers that simply provide care for this age group, I would like to learn more about what these children need.
I am still in the process of looking for resources and would love any advice anyone can give on finding resources online. Are there any particular websites that are helpful?
Thank you in advance for any advice or tips you can give. I will post any good sites I may find.
My personal expierence with developmentally approrpriate practice has been an interesting one. I have found that depending on which school you teach for and what curriculum they follow they standards seem to change. It is usually decided by a school board as to what curriculum to follow. These differences have left me to question what is developmentally appropriate since there are many different opinions. Constructing the research chart helped me understand the organization I will need to complete this and how much information is out there. I just hope I dont become ovewhelmed by the amount of information I may need to go through.
I would like to learn more about research that focus' on play, I am using this term in the broad sense. When I talk about play I am referring to pretend play, outside play, center play. I have read many articles that argue there needs to be more academic time and less play.( Although I dont agree with this I plan on reading all the informtion with an open mind). How can a teacher make sure that all of these activites are developmentally appropriate for the differen age groups. I am also interested in learning more about developmentally appropriate practice for infants and toddlers. There are many centers that simply provide care for this age group, I would like to learn more about what these children need.
I am still in the process of looking for resources and would love any advice anyone can give on finding resources online. Are there any particular websites that are helpful?
Thank you in advance for any advice or tips you can give. I will post any good sites I may find.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Learning about International Early Childhood
Learning about the International Early Childhood Field made me realize alot. The first thing that I learned was how important the filed of early childhood is around the world. Such as UNESCO, The National Center for Children in Poverty, The Global Chidlrens Initiative. I honestly thought that this was only in the US. There are so many organizations that focus on children and their early learning. This was a surprise to me since I had never really been exposed to it before.
The second is that all across the world early childhood education is very similar. Most educators have the same goals and there seems to be an agreement among everyone of what is important to teach in the early childhood field.
I also learned about poverty, diversity, changing demographics. I realized how important all of these are to teaching children. Having this information has made me understand everything better. I look at every situation different, and I feel that in the short 8 weeks of this course I have started a journey that has led me around the world and given me a wealth of information that will make me better.
Although in the beginning of this course I did not fully understand the point of issues and trends and how it would help me teach, I learned more than I though I would and will follow many of these issues during my career.
The second is that all across the world early childhood education is very similar. Most educators have the same goals and there seems to be an agreement among everyone of what is important to teach in the early childhood field.
I also learned about poverty, diversity, changing demographics. I realized how important all of these are to teaching children. Having this information has made me understand everything better. I look at every situation different, and I feel that in the short 8 weeks of this course I have started a journey that has led me around the world and given me a wealth of information that will make me better.
Although in the beginning of this course I did not fully understand the point of issues and trends and how it would help me teach, I learned more than I though I would and will follow many of these issues during my career.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
UNESCO (wk 7)
The UNESCO is an organization that works to create "the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values".
They have 2 global priorities:
*Africa
*Gender Equality
The Issue in Africa is one about a population that is not as educated as they need to be. There are more children now going on to secondary education than ever before. UNESCO wants to continue to make sure that the African government and development partners maintain education among their priorities. The sub Saharan Africa is home to "almost 43% of the worlds out of school children"(UNESCO). They have the worlds largest amount of people with HIV, 90% of the worlds 2 million children are living with the virus in sub Saharan Africa. The UNESCO education mission is to ensure all children receive a free education. "UNESCO is the only United Nations agency with a mandate to cover all aspects of education"(UNESCO).
There are 4 ways that UNESCO supports the right to education:
*Monitoring the implementation of the international normative instruments in this field.
*Building and strengthening capacities and mechanisms and reporting
*Assisting Member States in reviewing and developing their national frameworks
*Mobilizing, developing and fostering global partnerships to raise awareness on key issues relating to the implementation of international normative instrument's on the right to education.
This web page had so many different links to many different topics. Definitely an organization to follow.
References:
UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” web page (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/)
They have 2 global priorities:
*Africa
*Gender Equality
The Issue in Africa is one about a population that is not as educated as they need to be. There are more children now going on to secondary education than ever before. UNESCO wants to continue to make sure that the African government and development partners maintain education among their priorities. The sub Saharan Africa is home to "almost 43% of the worlds out of school children"(UNESCO). They have the worlds largest amount of people with HIV, 90% of the worlds 2 million children are living with the virus in sub Saharan Africa. The UNESCO education mission is to ensure all children receive a free education. "UNESCO is the only United Nations agency with a mandate to cover all aspects of education"(UNESCO).
There are 4 ways that UNESCO supports the right to education:
*Monitoring the implementation of the international normative instruments in this field.
*Building and strengthening capacities and mechanisms and reporting
*Assisting Member States in reviewing and developing their national frameworks
*Mobilizing, developing and fostering global partnerships to raise awareness on key issues relating to the implementation of international normative instrument's on the right to education.
This web page had so many different links to many different topics. Definitely an organization to follow.
References:
UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” web page (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/)
Four ways UNESCO supports the right to education
There sSaturday, August 4, 2012
I explored the site titled National Center for Children in Poverty, www.nccp.org I had never visited this site, and found the information to be relative to our current topic and very interesting to me. I was surprised by what I read and would like to share it with everyone.
The article I read was titled, "More White Chilren in low income families than any other racial group". After reading this article I learned that "America has more white chldren living in low income families than any other race"(NCCP). This surprised me greatly because all you ever hear about is povety in neighborhoods that are mosly black and hispanic (at least where I live). This information on this website opened my eyes the huge problem of not just poverty but the affects of low income families as well. These families seem o.k on the outside but are actually living within a low income society. I wonder why these statistics surprise me. Do white families hide it more than other races?
