My Supports

The support one receives can mean everything to that person or child. Even if it just one thing, it can mean the world to someone on any particular day.  On a daily basis, I am very fortunate to have support from many people.

First, my husband, Chris, is my rock. Where do I start? He supports me in so many ways. He financially provides for me so I don’t have to stress about working crazy hours to pay the bills. He gives me what I need to concentrate and do my best while I am doing school work. He does simple things that show his support for me. Every day he asks me how my day was and then he listens to me when I tell him (a large majority of the time LOL) and gives me any advice I might need. This is the tip of the iceberg in how his support helps me. If he was not in my life and giving me the support that he does, I would probably not be back in school and would be living with a roommate or my parents to help pay the bills.

My parents also give me a great deal of support. They are always there when I need to talk to them. It is a good feeling knowing I can count on them for anything. They give a good deal of emotional and practical support. They have come to my house a couple times a year to help with the spring cleaning. When I need them to watch my dogs while I am of town, they are there. This type of support goes for the rest of my immediate family as well. If they were not in my life, I would not be able to have down time that need at times and the emotional support that I have come to rely on over the years.

When I think about challenges other people face that I do not, I think about how lucky I am to have my health and happiness in all areas of my life. One challenge that comes to mind is a physical disability. My grandmother suffered from chronic bronchitis and emphysema during the later years n her life. She could not exercise like she wanted to or do simple tasks like getting groceries. She relied on her oxygen tank, inhaler, and help from family. I lived with her in her last years and saw firsthand how debilitating this disease can be without support. Life would be very difficult not being able to do most of the things you want or need to do. I would need car rides to many places including doctor visits. Many types of support would be needed if I had this disease.

Each one of these people serves a unique purpose when they support me. I am grateful for the peace of mind they give me and the love that comes with it.  In childcare, children rely on their caregivers to support them in all areas of their growth and development. After reflecting on the support I have and continue to receive on a daily basis I understand how important it truly is to young children.

My Connections to Play

“The child amidst his baubles is learning the action of light, motion, gravity, muscular force….” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I like this quote because it eloquently explains how play IS learning. As a child, I played outside often. I saw many different types of trees, leaves, and animals. I also learned skills, like, climbing and picking fruit when it’s ready. When children play, they are unconsciously testing, observing, theorizing, experimenting, and finding solutions.

“Play is the highest form of research.” ~ Albert Einstein 

Other than my love for Einstein, I love this quote because it simply states how easily children learn. I think sometimes adults forget about children’s natural ability to learn. We learn best when we are not “trying” to learn to all.  We are born with an innate drive to investigate and figure things out. Play is the highest form of research because you get all the benefits from doing the research without any of the “work”.

“In our play we reveal what kind of people we are.” ~Ovid (Roman poet)

            This quote has two meanings to me. Play allows children to express their inner selves in the most natural of ways; it is freedom of expression. As a teacher and a parent, it is a wonderful way to understand a child and their behavior. This quote also explains to me how the experiences and play children have during the early years sets the foundation for who we are as adults. During play, children learn what they like and don’t like. They gain a sense of who they are over a period of time.

One essential play item of mine was my big wheel. I remember riding on it for hours up and down the street; I loved it! Something as simple as riding this toy and feeling the wind in my hair was a release for me. Sometimes when I’m having fun driving in my car I get that same feeling I did as a child on my big wheel. Now, if only I could use the same type of petal power with the same speed of my car, my wallet and I would be very happy!

I also adored my Krystal Princess dolls. I liked them so much because they were pretty, had colored hair, were sparkly, and had their own separate carriage to stroll them around. They were also a brand that had pieces you could add to the collection. I got joy from buying new princesses and adding them to my Krystal City. I loved my collection!

"Simon Says" is a game I loved playing. I also played the group version in preschool and with my cousins. This light game would light one light on the first turn that the player has to copy. On the second turn, two light would light up in sequence, again, that you had to copy. This would continue with three, four and so on.  There was something exciting and thrilling about trying to see how many times you could copy Simon as it got harder and harder. Its a great memory skills game and the best part you are having fun! 

My parents played a lot with me growing up. I remember playing video games with my parents. I still do to this day. It was and still is a good reason to get together and have down time. My mom and I would play with my dolls and cook together. I loved helping her in the kitchen and always saw this time as play time. Watching how my mom turned a bag of groceries into a delicious meal really interested me. There is a lot to cooking and I loved it. I still get that same joy when I cook as an adult. I had a lot of fun working puzzles with my dad. One activity we did that we both really enjoyed was listening and singing to music. As I played as a child, I was learning what I was interested in and what I enjoyed. It is funny; nearly all of the things that I recall having a genuine interest and good time doing as a child, I still enjoy doing today. As a child, it is awesome when you discover something that makes you happy while playing. As an adult, it is a good feeling when you are successful at something you like because of the fun practice you were able to have as a child. 

I feel that play these days involves a little bit less outdoor activities. I think this is because technology has had great improvements in the past twenty years. It has been like a drug for children and teenagers. With these improvements, you can get information faster and easier. Who wouldn't want that? Well, like everything, technology use should be used in moderation. The problem comes when you don't even out physical play with video or internet play.  Video games and internet usage can be educational and offers many wonderful benefits when done in the right way.  Also I think kids are playing less and less board games. This too is because they can be played on the computer or phone. This takes away that valuable face-to-face time that you get with board games. The more we can socialize in person and communicate in our physical form the more we learn how to communicate and make friends; things I feel that have a limited means to achieve.  

Relationship Reflection

            This week is about the importance of supportive relationships and partnerships. I have learned a lot about the worth of creating these strong partnerships with families and parents of the children I teach. Everyone has something to gain when the parents, teachers and caregivers involved in a child’s life come together for the whole child. It involves working towards the same goals and seeing eye-to-eye. In this blog post, I will share some of the most important relationships currently in my life.

            The relationship I will start with is the one with my husband, Chris. We just celebrated our one year anniversary on October 11^th. He is the only person I have ever imagined spending my whole life with. We challenge each other all the time and grow as a couple with each day and with each spat. It hasn’t been a piece of cake developing a good working partnership but we have a good one and we are still learning. We have known each other for five years. He has taught me how to be more giving, thoughtful and a better person in general.  We get each other and more importantly, we respect each other. We try our best to listen to each other and understand the gray area of give and take. One of the hardest challenges for us throughout our five years of knowing each other is communicating effectively. We have learned a lot and made many strides towards this skill but we will always be improving. A marriage takes patience, understanding, and openness. I love my partnership with him and I look forward to learning much more with him!

            Secondly, the relationship I have with my Mom, Susan, is a very special one. She is my best friend and understands me to a “T”. I can go to her about anything and I know she will help me through it and teach me something about life in the process. She has given me unconditional love and support which I am truly grateful for. I’m so blessed to have such a wonderful relationship with the only woman whom I call Mom. Because of her, I am a confident, secure and responsible woman. She has been a great example for me by practicing what she preaches and giving me wonderful advice; habits and traits that I will carry on to my children. I can’t thank her enough for all she has done and continues to do. We have a strong bond and partnership that works well.

            My dad is also my best friend and I am his only child. I know I can count on him to be there when I need him or when I need an ear to talk to. We have a strong, stable relationship because of his commitment to my happiness and growth. When I think back to my childhood with him, the first thing I think of is how often we played games together. That was one our favorite activities to do together whether it was playing outside or playing chess and doing puzzles. He taught me how to have fun, laugh and stay young for as long as I can. That is something that has always stuck with me and stays in the back of my mind as I "grow". At the same time, he also never let me get out of line. He made sure I knew how to follow rules and stay in check. He set appropriate boundaries for me and showed me that actions have consequences. He has been a great example of how a great man is suppose to be and continues to do so. Not to mention he his hilarious and makes me laugh all the time. I am forever thankful for my dad's continued guidance, love, sense of humor and support.

            I am also very grateful for the relationship with my stepmother, Laura pictured above. She has treated and loved me like a daughter from the beginning. She and my Dad married 14 years ago. I was her maid of honor. There have been times where I did not know what I was going to do without her. She knows that when she needs me, I will be there for her and vice versa. We understand each other and truly care about each others concerns and well-being. We relate to each other in our love for animals. We have a string relationship built on trust and honesty. I’m very grateful for her.

            Last but not least is my pitbull/boxer mix, Baby. I rescued her 6 years ago when she was 4 months old. She had a couple of problems from a spider bite she got as a puppy. I took care of her bite and made her fat, healthy, and happy. She is very loyal and smart! She stays close to me and loves to cuddle. She has a sharp mind and loves to learn tricks. I feel safe with her around. I’m very grateful for her friendship and protection. She is my sweet Baby.

           

             I definitely take what I learn in my personal life into my work life and vice versa. When I learn a new way to be a better partner and contributor, I carry that new knowledge with me everywhere. This week, I have learned more in depth about the importance and value of developing positive and supportive partnerships. I look forward to seeing this mew knowledge in action as I interact with children and their families. Although it can be hard at times, I will try harder at planning classroom activities where parents can be involved in the classroom. The topic of introspect, partnerships, and relationships is good knowledge for early childhood and in life.

Child education quotes

I have thoroughly enjoyed this early child development class and am very excited to continue to learn and grow in this Master's program. I look forward to continue to connect with all of you through your wonderful blogs and future classes. Here are some quotes I find inspiring and insightful.

 

Assessments for children

Assessments should be made and given to benefit children. They should be tailored to a specific purpose and should be reliable, valid, and fair for that purpose. When assessing children, one should address the full range of early learning and development, including physical well-being and motor development; social and emotional development; approaches toward learning; language development; and cognition and general knowledge. When I was a Head Start teacher, every nine weeks we had to assess each child holistically using a ten page form. The information we got from this assessment was used to help us pin pint areas where the child was weak and strong. We would share this with the parents and they worked with us to help their child. In the three year old classroom, play was a big component of my curriculum. Through play, I could observe when a child was having difficulty; whether it was physically or socially. My interactions with that child and my curriculum were aimed at improving their weaknesses. With older children, I think it is important to understand that some of them find paper and pencil tasks intimidating therefore at a high risk of failing. This is causes an incorrect measurement of their skills. Their skills need to be assessed in a familiar context. Children need to feel comfortable while they are being assessed for actual skill measurement.

           

           While researching assessment in other countries, I found Finland’s approach to educational assessment to be the most interesting. In Finland, children start school when they are seven years old and may go to preschool before if the parents choose to. They are graduated from school by the ninth grade and can continue grades 10-12 if they choose to. While in school, assessments follow these principles:

 • Assessment of study skills, working skills and behavior should be individual, truthful and versatile

• Feedback should support the development of self-knowledge and motivation of the pupil

 • Learning-to-learn, learning to set goals for own learning, studying and working at school have been understood to be key competencies for life-long learning

• According to the legislation (Act for comprehensive education 628/1998) assessment is considered to be a tool to counsel and support studying and learning, and to develop the pupil's self-evaluation skills;

• Student assessment is divided into two phases:

1. Evaluation during the studies is based on the goals and framework defined by the curriculum guidelines and school's syllabus. Assessment is focused on the learning and development process of an individual pupil.

2. The second phase deals with the school leaving certificate (final school report) which should be nationally comparable and the pupils should be equally treated. The orders dealing with the school leaving certificate are connected with the joint application system. The pupils apply for a study place in the second stage of secondary education (either upper secondary general or vocational education) through the joint application system.

The key priorities for student assessment are:

1. Student assessment should contribute to the socialization process and the individual development of the pupil. Development has a broad connotation here, it includes cognitive development, development of learning skills and social/ emotional development

2. Student assessment should contribute to the development of a pupil’s study, learning and working skills (self-regulation skills).

3. Student assessment should contribute to the development of general skills and knowledge.

4. Student assessment supports pupils in obtaining a study place after compulsory education.

The principles and goals of the assessments in the schools of Finland support each child’s individual development and growth. Towards the end of the article, it explains how teachers help the students and gives a detailed explanation of their teaching methods. I like the methods and approaches!

