"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."- Maria Montessori
"If you're going to equalize the academic playing field, you've got to get the kids in early childhood programs."
- Paul Vallas quotes
"The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one."- Malcolm Forbes
"Experts tell us that 90% of all brain development occurs by the age of five. If we don't begin thinking about education in the early years, our children are at risk of falling behind by the time they start Kindergarten."- Robert. L. Ehrlich
"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.- Dr. Hiam Ginnot
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.
- Henry Adams
"Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man."
- Rabindranath Tagore
"A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils."
- Ever Garrison
Thank you so much for the great discussions and thoughts throughout this class. I think the quotes above say it all about how important teachers are to early childhood education. Be caring, inspirational, loving, etc. and always remember that we make impressions on our students, make sure that you are making a good impression!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Assessments
What and how do we assess our students' learning? The school-aged children where I work are assessed in a number of ways. One assessment is a computerized test that all the students in kindergarten through fourth grade take. It is from the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). The students take this test three times each year, allowing the teachers and parents to see the students' progress along with a district average and national average. The scores are able to be compared for the same child to show growth, and to also show if that child is above, below, or on target with his/her peers in reading and math. A second assessment tool used by our district is Accelerated Reader (AR). This allows the teachers to make sure that the child is reaching a reading level goal, among other things. And thirdly, and most importantly, is our state's tests, Oklahoma Core Curriculum Test (OCCT). This test is currently given to third grade and above to measure student achievement.
In my personal opinion, yes, I believe these tests help to validate the learning that is supposed to be happening in every classroom. But I do not think teaching to a test is the right way to teach. If we as teachers are correctly teaching the curriculum that we are required to teach, then we should not have to spend extra time preparing the students for a test that we have already taught them the skills that they need. So if we are doing we are supposed to do, then we shouldn't have to worry about our students passing "the test."
In Japan, children go to kindergarten or day care until they are 6 years of age. Formal schooling then begins with elementary schools for grades 1-6. Grades may not determine if a child promotes to the next grade as it is determined more by attendance. But as they get to junior high school and high school aged, then they must pass a test to progress. The test is written by the teachers, but many practice tests are available. There are some more elite schools that require their own tests that are more difficult than the standards. I, personally, feel that the children in Japan are much more disciplined than the children in the United States so they are able to master academics in a different way than here. It would be interesting to look at a study of the differences in morals and respect between the two countries to see if they are a factor in the academic differences in the students.
Resources: http://bearcenter.berkeley.edu/measurement/pubs/apD51.pdf
In my personal opinion, yes, I believe these tests help to validate the learning that is supposed to be happening in every classroom. But I do not think teaching to a test is the right way to teach. If we as teachers are correctly teaching the curriculum that we are required to teach, then we should not have to spend extra time preparing the students for a test that we have already taught them the skills that they need. So if we are doing we are supposed to do, then we shouldn't have to worry about our students passing "the test."
In Japan, children go to kindergarten or day care until they are 6 years of age. Formal schooling then begins with elementary schools for grades 1-6. Grades may not determine if a child promotes to the next grade as it is determined more by attendance. But as they get to junior high school and high school aged, then they must pass a test to progress. The test is written by the teachers, but many practice tests are available. There are some more elite schools that require their own tests that are more difficult than the standards. I, personally, feel that the children in Japan are much more disciplined than the children in the United States so they are able to master academics in a different way than here. It would be interesting to look at a study of the differences in morals and respect between the two countries to see if they are a factor in the academic differences in the students.
Resources: http://bearcenter.berkeley.edu/measurement/pubs/apD51.pdf
Friday, July 20, 2012
Hunger
As an adult, I cannot seem to remember the exact stressors that I faced as a child. I remember being carefree and worrying about what others though about it, but none of the big concerns that children face today. But I see so many children, even in my small community, that have to overcome being hungry in school. So many of the students in our school district are children of migrant workers, farmers, or those who do not speak English. Their families travel for work and food, not knowing how much will come into the house each night. A hungry child is unable to concentrate on school work if he/she is always thinking about when they are going to get to eat next. Our school district has tried to help out these families as much as they can, on top of the state and government programs out there. But for our students, we have a program that provides the students with food for the weekends when they are unable to get the free meals from the school for breakfasts and lunches. But I have seen children who do not have enough food at home eat their snacks so quickly and ask for me, because they are afraid they won't get anymore. So even with some food in their bellies, they still obsess over their next meal.