Some statistics I would like to note are amazing to me these were from the National Center for Children in Poverty, they are:
21 million white children live in low income families
10.7 million hispanic chilren live in low income families
6.5 million black children live in low income families
1 million asian children live in low income families
400,000 american indain children live in low income families
Another statistic is "among all children under 18, 44 % live in low income families and approximatley one in every 5 live in poor families"(NCCP).
This percentage is rising, "40% in 2005 to 44% in 2010"(NCCP).
The Federal poverty levels according to the NCCP are:
$22,350 for a family of 4
$18,530 for a family of 3
$14,710 for a family of 2
Although I understood that poverty was an issue, I honestly had no idea how severe it was. It saddens me to realize how many children do not have what my childre have taken for granted. The NCCP recommends helping parents succeed in the labor force will help with jobs. This will help, but will not solve the problem. Our unstable work environement has lead to many people losing there jobs due to the economy.
The only solution to this, is jobs!!! Our country and many other countrys are struggling and our people and children are suffering. We need to pay attention to politics and our current leaders and make educated decisins to help everyone live comfortably. The only way to do this is to make changes in our government and althoug I have always voted, but have never really followed politics closely, I have gained a new understanding of the power of voting!!!!!
References
National Center for Children in Poverty; retrieved from www.nccp.org
The article I read was titled, "More White Chilren in low income families than any other racial group". After reading this article I learned that "America has more white chldren living in low income families than any other race"(NCCP). This surprised me greatly because all you ever hear about is povety in neighborhoods that are mosly black and hispanic (at least where I live). This information on this website opened my eyes the huge problem of not just poverty but the affects of low income families as well. These families seem o.k on the outside but are actually living within a low income society. I wonder why these statistics surprise me. Do white families hide it more than other races?
Some statistics I would like to note are amazing to me these were from the National Center for Children in Poverty, they are:
21 million white children live in low income families
10.7 million hispanic chilren live in low income families
6.5 million black children live in low income families
1 million asian children live in low income families
400,000 american indain children live in low income families
Another statistic is "among all children under 18, 44 % live in low income families and approximatley one in every 5 live in poor families"(NCCP).
This percentage is rising, "40% in 2005 to 44% in 2010"(NCCP).
The Federal poverty levels according to the NCCP are:
$22,350 for a family of 4
$18,530 for a family of 3
$14,710 for a family of 2
Although I understood that poverty was an issue, I honestly had no idea how severe it was. It saddens me to realize how many children do not have what my childre have taken for granted. The NCCP recommends helping parents succeed in the labor force will help with jobs. This will help, but will not solve the problem. Our unstable work environement has lead to many people losing there jobs due to the economy.
The only solution to this, is jobs!!! Our country and many other countrys are struggling and our people and children are suffering. We need to pay attention to politics and our current leaders and make educated decisins to help everyone live comfortably. The only way to do this is to make changes in our government and althoug I have always voted, but have never really followed politics closely, I have gained a new understanding of the power of voting!!!!!
References
National Center for Children in Poverty; retrieved from www.nccp.org
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Week 5
I visited Harvard University's "Global Children's Initiative" website. I viewed a video called "In Brief: Executive Function; skills for life and learning". The video was very interesting and focused on executive function and self regulation for children. I learned that executive function is when children develop the skills that helps them learn to avoid distractions, develops their working memory to name a few. Executive function is important to life later. Most of these skills are developed as children and continuously improve. Children also learn self regulation. By learning to self regulate children develop skills to take turns, problem solve, make and keep friends.
Both of these skills occur naturally through development but can also be taught.
The 3 main points of Executive Function are:
1. Working Memory
2. Inhibitory Control
3. Mental Flexibility
References
Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/),
Both of these skills occur naturally through development but can also be taught.
The 3 main points of Executive Function are:
1. Working Memory
2. Inhibitory Control
3. Mental Flexibility
References
Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/),
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Sharing Web Resources
The site that I selected is the US Department of Educaiton, http://www.ed.gov/early-learning. This site focus's on early childhood learning and has up to date infomation affecting our country and children today. The one issue that was being addressed is how Pres. Obama is "commited to providing the support that our youngest children need to succeed later in school"(US Dept of Ed). The website list different way in which the President plans to help our children. They are prioritzing improving health, social, emotional and educational outcomes for young children from birth thru third grade.
Sharing Web Resources
The one site that I visit most is NAEYC. This site has more than 80,000 members and has a network of more than 300 state and local affiliates. They focus their research and information on children from birth thru age 8. What makes this site a good resource is they address issues that are relevant to the early childhood field. The NAEYC center for applied research has data that applys to everything form cognitive, socio-economic issues, teacher training, and creating a high quality program. They also have hundreds of links to other websites with valuable information.
Their article titled "Debunking the Play vs. Learning Dichotomy" referred to an area that many early educators, politicians, economists and neuroscientists have studied. NAEYC's positions on play is that is a valuable tool to be used in the classroom. To create a high quality program "both direct instruction and play have roles to play in high-quality early childhood education"(NAEYC). Play is an important part of early childhood and NAEYC has vast resources that confirm this finding.
This sight also gives me information on issues that affect our children today. Issues such as obesity, nutrition, developmentally appropriate practice, helping family's, integrating different culture's into the classroom and just about anything you can think of. I find this organization to be a good reference when looking for information.
References
NAEYC. Retrieved from www.naeyc.org
Their article titled "Debunking the Play vs. Learning Dichotomy" referred to an area that many early educators, politicians, economists and neuroscientists have studied. NAEYC's positions on play is that is a valuable tool to be used in the classroom. To create a high quality program "both direct instruction and play have roles to play in high-quality early childhood education"(NAEYC). Play is an important part of early childhood and NAEYC has vast resources that confirm this finding.