Here is the article: http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/34260381.pdf

The poverty issue in Japan

Poverty is an issue that will not go away. In some part of the world there will always be someone or a group of people that are hungry and/or without basics on a regular basis. One country I want to talk about that has a growing number of poverty stricken citizens is Japan. Japan has the third largest economy so one would not think it has a poverty problem, yet it does. The rate of poverty on this country has grown over the years. In October 2009, Japan's Labor Ministry released a report which stated that almost one in six Japanese, which would be 20 million people, lived in poverty, in 2007. Another study showed that 1 out of 3 Japanese women in the age group of 20-64, and those who live alone, were living in poverty.  The poverty rate is increasing at a rate of 1.3% and not much is clear as to why the rate is growing. 

The Impact good mental health in parents has on child development

Not having good mental as a parent or in the family in general can have lasting effects on the development of a child. Infants need a good secure attachment with their caregivers for good emotional devleopment to occur. With a secure attachment, infants learn about emotions and how to regulate them. It effects them mentally and physically. When an infant's caregiver is emotionally unstable or is mentally unstable, the infant picks up on this and in turn he/she's development is stunted. They may not grow as fast as other healthy infants and they will grow to be anxious toddlers.  Infants cannot be spoiled with too much love. They need lots of love and attention for healthy cognitive growth that they will use later to learn in preschool and grade school. In my career Inhave seen the effects depression has on children. The children did not want to play and explore. Some did not want to eat. Children thrive on consistency and routine.

Okinawa Island, Japan is considered the healthiest place in the world. There are over 450 citizens over the age of 100. A healthy mind and a healthy body are huge contributors of this. Most of their residents eat only fruit and veggies and stay active. Good habits like these are passed to their children. Eating healthy with a diet rich in fruits and veggies has been shown to boost one's mood and keep depressive states away. Some studies have suggested that just he smell of a banana boosts one's mood. This is also true of exercise. I just think these findings are interesting and may keep us from taking pills which I believe are over prescribed.

Makin sure everyone in the family is me tally healthy gives children a great chance at being happy, healthy children and adults. The family is one unit when one is effected, all are effected.

My Birthing Story

The birthing customs from around the world are very different and very interesting. In some countries it is custom to birth in a siting position. Here in America women give birth lying on their backs so that the doctor has a clearer view of the baby. Here is an article from Parents.com that discusses some birthing customs from different countries including China and Brazil. http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/vaginal/birth-customs-around-the-world/


I have no children of my own yet and I have not witnessed a birth so I will use my own birth to write about...with the help of my mom. Here is her birthing experience when she had me:

The day you were born started around 2am. I woke up because I had a contraction. It was 9 days before your due date and I thought it might be Braxton Hicks contractions, since I had not had any yet. I sat in the living room watching TV for about an hour before I felt another contraction. Thirty minutes later, I felt another contraction, then another one thirty minutes later. When I had another contraction 15 minutes later, I woke your dad up. The contractions stayed about 15 minutes apart for the next hour. Around 5am I got out my pregnancy book, because the Internet didn't exist then, and re-read the section on when you should call your doctor or go to the hospital. The book recommended calling your doctor when the contractions were 10 minutes apart. The contractions weren't particularly painful; I would describe it as an uncomfortable feeling. Within the next 45 minutes, the contractions started to come regularly 10 minutes apart. I think I called the doctor's on-call number, but it may have been your dad. Either way, after asking questions about how long the contractions had been happening and how far apart they were, he recommended that we go to the hospital.

I vividly remember the ride to the hospital. It was in our 1981 Toyota Celica, which was low to the ground and had a manual transmission. The contractions were coming on a regular basis and I think your dad hit every pot hole between the house and the hospital - I was not happy. Once we got to the emergency room at the  hospital, they took me to a room and your dad had to go move the car. Dr. McKee came in to examine me and determined that I was in labor, so I was admitted to the hospital. It was around 6:30am and my contractions were about 8 minutes apart. While the nurses hooked me up to all the monitors, your dad went to a pay phone and called our parents. That's when it hit me that I was going to have a baby, that day, not some random day in the future.

I watched the morning TV programs. The nurses would come in and check on me every few minutes, but my contractions were stuck at 8 minutes apart. Sometime after 7am our parents arrived and visited me for a few minutes. They would leave the room when the doctor came by to check on me. While they were gone, the doctor decided to put me on Pitocin to speed up labor. The contractions started coming more frequently and I could feel my cervix dilate. While the contractions were bearable, the dilatation was very painful and felt weird. The contractions were still more than 5 minutes apart, so your dad and our parents went to the cafeteria to have breakfast.

Around 8:30am Dr. McKee came in to check me. He broke my water, another weird feeling, then soon after, gave me an epidural. I have to say, the epidural was the worst part of the whole experience. The contractions were very close together and I had to sit on the edge of the bed while a nurse pushed down on my shoulders to expose my back for the epidural. Since I was having contractions, being folded over on my stomach hurt. Then at 9am, Dr. McKee came in again and said it was time to go to the delivery room. Your dad was still at breakfast! They started wheeling the bed to the delivery room and I was panicking because your dad wasn't there. Fortunately, he showed up while they were wheeling me down the hall and the floor nurses directed him to us.

The delivery room was really cold. Your dad stayed by my head and held my hand through it all. I remember trying to push but not being able to feel what I was pushing. I think there were three nurses in the room with the doctor. I'm really not sure, because I was focused on Dr. McKee. I remember voices telling me to push; I remember your dad talking to me although I don't remember what he said; I remember Dr. McKee saying he was going to use forceps. They he held you up for me to see and told us that you were a girl and you had 10 fingers and 10 toes. One of the nurses whisked you over to a weighing station and did all the measurements. Dr. McKee looked at the clock and said to put 9:18am. I tried to talk him into 9:20am, since that's what my birth certificate says, but he wouldn't budge. You were 6 pounds, 3 1/2 ounces. A tiny little girl.

After the nurse finished cleaning you up, I finally got to hold you. I kissed your forehead, happy not to taste salt. Gran had told me that a salty taste could mean you had cystic fibrosis. Your dad and I both wept with joy at having a healthy daughter. Not big loud crying - gentle tears and smiles and an indescribable feeling of being needed. You were so small and helpless. Your dad checked your ears first to make sure you didn't have my attached earlobes - seriously. After a few minutes, I handed you to your dad and he left the delivery room to show you to your grandparents.

We had several visitors that day, since you were born in the morning. I would try to list them, but you know how big your dad's side of the family is and my side isn't exactly small. I think everyone came by that Friday. It was good. I remember Gran was very upset at your dad that night. He and a friend had tickets to a concert that night - it was a Friday night - and I told him to go, since we already had tickets. I was fine, you were fine. I wasn't going anywhere and he had spent all day at the hospital. What better way to celebrate the birth of your child? Your birth is the only time I remember your Uncle Chris visiting anyone at the hospital. You were in the nursery, so he and I walked down the hall so he could see you. Things were different back then. I had to ask them to bring you to my room. I tried to keep you there as much as possible, but they would only let you stay for an hour or two.

The day after you were born, it snowed. I was glad to be at the hospital because they had a generator and the power was out over much of Trussville. The snow didn't keep family from coming by. Nana brought you two preemie outfits because the newborn ones we had swallowed you. Remember, we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl. All the clothes we received were yellow or green or some other non-gender-specific color. We were lucky that we had been playing dress up with you, because they took your picture that day. They didn't tell us ahead of time, but because Nana and I had been dressing you in your new clothes, you are wearing an adorable, girly outfit in your first official portrait.

We brought you home on Sunday. My birthing experience was over and my parenting experience had begun.

Reflections

In this last week of class, I reflect on how much I have learned about how to succeed in the coming classes. I now have resources to help me learn about early childhood and I also have the tools needed to find an abundance of my own resources. I look forward to continuing my professional growth in the EC field as I go through each class. I really enjoy the reading and writing. I still have a lot to learn about APA format and will manage with the help of the Walden writing center. Thanks to Walden I have connections with other EC professionals. I am glad to have met the classmates I have and I look forward to interacting with everyone in future classes. I have enjoyed this first class and will definitely use what I have learned in the field and at Walden.

 In the Division of Early Childhood’s, or DEC, Code of Ethics, the first guideline is about professional practice.  The first behavior under this guideline talks about the importance of
having language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child. I understand that each child is different and all should be treated.



 The third behavior listed under this guideline describes how professionals should strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and using new evidence based information to improve practices while also responding openly to the suggestions of others. I love learning about evidence based information and scientific findings referring to practice in the early childhood field. I feel as if I am doing something right when I teach in a manner that has been scientifically proven to improve the lives of young children. I love learning and I always strive to learn more. My special excitement for learning about early childhood helps me by being a better teacher for young children, co-worker and advocate for children and their families.

NAEYC's Code of ethical conduct has a value that states that it is important to
respect the dignity and preferences of each family and to make an effort to learn about its structure,
culture, language, customs, and beliefs. I work in a Jewish Community Center and what I like most about working there is the immense diversity and acceptance. People of all different creeds, race and ages are members there. Everyone's differences are accepted and celebrated as members of one community. I hope for a society that behaves the same way one day.

   





     

Wonderful Early Childhood Resources

NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap

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://main.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://community.fpg.unc.edu/sites/community.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/FPG_Snapshot_N33_EvidenceBasedPractice_09-2006.pdf

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

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. Retrieved from: http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=4&sid=ba01484e-0dad-45ff-a608-7404ed78d940%40sessionmgr115&hid=123

http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/about-us/ ---This is the World Forum Foundation's mission statement.

World Organization for Early Childhood Education
http://www.omep-usnc.org/

Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/

• 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/
• 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/
• Institute for Women's Policy Research
  http://www.iwpr.org/
• 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.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067
• Voices for America's Children
  http://www.voices.org/
• The Erikson Institute
  http://www.erikson.edu/

Journals with everything early childhood:

• 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

Additional Resources:

This is a website for the Levite Jewish Community Center in Birmingham, al. It is a wonderful center with an accredited child care center.
http://www.bhamjcc.org/programs/cohn-early-childhood-learning-center/
http://www.bhamjcc.org/

This is a great website for parents of young children:
www.newparent.com
www.allfortheboys.com

Quotes from leaders in the Early Childhood field

Here a few quotes from some leaders in the early childhood field that I am fond of. The first one is said by Sylvia Chard:

 "Students not only need to know how to use a skill but also when to use it. They need to learn to recognize for themselves the context in which the skill might be useful and the purposes it can most appropriately serve"



I like this quote because I believe it is important for early childhood professionals and teachers to understand this truth. There is more than one objective in knowing a skill including knowing when to use the skill and with whom (if that be the case).



 Another quote I like from Dr. Chard  (whose work is from the early childhood sector) is:

 "One of the major advantages of project work is that it makes school more like real life".



She is referring to her work with Project Approach. A website that helps educators and early childhood professionals teach children through projects. Projects help engage children's minds. Dr. Chard is explaining that when children are doing a project, they are thinking critically much like how you need to think in the real world.



Lillian Katz, professor at University of Illinois, has said many education quotes. One I picked is:

Experts generally agree that taking all opportunities to read books and other material aloud to children is the best preparation f ... or their learning to read. The pleasures of being read to are far more likely to strengthen a child's desire to learn to read than are repetitions of sounds, alphabet drills, and deciphering uninteresting words."



This quote is good because it explains more specifically how reading is loved by children. It also helps teachers understand exactly how you helping children learn by reading to them often.



Dr. Katz also said:

"Of course children benefit from positive feedback. But praise and rewards are not the only methods of reinforcement. More emphasis ... should be place on appreciation--reinforcement related explicitly and directly to the content of the child's interest and efforts."



I like this quote a lot. She is basically saying that our genuine appreciation for a child's own work and/or their excitement for an activity is positive feedback for them. Its good to know we can reach children in so many ways. Children thrive on positivity and aim to please.



Here some motivation quotes that resonate with me from a couple of leaders in the field.

Louise-Derman Sparks said this in reference to her first teaching experience. It was at a pre-school for low income families:

“It was the most joyful experience where I felt like everything in me was being called on to teach. It was very rewarding. It made me feel whole and creative. It became my lifelong work. It became my passion to make sure that all children are taught in environments and in ways that truly nurtured their ability to grow and develop.”

 

I really enjoy this quote because I feel the exact same way. I feel whole when I am teaching young children. All children deserve an early education and my passion is driven from knowing I can give children what they need to grow and develop healthy.

 

Another one I like from Raymond Hernandez, a school director, is very motivational:

“My passion comes from my intrinsic motivation. Every day I go to work, I look forward to it because I know the services I provide for children are to their benefit. It is not to benefit me. It is more to benefit them. I’m not here to save the world. I’m here to make a difference in the community I am working. To me, making a difference is helping that one child to be successful in the classroom. To me, that one little sparkle will make a difference for me throughout the whole day. Whenever I get bogged down by all the paperwork I have to do, I take 20 minutes to go see the children so that I don’t forget what I’m doing this for.”

 

I wanted to share this excerpt because it expresses what I think many early childhood professionals can relate to. Sometimes in the field, a job requires us to do things that are not part of our passion and that can demotivate us. Whether its paperwork, setbacks or meeting deadlines, they happen and it helps to remember why we do what we do and how much we are helping our community.

 

Im going to conclude this post with a quote from someone not in the field but is a motivational speaker:

 
“People often say motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing-that’s why we recommend it daily.” ~Zig Ziglar

Personal Childhood Web

 

This is my childhood web of the five people who have most effected my life. I could pick so many more people including some of my teachers, extended family, friends and cousins. I come from a large family who have supported me and helped me thrive as I grew. I will start with my Mother, Susan.

 

 I am the only child to my mom and she is my best friend. She has shown me unconditional love while also setting appropriate boundaries and rules to help me grow into a smart, confidant, independent woman. She has guided me (and still does) in all aspects of my life by being a wonderful role model and setting good examples for me to follow. We have always had a strong bond and relationship because of how she has showed her love for me since I was first born. She has shown me how to be dedicated at school and work by being dedicated herself. One of the biggest things she has taught me in life is that I can do anything I want as long as I set my mind to it. I am very appreciative that I have her to look to for support, advice and direction.

 

 

 

 My dad is also my best friend and I am his only child. I know I can count on him to be there when I need him or when I need an ear to talk to. We have a strong, stable relationship because of his commitment to my happiness and growth. When I think back to my childhood with him, the first thing I think of is how often we played games together. That was one our favorite activities to do together whether it was playing outside or playing chess and doing puzzles inside. He taught me how to have fun, laugh and stay young for as long as I can. That is something that has always stuck with me and stays in the back of my mind as I "grow". At the same time, he also never let me get out of line. He made sure I new how to follow rules and stay in check. He set appropriate boundaries for me and showed me that actions have consequences. He has been a great example of how a great man is suppose to be and continues to do so. Not to mention he his hilarious and makes me laugh all the time. I am happily married to my wonderful husband of nine months after finding a man who treats me as good as my dad. I am forever thankful for my dad's continued guidance, love, sense of humor and support.

 

 

 

My mom's mom, Nana, has always been there for me when I wanted a playmate, a story or a cooking lesson. Its as simple as that! She has always been there during birthdays, recitals and graduations and also had a lot to do with the planning of these events. I spent a lot of time with her and my granddad growing up. What happens at Nana's house, stays at Nana's house (shhh, don't tell my parents :) She is a great cook and I learned mostly what I know about cooking from her. She was a kindergarten teacher for a while in her younger years and I feel my natural love of teaching young children came from her. She was a wonderful teacher to me and my cousins and she taught us a lot about patience. I have used these lessons in my field. This picture of my granddad, her and I is from my wedding back in October of 2012. She did so much for me while I  planned my wedding. She handmade all the linens for the tables, helped me figure out how to decorate, and let me borrow her arbor that we used. She and my granddad also provided me and the whole family with a wonderful beach house to stay at during the whole week of the wedding. The wedding ceremony and reception was four hours from home at Orange Beach, AL. We still spend a lot of time together and have a lot of family gatherings. She always makes sure I am happy, healthy and getting the most from life. I will cherish her forever because of that.

