These past eight weeks have been stressful and time consuming. I did not realize how much time actually has to go into research until this course. With that being said I do not hold back in saying THANK GOODNESS this course is coming to an end. :) I work full time, have two small children and this class has been hard on me. My challenge has been time management. I tried to "wing" it but research is much more demanding and takes a great deal of time.
In the course I did learn that there are many ways to conduct research. I often found myself going to the internet to read more on the topics discussed in class because I am not good at research and wanted a more clear understanding on the different types of research. There is a lot of preparing and organizing that go into research which in my opinion makes it that much more time consuming. The one thing that I take away from this course is that research is not something that is taken lightly and thrown together. It is time consuming, requires a great deal of preparing, and proper time management.
I wish each of my classmates the very best as we strive to finish the task set before us.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
International Research
For this blog assignment I chose to explore the Early Childhood
= \of Australia website. (www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org/au) As I explored this website there were many research topics available-some of the ones that stood out to me the most were learning through play, diversity, childhood obesity and childhood health and bullying to name a few. As I read the articles on childhood obesity/health and bullying, my eyes were opened up on these issues. It seems that of here lately these two topics have been hot topics for early childhood professionals. I defiantly enjoyed the site and will be revisiting it soon.
= \of Australia website. (www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org/au) As I explored this website there were many research topics available-some of the ones that stood out to me the most were learning through play, diversity, childhood obesity and childhood health and bullying to name a few. As I read the articles on childhood obesity/health and bullying, my eyes were opened up on these issues. It seems that of here lately these two topics have been hot topics for early childhood professionals. I defiantly enjoyed the site and will be revisiting it soon.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
I found an article on the Importance of Play. Play allows children to express themselves and make learning their own. Learning doesn't just have to be through a strict rigid schedule or curriculmn but learning takes place through hands on learning and play. The article that I found was titled The Vital Rold of Play in Early Childhood Education. It stated " Adults are convinced that we need to “teach” young children. It is certainly true that we need to set an example in all kinds of activities. We also need to create appropriate spaces where children can play and learn, and we need to lend a helping hand--at times intervene when things are going wrong. But mostly we need to honor the innate capacity for learning that moves and fulfills the needs of healthy children." (Alamon).
I found this article to be interesting because many times we just think of play as a form of entertainment for children when in reality it is more than just fun. Children are learning during the times of play. It is during these times that children tend to learn the most because it is free play that allows them to be creative, free, and enjoy what they are doing without the pressures of a strict curriculum.
http://www.waldorfresearchinstitute.org/pdf/BAPlayAlmon.pdf
I found this article to be interesting because many times we just think of play as a form of entertainment for children when in reality it is more than just fun. Children are learning during the times of play. It is during these times that children tend to learn the most because it is free play that allows them to be creative, free, and enjoy what they are doing without the pressures of a strict curriculum.
http://www.waldorfresearchinstitute.org/pdf/BAPlayAlmon.pdf
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Research topic
The topic that I have chosen for the research is lowering childhood obesity by increasing physical activities in the school system. There are a lot of articles on childhood obesity and the need for more physical activity. I have always been interested in this topic, since my cousin dealt with obesity on as a young child.
The American Heart Association recommends:
As I start working on my research project, I am open to any suggestions, ideas or words of advice concerning my topic.
Resources: http://www.heart.org
Http://www.ncppa.org
The American Heart Association recommends:
- All children age 2 and older should participate in at least 60 minutes of enjoyable, moderate-intensity physical activities every day that are developmentally appropriate and varied.
- If your child or children don't have a full 60-minute activity break each day, try to provide at least two 30-minute periods or four 15-minute periods in which they can engage in vigorous activities appropriate to their age, gender and stage of physical and emotional development
As I start working on my research project, I am open to any suggestions, ideas or words of advice concerning my topic.
Resources: http://www.heart.org
Http://www.ncppa.org
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Final blog
I have enjoyed this class and learning from my classmates. I have found many resources that will be helpful for me once I am in my own classroom. The consequences that I have seen during this course have been rather positive ones. The first one that I see is that governments internationally are involved with in the education process. Everyone values education and has much of the same goals for the children. Governments around the world are making sure that children receive the education that they need and deserve. The second consequence that I notice is that families want their children to have success and have a better future than they have had. I also realized that families turn to Early Childhood programs so that their children can receive an "early" start on education and gain a better start than what the parent may have had.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
UNESCO website
Unfortunately, I did not receive a response from my international contacts so I reviewed the UNESCO website to learn a little more about early childhood in the international realms.
The first insight that I gained from the website is that education in most countries is considered a privilege that the rich children take part in. The children in poor families must stay home from school in order to help work the fields, or do other jobs that contribute to the basic needs of the family. The second insight that I gained from the website is that on literacy. It seems that I take things of this sort for granted many times but the other countries have no idea what literacy is. The numbers are shocking to me. The website said that 1 in 5 adults are not literate and 2/3 of them are women. UNESCO has tried to keep literacy at the top of their list when it comes to important topics but with 793 adults still not literate, reaching to goal of all becoming literate is a hard target to reach.
The third insight that I gained from the sight is that the governments have issues with dealing with early childhood. Education is placed in different sectors such as health and social sectors. Effective coordination must exist between the two but in many cases does not exist. The issues seen with developing and developed countries is finding a holistic approach to early childhood education.
Source -
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/access/
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Exploring Resources
While I was researching the NAEYC website, I found a link to the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education. (http://www.ncpie.org). The NAEYC has a wealth of resources however, this site caught my interest since it is on parent involvement.
The mission of the NCPIE is to foster relationships between home, school, and community to enhance the education of all young people. Parents and teachers need to have an open line of communication at all times. Teachers can encourage parents to get involved in different activities through the school, get involved in projects sent home with the child, Teachers can also suggest ideas that co-inside with the lesson of the day so that the students and family can interact and learn together. Parents are their child's advocate, so it is important that they get involved in their child's education and understand what is expected of their child.
I have not yet recieved a newsletter from NAEYC but I plan to research and read more about it so that I can have resources at hand. I am new to the early childhood field, so I soak up all resources that I can.
The insights that I gained from the NCPIE website was that parents are important roles in a child's education. I also realized once again that many times parents are not sure as to what to do when it comes to getting involved. The website offered many ideas that made it easy for parents to get hands on with their child's learning. The resources provide a wealth of information to parents, caregivers, and even to educators to help provide the best learning environment for the children.
The mission of the NCPIE is to foster relationships between home, school, and community to enhance the education of all young people. Parents and teachers need to have an open line of communication at all times. Teachers can encourage parents to get involved in different activities through the school, get involved in projects sent home with the child, Teachers can also suggest ideas that co-inside with the lesson of the day so that the students and family can interact and learn together. Parents are their child's advocate, so it is important that they get involved in their child's education and understand what is expected of their child.
I have not yet recieved a newsletter from NAEYC but I plan to research and read more about it so that I can have resources at hand. I am new to the early childhood field, so I soak up all resources that I can.
The insights that I gained from the NCPIE website was that parents are important roles in a child's education. I also realized once again that many times parents are not sure as to what to do when it comes to getting involved. The website offered many ideas that made it easy for parents to get hands on with their child's learning. The resources provide a wealth of information to parents, caregivers, and even to educators to help provide the best learning environment for the children.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Global Children's Initiative
The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University has a wealth of information for the Early Childhood Professionals, parents, or those interested in the early childhood field. There were several sites on the website that include a wealth of information these include: Science of Early Childhood, Understanding Intervention, Global Development, and Foundation of Lifelong Health. I found all of the topics interesting but the one that stood out the most was Foundations of Lifelong Health. The article stated " Health in the earliest years—beginning with the future mother’s well-being before she becomes pregnant—lays the groundwork for a lifetime of vitality. When developing biological systems occur in an environment of positive early experiences, children have a greater chance to thrive and to grow up to be healthy adults." The article just goes to prove how important positive experiences are for young children. Many times parents think "oh, he/she is too young to remember this or that..but in reality each experience affects the child's development rather for the good or bad.
The Second topic that I found of interest was Understanding Intervention. Harvard University explains the importance of intervention and why it is needed within the field of Early Childhood Education. Intervention. Understanding Intervention also gives an understanding of why intervention is needed and the outcomes that could be produced if children were reached early on for early intervention.
The third topic that I found interesting was Science of Early Childhood. There were a few things in this section that I found to be helpful information. One topic in this section was talking about how experience build brain architecture. " Genes provide the basic blueprints, but experiences influence how or whether the genes are expressed." (Harvard University). This phrase reminds me of the importance of molding children in positive experiences. Children are so impressionable during the early years.
Harvard University 2011. Global Children's Initiative Retrieved from http//:www.developingchild.harvard.edu
The Second topic that I found of interest was Understanding Intervention. Harvard University explains the importance of intervention and why it is needed within the field of Early Childhood Education. Intervention. Understanding Intervention also gives an understanding of why intervention is needed and the outcomes that could be produced if children were reached early on for early intervention.
The third topic that I found interesting was Science of Early Childhood. There were a few things in this section that I found to be helpful information. One topic in this section was talking about how experience build brain architecture. " Genes provide the basic blueprints, but experiences influence how or whether the genes are expressed." (Harvard University). This phrase reminds me of the importance of molding children in positive experiences. Children are so impressionable during the early years.
Harvard University 2011. Global Children's Initiative Retrieved from http//:www.developingchild.harvard.edu
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Sharing Resources
The website that I am reviwing is the National Association of Education for Young Children. ( NAEYC.org). The website is filled with a wealth of information. I found many articles on the value of play. Play is an important part of a child's development. The NAEYC offers many resources to educators as well as to families on the value of play.
"Children are eventually going to learn to recognize letters. But learning how people work and what's in others' minds is much deeper and more profound learning. Ironically, parents who think they are helping their children by exposing them to flash cards with letters on them are doing less to help their chidlren than parents who expose their children to pretend play, read to them, and talk with them." (Dr. Alison Gopnik)
There are many resources on play that I found helpful when looking through the website. As a new Early Childhood Professional I found these articles to be important and the website to be a great resource.
"Children are eventually going to learn to recognize letters. But learning how people work and what's in others' minds is much deeper and more profound learning. Ironically, parents who think they are helping their children by exposing them to flash cards with letters on them are doing less to help their chidlren than parents who expose their children to pretend play, read to them, and talk with them." (Dr. Alison Gopnik)
There are many resources on play that I found helpful when looking through the website. As a new Early Childhood Professional I found these articles to be important and the website to be a great resource.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
A Look into Poverty
Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre (http://www.childhoodpoverty.org)
The country that I chose to look at was China. Three insights that I gained from the sight was:
1. 4.2 million Children live in absolute poverty and 8.7 million live in disadvantaged conditions. Both of these have declined since the 1900s.
2. "As the structure of the economy has changed, the social security system has had to adapt to protect people from different forms of poverty. Up to 1992, in urban areas, only people without work, with no savings and with no family to depend on were eligible for financial support. A Minimum Living Standards system has been developed since 1997 and by 2002 covered 23 per cent of poor urban households. Though this is the main form of social relief in urban China, there are concerns that the amounts allocated are too small to meet people's basic needs for food, clothing shelter, health and education and in particular, aren't enough to allow families to pay the compulsory education fee."
3. Between 4 and 8 per cent of the urban population, somewhere between 15 and 31 million people live in poverty
The country that I chose to look at was China. Three insights that I gained from the sight was:
1. 4.2 million Children live in absolute poverty and 8.7 million live in disadvantaged conditions. Both of these have declined since the 1900s.
2. "As the structure of the economy has changed, the social security system has had to adapt to protect people from different forms of poverty. Up to 1992, in urban areas, only people without work, with no savings and with no family to depend on were eligible for financial support. A Minimum Living Standards system has been developed since 1997 and by 2002 covered 23 per cent of poor urban households. Though this is the main form of social relief in urban China, there are concerns that the amounts allocated are too small to meet people's basic needs for food, clothing shelter, health and education and in particular, aren't enough to allow families to pay the compulsory education fee."
3. Between 4 and 8 per cent of the urban population, somewhere between 15 and 31 million people live in poverty
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Sharing Resources
The website that I chose to share was the NAEYC. (www.naeyc.org)
Founded in 1926, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members, a national network of more than 300 state and local Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations.
As I read through and explored the website..I found some information on Childhood Obsity and prevention. Childhood Obesity really interests me and I find it sad that more and more children are having to face this issue. In 2010 the NAEYC received a grant from the Robert Johnson Foundation that helped spread the word about Childhood Obesity and prevention. Through the grant, NAEYC was about to work with state and local affiliates to provide resources to advocates and early childhood programs. Here is a small list of the many resources that I found helpful:
Early Sprouts": Establishing Healthy Food Choices for Young Children (Young Children, Vol. 64, No. 4, 49-55. Copyright © 2009 NAEYC)
As I read through some of the resources and about the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, I was really amazed at the devastating impact childhood obesity really has on children. The changes have to start some where and start small in order to see an improvement in this epidemic.
Founded in 1926, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members, a national network of more than 300 state and local Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations.
As I read through and explored the website..I found some information on Childhood Obsity and prevention. Childhood Obesity really interests me and I find it sad that more and more children are having to face this issue. In 2010 the NAEYC received a grant from the Robert Johnson Foundation that helped spread the word about Childhood Obesity and prevention. Through the grant, NAEYC was about to work with state and local affiliates to provide resources to advocates and early childhood programs. Here is a small list of the many resources that I found helpful:
Early Sprouts": Establishing Healthy Food Choices for Young Children (Young Children, Vol. 64, No. 4, 49-55. Copyright © 2009 NAEYC)
- The Food Friends: Encouraging Preschoolers to Try New Foods (Young Children, Vol. 61, No. 3. Copyright © 2006 NAEYC)
- HAPPE: Toddlers in Physical Play with Extra: Ideas for engaging toddlers in indoor and outdoor physical play activities (Young Children, Vol. 61, No. 3, 32-34. Copyright © 2006 NAEYC)
- Healthy Lunches and More (Teaching Young Children, Vol. 2, No. 4, 24-27. Copyright © 2009 NAEYC)
- The Impact of Teachers and Families on Young Children's Eating Behaviors (Young Children, Vol. 66, No. 2, 84-88. Copyright © 2011 NAEYC)
- Increasing Children's Physical Activity (Teaching Young Children, Vol. 4, No. 3, 6-7. Copyright © 2011 NAEYC)
As I read through some of the resources and about the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, I was really amazed at the devastating impact childhood obesity really has on children. The changes have to start some where and start small in order to see an improvement in this epidemic.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Website and Professional Contacts from Around the World
The website that I chose to use as a resource is Zero To Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Familieshttp://www.zerotothree.org), ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. I really enjoyed researching this website because of my love for Early Intervention.
The Professional Resources:
I chose the Global Alliance of NAEYC to contact professionals from around the world. The Four professionals that I chose to correspond with are:
Ireland
OMEP Irish National Committee
Nippa - the Early Childhood Organization
Siobhan Fitzpatrick
Email: siobhanf@nippa.org
Haiti
Step by Step Program / Tipa Tipa
Dominique Hudicourt
Email: tipatipa@hainet.net
Romania
Step by Step Centre for Education and Professional Development
Carmin Lica
Email: carmenlia@dnt.ro
Netherlands
International Step by Step Association
Sarah Klaus
Email: sklaus@issa.nl
I just started this project so I have yet to hear back from any of the four professionals.
The Professional Resources:
I chose the Global Alliance of NAEYC to contact professionals from around the world. The Four professionals that I chose to correspond with are:
Ireland
OMEP Irish National Committee
Nippa - the Early Childhood Organization
Siobhan Fitzpatrick
Email: siobhanf@nippa.org
Haiti
Step by Step Program / Tipa Tipa
Dominique Hudicourt
Email: tipatipa@hainet.net
Romania
Step by Step Centre for Education and Professional Development
Carmin Lica
Email: carmenlia@dnt.ro
Netherlands
International Step by Step Association
Sarah Klaus
Email: sklaus@issa.nl
I just started this project so I have yet to hear back from any of the four professionals.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
My Supports
The greatest supports that I have would be my family, close friends, cell phone and my laptop. With out these things I feel at a loss. My family is my greatest support. I know that I can always turn to them when I am having a bad day or if I am excited about something, they share in that experience with me. My husband had been a great support to me. He has encouraged me to keep going when I felt that I just could not go any further. My two precious babies also support me just by their little smiles and hugs. My friends are also huge supports that keep me going. I do not know what I would do with out these special people in my life.
My cell phone is a great support for me too. ;) I feel at an utter loss if I forget it at home. I have been known to turn around and go back home to get it. I use my cell to keep in touch with family, friends, co-workers, and anyone else that I may need to contact.
My lap top is another support that I have. I use it for keeping in contact with friends across the states as well as for school.
Challenging supports:
My challenging supports is feeling at a loss if I do not have the support from family or friends. I could not imagine not having someone such as my supports-to me that would be a great challenge.
My cell phone is a great support for me too. ;) I feel at an utter loss if I forget it at home. I have been known to turn around and go back home to get it. I use my cell to keep in touch with family, friends, co-workers, and anyone else that I may need to contact.
My lap top is another support that I have. I use it for keeping in contact with friends across the states as well as for school.
Challenging supports:
My challenging supports is feeling at a loss if I do not have the support from family or friends. I could not imagine not having someone such as my supports-to me that would be a great challenge.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
My Connections to Play
Quotes that summarize what play meant to me as a child:
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Plato
Two essential items that were essential to have when I was a child:
As a little girl my bike would take me anywhere. I remember my siblings and I would have bike races and ride for hours.
Barbies were the THING to play for hours and hours. My sister and I use to sit for hours on end playing with our barbies. We would have fashion shows, camping trips, school, or whatever else our little imaginations could create.
People supported play by letting me just play for hours and hours. As a child I spent many hours playing outside catching lightning bugs with my siblings and cousins, building forts with my cousins, riding my bike, roller blading, and anything else that would be "fun" for the moment. My mother encouraged play as much as possible but if we dare uttered the words "Im bored" she found us some chores to do-especially during the summer time. Now days play is different than when I was a child. The world is much more dangerous so parents worry about letting their children outside to play. That is the reason many children play inside on video games, watch TV, or play games on the computer. It is a shame that the innocence of play is destroyed because of the ignorance of the world.
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Plato
Two essential items that were essential to have when I was a child:
As a little girl my bike would take me anywhere. I remember my siblings and I would have bike races and ride for hours.Barbies were the THING to play for hours and hours. My sister and I use to sit for hours on end playing with our barbies. We would have fashion shows, camping trips, school, or whatever else our little imaginations could create.People supported play by letting me just play for hours and hours. As a child I spent many hours playing outside catching lightning bugs with my siblings and cousins, building forts with my cousins, riding my bike, roller blading, and anything else that would be "fun" for the moment. My mother encouraged play as much as possible but if we dare uttered the words "Im bored" she found us some chores to do-especially during the summer time. Now days play is different than when I was a child. The world is much more dangerous so parents worry about letting their children outside to play. That is the reason many children play inside on video games, watch TV, or play games on the computer. It is a shame that the innocence of play is destroyed because of the ignorance of the world.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Relationship Reflections
Relationships mean a lot to me. I have a lot of people in my life that I have formed relationships with over the years-some stronger than others. The most important relationships to me are my children, husband, family, and co-workers. My children are my everything-the sun sets and rises through my children. God has blessed me beyond measure when it comes to my children and family. My family has always been there for me through the highs and lows of my life.
![]()
My professional relationships has helped me get through the highs and lows of my career. My co-workers have been there for advice or to lend a helping hand when needed. I am new to the Early Childhood field and find co-workers to be a huge help when it comes to answering questions or helping me figure out things. If it wasn't for the close relationships professionally and non-professional, I do not know where I would be. The people in my life I hold very dear and I am thankful to have them in my life.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Quotes relating to children
We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher
While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt
While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Testing a child's intelligence...
Is standardized testing really necessary? In my opinion I do not think that it is. Growing up in Louisiana where these tests meant pass or fail a grade was stressful. The teachers push practice test after practice test on students trying to prepare them for the "big" test, but all of the stress causes some high performing students to freeze up once they are in front of the test. Should a student who has done so well all school year really have to repeat a grade because he or she failed part of the standardized test? I think there should be other factors looked at in combination with that test. In my opinion in doesn't seem fair to hold a student back if everything throughtout the year looked good. This is some information that I found about the test here in Louisiana.
"A key component of Louisiana's Accountability System is its statewide testing program. Each year, students in grades 3-11 participate in state assessments. Each of the 30 state assessments is based on Grade-Level Expectations, which reflect the knowledge and skills students should have acquired at the time of testing. Students do not receive a pass or fail grade, but receive an achievement level score.
The five achievement levels a student can earn on the LEAP, iLEAP and GEE are
Students in 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th grades take the state's iLEAP test, which is designed to measure student progress but does not determine whether they will be retained in their current grade. The iLEAP is referred to as an "integrated" LEAP because it combines a norm referenced test, which compares a student's test results to the performance of students in a national sample, with a criterion-referenced test, which reports student results in terms of the state's standards."
http://www.doe.state.la.gov/
"A key component of Louisiana's Accountability System is its statewide testing program. Each year, students in grades 3-11 participate in state assessments. Each of the 30 state assessments is based on Grade-Level Expectations, which reflect the knowledge and skills students should have acquired at the time of testing. Students do not receive a pass or fail grade, but receive an achievement level score.
The five achievement levels a student can earn on the LEAP, iLEAP and GEE are
AdvancedStudents in 4th and 8th grade participate in the high stakes Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) test, which determines whether they will be required to attend summer school or be retained. The LEAP measures 4th and 8th grade students' knowledge and skills in English Language Arts, math, science and social studies, and students must score Basic or above in either English or math and Approaching Basic or above in the other subject on the LEAP to advance to the next grade. 4th graders have had to meet this requirement since 2004, while eighth-graders have had to meet this requirement since 2006.
A student at this level has demonstrated superior performance beyond the level of mastery.
Mastery
A student at this level has demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter and is well prepared for the next level of schooling.
Basic
A student at this level has demonstrated only the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling.
Approaching Basic
A student at this level has only partially demonstrated the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling.
Unsatisfactory
A student at this level has not demonstrated the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling.
Students in 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th grades take the state's iLEAP test, which is designed to measure student progress but does not determine whether they will be retained in their current grade. The iLEAP is referred to as an "integrated" LEAP because it combines a norm referenced test, which compares a student's test results to the performance of students in a national sample, with a criterion-referenced test, which reports student results in terms of the state's standards."
http://www.doe.state.la.gov/
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Children and the Effects of Poverty
I chose poverty because it seems that it is striking so many families lately. During my undergraduate degree I done some observations at a local elementary school where poverty was evident. Many of the children grew up in the projects and were sent to school with uniforms that were to small or way to big, and many of them didn't have breakfast before hand. I remember one little girl very vivid. It was a cold October morning and she was sitting in class with pants that were about two inches too short but a jacket on that looked like it was her mothers. I remember thinking to myself "Wow, if only I could help this child and children like her." After the class the teacher made a comment to me that still sticks out in my mind. She said, "Get use to this scene, because this is what you get in this school. Children who are from poor homes and have parents that could care less." I walked away discouraged and thought "hmmm...it might be discouraging BUT those chilren may only have that teacher who they feel cares for them." Children do not ask for the circumstances that they are brought into. I have made it a goal to donate clothing to the clothes closets for less fortunate families, donate to food drives, or any other activiites that supports children in poverty.
As I thought of how poverty strikes anyone at anytime. I found some interesting research on it.
(Hunger is principally caused by poverty so this section will focus on causes of poverty.)
There are, we believe, three main causes of poverty in the United States: poverty in the world; the operation of the political and economic system in the United States which has tended to keep people from poor families poor, and actual physical mental and behavioral issues among some people who are poor.
Poverty in the world There are a lot of poor people in the world. An estimated 2 billion people are poor, and the same amount hungry (World Hunger Facts) They are much, much, poorer than people in the United States. As can be imagined, people do not want to be hungry and desperately poor. In the world economic system there are two main ways in which relatively poor people have their income increased: through trade, and through immigration. Trade, we believe, is the most important.
As I thought of how poverty strikes anyone at anytime. I found some interesting research on it.
- "In 2008, 39.8 million people were in poverty, up from 37.3 million in 2007 -- the second consecutive annual increase in the number of people in poverty (Census Bureau 2010).
- The 2008 poverty rate (13.2 percent) was the highest since 1997 (Census Bureau 2010).
- In 2008, the family poverty rate and the number of families in poverty were 10.3 percent and 8.1 million, respectively, up from 9.8 percent and 7.6 million in 2007 (Census Bureau 2010).
- 15.4 million Americans live in extreme poverty. This means their family’s cash income is less than half of the poverty line, or less than about $10,000 a year for a family of four (CBPP 2007).
- 16 million low-income households either paid more for rent and utilities than the federal government says is affordable or lived in overcrowded or substandard housing (CBPP 2007).
- 46 million Americans — more than one in every seven — do not have medical insurance (USBC 2009 p. 20).
(Hunger is principally caused by poverty so this section will focus on causes of poverty.)
There are, we believe, three main causes of poverty in the United States: poverty in the world; the operation of the political and economic system in the United States which has tended to keep people from poor families poor, and actual physical mental and behavioral issues among some people who are poor.
Poverty in the world There are a lot of poor people in the world. An estimated 2 billion people are poor, and the same amount hungry (World Hunger Facts) They are much, much, poorer than people in the United States. As can be imagined, people do not want to be hungry and desperately poor. In the world economic system there are two main ways in which relatively poor people have their income increased: through trade, and through immigration. Trade, we believe, is the most important.
- Trade. It is important to understand some basic economics. We in the United States live in a rich country, that has a large amount of capital--machinery, etc.--to produce things relative to the amount of labor--people that want to work. Poor countries have a lot of labor, but relatively little capital. There is a basic idea of economics--the factor price equalization theorem--that states that wages in rich countries will tend to go down and increase in poor countries through trade (Wikipedia 2010b). Thus China, with low wages, puts pressure on wages in the United States, as production is shifted to China from the United States. This movement of production from richer to poorer countries is initiated by corporations, not individuals, but it does shift jobs and income to poorer countries and people, and has been doing so for the last 30 years or so. Lower income people in the United States are particularly vulnerable to such shifts.
- Immigration. A clear strategy for poor people is to go where there are higher paying jobs (often opposed to the alternative of no jobs at all). Thus immigration has been a major response to poverty by people in poor countries. "
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Nutrion in India
The Food & Nutrition Board (FNB), set up in 1964, is an attached office of the Ministry of Women & Child Development and has a countrywide set up. Originally with Ministry of Food, the FNB was shifted to Ministry of Women and Child Development (then Department of WCD) in 1993.
Nutrition is the focal point of health and well-being. Nutrition is directly linked to human resource development, productivity and ultimately to the national growth.
Malnutrition is a complex phenomenon. It is both the cause and effect of poverty and ill health, and follows a cyclical, inter-generational pattern. It is inextricably linked with illiteracy, especially female illiteracy, lack of safe drinking water and proper sanitation, ignorance, lack of awareness and ill health. It creates its own cycle within the large cycle of poverty.
Malnutrition in India continues to be at a high level with 42.5% children below the age being underweight and almost 70% being anaemic. 22% children are born with low birth weight. Lack of adequate information on nutritional needs, has been identified as a major factor for the prevailing nutritional situation in the country. Child malnutrition is both the result of economic conditions and poor nutritional awareness. Nutrition education and extension has been recognized as one of the long-term sustainable interventions essential to tackle the problem of malnutrition and to generate awareness and to promote the nutrition status of the country. FNB’s major task is to address this major challenge. (http://www.motherchildnutrition.com/india )
Nutrition is the focal point of health and well-being. Nutrition is directly linked to human resource development, productivity and ultimately to the national growth.
Malnutrition is a complex phenomenon. It is both the cause and effect of poverty and ill health, and follows a cyclical, inter-generational pattern. It is inextricably linked with illiteracy, especially female illiteracy, lack of safe drinking water and proper sanitation, ignorance, lack of awareness and ill health. It creates its own cycle within the large cycle of poverty.
Malnutrition in India continues to be at a high level with 42.5% children below the age being underweight and almost 70% being anaemic. 22% children are born with low birth weight. Lack of adequate information on nutritional needs, has been identified as a major factor for the prevailing nutritional situation in the country. Child malnutrition is both the result of economic conditions and poor nutritional awareness. Nutrition education and extension has been recognized as one of the long-term sustainable interventions essential to tackle the problem of malnutrition and to generate awareness and to promote the nutrition status of the country. FNB’s major task is to address this major challenge. (http://www.motherchildnutrition.com/india )
Nutrition has always intrigued me. I have a strong passion for childhood obesity and malnutrion through out the world. One article that I read for this assingment stated that children betweent the ages of 1 to 3 yrs old should get 40 calories per inch of heigh per day. For example if a toddler is 32 inches tall he/she should consume about 1300 calories per day. Children may or may not always consume this many calories depending on their appetites.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Childbirth in Mexico
In Mexico the birthing process is considered a woman's job, ideally the job of her mother and midwife. Cultural tradition dictates that a husband not see his wife or child until the delivery is over and both have been cleaned and dressed. In general, Hispanic women prefer that their mothers attend them in labor.
Latin American women practice the custom of postpartum lying -in period. This period is designed to give a woman the period of rest between childbirth and returning to work. In these cultures women traditionally did not return to office work, but to physical labor in the fields.
Birth generally takes place in the home but for the birth of a first child it may take place in the mother's parent's home. After the onset of labor women continue doing house hold tasks until the labor intensifies to the point that it is no longer possible to finish doing what they were doing.
Latin American women practice the custom of postpartum lying -in period. This period is designed to give a woman the period of rest between childbirth and returning to work. In these cultures women traditionally did not return to office work, but to physical labor in the fields.
Birth generally takes place in the home but for the birth of a first child it may take place in the mother's parent's home. After the onset of labor women continue doing house hold tasks until the labor intensifies to the point that it is no longer possible to finish doing what they were doing.
Child birth experience....
For this blog assignment I chose to write about the birth of my first baby. I remember finding out I was pregnant with my precious little boy about 8 months after a miscarriage at 12 weeks...so majority of my pregnancy with my little boy I was on pins and needles. For the most part it was a good pregnancy....I was convinced that he was a girl and was a little in shock when the ultra sound tech said "BOY". However, I would NOT change it...I love love love that little guy. As I said my pregnancy went fairly well despite me being so nervous that something was going to happen....In March of 2009 I went in for my last ultra sound and the tech sent me straight to my doctor. Of course she couldn't answer my questions as to why I had to go see my doctor. That afternoon I went completely limp, couldn't hear or speak as the doctor was talking to me about this latest ultra sound. Thankfully my husband was in there to fill me in later. The doctor said that he was sending me to a specialist because my baby's ventricle on his brain looked a little enlarged. So for the next three weeks I was back and forth to the specialist and my doctor. The day I saw the specialist, he done a three-d ultrasound and said the same thing that my doctor said. This made me more nervous....I worked in Early Intervention and had children on my case load that had hydrocephalis and couldn't imagine my baby having that. So days went by and then I had to have an amnio because I had to much amniotic fluid...wow, did that forever hurt!! Plus I am terrified of needles. The amnio determined that at 37 weeks my baby boy's lungs were still not quite developed so I had to wait another week. So at 38 weeks I went in for a scheduled c-section due to the doctors thinking my baby's ventricle was enlarged. I was at a speciality hospital so that made me a little more at ease....but I wasn't completely at ease until I KNEW for sure that my precious little boy was healthy and okay! The c-section went well..and after briefly seeing my baby, he was wisked off to be checked. A day later we got the results from his ct scan and he was A-Okay.....the doctor said, "Things are fine...he just takes after his dad and has a big head" haha.....I chose my own experience because it was more familiar to me and something good came from such a scary situation. My sweet little boy just turned 2 in April and has been a sure delight! With medical technology these days, situations such as mine are better treated.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
A BIG note of thanks and support...
WOW! One class down! It has been a great 8 weeks. I have learned a lot from each of my fellow classmates! I wish each of you the very best and look forward to our next class! I am coming from a profession other than Education, so there were times I felt out of the "loop of education" but each of you encouraged and pushed me along! I learned a wealth of knowledge in just these short weeks. Best wishes and lets keep marching on to make a difference in the lives of children and their families!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
NAEYC Code of Ethics that mean something to me:
•
Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague) This code is meaningful because if we respect those around us then we will be respected. Respect will get us a lot farther in life Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues This code is meaningful because it is so important to respect the differences within each student, family, and colleagues. Our differences is what makes us unique. The differences is what creates a unique
Appreciate and support the bond between the child
and family. This code means something to me because I find it important for educators to form a strong bond between the child and family. If the child and family feel connected to the teacher then they tend to be more likely to work hand in hand with that teacher.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Course Resource page
- Video Program: “The Resources for Early Childhood”
Five early childhood professionals discuss their preferred and trusted resources.
Note: Read the documents listed in Parts 1 and 2 in preparation for this week’s Discussion.
Part 1: Position Statements and Influential Practices- NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/56611/CRS-CW-4955232/educ6005_readings/naeyc_dap_position_statement.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
- NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf
- Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller
- FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases.
- Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42–53.
Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title.
- Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
- Websites:
- World Forum Foundation
http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/about.php
This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage
- World Organization for Early Childhood Education
http://www.omep-usnc.org/
Read about OMEP’s mission.
- Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/about/
Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.
- World Forum Foundation
Note: Explore the resources in Parts 3 and 4 in preparation for this week’s Application assignment.