This sight also gives me information on issues that affect our children today. Issues such as obesity, nutrition, developmentally appropriate practice, helping family's, integrating different culture's into the classroom and just about anything you can think of. I find this organization to be a good reference when looking for information.
References
NAEYC. Retrieved from www.naeyc.org
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Poverty in India
I visited the website for the Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre. I chose to read about India and their issue with poverty. I was overwhelmed with the amount of poverty this country faces. India has 1.03 billion people, this is the 2nd largest population in the world, second to only China. There are an estimated 260.2 million people that live in poverty. "Rural poverty is strongly associated with lack of access to assets, skills, and low levels of health and education"(Childhood Poverty Research).
*Some main problems that affect poverty are:
1. Growing population
2. Industrialization
3. Globalizing economy
*There is also a growing rate of non-communicable diseases and a rise of HIV/aids.
*An estimated 400 million living in poverty are between the ages of 0-18.
*Almost 1/2 of children under 5 are malnourished
*34% of newborns are significantly underweight
They have been making improvements through government programs, the infant mortality rate has decreased from 80 per 1000 live births to 69 in 2000. Enrollment in primary school rose from 68% to 82%. They still have a large number of children working. 1/3 of their children work and are under the age of 16.
I was not aware of the issues of poverty in India, nor did I know how extreme it was, this website gave new information and made more aware of poverty and the world.
Reference:
Childhood Povety Research and Policy Centre, Retrieved from http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/
*Some main problems that affect poverty are:
1. Growing population
2. Industrialization
3. Globalizing economy
*There is also a growing rate of non-communicable diseases and a rise of HIV/aids.
*An estimated 400 million living in poverty are between the ages of 0-18.
*Almost 1/2 of children under 5 are malnourished
*34% of newborns are significantly underweight
They have been making improvements through government programs, the infant mortality rate has decreased from 80 per 1000 live births to 69 in 2000. Enrollment in primary school rose from 68% to 82%. They still have a large number of children working. 1/3 of their children work and are under the age of 16.
I was not aware of the issues of poverty in India, nor did I know how extreme it was, this website gave new information and made more aware of poverty and the world.
Reference:
Childhood Povety Research and Policy Centre, Retrieved from http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/
Establishing Contacts and Expanding Resources
I attempted to contact several different organizations using the links given. I only recieved one response from Megan Pacey, Chief Executive of Early Education in London, England. Her email stated the following:
Thank you for contacting Early Education, I'm afraid this organization doesn't have the capacity or the mechanisms to put you in touch with other early childhood practitioners and programmes as you have describe below. If you are interested in engaging with other early childhood practitioners and the issues that they are facing in England, you might find the Foundation Years forum helpful tool.
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/forum/
I have emailed this foundation and was informed it could take 15 days for a response. I have decided to use the alterantive assignment for not having time to wait. I am hoping for a response and I am still emailing different organizations trying to find a contact.
I will be listening to podcast from the world forum foundation, I have used this website before and find it intriguing to listen to converstaions from early childhood professionals.
Thank you for contacting Early Education, I'm afraid this organization doesn't have the capacity or the mechanisms to put you in touch with other early childhood practitioners and programmes as you have describe below. If you are interested in engaging with other early childhood practitioners and the issues that they are facing in England, you might find the Foundation Years forum helpful tool.
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/forum/
I have emailed this foundation and was informed it could take 15 days for a response. I have decided to use the alterantive assignment for not having time to wait. I am hoping for a response and I am still emailing different organizations trying to find a contact.
I will be listening to podcast from the world forum foundation, I have used this website before and find it intriguing to listen to converstaions from early childhood professionals.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Support is having anyone in your daily life that give you a shoulder to lean on. Since I am the boss there is sometimes days that I need to vent. My group teacher Sandy is my support. She not only listens to me she understands. Her years of expierence in the early childhood field gives her the understanding that I need to help get through difficult situations.
Support in the early childhood field, when it comes to children means giving them the guidence they need along with their families to support their needs on a daily basis. For some it simply is an understanding ear, or time to spend with a child that is having a difficult day and needs a little more one on one time. Giving children and parents this one on one attention is the differnce in many lives.
The support I recieve from Sandy can make the most difference in a day. She makes me feel that I am not alone and she gives me advice for me to consider. Sometimes I simply need someone to listen to me. Being the boss can leave you feeling isolated, and Sandy makes me feel like I am not alone.
Another form of support I receive is at home. My family understands that there are days that are mentally harder than others. There understanding and giving me my down time helps me extremely. Just having the understanding from them makes the stress in my life a little less.
I am a verbal person. I need people to listen to me and just let me talk! Even when I am rambling and they have no idea what I am talking about. The most important part of talking is having people not judge, just listen and give constructive advice. Most of us do not need to be judeged, just heard!!
If I didnt have anyone to listen to me, I think my life would be harder. I would feel that there is not who understands and would burn out in this field. We all need support when our days are hard, my staff gives me that and I try to give them the same.
Support in the early childhood field, when it comes to children means giving them the guidence they need along with their families to support their needs on a daily basis. For some it simply is an understanding ear, or time to spend with a child that is having a difficult day and needs a little more one on one time. Giving children and parents this one on one attention is the differnce in many lives.
The support I recieve from Sandy can make the most difference in a day. She makes me feel that I am not alone and she gives me advice for me to consider. Sometimes I simply need someone to listen to me. Being the boss can leave you feeling isolated, and Sandy makes me feel like I am not alone.
Another form of support I receive is at home. My family understands that there are days that are mentally harder than others. There understanding and giving me my down time helps me extremely. Just having the understanding from them makes the stress in my life a little less.