Here are some astounding facts on hunger in America: (Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/US/hunger_at_home/hunger-home-american-children-malnourished/story?id=14367230&page=2 )
- "In 314 counties around the country, one third of the children in the county are living in food-insecure households."
-"Nineteen counties are home to more than 100,000 children living in food-insecure households. And three of those counties have more than 300,000 food-insecure children."
- "Steele County, N.D., has the lowest number of children at risk of hunger, at 7 percent. "
There are many programs out there to help fight hunger not only in America, but around the world. Some are "Feed the Children", "Feeding America", "Share our Strength", "World Vision", and UNICEF, and they are just a few of many.
As a group, my Sunday School Class sponsors a child through World Vision, an organization that is trying to help world hunger. So, I thought Africa would be a great place to look into for this part of the assignment. Africa is plaqued by poverty, hunger, chaos (at times), and disease. The children begin to help parents farm at a young age, many of them hungry while working. The medical knowledge and moneys for vaccinations are lacking in this part of the world. Clean drinking water is also a problem. So many stressors for these children to have to deal with at a young age. Unfortunately, not all of the children have access to schools, either.
Many of the programs, like World Vision, are trying to combat these stressers for the children of the world. Sponsors donate money to help take care of a child or they may donate an animal to a village to help many. UNICEF is another organization that is trying to help the poverty and hunger problems around the world. If more of us who have an abundance of resources available could donate to one of these causes, it would greatly help reduce the hunger of the world.
Here are some astounding facts on hunger in America: (Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/US/hunger_at_home/hunger-home-american-children-malnourished/story?id=14367230&page=2 )
- "In 314 counties around the country, one third of the children in the county are living in food-insecure households."
-"Nineteen counties are home to more than 100,000 children living in food-insecure households. And three of those counties have more than 300,000 food-insecure children."
- "Steele County, N.D., has the lowest number of children at risk of hunger, at 7 percent. "
There are many programs out there to help fight hunger not only in America, but around the world. Some are "Feed the Children", "Feeding America", "Share our Strength", "World Vision", and UNICEF, and they are just a few of many.
As a group, my Sunday School Class sponsors a child through World Vision, an organization that is trying to help world hunger. So, I thought Africa would be a great place to look into for this part of the assignment. Africa is plaqued by poverty, hunger, chaos (at times), and disease. The children begin to help parents farm at a young age, many of them hungry while working. The medical knowledge and moneys for vaccinations are lacking in this part of the world. Clean drinking water is also a problem. So many stressors for these children to have to deal with at a young age. Unfortunately, not all of the children have access to schools, either.
Many of the programs, like World Vision, are trying to combat these stressers for the children of the world. Sponsors donate money to help take care of a child or they may donate an animal to a village to help many. UNICEF is another organization that is trying to help the poverty and hunger problems around the world. If more of us who have an abundance of resources available could donate to one of these causes, it would greatly help reduce the hunger of the world.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Immunizations
How important is it to immunize our babies?
"Some 4 million people, mostly children, die needlessly every year becasue countries don't vaccinate..." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 1)
"Measles kills 1.1 million children" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 8)
"Hepatitis B vaccine prevents just a third of the infections that it could" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 9)
"Hib kills up to 700,000 children a year"(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 10)
"Yellow fever vaccine costs the poorest countries just 15 cents a dose, yet still kills 30,000 a year." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 11)
"Whooping cough vaccine has cut deaths by two-thirds but 350,000 still die annually." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 12)
"Tetanus kills 500,000, largely newborns whose mothers didn't get prenatal vaccination." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 13)
These statistics are astounding. Yet, Clark (2001) found that there are many parents today that seek waivers to keep their children from being immunized. Michigan has the lowest numbers of children who are properly vaccinated (Clark, 2001). People must understand all the information when making the decision to immunize their children or not. The FDA keeps a close watch on all vaccines to keeps records of any and all side effects (Cooperstock, 2012). Yet there are still those who believe that vaccinations cause Autism or other disorders. But science has not proven these beliefs. Immunizing your children not only keeps your children from getting certain diseases, but also helps those around them from contracting them as well. These diseases are world wide, where not all children are immunized. So in our world of travel, if one child gets a disease from another country, brings it home to the US, he/she has then exposed a large number of children to the sickness.
