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