I am a verbal person. I need people to listen to me and just let me talk! Even when I am rambling and they have no idea what I am talking about. The most important part of talking is having people not judge, just listen and give constructive advice. Most of us do not need to be judeged, just heard!!
If I didnt have anyone to listen to me, I think my life would be harder. I would feel that there is not who understands and would burn out in this field. We all need support when our days are hard, my staff gives me that and I try to give them the same.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
My Connections to Play
When I was a child, play was a part of everyday. My sister and I spent hours daily playing with the kids in the neighborhood. There wasnt a day that went by that we werent either outside, or playing in the basement. My parents encouraged our play by allowing us to play outside and with other children. There were no special toys or gadgets that we played with, just each other and anything we could find. We would play king of the mountian, chase tag, hide and seek. Inside we played school and house. Unfourtunatley in todays world is has become unsafe for children to freely play in their neighborhood, leaving parents the only alternative of keeping thier children inside for fear of abduction. This is the reason that parents should encourage chidren to play in sports, join boy scouts and girl scouts. This is a safe alterantive to playing outside and still allows the child to interact with other children and play.
Quotes about play
'You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of converstaion" Plato
Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consist of whatever a body is not obliged to do" Mark Twian
Both these quotes give the best example of what play is supposed to do. Children learn more about life while playing with each other than in any other activitie. This is alos true for adults. All adult have some form of play that they do with friends. This is how we bond, and enjoy life.
These are two simple toys that I enjoyed as a child! No high tech gadgeets just a jump rope and a slinky!
Quotes about play
'You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of converstaion" Plato
Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consist of whatever a body is not obliged to do" Mark Twian
Both these quotes give the best example of what play is supposed to do. Children learn more about life while playing with each other than in any other activitie. This is alos true for adults. All adult have some form of play that they do with friends. This is how we bond, and enjoy life.
These are two simple toys that I enjoyed as a child! No high tech gadgeets just a jump rope and a slinky!Saturday, May 12, 2012
Relationship Reflection
My relationships throughout my life have formed the person that I am. I believe that everyone in my life have made me the person I am. The relationships in my life are important to me, they give me peace, love and acceptance. My huband is my rock. He is my partner in life and would not chose any other.
While completing my BA he was the one that gave me the encouragement that I needed to keep going, I would not have finished my BA without him. My children are the reason I continue to better myself. I want to show them that anything in life can be achieved. I want them to work hard and achieve all their goals. In every realtionship the good and the bad times teach me about life. They teach me how to be forgiving, how to love and accept what I can not change. They make me a better person.
I have always been the peace keeper in my family. I was always making sure that everyone else was happy and walking on eggshells in tense situations, with family that did not get alone. What I learned was I needed to have relationships with my family and friends on a personal note and not worry about if they got along. Learning how to handle family relatioshis has taught me how to be objective in situations dealing with children. I have learned to listen to everyone and never pass judgment. The grass is not always greener on the other side.
While completing my BA he was the one that gave me the encouragement that I needed to keep going, I would not have finished my BA without him. My children are the reason I continue to better myself. I want to show them that anything in life can be achieved. I want them to work hard and achieve all their goals. In every realtionship the good and the bad times teach me about life. They teach me how to be forgiving, how to love and accept what I can not change. They make me a better person.
I have always been the peace keeper in my family. I was always making sure that everyone else was happy and walking on eggshells in tense situations, with family that did not get alone. What I learned was I needed to have relationships with my family and friends on a personal note and not worry about if they got along. Learning how to handle family relatioshis has taught me how to be objective in situations dealing with children. I have learned to listen to everyone and never pass judgment. The grass is not always greener on the other side.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Quote about children
"A person's a person, no matter how small" Dr. Seuss
"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate" Anonymous
These quotes are relevant to all early childhood educators. We can never forget the importance of treating children like they matter and giving them positive role models.
I wish everyone success in their future endeavors. It has been a pleasure.
"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate" Anonymous
These quotes are relevant to all early childhood educators. We can never forget the importance of treating children like they matter and giving them positive role models.
I wish everyone success in their future endeavors. It has been a pleasure.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Intelligence testing is an old fashioned idea. There are many other ways to determine whether or not a child is progressing normally. Using standardized test only puts unnecessary stress on a child. Most teachers teach to the test anyway, so we are really not getting the correct date from these test. Observation is important is assessing a child's development. Children should be assessed on every level of their development, socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually. Only testing one way does not give a clear understanding of the child as a whole. Assessing children needs to be done early to help diagnose and problems and help address them. I say this with a little reserve, sometimes we over analyze situations and children are unfairly diagnosed with delays that they do not have. Their development is just a little slower than the "norm". If we assess the child as a whole we will have a better understanding of where they are.
Education in Italy
In Italy there education system is not that different than in the United States.
From 3 to 5 there is optional education offered for all children. Children enter primary school at 5 years old and this last 5 years. From 11 to 14 they attend lover secondary school, a national curriculum is followed, which is mandated by the Ministry of Public Education.
Each term every student receives a teachers report outlining their aptitude, behavior and achievement. students do take a standard exam consisting of a written exam, and a oral exam. Students may not move into upper secondary school if they do not pass this exam. Upper secondary school is split between an obligatory 2 years of general studies and an optional 3 years of a specialised education. Either for college or a vocational trade. there is a state mandated curriculum and specialised courses begin the third year of upper primary school. For students to receive an upper secondary school diploma the mus pass a written and oral exam. There are 6 teachers that administer the exam.
Italys assessment of their students involves both written and oral exams. This helps the students who may not be good written test takers. By being able to communicate with teachers that are giving the exam a student has more opportunities to express there thoughts without having them be written.
I liked the idea of being able to express my understanding of a certain subject verbally instead of writing, sometimes your main idea gets lost in a word maze.
Reference
Angloinfo: Italian Education and Schooling in Italy:
Retrieved from: http://angloinfo.com/f3hx5c
Education in Italy
In Italy there education system is not that different than in the United States.
From 3 to 5 there is optional education offered for all children. Children enter primary school at 5 years old and this last 5 years. From 11 to 14 they attend lover secondary school, a national curriculum is followed, which is mandated by the Ministry of Public Education.
Each term every student receives a teachers report outlining their aptitude, behavior and achievement. students do take a standard exam consisting of a written exam, and a oral exam. Students may not move into upper secondary school if they do not pass this exam. Upper secondary school is split between an obligatory 2 years of general studies and an optional 3 years of a specialised education. Either for college or a vocational trade. there is a state mandated curriculum and specialised courses begin the third year of upper primary school. For students to receive an upper secondary school diploma the mus pass a written and oral exam. There are 6 teachers that administer the exam.
Italys assessment of their students involves both written and oral exams. This helps the students who may not be good written test takers. By being able to communicate with teachers that are giving the exam a student has more opportunities to express there thoughts without having them be written.
I liked the idea of being able to express my understanding of a certain subject verbally instead of writing, sometimes your main idea gets lost in a word maze.
Reference
Angloinfo: Italian Education and Schooling in Italy:
Retrieved from: http://angloinfo.com/f3hx5c
Saturday, March 24, 2012
War
Fortunately in my life I have not had many struggles. I have witnessed friends and family struggle with many issues. War is an issue that seems to affect so many people today. I had friends that during Desert Storm and the War in Iraq, the husband was deployed. What I witnessed was a wife home trying to raise 2 teenage boys, work full time, pay the bills, and worry about her husband . She was spread too thin and the result was two teenage boys that rebelled. Her life was turned upside down and although the military offers support and help the best support and help that she could have had was her husbands. A family that had been whole was turned upside down. I remember the police being called to her house many times, the oldest boy running away, stealing from her and even becoming violent. Her two young boys needed their father and they needed a mother who was not so stressed. The youngest son seemed to do better and adjust. He did fine with his life but did struggle in his late teens and 20's. The older boy had children while in his teens, was on drugs, drank and eventually moved out. He is a grown man now and a father of 5, not married, can not hold a job and seems to have every excuse as to why. Although these children were not on the front line, there lives were changed due to war.
The Iraq war affected children in Iraq so much more. I read an article that spoke of children playing in the streets pretending to kill people. This is what they were exposed to so this is how they played. Children stopped going to school and many were orphans. The "Association of Iraqi Psychologists urged the international community to help establish child psychology units and mental health programs"( Guardian News, 2007). There is a lack of doctors due to them fleeing the country or being killed. Children have a fear " of kidnapping and explosions"(Guardian News, 2007) Parents reported that the "distress signals sent out by young people in their care from nightmares and bed wetting to with drawl, muteness, panic attacks and violence towards other children sometimes even to their parents"(Guardian News, 2007). Parents of chidren in Iraq have stressors in their life that most of us can only try to imagine. War is devasting to everyone involved, whether indirectly or directly.
Guardian News-Media. (2007, February 7). 2012. Children of War: The generation traumatised by violence in Iraq. Retrieved March 23, 2012, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/feb/06/iraq.topstories3/print
The Iraq war affected children in Iraq so much more. I read an article that spoke of children playing in the streets pretending to kill people. This is what they were exposed to so this is how they played. Children stopped going to school and many were orphans. The "Association of Iraqi Psychologists urged the international community to help establish child psychology units and mental health programs"( Guardian News, 2007). There is a lack of doctors due to them fleeing the country or being killed. Children have a fear " of kidnapping and explosions"(Guardian News, 2007) Parents reported that the "distress signals sent out by young people in their care from nightmares and bed wetting to with drawl, muteness, panic attacks and violence towards other children sometimes even to their parents"(Guardian News, 2007). Parents of chidren in Iraq have stressors in their life that most of us can only try to imagine. War is devasting to everyone involved, whether indirectly or directly.
Guardian News-Media. (2007, February 7). 2012. Children of War: The generation traumatised by violence in Iraq. Retrieved March 23, 2012, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/feb/06/iraq.topstories3/print
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Nutrition and children
Childhood nutrition is a issue across the globe. South Africa has a huge issue of malnutrition. If children do not have proper food and vitamins they will fail to develop and thrive as healthy human beings. Unicef is an orginazation that is commited to helping children in the area of malnutrition. "Malnutrition is a major underlying cause of death in 64 percent of children in South Africa"(Unicef). It amazes me that in todays world with the wealth of so many, that children are still dying of malnutrition. Not only are children dying in S. Africa "One in five children is stunted and many are deficent in the vitamins and minrals vital to good health and optimal development" (Unicef). S. Africa has begun to add vitamins and minerals to its flour and sugar to help with the lack of vitamins and minerals. Another issue that they are trying to help with is breastfeeding babies. Unicef is trying to get women to breastfed exclusivley for at least 6 months. With the help of Unicef, S. Africa will start to solve its problem of malnutrion with children. "Unicef also participated activley in developing a national policy and guidlines on infant and young child feeding which will set standards for communtiy based child nutrition programs" (Unicef). S. Africa is workin on improving their nutrition issues with children. Children need proper nutrition to thrive and develop. This needs to be a world issue not just an issue in S. Africa. All children across the world will one day be our leaders, it we do not provide there essentials, what will happen to us all globally?
Nutrition can affect children in the field of Early Childhood Education in many ways. If children do not get the neccassary vitamins and minerals needed their brains will not develop properly and this will have a lasting effect on them. In the United States the The National School lunch Program serves breakfast and lunch help give the essentials for chidlren to thrive.
Unicef- Childhhttp://www.unicef.org/southafrica/survival_devlop_755.html
National School Lunch Act- http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch/
Nutrition can affect children in the field of Early Childhood Education in many ways. If children do not get the neccassary vitamins and minerals needed their brains will not develop properly and this will have a lasting effect on them. In the United States the The National School lunch Program serves breakfast and lunch help give the essentials for chidlren to thrive.
"The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946" (National School Lunch Program).
This proplem has been around for centurys and needs to be a world issue, not just in the country we live in.Unicef- Childhhttp://www.unicef.org/southafrica/survival_devlop_755.html
National School Lunch Act- http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch/
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Birth of my grandaughter
On Dec 26, 2012 I became a grandmother! This experience was amazing and very scary at the same time. The pregnancy for my daughter was not the normal pregnancy that many women have. My daughter takes anti seizure meds. This caused concern for the baby. She had to see a high risk doctor and they determined that she needed to stay on her meds. Throughout her pregnancy she had to see specialist and have many tests done to make sure that there were no birth defects. This made everyone scared every time she had an appointment. Luckily there were none. But in her 37th week her blood pressure was up and she began to have chest pain. On the day after Christmas she was admitted and a c-section was planned. There was a cardiologist called in, they were worried about her heart. It was determined that it was best for my daughters health to deliver that day. They sent in a neo natal doctor to inform us of the risk of delivering early. It was possible that the babys lungs were not developed enough and she would be in the ICU. Not only was I in fear for my daughters life, I was in fear for the baby. The stress of the delivery could have caused my daughter to have a seizure and this stops oxygen from going to the baby. When they came into the room and took my daughter for surgery, the tears came uncontrollably, I was scared to death. She had a excellent doctor, and in about 25 minutes a perfectly normal baby with no complications was born. She was 6 lbs 13 oz and 20 inches. I thanked god for our good fortune!
I read an article about birthing rituals in Jamaica at HTTP://JAMAICA-GLEANOR.COM They give birth at home with a midwife and s nana. There was an open bible in the room and the mothers belly was anointed with caster oil that would later be given to both mother and child. The mother and child have to stay in the house with the nana for 8 days to protect the mother and child from spiritual and physical dangers. The placenta and umbilical cord are buried and a tree is planted where the umbilical cord is. The baby was bathed in cold water that contained rum and a silver coin given by the father, this would also be buried with the placenta and umbilical cord.
What I found interesting is that these rituals are practiced out of firm spiritual beliefs. Many birthing practices are done for this reason. In the US we tend to take the medical approach. Our infant mortality rate is lower. If these mothers have complications the chance of getting proper medical care is scarce. And the survival rate of mothers and babies decreases.
Since my spiritual beliefs do not interfere with how babies are born, I have a hard time understanding why anyone would risk a complication and not having proper medical care. Comparing them for me is impossible, since you need such a strong spiritual belief to understand their choice.
I read an article about birthing rituals in Jamaica at HTTP://JAMAICA-GLEANOR.COM They give birth at home with a midwife and s nana. There was an open bible in the room and the mothers belly was anointed with caster oil that would later be given to both mother and child. The mother and child have to stay in the house with the nana for 8 days to protect the mother and child from spiritual and physical dangers. The placenta and umbilical cord are buried and a tree is planted where the umbilical cord is. The baby was bathed in cold water that contained rum and a silver coin given by the father, this would also be buried with the placenta and umbilical cord.
What I found interesting is that these rituals are practiced out of firm spiritual beliefs. Many birthing practices are done for this reason. In the US we tend to take the medical approach. Our infant mortality rate is lower. If these mothers have complications the chance of getting proper medical care is scarce. And the survival rate of mothers and babies decreases.
Since my spiritual beliefs do not interfere with how babies are born, I have a hard time understanding why anyone would risk a complication and not having proper medical care. Comparing them for me is impossible, since you need such a strong spiritual belief to understand their choice.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
With Thanks!
I am amazed that this course is finished already! I must admit this blog was probably the most difficult task for me. I am a very private persone and not really into socail media. I would like to thank the help I recieved while creating my blog and those of you who read it! This has truly been a new expierence for me and I hope to become more literate in the world of socail media.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics
NAEYC code P-2.11- We shall not engage in or support exploitation of families. We shall not use our relationship with a family for private advantage or personal gain, or enter into relationships with family members that might impair our effectiveness working with their children.
NAEYC code p-2.14- In cases where family members are in conflict with one another, we shall work openly, sharing our observations for the child, to help all parties involved make informed decisions. We shall refrain from becoming an advocate for one party.
NAEYC code P-3A.3- We shall exercise care in expressing views regarding the personal attributes or professional conduct of co-workers. Statements should be based on firsthand knowledge, not hearsay, and relevant to the interest of children and programs.
I chose these three codes because I have had experience in dealing with all of them and at the time, I did not know how to handle them. I am going to begin to use these codes with my staff and make them part of my daily operations.
Code P-2.11 is crucial to having a professional relationship with families. Although we want to be friends with our parents as soon as we go to that first birthday party, parents expect more from you and have no problem calling you at home to address an issue that should be handled at school. It also makes it difficult to talk to a parent about an issue that the child may have, we don't want to upset our friends, so we tend to let the child get away with breaking the rules.
