About 6 years ago, I participated in a study conducted by a professional development framework and research collaborative group. They conducted the survey for the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Kentucky Dept. of Education, and the Division of Early Childhood Development. The study was a part of the current statewide evaluation of the KIDS NOW Initiative, by conducting research and investigating the impact a statewide unified professional development system has on quality environments and child outcomes. The incentives for participating in this study were very rewarding. They gave my classroom over $75.00 in classroom materials.
In July this past year, I attended a CLASS reliability course in which I realized at that point I had participated in that study. I felt honored by that fact that my classroom had participated in the study because it meant that I had helped make early childhood education better. Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) is amazing evaluation tool that evaluates the teacher's interactions with the students in the classroom, just as ECERS evalutes the classroom. In early childhood education, we now have two effective tools to make our classrooms developmentally appropriate for our children.
After taking the CLASS reliability course and being able to go into other classrooms and rate their performance made me feel accomplished, I had actually done something to impact the early childhood field. However, I did not realize how long it takes research to affect in making an impact on any given subject.
http://www.teachstone.org/about-the-class/
http://ers.fpg.unc.edu/
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
My Personal Research Journey
The topic I chose to research is is how important it is not to cut play and physical activities from our school curriculum because many children do not get it at home. We provide healthy meals at school because we fear for what our children eat at home. But yet we are not concerned about their physical activity. I believe an awareness needs to be raised and that it what I hope to accomplish through my research.
While working on my research chart, I found many resources stating how important play and physical activity was and is in our schools and classrooms. However, many of them have no solution to keep play and physical activity going. They do offer suggestions and ideas to the educators. One thing that many of the resources agree on is that educators should educate the community on the importance of play and physical activity.
If anyone has any resources that would assist me in my personal research journey I would be greatly appreciated. Just post a comment and let's form a common bond together to keep play and physical activity in schools and classrooms.
Resources that I have found in my journey so far:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/health/Health/Nutrition/Nutrition%20Program%20Staff/IMIL/imil_report.pdf
http://www.aahperd.org/headstartbodystart/
http://www.aahperd.org/aapar/
http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/facts.htm
http://www.letsmove.gov/learn-facts/epidemic-childhood-obesity
While working on my research chart, I found many resources stating how important play and physical activity was and is in our schools and classrooms. However, many of them have no solution to keep play and physical activity going. They do offer suggestions and ideas to the educators. One thing that many of the resources agree on is that educators should educate the community on the importance of play and physical activity.
If anyone has any resources that would assist me in my personal research journey I would be greatly appreciated. Just post a comment and let's form a common bond together to keep play and physical activity in schools and classrooms.
Resources that I have found in my journey so far:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/health/Health/Nutrition/Nutrition%20Program%20Staff/IMIL/imil_report.pdf
http://www.aahperd.org/headstartbodystart/
http://www.aahperd.org/aapar/
http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/facts.htm
http://www.letsmove.gov/learn-facts/epidemic-childhood-obesity
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Final Blog Assignment
I have enjoyed being a part of this class. I was able to explore new resources and research new ideas from different areas of the early childhood field. I attempted to contact fellow colleagues from other countries. However, I was unsuccessful in getting contacting anyone. I feel this partly is due to the communication barrier and how differently internet connections are as well in other countries.
Three consequences that I find pose issues involving my professional development include:
* The first consequence, I was unable to contact anyone in the field. I was able to view international resources.
* The second consequence, I found viewing the websites very informative. However, I can not help but think that other countries take early childhood education more seriously than the Unites States does. This is very frustrating because we have more funding than these countries. We have more resources and we could stronger early childhood education programs.
*The third consequence, is contacting other countries can be problematic due to the communication barriers and internet connections across seas.
One goal, I would like to implement in helping the international community would be to provide information to other about how the international community views and accepts early childhood education. Maybe share resources with other countries on the United States success and research into the early childhood education profession.
Three consequences that I find pose issues involving my professional development include:
* The first consequence, I was unable to contact anyone in the field. I was able to view international resources.
* The second consequence, I found viewing the websites very informative. However, I can not help but think that other countries take early childhood education more seriously than the Unites States does. This is very frustrating because we have more funding than these countries. We have more resources and we could stronger early childhood education programs.
*The third consequence, is contacting other countries can be problematic due to the communication barriers and internet connections across seas.