Immunizations in Africa-
In Africa, many diseases could be prevented if vaccinations were available to everyone. "twice as many children under 5 die each year than in 1960" (Bartholomew & Oot, 2005, para 1). Many diseases that are no longer or rarely seen in the US still threaten African children. There is a direct coorelation between an educated mother and children who are vaccinated. So for Africa, we need to help them to get their girls into school, so they are more knowledgable so that they will be educated mothers who will get prenatal care and immunize their children. We also need to help send the needed vaccinations to the lower developed countries to help to irradicate these diseases. This would also cut down the worldwide spread of certain diseases that can be prevented through simple vaccinations.
References:
Bartholomew, C. & Oot, D. (2005, June 16). Plight of Africa's children. Washington Times, p. A18. Retrieved from ProQuest July 4, 2012.
Clark, I. (2001, November 20). Parents must weigh the health risks versus the benefits of immunizations. Michigan Chronicle, p. A7. Retrieved from ProQuest July 4, 2012.
Cooperstock, M. (2012, April 29). Immunizations boost public safety: Medical professionals have faith in vaccines. Columbia Daily Tribune, p. D3. Retrieved from ProQuest July 4, 2012.
Lack of vaccinations kills 4 million a year report seeks boost in immunizations in world's poorest nations. (1998, January 12). Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, p. 3. Retrieved from ProQuest July 4, 2012.
"Some 4 million people, mostly children, die needlessly every year becasue countries don't vaccinate..." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 1)
"Measles kills 1.1 million children" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 8)
"Hepatitis B vaccine prevents just a third of the infections that it could" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 9)
"Hib kills up to 700,000 children a year"(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 10)
"Yellow fever vaccine costs the poorest countries just 15 cents a dose, yet still kills 30,000 a year." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 11)
"Whooping cough vaccine has cut deaths by two-thirds but 350,000 still die annually." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 12)
"Tetanus kills 500,000, largely newborns whose mothers didn't get prenatal vaccination." (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 12, 1998, para 13)
These statistics are astounding. Yet, Clark (2001) found that there are many parents today that seek waivers to keep their children from being immunized. Michigan has the lowest numbers of children who are properly vaccinated (Clark, 2001). People must understand all the information when making the decision to immunize their children or not. The FDA keeps a close watch on all vaccines to keeps records of any and all side effects (Cooperstock, 2012). Yet there are still those who believe that vaccinations cause Autism or other disorders. But science has not proven these beliefs. Immunizing your children not only keeps your children from getting certain diseases, but also helps those around them from contracting them as well. These diseases are world wide, where not all children are immunized. So in our world of travel, if one child gets a disease from another country, brings it home to the US, he/she has then exposed a large number of children to the sickness.
Immunizations in Africa-
In Africa, many diseases could be prevented if vaccinations were available to everyone. "twice as many children under 5 die each year than in 1960" (Bartholomew & Oot, 2005, para 1). Many diseases that are no longer or rarely seen in the US still threaten African children. There is a direct coorelation between an educated mother and children who are vaccinated. So for Africa, we need to help them to get their girls into school, so they are more knowledgable so that they will be educated mothers who will get prenatal care and immunize their children. We also need to help send the needed vaccinations to the lower developed countries to help to irradicate these diseases. This would also cut down the worldwide spread of certain diseases that can be prevented through simple vaccinations.
References:
Bartholomew, C. & Oot, D. (2005, June 16). Plight of Africa's children. Washington Times, p. A18. Retrieved from ProQuest July 4, 2012.
Clark, I. (2001, November 20). Parents must weigh the health risks versus the benefits of immunizations. