Relationship Reflection

"The best love is the one that makes you a better person, without changing you into something other than yourself."

Relationships are so important to me. I would not be were I am today without the support that these relationships I have, have given me. This is my family, we have grown from when this picture was taken. Everyone in this picture has an impact on my life. My parents are my main support system. They have taught me that I can do and be anything I want to be all it takes is effort and passion. The support they have given me while growing up pushed me to try different activities and be a better person. My three older brothers are my protectors. They taught me to stand up for myself. In this world things are not handed to you on a platter, you have to fight for what you want. It was not easy to maintain my good relationships with my brothers. As the youngest and the only girl sometimes I felt disconnected from my family. I sometimes felt that I was dragged to all my brothers events but when it came to my events they weren't there. However, as we all got older we all got closer and those bonds grew stronger. The relationship I have with my friends is also so important to me. They each taught me to just relax and have fun. Life is to short to be stressed out and boring. Each of my relationships offers different characteristics that I value. The connections I have with my family have shown me the importance of relating to the parents in the centers I work at. My development was greatly influenced by my relationships with my family, as a teacher I want to make a connection with those families as well. When there are these connections between family and teachers the child gets the benefits of that relationship.

Thank you!

Here are some of my favorite quotes about teaching and children.

"Our job is to teach the students we have. Not the ones we would like to have. Not the ones we used to have. Those we have right now. All of them."-- Dr. Kevin Maxwell

"What people somehow forget to mention when we were children was that we need to make messes in order to find out who we are and why we are here."-- Anne Lamott

"After some 30 years of [analyzing teaching], I have concluded that classroom teaching is perhaps the most complex, most challenging, and most demanding, subtle, nuanced, and frightening activity that our species has ever invented." -- Lee S. Shulman

"People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it."-- George Bernard Shaw

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."-- Mary Anne Radmacher

"Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed."-- Maria Montessori

"Every student can learn just not on the same day or in the same way."-- George Evans


I would like to thank all my classmates for the feed back and comments on my blog week after week. I am excited to continue this journey with you. When it comes to teaching sometimes your peers and coworkers are the best resources. Purvi Manek and Charissa Merrell  both of your blogs were always filled with amazing detail on the topic you chose. I enjoyed reading your connections to different parts of the world each week. Thank you for sharing.  Good luck with the rest of your program.

The Whole Child

"I will let them be little, fill their hearts with laughter, help them grow wings, nurture heir sense of wonder, inspire them to believe, and love them like there is no tomorrow." --Unknown

Every child is different. No two children learn the same, no two children work the same. This is common knowledge for most educators. Children should not be simply measured based on their academic skills in reading, writing, and math. There are so many dimensions to a child that we should allow that child to be assess in multiple ways.  While reading, writing, and math are all important there is also creative art, science, social studies, emotional, social, and physical developments that should all be tested of a growing child. When building something we do not just assess it by whether it is finished or not. We look at all different aspects of it. Is it level, is it the right dimensions, color, texture, is able to complete the function it was build for. If we do that for something we built then why are we not teaching and assessing children in the same manor.

InformED from Open Colleges has an article entitled Holistic Teaching: 20 Reasons Why Educators Should Consider a Student's Emotional Well-Being. Below are some of those 20 reasons.
1.) Emotions impact Learning
3.) Emotional Health is crucial for success.
4.) Creativity is necessary for innovation.
9.) There are layers of intelligence.
10.) A person's worldview is colored by their emotional well-being.
19.) Emotional well-being as part of the curriculum helps with developing interpersonal skills.
20.) Education will continue to succeed if it takes a holistic approach.

According to the Center on International Education Benchmarking: Learning from the World's High Performing Education System, China's curriculum is broken down into eight learning domains. Language and literacy, math, natural science, social sciences, technology, arts, physical education, and a practicum are the eight learning domains. Children as assessed by taking different examinations at different periods during the year. There are also graduation exams that most be passed in order to go on to the next level. Students that plan to go to college are also required to take a university entrance examination. This exam could have a great impact on the students college future.

Below is a link to a youtube video of a teacher using a whole brain method of teaching. I like this video because of how actively involved all the children all. I hope you enjoy as well.
Whole Brain Teaching: Kindergarten (Expanded!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yygIwC3PSvk

Reference
Julie DeNeen, October 15, 2012, informED, Holistic Teaching: 20 Reasons why educators should consider a students emotional well-being. http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/trends/holistic-teaching-20-reasons-why-educators-should-consider-a-students-emotional-well-being/

Center on international education benchmark: learning from the world's  high performing education: Instructional System. http://www.ncee.org/programs-affiliates/center-on-international-education-benchmarking/top-performing-countries/shanghai-china/shanghai-china-instructional-systems/

Stressors in the lives of children

Hunger is a huge problem when it comes to children and their developmental needs. Children that go to school hungry are not able to focus on the teacher and information in front of them. They are more worried about were their next meal might come from and when it might be. Below are a list of facts from the Share Our Strength No Kid Hungry. Children maybe able to survive during the school year when they are able to get a free or reduced lunch, however, what happens in the summer when those programs are not available and those children are unable to get to a place that serves free lunches to kids.

Facts on Child Hunger

• 16.2 million kids in America struggle with hunger.
• 10.5 million kids eligible for free or reduced- price breakfast do not get it
• More than 20 million kids get a free or reduced-price school lunch on an average school day.
• Six out of 7 eligible kids do not get free summer meals.
• 15.7 million children in America live in poverty. 

As far as cognitive and academics Share Our Strength states:

• Undernourished children 0-3 years of age cannot learn as much, as fast or as well.
• Lack of enough nutritious food impairs a child's ability to concentrate and perform well in school. 

When it comes to emotional and social well-being Share Our Strengths states:

• Children who regularly do not get enough nutritious food to eat have significantly  higher levels of behavioral, emotional and academic problems and be more aggressive and anxious. 
• Teens who regularly do not get enough to eat are more likely to be suspended from school and have difficulty getting along with other kids. 

One resource that I found for families is the National Hungry Hotline. However, I just thought if children to not have food then the families might not have access to look up resources online. 

National Hunger Hotline- Why Hunger (1-800-5HUNGRY)

http://www.whyhunger.org/findfood

This is not just a problem in US. It is a world wide problem. 

According to Do Something. org, Poverty is the main cause of hunger. With poverty comes a decrease in available resources. Sometimes the resources are out there but the families are unable to get to them.   

References

Share our Strength: No kid hungry. (2011). https://www.nokidhungry.org/sites/default/files/2011-childhood-hunger-facts.pdf 

Do Something. org. 11 Facts about world hunger. https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-world-hunger# 

SIDS

"When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn't a word to describe them."--- Ronald Regan


Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

        I find the topic of SIDS very interesting. This is a meaningful topic to me because I work with infants and their families. SIDS is the leading killer of children between one month and one year. There is always a chance that an infant could die from SIDS on my watch. My coworkers and I take preventive measures to do all we can to make sure that does not happen.  We preform five minute bed checks, which means when I child is laid down for a nap we check on that child every five minutes until that child gets back up again. There is the Bare is Best movement going that says that there should only be a crib sheet on the mattress and nothing else inside the crib with the child.

     According to SIDS and Kids Australia had 54 SIDS related deaths for every 1,000 births in 2013 (2015 Fast Facts). Compared to other counties, "IN 1990 the SIDS rate in Australia was 1.81 in 1000 live births, less than the highest SIDS rates in that year which were in Ireland, New Zealand, and Scotland (2.0 in 1000 live births)." Statistics from ten years ago state, "Australia's SIDS rat was 0.3 in 1000 when the highest SIDS rates (0.5 in 1000 live births) were in New Zealand and the United States. The lowest rates (02 in 1000) were in Japan and the Netherlands." (Hauck & Tanabe, 2005)

Doctors to this day still do not have a cause for SIDS. However, as they continue to research and we learn more about possible things that increase the risk for SIDS there will be more for me to look for as a child care provider. This will impact my future majorly when I become a mother myself. My future husband and I will have questions to think about and different things to consider to make sure we are doing the best we can for our child's safety.

References
2015 Fast Facts, pdf, http://www.sidsandkids.org/research/

Hauck, F., & Tabanbe, K. International comparison of SIDS       rates. http://www.sidsandkids.org/research/

Welcome to the World

"Family: where life begins and love never ends."-- Unknown

August 14, 2003, I remember it like it was yesterday. The day my first nephew was born and my family added another member. I remember sitting in the waiting room in the old hospital with the soon to be first time grandma. My nephew was born by c-section at 12:23 in the afternoon. I could tell by the cry it was my nephew coming down the hall with my brother and the doctor. I remember see the tears of joy streaming down my mother and brothers face as we came face to face with the little guy. I chose this example because of the way it made me feel and the fact that I was able to be to see my nephew within minutes of him being born. I remember so many little details about that day. I have always wanted to have children. I believe that children are impacted from the very first moments of life. Attachment starts from the first hugs and first kisses.