One goal, I would like to implement in helping the international community would be to provide information to other about how the international community views and accepts early childhood education. Maybe share resources with other countries on the United States success and research into the early childhood education profession.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
International Contacts-Part 3
Exploring the UNESCO’s, “Early Childhood Care and Education" website:
Three insights that I have gained from exploring this website include:
First insight, would be that it is a world organization that promotes the importance of early childhood education and well-being of young children across the world. Participating countries committed themselves to “expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children (http://www.unesco.org/).” It is very heart warming to see that early childhood education has become a world-wide need and that others are advocating the field.
Second insight, is the UNESCO Policy Brief on Early Childhood and the curriculum that is taught. I found it interesting that they discuss the dilemma in planning a curriculum for teachers to follow. Due to the lack of education and training that the educators have. The policy also discusses a curriculum framework in order to meet all children's needs.
Third insight, that I have gained is the amount of resources other countries have for early childhood education professionals. It does discuss how difficult it can be to find resources to meet all of the demands and aspects of the early childhood profession. They provide alot of networking amongst the countries. Also, funding can pose an issue to the amount of resources that is provided.
(http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/)
Three insights that I have gained from exploring this website include:
First insight, would be that it is a world organization that promotes the importance of early childhood education and well-being of young children across the world. Participating countries committed themselves to “expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children (http://www.unesco.org/).” It is very heart warming to see that early childhood education has become a world-wide need and that others are advocating the field.
Second insight, is the UNESCO Policy Brief on Early Childhood and the curriculum that is taught. I found it interesting that they discuss the dilemma in planning a curriculum for teachers to follow. Due to the lack of education and training that the educators have. The policy also discusses a curriculum framework in order to meet all children's needs.
Third insight, that I have gained is the amount of resources other countries have for early childhood education professionals. It does discuss how difficult it can be to find resources to meet all of the demands and aspects of the early childhood profession. They provide alot of networking amongst the countries. Also, funding can pose an issue to the amount of resources that is provided.
(http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Sharing Web Resources
While exploring the NAEYC website I found an outside link that is affiliated with NAEYC and it SECA Southern Early Childhood Association http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/index.php. I received a membership to the association when I joined NAEYC but never really reviewed it until now. However, NAEYC has several organizations that are affiliated with it.
The link I chose to review was Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA). SECA provides several unique entities for instance radio broadcast, newsletters, public policy information, and trainings on the field of early childhood education. The one thing that I thought was interesting about this website was the radio broadcasts that discuss topics pertaining to the early childhood field. The radio broadcast provides information that is geared towards parents and teachers.
I have not received a recent newsletter from NAEYC but I have received one from SECA. One of the articles was titled, "Keeping the Joy of Play in your Program." I felt was pertinent to our classroom discussion on play. The article talks about play-centered program. It then gives several insights on why play should be allowed in the classroom. http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/upload/file/Reporter/SECA_RepFall2011.pdf
In further reviewing, the website SECA I found a article in the Summer issue of the newsletter called, "Two Suitcases and 6 Weeks: Cyakabiri School Opens in Rwanda." The article discusses one woman's journey to create a early childhood center in Rwanda. I feel as though it was a good representation of equity and excellence in early care and education. http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/upload/file/Reporter/Reporter%20Summer%202011.pdf
The insights that I have gained from reviewing this website is that there are general concerns about the healthy development of children. But the majority of the issues pertain to equity and excellence in the early childhood education program whether it be through curriculum, classroom instruction, children and families who are in need. Early childhood education is field that is vastly growing and supports need to be made available to ensure quality is provided.
The link I chose to review was Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA). SECA provides several unique entities for instance radio broadcast, newsletters, public policy information, and trainings on the field of early childhood education. The one thing that I thought was interesting about this website was the radio broadcasts that discuss topics pertaining to the early childhood field. The radio broadcast provides information that is geared towards parents and teachers.
I have not received a recent newsletter from NAEYC but I have received one from SECA. One of the articles was titled, "Keeping the Joy of Play in your Program." I felt was pertinent to our classroom discussion on play. The article talks about play-centered program. It then gives several insights on why play should be allowed in the classroom. http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/upload/file/Reporter/SECA_RepFall2011.pdf
In further reviewing, the website SECA I found a article in the Summer issue of the newsletter called, "Two Suitcases and 6 Weeks: Cyakabiri School Opens in Rwanda." The article discusses one woman's journey to create a early childhood center in Rwanda. I feel as though it was a good representation of equity and excellence in early care and education. http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/upload/file/Reporter/Reporter%20Summer%202011.pdf
The insights that I have gained from reviewing this website is that there are general concerns about the healthy development of children. But the majority of the issues pertain to equity and excellence in the early childhood education program whether it be through curriculum, classroom instruction, children and families who are in need. Early childhood education is field that is vastly growing and supports need to be made available to ensure quality is provided.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Havard University's-Global Children's Initiative
The following statement is from Havard University's Global Children's Initiative-We view healthy child development as the foundation of economic prosperity, strong communities, and a just society, and our mission is to advance that vision by using science to enhance child well-being through innovations in policy and practice. This statement serves an depiction of what society would like for early childhood education to be. As educators, we would like for the education of our children to be meaningful in a sense that we want them to be prepared for higher levels of learning which in return will allow them to be successful as adults.