Code P-2.14 is important because families go through many dilemmas during the time you have their child. They will talk with their child's teacher about issues at home and often want words of encouragement and advice. This can be seen by some parents as taking sides. As soon as a parent thinks you are on their side they quickly tell the other parent. This causes issues that can not always be resolved. The best thing to do is to acknowledge the parents feelings, assure them that your only concern is their child and that the family is doing well, offer resources and that you will have the same conversation with the other parent so that everyone is on the same page. If you give too much advice or become to involved it makes teaching that child difficult.
Code P-3A.3 is an issue I deal with all the time. There is not a school around that does not have conflict amongst its teachers. This code is something that I am going to post in my lobby. All teachers need to address issues that they know to be true not gossip! Gossip, and teachers not liking each other will ruin a program. I always take any teachers having an issue and sit them down together and make them talk. This always solves the problem, because there is always a mis-communication between other staff.
NAEYC code P-2.11- We shall not engage in or support exploitation of families. We shall not use our relationship with a family for private advantage or personal gain, or enter into relationships with family members that might impair our effectiveness working with their children.
NAEYC code p-2.14- In cases where family members are in conflict with one another, we shall work openly, sharing our observations for the child, to help all parties involved make informed decisions. We shall refrain from becoming an advocate for one party.
NAEYC code P-3A.3- We shall exercise care in expressing views regarding the personal attributes or professional conduct of co-workers. Statements should be based on firsthand knowledge, not hearsay, and relevant to the interest of children and programs.
I chose these three codes because I have had experience in dealing with all of them and at the time, I did not know how to handle them. I am going to begin to use these codes with my staff and make them part of my daily operations.
Code P-2.11 is crucial to having a professional relationship with families. Although we want to be friends with our parents as soon as we go to that first birthday party, parents expect more from you and have no problem calling you at home to address an issue that should be handled at school. It also makes it difficult to talk to a parent about an issue that the child may have, we don't want to upset our friends, so we tend to let the child get away with breaking the rules.
Code P-2.14 is important because families go through many dilemmas during the time you have their child. They will talk with their child's teacher about issues at home and often want words of encouragement and advice. This can be seen by some parents as taking sides. As soon as a parent thinks you are on their side they quickly tell the other parent. This causes issues that can not always be resolved. The best thing to do is to acknowledge the parents feelings, assure them that your only concern is their child and that the family is doing well, offer resources and that you will have the same conversation with the other parent so that everyone is on the same page. If you give too much advice or become to involved it makes teaching that child difficult.
Code P-3A.3 is an issue I deal with all the time. There is not a school around that does not have conflict amongst its teachers. This code is something that I am going to post in my lobby. All teachers need to address issues that they know to be true not gossip! Gossip, and teachers not liking each other will ruin a program. I always take any teachers having an issue and sit them down together and make them talk. This always solves the problem, because there is always a mis-communication between other staff.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Early Childhood Resources
Early Childhood Resources
http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
http://www.naeyc.org/
www.eirc.org
http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
http://www.naeyc.org/
www.eirc.org
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Quotes about passion from video segment
"I have a built in passion that it was important to make a real contribution to the world"
-Louise Berman Sparks
"I'm not hear to save the world, I'm hear just to make a difference"
-Raymond Hernandez
References:
Video Program: “The Passion for Early Childhood”
Five early childhood professionals share passion, motivation, and commitment to the early childhood field.
"I have a built in passion that it was important to make a real contribution to the world"
-Louise Berman Sparks
"I'm not hear to save the world, I'm hear just to make a difference"
-Raymond Hernandez
References:
Video Program: “The Passion for Early Childhood”
Five early childhood professionals share passion, motivation, and commitment to the early childhood field.
Words of Inspiraton
Famous Quotes:
"The challenge now is to practice politics as the art of making what appears to impossible, possible"
-Hillary Rodham Clinton
This quote is not from our video or readings, but I have always felt they were words to live by.
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can
and Wisdom to know the difference"
-Serenity Prayer (14th century)
"The challenge now is to practice politics as the art of making what appears to impossible, possible"
-Hillary Rodham Clinton
This quote is not from our video or readings, but I have always felt they were words to live by.
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can
and Wisdom to know the difference"
-Serenity Prayer (14th century)
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Personal Childhood Web
There are many people that have guided me through my life and made an impact. Childhood teachers, friends, even the stranger in the supermarket that does a kind thing for someone. It is hard to determine who has had the biggest impact on my life. Like most of us, our mother and father, our friends are usually the ones who influence us the most, and although I had many good teachers and friends, no one stands out. If I am going to be honest I dont know who influenced me. I grew up in a divorced home, I spent Mon to Fri with my mom and most Sat and Sun at my dads. I always felt so torn between two families. My mother remarried when I was 6 and then there were 3 families I had to chose from. I never felt like I was part of any of them. Do not get me wrong I know my family loved me, but they placed a burden on me that I do not think they even know they did. I was always forced to chose where to spend holidays, who do I go to the fireworks with? These may seem like small issues, but I always felt guilty about leaving one parent behind. All my cousins had close relationships with each other, they were always together, I wasn's always there, so I never felt like I belonged to any family. Maybe this influenced me. My mother taught me one thing that will stick with me forever, and I have taught me children. Never rely on anyone to do it for you, do it yourself.
I think that this has driven me in my life to want more and succeed.
My sister and I were the "black sheep of the family" our mother was divorced and that was not acceptable. I guess my sister had a great influences on me as child. She taught me how to be a mother. I was the one caring for her at 9 years old while my mother worked(that was normal in the 70's, we were considered latch keys kids). She taught me patience and tolerance, (we still fought like sisters). When I left my house at 16, my sister felt as if I abandoend her. She could not come with me she was only 13. I dont think to this day she forgives me, our relationship is very strained.