I researched birth traditions in China. I found that childbirth traditions in China starts when the husband of the newly wed couple carries the new bride over hot coals into there house to ensure a successful labor. There are also different things that pregnant Chinese women avoid doing and eating such as: does not gossip, lose her temper, eat food that has been improperly mashed or cut, or attend a funeral. I found it very interesting that the baby shower does not occur until after the baby is born for the fear it is bad luck. I love how involved the grandparents are in the process of buying things for the baby. I remember attending my nephews baby shower and being an active participate at the party. I remember waiting in the waiting room for my nephew to be born. However, in China the grandparents do not visit the child until after the third day.   (Brown, http://www.babble.com/pregnancy/childbirth-traditions-china/)

I like some of the traditions that China has for childbirth, I do believe that one could mix some of the normal American traditions with that of Chinese culture.

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The women existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new."-- Rajneesh

Thank you everyone for the wonderful course! I cannot wait to see what the rest of this journey has to offer.
Sara

Code of Ethics

August 15, 2015
"Children teach us to wonder, to be surprised, accept possibility; to continue to believe that we can be better, that democracy is possible, that peace is possible."--- Carla Rinaldi

NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment

I-1.9—To advocate for and ensure that all children,
including those with special needs, have access to the
support services needed to be successful. (NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and  Statement of Commitment)

• It is important to advocate for the children and families that we work with. It is important as professionals to understand the different services that are available to families. Early intervention during the first couple years of life can make a difference in the  life of a child with a disability. 

P-1.1 Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children. This principle has precedence over all others in this Code. 

• This is the most important code. It says right there in the code that it takes precedence over all others. Harming children is not what we do. we are suppose to encourage and teach children. 

P-1.9 When we have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, we shall report it to the appropriate community agency and follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken. When appropriate, parents or guardians will be informed that the referral will be or has been made. 

• As a teacher and a early childhood professional we have a legal responsibility to report suspected abuse. They have created laws to have teachers and others with suspected abuse. Such as the name of the reporter is kept a secret for their safety. But it is our responsibility to do our part to help children in need.   

DEC Code of Ethics

We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the developmental outcomes of children and to
provide services and supports in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children. (DEC Code of Ethics)

• I believe this relates well with the first code of ethics I choose. It is our responsibility to recognize that a child might need extra services or support. I plan to use the assessments that are proper for the age group I am working with to best help the children that I am working with. 

We shall advocate for equal access to high quality services and supports for all children and
families to enhance their quality of lives. (DEC Code of Ethics)

• I believe that advocacy is an important part of being an early childhood educator. As an early childhood educator I want to be the best teacher I can be. As a female who wants to have children someday I want to have access to high quality child care and services. So I believe it is my job to do the best I can do as an educator.   

We shall respect, value, promote, and encourage the active participation of ALL families by engaging families in meaningful ways in the assessment and intervention processes.

• Building that strong relationship with parents is so helpful. Children that have active parents with their education are more likely to enjoy school and succeed. 

 References

 NAEYC. (2005). Code of ethical conduct and statement of  commitment. Retrieved from

        http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000). Code of ethics. Retrieved from

        http://www.dec-sped.org/

Early Childhood Education Resources

August 2, 2015
"Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children."--- Walt Disney

Early Childhood Education Resources

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://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://community.fpg.unc.edu/sites/community.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/FPG_Snapshot_N33_EvidenceBasedPractice_09-2006.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 the Walden Library databases.

Part 2: Global Support for Children's Rights and Well-Being

• Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
• Websites:
• • World Forum Foundation
    http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
    This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the media segment 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/
    Click on "Mission/Vision" and "Guiding Principles and Beliefs" and read these statements.

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/
• 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/

Part 4: Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library

Tip: Use the Journal option under Search & Find on the library website to find journals by title.

• 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

1.) Apples for Children-- http://www.applesforchildren.org/ 

2.) Tools for Teachers-- http://www.earlychildhoodteacher.org/teacher-tools/

3.) Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852)-- Early Childhood Education 

"The child-soul is an ever-building fountain in the world of humanity."---Friedrich Froebel 

A week of Quotes..