Three new insights I gained after reviewing this website:
1.) The strategies that in which the Global Children's Initiative plans on helping young children learn. (educating high level decision-makers on the importance of early childhood education, global expansion of countries or regions on healthy child development, and diverse cultural education of low and middle income families).
2.) The focus points of the Global Children's Initiative portfolio include activities: early childhood development; child mental health; and children in crisis and conflict situations.
3.) The Global Children's Initiative was formed due to global concerns of young children's health and development.
I found this website to be very informative as far as the global concern for children's well-being. It serves as a reminder that children from every aspect of the country whether it be the United States, Africa, or China they all have a common concern and that is how they are going to foster the development of young children. The Global Children's Initiative is a program designed by Havard University to research and educate all countries on early childhood education.
Reference:
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2010). Global children’s initiative. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/
Reference:
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2010). Global children’s initiative. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Sharing Resources
My professional organization is NAEYC and they have not released the new October newsletter. So I went on and reviewed the website for current happenings.
I found a press release entitled, "U.S. House bill moves the future for children, families, and the nation in the wrong direction: NAEYC urges opposition to H.R. 1" I felt as though this press release fit into our classroom discussion and it also pertains to my professional development in a sense that early childhood education is something that I hold very dearly to me because I know how it helps children and their families. I have seen many spectrums of the field. I would love to be an advocate in bettering the early childhood education field.
This press release could be considered controversial in a sense that money and funding is involved. And funding for early childhood programs is hard to come by. We need more money in the field of early childhood education to provide better and stronger quality education. Early childhood education is a key foundation to a child's early development and necessary skills for their higher levels of learning. Reviewing this article, has opened my open eyes more on the struggle it has become to provide quality education to young children especially since funding and support so limited.
The NAEYC website provides update information on government mandates, arguments, and bills pertaining to early childhood education. It also provides debate information on the importance of the early childhood education program. Right now there is different articles that pertain to government funding and the need for early education programs:
http://www.naeyc.org/newsroom/pressreleases/NAEYC_urges_opposition_to_HR_1
http://www.naeyc.org/newsroom/pressreleases/Senators_Brown_and_Hagan_introduce_NAEYC_recommendations_in_ESEA
http://www.naeyc.org/newsroom/pressreleases/Reps_Hirono_Jones_Young_Polis_Introduce_NAEYC_Recommendations_in_Elementary_and_Secondary_Education_Act
Other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood education field I gained from exploring the website is numerous resources offers. One resource I found interesting was coping with disaster and it had article that pertained to 9/11 disaster and how teachers taught it to their children.
Resources offered for coping with disaster:
Disaster planning for early child care programs
Talking to children about disasters
How organizations help children in a disaster
Helping children after a disaster
Including children in post-disaster rebuilding
Families coping with disaster
Post-disaster policy recommendations
9/11 Article:
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/09/remembering_911_bay_county_tea.html
I found a press release entitled, "U.S. House bill moves the future for children, families, and the nation in the wrong direction: NAEYC urges opposition to H.R. 1" I felt as though this press release fit into our classroom discussion and it also pertains to my professional development in a sense that early childhood education is something that I hold very dearly to me because I know how it helps children and their families. I have seen many spectrums of the field. I would love to be an advocate in bettering the early childhood education field.
This press release could be considered controversial in a sense that money and funding is involved. And funding for early childhood programs is hard to come by. We need more money in the field of early childhood education to provide better and stronger quality education. Early childhood education is a key foundation to a child's early development and necessary skills for their higher levels of learning. Reviewing this article, has opened my open eyes more on the struggle it has become to provide quality education to young children especially since funding and support so limited.
The NAEYC website provides update information on government mandates, arguments, and bills pertaining to early childhood education. It also provides debate information on the importance of the early childhood education program. Right now there is different articles that pertain to government funding and the need for early education programs:
http://www.naeyc.org/newsroom/pressreleases/NAEYC_urges_opposition_to_HR_1
http://www.naeyc.org/newsroom/pressreleases/Senators_Brown_and_Hagan_introduce_NAEYC_recommendations_in_ESEA
http://www.naeyc.org/newsroom/pressreleases/Reps_Hirono_Jones_Young_Polis_Introduce_NAEYC_Recommendations_in_Elementary_and_Secondary_Education_Act
Other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood education field I gained from exploring the website is numerous resources offers. One resource I found interesting was coping with disaster and it had article that pertained to 9/11 disaster and how teachers taught it to their children.
Resources offered for coping with disaster:
9/11 Article:
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/09/remembering_911_bay_county_tea.html
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 1
Well, after several attempts and intepreting different letters into Spanish to try to communicate with at least one international colleague. I was unsuccessful and it is a bit disappointing to see that many of the messages were returned to me. Since, I was so confident that I would get in touch my someone I delayed in communicating with someone through podcast when I finally went to connect I was unable to.
I went on reviewed the website on Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre’s page (http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/). The country that I chose to research was China. I have gained some good insights into ways that China is trying to end poverty. The article indicates that China is making great strides in ending poverty. It says the decline in poverty is due to the social transition and economic growth. The article indicates that in the Western parts of China economic growth is slower. Therefore, poverty levels are higher. China's transition from a centrally planned to a globalized market economy has helped reduce chronic poverty and disadvantage, but also created new forms of vulnerability and poverty (http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/). Foreign trade and business has helped China's economy especially since they joined World Trade Organization. Another way China is making great strides in ending poverty is the constant restructuring of state enterprises. Child poverty has declined over the years. Education and Health Care levels are higher than countries that have equivalent income levels.
As the structure of the economy has changed, the social security system has had to adapt to protect people from different forms of poverty (http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/). They provide services for families who are living in poverty but there is a concern that not enough is being distributed. The article also discusses those that do not get the assistance and they need it.
This article is alarming, it is very scary to see that poverty levels are bad everywhere not just in the United States.
I went on reviewed the website on Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre’s page (http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/). The country that I chose to research was China. I have gained some good insights into ways that China is trying to end poverty. The article indicates that China is making great strides in ending poverty. It says the decline in poverty is due to the social transition and economic growth. The article indicates that in the Western parts of China economic growth is slower. Therefore, poverty levels are higher. China's transition from a centrally planned to a globalized market economy has helped reduce chronic poverty and disadvantage, but also created new forms of vulnerability and poverty (http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/). Foreign trade and business has helped China's economy especially since they joined World Trade Organization. Another way China is making great strides in ending poverty is the constant restructuring of state enterprises. Child poverty has declined over the years. Education and Health Care levels are higher than countries that have equivalent income levels.
As the structure of the economy has changed, the social security system has had to adapt to protect people from different forms of poverty (http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/). They provide services for families who are living in poverty but there is a concern that not enough is being distributed. The article also discusses those that do not get the assistance and they need it.
This article is alarming, it is very scary to see that poverty levels are bad everywhere not just in the United States.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Sharing Web Resources
I chose to use NAEYC (The National Association for the Education of Young Children) http://naeyc.org as one of my web resources since I am a member I already receive their newsletter.
I enjoy staying abreast of the current happenings in the field of Early Childhood Education by researching NAEYC's website, affiliated journals, and newsletters. One of the things, I like about NAEYC is they address all issues from State to National. Many state's have their own NAEYC affilated organization and if you join NAEYC they allow you to join in your local organizations automatically. The main focus of NAEYC is addressing issues and challenges that children and teachers may face in the early childhood field. NAEYC also covers culturally enriched learning environments. The main goal of NAEYC and their position statement is to ensure all children have the right to quality care and education in a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate.
I received the September 2011, e-newsletter from NAEYC. One of the headlines in the newsletter provides Online Q&A: Supporting Dual Language Learners. This is a very interesting article, it was interactive and began on September 12-16, 2011. Educators were able to post questions to Karen Nemeth a contributor to Teaching Young Children. The article discussed ways and answered questions on supporting children with dual languages in the classroom. Here is the link if anyone is interested in viewing it http://www.naeyc.org/event/supporting-dual-language-learners.
Another thing I found very informative in the newsletter is the debate that took place on C-SPAN involving NAEYC's executive director Jerlean Daniel and a panel of early childhood professionals at Brookings Institution Center on Children and Families. The debate is called, "Benefits of Early Education." The discussion focused on the effectiveness of preschool and Head Start programs. The link to is http://www.c-span.org/Events/Benefits-of-Early-Education-Debated/10737423641-1/. I encourage my readers to check it out.
I enjoy staying abreast of the current happenings in the field of Early Childhood Education by researching NAEYC's website, affiliated journals, and newsletters. One of the things, I like about NAEYC is they address all issues from State to National. Many state's have their own NAEYC affilated organization and if you join NAEYC they allow you to join in your local organizations automatically. The main focus of NAEYC is addressing issues and challenges that children and teachers may face in the early childhood field. NAEYC also covers culturally enriched learning environments. The main goal of NAEYC and their position statement is to ensure all children have the right to quality care and education in a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate.
I received the September 2011, e-newsletter from NAEYC. One of the headlines in the newsletter provides Online Q&A: Supporting Dual Language Learners. This is a very interesting article, it was interactive and began on September 12-16, 2011. Educators were able to post questions to Karen Nemeth a contributor to Teaching Young Children. The article discussed ways and answered questions on supporting children with dual languages in the classroom. Here is the link if anyone is interested in viewing it http://www.naeyc.org/event/supporting-dual-language-learners.
Another thing I found very informative in the newsletter is the debate that took place on C-SPAN involving NAEYC's executive director Jerlean Daniel and a panel of early childhood professionals at Brookings Institution Center on Children and Families. The debate is called, "Benefits of Early Education." The discussion focused on the effectiveness of preschool and Head Start programs. The link to is http://www.c-span.org/Events/Benefits-of-Early-Education-Debated/10737423641-1/. I encourage my readers to check it out.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Early Childhood Contacts & Resources
In my attempt, to connect to fellow colleagues in the field Of Early Childhood Education from other countries I find it to be a bit challenging. I have sent several emails out and several have been returned to me. This is very disapponting I do hope to connect to some because I really do not want to the alternate activity. I feel as though connecting with others would be more benefical.
My goal is connect with other colleagues from different countries. If I do not hear anything back I will try to find a translator program online that will translate my messages in their language and maybe I will have better luck in communicating with others.
The professional organization that I keep up with regularly already is NAEYC and National Head Start Association. I have personal memberships to both and I get their newsletters and updates on a daily basis. I have always followed them and will continue to do so. When I joined NAEYC, I was able to connect to local NAEYC affilates and I get newsletters from them to keep up with current happenings in my area.
My goal is connect with other colleagues from different countries. If I do not hear anything back I will try to find a translator program online that will translate my messages in their language and maybe I will have better luck in communicating with others.
The professional organization that I keep up with regularly already is NAEYC and National Head Start Association. I have personal memberships to both and I get their newsletters and updates on a daily basis. I have always followed them and will continue to do so. When I joined NAEYC, I was able to connect to local NAEYC affilates and I get newsletters from them to keep up with current happenings in my area.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
My Supports
Daily Supports:
After thinking about what supports me on a daily basis, I have noticed that it is the littlest of things that keep my days running. My biggest daily supports include an alarm clock, work & home daily schedules, cell phone, computer, meal menu, car, and my family.
*My day starts off with waking up and getting my children off to school. I start my day with the alarm clock waking me up because I am a heavy sleeper. If it doesn't go off than it is guaranteed that I will be late.
*After my children are off to school I review my meal menu to determine if I need to go to the grocery store. A meal menu keeps me in budget and when I get home for the day I know what is for dinner and I go right to preparing it.
* I have work & home daily schedules that I go by. Things just run smoother if I have schedules to go by. I two separate ones and they are completely different. I have a schedule that keeps my classroom running safe (although I do make allowances for teachable moments). I have a schedule that I go by at home. I have to maintain a schedule with all the extra-curricular activities that go on in my life. My children need schedules to keep them going.
*The biggest part of my daily support is my computer. At work I use the computer for recording observations, lesson plans, and emails. I also do trainings online. At home, I use the computer to go to school. I keep up with my family and friends. I maintain all of schedules, menus, and appointments on. My daughter even has to use the computer for school and she is in first grade. The computer is very important in today's society.
*What can I say the next thing I rely on is my cellphone? I feel dysfunctional if I do not have my cellphone with me. My cellphone gives me direct contact with everyone and anyone I need to be in contact with. I do a lot of conference calls on my cell phone. Too I a cellphone to me is an easier version of the home phone. Although, I do have a home phone I rely more on the cellphone because it is more convenient and it is cheaper. I do a lot of travel and I need contact with everyone.
*The next daily support I have is my van. I do a lot of traveling for work with schooling and home visits; I need a way to get there. Not only do I use the van for work it is used at home. My van is a necessity that I use to get to where I am going.
*The most important daily support I have is my family. When I have rough day I know that I can go home and get the love and support of those around me. I am surrounded with love it is always good to have someone to talk to. I cannot go a day without talking to my mom at least two or three times a day, even though she only lives a mile up the road. If I didn't have my family I do not know how I would have made it to where I am.
Challenging Support:
I have already lost one really good support system this past school year. After working together for 2 years my assistant teacher and I parted ways. Although we remain in contact it’s just not the same anymore. When we parted ways, I left the center so I lost several co-workers. I begin a new school year in a couple of weeks and I am looking forward to gaining new support for co-workers. I am actually excited about going back to work. Not having the support of my co-workers would be hard to imagine.
After thinking about what supports me on a daily basis, I have noticed that it is the littlest of things that keep my days running. My biggest daily supports include an alarm clock, work & home daily schedules, cell phone, computer, meal menu, car, and my family.
*My day starts off with waking up and getting my children off to school. I start my day with the alarm clock waking me up because I am a heavy sleeper. If it doesn't go off than it is guaranteed that I will be late.
*After my children are off to school I review my meal menu to determine if I need to go to the grocery store. A meal menu keeps me in budget and when I get home for the day I know what is for dinner and I go right to preparing it.
* I have work & home daily schedules that I go by. Things just run smoother if I have schedules to go by. I two separate ones and they are completely different. I have a schedule that keeps my classroom running safe (although I do make allowances for teachable moments). I have a schedule that I go by at home. I have to maintain a schedule with all the extra-curricular activities that go on in my life. My children need schedules to keep them going.
*The biggest part of my daily support is my computer. At work I use the computer for recording observations, lesson plans, and emails. I also do trainings online. At home, I use the computer to go to school. I keep up with my family and friends. I maintain all of schedules, menus, and appointments on. My daughter even has to use the computer for school and she is in first grade. The computer is very important in today's society.
*What can I say the next thing I rely on is my cellphone? I feel dysfunctional if I do not have my cellphone with me. My cellphone gives me direct contact with everyone and anyone I need to be in contact with. I do a lot of conference calls on my cell phone. Too I a cellphone to me is an easier version of the home phone. Although, I do have a home phone I rely more on the cellphone because it is more convenient and it is cheaper. I do a lot of travel and I need contact with everyone.
*The next daily support I have is my van. I do a lot of traveling for work with schooling and home visits; I need a way to get there. Not only do I use the van for work it is used at home. My van is a necessity that I use to get to where I am going.
*The most important daily support I have is my family. When I have rough day I know that I can go home and get the love and support of those around me. I am surrounded with love it is always good to have someone to talk to. I cannot go a day without talking to my mom at least two or three times a day, even though she only lives a mile up the road. If I didn't have my family I do not know how I would have made it to where I am.
Challenging Support:
I have already lost one really good support system this past school year. After working together for 2 years my assistant teacher and I parted ways. Although we remain in contact it’s just not the same anymore. When we parted ways, I left the center so I lost several co-workers. I begin a new school year in a couple of weeks and I am looking forward to gaining new support for co-workers. I am actually excited about going back to work. Not having the support of my co-workers would be hard to imagine.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Prescription for Play
While doing research for assignment 4, I found a link to this video on the NAEYC facebook page. It is really good and fits in with our assignment. I hope everyone has a chance to look at it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oiDV6uOY9QI
Enjoy :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oiDV6uOY9QI
Enjoy :)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
My Connections to Play
Play Quotes:
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning…They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play.” ~ Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood)
“Play builds the kind of free-and-easy, try-it-out, do-it-yourself character that our future needs.” ~ James L. Hymes Jr. (child development specialist, author)
Play Items:
Growing up as a child, I did not have many of the luxuries that children have today. I had cabbage dolls, Barbie’s, care bears, strawberry shortcake, and so forth. Although, many of these toys are coming back out on the market they are more advanced. When I say advanced I mean to the point that children today do not need to use their imagination to play with them. The child's imagination is already made up for them. It saddens me to think that children are not encouraged to use their imaginations and furthermore are not encouraged to play. Instead, it is easier to watch television and play video games I call these the number one babysitters of today. In today society, play is becoming underrated while technology is becoming overrated. Our society needs to be educated on the importance of play in our children's lives.