 

 

 

 

This is my dad's parents Martha and George, or as I call them Gran and Papa. They are in heaven now and have engrained so many values, morals and faith in me. They showed me how much they loved me while I grew up by being there for me and giving me lots of attention. I spent a lot of time with them and each of them shared their own unique lessons of life with me that have become so valuable to me today. While I was in elementary school, Papa would pick me up from school and we would always go to McDonald's for a snack and so I could play in the huge play dome. I always loved showing him how high I could climb and waving to him from the top. It never got old. What a great way to show a child you are happy to be with them and happy to see what they love doing. After I was wore out, we would go to their house and I would play with them until my mom or dad picked me up after they got off work. Gran taught me how sew, quilt and crochet. I do all of these things in my spare time to this day. I also sell the items I make as a little side business. I have also used these skills in the field of early childhood. I am naturally crafty and Gran helped me harness this gift to use as a gift to others. I love doing crafts with children and showing them how to make art. As I have grown I see how valuable being able to do these skills has been for me in my life and in the early childhood field.

 

 

After doing this activity, I see more how meaningful my relationships with these people have been while I was a child and now. They have all played a very unique, meaningful part in my development. Each one offered me something different that was valuable in shaping me into who I am today, a unique, confident, independent child-at-heart. I now use my strengths and gifts to be a good wife, daughter, cousin, in-law, and hopefully one day, parent myself. I also take these skills with me to work each day to help young children thrive and develop. 

 

 

 



Favorite teaching quote

"Good teaching is one-forth preparation and three-fourths pure theatre"-Gail Goodwin

I like this quote because it speaks truth. After teachers have made their lessons and set up their activities for the children, they interact with children. These interactions guide children and help develop their curiosity. When a teacher is excited and passionate about a book, story or subject that they are teaching, then children will be excited and eager to listen.

My favorite children's book

One book that has really stuck with me since I first read it as a child is The Giving Tree. The story goes that a boy visits a tree throughout his lifetime and every time he asks the tree for things (apples, play time, shade, a boat, wood to build a house). Every time the tree gives what he can. At the end of the book, the boy is now an old man and the tree is reduced to a stump. The old man asks if he can "sit and rest" on the stump. Of course the stump gives the old man what he desires. When I first read it I immediately loved the loyalty and unconditional love the tree gave to the boy. There is not a whole lot in life that can compare to these values. It makes me think of a parent/child relationship. A parent gives to their child when they are young and continues to give throughout their child's life. It is a very noble thing to give, to be selfless and to do it without conditions. I believe the moral of the story is a valuable one to teach children. In a preschool classroom one week, this would be a great book to read during a "Good Deeds" lesson.

Attachment Parenting

The website, http://www.attachmentparenting.org, is a helpful website explaining the importance of attachment during the first three years and its positive effects to child development. Infants thrive when they have a close, trusting, and strong bond between mother, father, and caregiver. Any person(s) giving care to a new infant can use this site to learn about how to emotionally attach to a baby and how to understand the needs of the baby. It is important to respond to the baby's every need and to do it in a timely manner. This will ensure trust and a healthy development between baby and caregiver. Newborns can bond to a number of people in the first year. Consistency and a nurturing environment are key. A toddler with a strong bond with its mother or father will be a well-behaved baby and a happier one too. This website has eight principals on how to bond effectively and ensure trust between baby and caregiver. If any one has any comments about this website or know of any other websites related that can be of use, would be really appreciated.

Parents.com

This blog is for any subjects pertaining to early childhood and early childhood education. This blog will be very helpful to me in learning more about my field of study. I urge anyone with any useful or helpful information, such as tips, advice, or the latest research, to post it on this blog. It would be much appreciated. I have been watching videos from YouTube from a channel called "Parents.tv." It has anything you need to know about being a new parent, tips on how to organize a schedule, or anything you can think of that you need advice on, it has. I have really enjoyed this channel because it helps me to understand children and early childhood education better. They also have a website called Parents.com. It is very interesting and helpful!