July 25, 2015

"Children benefit most from teachers who have the skills, knowledge, and judgement to make good decisions and are given the opportunity to use them."-- Susan Bredekamp

"The fact that not only do you have to consider children as individuals, but you also have to consider children as members of groups with their own cultural identities." --Susan Bredekamp

"Reading is just one aspect of cognitive development and cognitive development is just one aspect of human development. A child's curiosity and belief that he or she can succeed are just an important to reading as knowing the alphabet."- Dr. Edward Zigler

"So I have built-in empathy for poor children, as well as a deep belief, based on my own life, that just because you're poor that doesn't mean you're inadequate."--- Edward Zigler

"I had just a built-in passion that it was important to make a real contribution in the world, to fix all the injustices that existed in the world, and I wanted to do that through teaching."--- Louise Derman-Sparks

"We as professionals in the early childhood field have an opportunity to change a child's life for better."--- Sandy Escobido

"My passion comes from wanting to make a difference."---Raymond Hernandez

Personal Childhood Web

July 17,2015

 “It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do themselves that will make them successful human beings.”- Ann Landers

There are many people that have helped me grow into the person I am today. I would consider my family my biggest supporters. My parents and my three siblings have only showed me unconditional love and support. My mother is simply amazing. While she was pregnant with me she was working full time, completing nursing program, and raising three young boys. She has showed me that you need to work hard for the things you want, they will not come handed to you on a silver platter. I am the definition of daddy's little girl. My father worked full time to put my mother through college while still helping to raise myself and my three brothers. He also helped to put us four kids through college. My father is a man of action. He showed his support by coming to every softball game, marching band competition, indoor guard competition he could make, as well as building and carrying props to and from shows. He is always proud of me as long as he knows I am doing something that I love. My parents were always there to make sure that their children came first. They made sure at least one of them was at the baseball games and the band concerts. When I was able to walk a crossed the stage to receive my bachelor’s degree I thought about where I might have been without them. They have been so much for me, I could never thank them enough. Each of my brothers taught me something different while growing up. My oldest brother, Dwayne, taught me that no matter how bad it seems the love that bonds family is always there. My middle brother, Nick, taught me that it is possible to live on a budget and still have fun. My youngest brother, Zach, taught me to not settle and to explore different opportunities that I might find interesting. Each of my brothers is more unique than the last. They all were my protectors and tormentors growing up. My family continues to be a huge part in my life. As the years have gone by we have added more members to our family though weddings and births. I has been amazing to watch and help my family grow closer together. With all my brother out of the house and myself getting older it is nice to see my parents reconnect with each other on a more personal level. I only wish one day to have a relationship that is a close as theirs.

Maria Montessori and Mo Willems.

July 7, 2015
"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn". - Maria Montessori

I found this quote while searching on Pinterest and it really struck a cord with me. I love this quote because it is so true. Maria Montessori was way ahead of her time. She is someone that I look up to when it comes to early childhood education. The Montessori curriculum is very unique and interesting.  The different materials used inside the classroom is something I would like to see brought into other curriculum's . 

My favorite children's book right now is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus written by Mo Willems. 

I find this book to be so funny. I love reading it to the children. I find that it can be a call and response book. The children love it and there are different ways to expand on this book with different activities. Inside the classroom you could do a week of Mo Willems books with related activities. 

Jessica Williamson writes a blog called Welcome to Room 36: A Kindergarten Blog. In one of her post she does in activity about needs and wants using Mo Willems books. Below is a link to her blog.

http://mrswilliamsonskinders.blogspot.com.au/search/label/needs%20and%20wants

Every student can learn...

July2, 2015
"Every student can learn just not on the same day or in the same way."-  George Evans

As a teacher of young children I see the truth in this quote everyday. It is wonderful to see when a child finally has that light bulb moment after working with them. I remember siting in class myself wondering if I was ever going to understand anything my teacher was talking and looking around as everyone was answering questions left and right with no problem. It can be frustrating. I try to make sure I remember those feelings when I am working with children on a lesson.  There are many different resources out there for teachers and parents to help students that may get frustrated while completing an activity. Below is a link to a resource for parents and how they can be helpful with their child's homework.

6 Ways to Help Your Elementary School Student with Homework
By Bekki Lindner
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/blogs/scholastic-parents-learning-toolkit/6-ways-to-help-your-elementary-school-student-homework?cid=PAR/smd/20140427/pinterest/ltblog6waystohelpelementarystudent//PAR/content/12pm