Growing up, I played candy land a lot with my younger brother Jake, and mom. Candy land was one of the ways mom taught my brother and I our shapes and colors. It was also a way to teach us how to take turns and share. As a child, I loved to draw and I still do. Crayons were a way that I could use my imagination and create my ideas on paper. Today, children use the computer to create designs. I got my creative side from my mother because she loves to draw. Watching her draw really inspired me to do it. The final thing that I played with a lot was dress up clothes. I had an old wooden toy chest that I kept all of my dress up clothes in. Playing dress up I could be whoever or whatever I wanted to be. The person I wanted to be the most was my mom because I usually wore her stuff around the house. I was also encouraged to play outside a lot when I was a child. Mom did not want us to watch a lot of television so she made sure we had things to do outside.
When I look back on things today as an adult, I see how important the role of play for me was. I am a very creative person and I love to draw still just as I did when I was a child. If I did not have my mother encouraging I to draw and read I probably would not be doing that today. I can remember role playing teacher and students with my two brothers. I became a teacher because I believe in the healthy development of children's imaginations and one way to do that is through play. The power of play is an important of children's lives.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Relationship Reflection
All of these relationships, play a certain role in my life both professionally and non professionally. My professional relationships help me stay abroad in the field of Early Childhood Education. My professional relationships know how the field is and can relate to the ups and downs. They are there for support for that very reason. My non professional relationships help me cope with the situations that do not pertain to my career. It is nice to step out of the box of working with children and have fun not watching what we say and do. Relationships are a factor of a healthy lifestyle.
My children are my everything, GOD has blessed me in so many ways by giving them to me they are the reason of my existence. Even though I am a single mom it does not stop me from teaching them the necessary skills to develop into loving and caring adults when they get older.
I love working with young children and I do that because I believe that if you teach children at young ages they will be successful later on in life. I am very fortunate to use my children as models when it comes to working with young children. I have seen several aspects of my career in a sense that I have worked with children before I had children so I knew what to expect as far as development goes and so forth. Working with young children I have to remember that I am a teacher at school but I am a parent and teacher at home.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
A Fight over Childhood Obesity
I recently found this article pertaining to a fast food restaurant chain by the name of "Jack in the Box." They have announced that they will do away with toys in the children's meals. This is to promote a healthier eating habit. They have also had healthier meal choices for children's meals. I believe this is one way to eliminate the childhood obesity battle. However, I do believe it should start in the home first, parents make the choices of what their children should eat. It is easy just to feed a child what they want because you know that they will eat it but the encouragement of new foods needs to be introduced.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43483446/ns/business-consumer_news/t/jack-box-stop-offering-toys-kids-meals/from/toolbar?GT1=43001
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43483446/ns/business-consumer_news/t/jack-box-stop-offering-toys-kids-meals/from/toolbar?GT1=43001
Saturday, June 18, 2011
A Fond Farewell
This class has been quite adventurous in the aspects of Early Childhood Development. I have enjoyed learning and developing thoughts from my colleagues. It goes to show that it does not matter what aspects of ECE we come from. We all have the same common goal of educating young children and their parents. I hope to see many of you in my upcoming class Effective Programs and Practices. Again, this is a fond farewell not goodbye for I will see some of you in the next class until then Happy Learning!!!!
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"Unity" a poem for Child Development
Unity
By Cleo V. Swarat
I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there,
The clay they used was a young child’s mind
And they fashioned it with care.
And watched two sculptors there,
The clay they used was a young child’s mind
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher:
the tools she used were books and music and art;
One was a parent
With a guiding hand and gentle loving heart.
the tools she used were books and music and art;
One was a parent
With a guiding hand and gentle loving heart.
And when at last their work was done,
They were proud of what they had wrought.
For the things they had worked into the child
Could never be sold or bought!
They were proud of what they had wrought.
For the things they had worked into the child
Could never be sold or bought!
And each agreed she would have failed
if she had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school,
and behind the teacher stood the home!
if she had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school,
and behind the teacher stood the home!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Assessment in Canada
I was curious as to what Canada did for standarized testing in their classrooms. While doing research, I found an interesting website with article debating whether standarized testing is right for elementary children.. Even though I do not know what kind of testing they do I found this information to be interesting since we are discussing whether standardized testing is appropriate or not.