Part 3: Selected Early Childhood Organizations - National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org/
- The Division for Early Childhood
http://www.dec-sped.org/
- Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
http://www.zerotothree.org/
- WESTED
http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
- Harvard Education Letter
http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
- FPG Child Development Institute
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/main/about.cfm
- Administration for Children and Families Headstart’s National Research Conference
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
- HighScope
http://www.highscope.org/
- Children’s Defense Fund
http://www.childrensdefense.org/
- Center for Child Care Workforce
http://www.ccw.org/
- Council for Exceptional Children
http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
- Institute for Women’s Policy Research
http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm
- National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/
- National Child Care Association
http://www.nccanet.org/
- National Institute for Early Education Research
http://nieer.org/
- Pre[K]Now
http://www.preknow.org/
- Voices for America’s Children
http://www.voices.org/
- The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/
Tip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to “How Do I...?”, select “Tips for Specific Formats and Resources,” and then “e-journals” to find this search interface.)
- YC Young Children
- Childhood
- Journal of Child & Family Studies
- Child Study Journal
- Multicultural Education
- Early Childhood Education Journal
- Journal of Early Childhood Research
- International Journal of Early Childhood
- Early Childhood Research Quarterly
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Studies
- Maternal & Child Health Journal
- International Journal of Early Years Education
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Quotes from Piaget and E. Shriver
I really liked the excerpt from E. Shriver on Special Olympics and special needs children/adults. These children hold a special place in my heart and I believe that they are "stars that the world is watching."
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Personal Childhood Web
Throughout my childhood I have had so many people that have nurtured, cared, loved, and made me feel safe and secure. However, the five people that I have chosen for this assignment are my mother, my Aunt, a family friend who has been like a second mother to me, my best friend, and my fourth grade teacher.
My mother has been there through it all with me...we have had many hard times as well as good times. She has shown me how to keep pushing toward my goals when all else seems to be against me. She has always been there to show she cares whether it be a smile, a hug, or just an encouraging word. My Aunt has also been there in good times as well as bad. She has been a little tougher on me than my mother was but nonetheless I grew to respect her for it once I got grown. She has been there cheering me on when I felt that I possibly couldn't keep going. When it seemed that noone else was there to help me up the toughest mountains she and my mother were pushing me up. Family Friend, she has been like a second mother to me...and has also been there through some happy and sad times. She has always had the right words to say at the right times, offered an encouraging word, smile, or just a hug. My best friend has always been there when I needed her. We can spend days, weeks, or months apart and then pick up where we left off...she has influenced my life because she taught me to see my glass as half full rather than half empty. My fourth grade teacher is someone that I will not forget. She was always standing at the door as we entered the classroom with a bright smile on her face as she welcomed each one of her students into the class. She was a nurturing teacher that impacted my life because she was always encouraging the students to go above and beyond. She tried to get each of the students to think outside the box and strive to do his or her best. I use to get so frustrated in her class because I would feel that I couldn't keep striving..and she would always say, "Keep climbing that mountain...you can do it and I believe that you can. "
My five "special" people continue to impact my life as an adult because each of their influences have made me who I am today. I have faced many challenges along my educational career but I catch myself along the way thinking about the positive impact that my "special"people have had on my life and how they encourage me to keep striving because one day I will have gained my reward.
My mother has been there through it all with me...we have had many hard times as well as good times. She has shown me how to keep pushing toward my goals when all else seems to be against me. She has always been there to show she cares whether it be a smile, a hug, or just an encouraging word. My Aunt has also been there in good times as well as bad. She has been a little tougher on me than my mother was but nonetheless I grew to respect her for it once I got grown. She has been there cheering me on when I felt that I possibly couldn't keep going. When it seemed that noone else was there to help me up the toughest mountains she and my mother were pushing me up. Family Friend, she has been like a second mother to me...and has also been there through some happy and sad times. She has always had the right words to say at the right times, offered an encouraging word, smile, or just a hug. My best friend has always been there when I needed her. We can spend days, weeks, or months apart and then pick up where we left off...she has influenced my life because she taught me to see my glass as half full rather than half empty. My fourth grade teacher is someone that I will not forget. She was always standing at the door as we entered the classroom with a bright smile on her face as she welcomed each one of her students into the class. She was a nurturing teacher that impacted my life because she was always encouraging the students to go above and beyond. She tried to get each of the students to think outside the box and strive to do his or her best. I use to get so frustrated in her class because I would feel that I couldn't keep striving..and she would always say, "Keep climbing that mountain...you can do it and I believe that you can. "
My five "special" people continue to impact my life as an adult because each of their influences have made me who I am today. I have faced many challenges along my educational career but I catch myself along the way thinking about the positive impact that my "special"people have had on my life and how they encourage me to keep striving because one day I will have gained my reward.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Brown Bear Brown Bear
A children's book that I love is Brown Bear Brown Bear by B. Martin. I guess alot of it has to do with my background in speech therapy and the repetition that the book has. I also like how the book is illistrated and has the picture clues to help the children guess the next animal.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A quote that I find to be interesting...
While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about. ~ Angela Schwindt
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)