Although my father was what I call a part time father. He did not come to any of my softball games, did not come to see my clarinet recitals. For some reason he was still my hero. I guess I had the knight in shinning aromor syndorme. I wanted so badly to have a normal family that to this day I place my father high on totem pole and would do anything for him. In my eyes he did nothing wrong, ever, my mother would disagree of course. The more I think about it although my father was not there everyday, his influence on me was greater than I ever realized. He called and talked to me every night. He always wanted to know how my day was , what did I eat for dinner. Those simple questions that my mother never asked. He did make me feel important through a 5 minute phone call. To this day he calls and asks those same questions, he has been the consistent one in my life.
Although my husband and children were not part of my childhood, I did meet my husband in my teens and had my daughter at 19. They are the biggest influences in my life. Without my husband support and belief in me I would have never finished college, opened my schools. He to this day makes me feel like I can do anything. When I get upset and life seems to be to overwhelming with my schedule, he reminds me of everyhting I have accomplised and that only I can fail or succed. He keeps my spirits up and positive. My children have driven me to suceed and always want more. If they ever have to do a perosnal childhood web I hope that they say that I have influenced them to suceed, be good to everyone, help you neighbor and never give up. That will be my legacy.
So although I do not have any life changing stories, or great influences, this is my story and all of it is what has made me who I am.
Robert Frost has always been my favorite poet, here is a poem that I often think of when life is tough.
"The Road Not Taken"
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood.
And sorry I could not travel both
And be on traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth:
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost, Mountain Interval, 1920
I think that this has driven me in my life to want more and succeed.
My sister and I were the "black sheep of the family" our mother was divorced and that was not acceptable. I guess my sister had a great influences on me as child. She taught me how to be a mother. I was the one caring for her at 9 years old while my mother worked(that was normal in the 70's, we were considered latch keys kids). She taught me patience and tolerance, (we still fought like sisters). When I left my house at 16, my sister felt as if I abandoend her. She could not come with me she was only 13. I dont think to this day she forgives me, our relationship is very strained.
Although my father was what I call a part time father. He did not come to any of my softball games, did not come to see my clarinet recitals. For some reason he was still my hero. I guess I had the knight in shinning aromor syndorme. I wanted so badly to have a normal family that to this day I place my father high on totem pole and would do anything for him. In my eyes he did nothing wrong, ever, my mother would disagree of course. The more I think about it although my father was not there everyday, his influence on me was greater than I ever realized. He called and talked to me every night. He always wanted to know how my day was , what did I eat for dinner. Those simple questions that my mother never asked. He did make me feel important through a 5 minute phone call. To this day he calls and asks those same questions, he has been the consistent one in my life.
Although my husband and children were not part of my childhood, I did meet my husband in my teens and had my daughter at 19. They are the biggest influences in my life. Without my husband support and belief in me I would have never finished college, opened my schools. He to this day makes me feel like I can do anything. When I get upset and life seems to be to overwhelming with my schedule, he reminds me of everyhting I have accomplised and that only I can fail or succed. He keeps my spirits up and positive. My children have driven me to suceed and always want more. If they ever have to do a perosnal childhood web I hope that they say that I have influenced them to suceed, be good to everyone, help you neighbor and never give up. That will be my legacy.
So although I do not have any life changing stories, or great influences, this is my story and all of it is what has made me who I am.
Robert Frost has always been my favorite poet, here is a poem that I often think of when life is tough.
"The Road Not Taken"
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood.
And sorry I could not travel both
And be on traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth:
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost, Mountain Interval, 1920
Saturday, January 14, 2012
When I try to think of a story about a child that has changed my life, I think about all the children that I have loved over the years. The families that have become part of my family. Although I have many happy stories I could share, I would like to share one that is not so happy. About 1 year after I opened my first center, there was a 4 year old little girl namde Morgan. Morgan was a beautiful, happy child with a smile that would make you feel happy on your worst day. She was the child in the room that the other children wanted to play with and always helping the younger ones. Her family life wasnt perfect, her parntes were getting a divorce, she was going back and forth between two homes and her parents were not seeing eye to eye on custody. One saturday afternoon, she was going to a festival with her fathers fiance when a Fed Ex truck hit their care and everyone in it was killed. The car burst into flames and the reports said they were all killed instantly. There was a memorial service for Morgan and my school raised about $600 for her familys exspenses. What was amazing to me is when I and my entire staff attended her memorial, her father seemed surprised that we were so upset. A man that I only knew through hellos and goodbyes hugged me as I cried, I sometimes wonder if he knew how special his child was to all of us. As I write this the tears come down and it has been many years since Morgan passed away. This is the impact that my students have on me, they are my children, part of my life. I will never forget Morgan or her smile!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Favorite Childrens Book
No, David! by David Shannon
I have been reading this book to my students for many years. What I like about this book is it teaches chidlren that although they do things that they are told no, they are always loved. Reading to children about what is expected of them teaches them how to handle criticism and learn from their mistakes.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Long day
I finally figured out how to make this blog better. I hope to now be able to focus on the task at hand.
I had a 12 hour day interviewing new teachers. I find this very hard. People come to interviews and always answer all your questions correctly and dress very nice, then you hire them!! and they are awful, dress sloppy, and are lazy (not everyone i have hired has been this way, this is worst case)
any suggestions on how to pick a good employee. This is the hardest part of my job, i could use some advice.
I had a 12 hour day interviewing new teachers. I find this very hard. People come to interviews and always answer all your questions correctly and dress very nice, then you hire them!! and they are awful, dress sloppy, and are lazy (not everyone i have hired has been this way, this is worst case)
any suggestions on how to pick a good employee. This is the hardest part of my job, i could use some advice.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Just made a blog page
This is my first online anything....i dont even have a facebook. Very proud of myself that i was able to do this. It was actually very easy.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)