The article talks about a teacher organization in Ontario wanting to halt standardized testing for elementary school children. They cite that standarized testing causes children to miss out on information pertaining to curriculum subjects. I actually agree with this to a certain extent, I believe that in elementary school children should focus more curriculum subjects. In my opinion, let our children learn as they grow, do not stress them out at an early age. This could have adverse effects on children they could have behavior issues or serious emotional stressors.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2010/08/16/standardized-testing.html
The article talks about a teacher organization in Ontario wanting to halt standardized testing for elementary school children. They cite that standarized testing causes children to miss out on information pertaining to curriculum subjects. I actually agree with this to a certain extent, I believe that in elementary school children should focus more curriculum subjects. In my opinion, let our children learn as they grow, do not stress them out at an early age. This could have adverse effects on children they could have behavior issues or serious emotional stressors.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2010/08/16/standardized-testing.html
The Assessment of Young Children
In my classroom, we use the assessment tool DIAL-3 on our children. The DIAL 3 assesses the four early childhood educational domains cognitive, physical, social/emotional, and language skills it also includes self-help skills. I like this assessment because it gives me an insight as to what the child needs to be worked on. I do the test at the beginning of the school year and that is what I use to develop my IEP's in the beginning as well as observations. The DIAL-3 can be done in a day whereas other assessments take awhile. I have used the Lap-D, but I feel as though it takes to long for testing and the children can lose interest in it. I believe that we should test children, that is how we learn from them. This is a way we can help them progress in school. The whole idea for early childhood education is teach the child at an early age and that is what the assessment are there for.
http://psychcorp.pearsonassessments.com/HAIWEB/Cultures/en-us/Productdetail.htm?Pid=PAa13700
I know in the public school system they use the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System or CATS because it is mandated by the state. CATS provided statewide test results as percentages of students scoring at any of four performance levels: novice, apprentice, proficient and distinguished.Kentucky
http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/HomePageRepository/Proof+of+Progress/Commonwealth+Accountability+Testing+System+(CATS)+Results.htm
http://psychcorp.pearsonassessments.com/HAIWEB/Cultures/en-us/Productdetail.htm?Pid=PAa13700
I know in the public school system they use the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System or CATS because it is mandated by the state. CATS provided statewide test results as percentages of students scoring at any of four performance levels: novice, apprentice, proficient and distinguished.
http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/HomePageRepository/Proof+of+Progress/Commonwealth+Accountability+Testing+System+(CATS)+Results.htm
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Stressors on Children during the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
On March 11, 2011, great devastation occurred in Japan with a Earthquake and Tsunami nearly destroying it all. Families and children were uprooted from their homes and left homeless. Many children left alone with no families. This can cause many emotional stressors for everyone. What happens to Japan's children? What is being done to help the children?
Children who were involved in the earthquake and tsunami may suffer post tramautic stress syndrome. Children can have problems sleeping, eating, nightmares, and anxiety to name just a few. The main focus is to help children cope with these tramautic situations. One organization that does this is the Children and War Foundation. Children and War has developed several group psychological assistance manuals which reduce traumatic symptoms and help children cope after disasters (http://www.childrenandwar.org/2011/03/rescue-and-acute-help-first-priority/).
picture retrieved from www.cooperaciondesarrollo.com on bing images.
Save the Children foundation is another organization that is helping the children of Japan in their time of need. The Save the Children Foundation is taking donations to help purchase back to school kits for children who lost their supplies in the disaster this is to relieve one type of stress http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6620995/.
There are many organizations out there helping children who are going through stressful times. As a country, and a friend we need to maintain a certain bond in helping children cope with these stresses. We have one common goal and that is to see children grow and develop without stresses. When certain stresses arise we bond together to alleviate them to the best of our abilities.
Children who were involved in the earthquake and tsunami may suffer post tramautic stress syndrome. Children can have problems sleeping, eating, nightmares, and anxiety to name just a few. The main focus is to help children cope with these tramautic situations. One organization that does this is the Children and War Foundation. Children and War has developed several group psychological assistance manuals which reduce traumatic symptoms and help children cope after disasters (http://www.childrenandwar.org/2011/03/rescue-and-acute-help-first-priority/).
picture retrieved from www.cooperaciondesarrollo.com on bing images.
Save the Children foundation is another organization that is helping the children of Japan in their time of need. The Save the Children Foundation is taking donations to help purchase back to school kits for children who lost their supplies in the disaster this is to relieve one type of stress http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6620995/.
There are many organizations out there helping children who are going through stressful times. As a country, and a friend we need to maintain a certain bond in helping children cope with these stresses. We have one common goal and that is to see children grow and develop without stresses. When certain stresses arise we bond together to alleviate them to the best of our abilities.
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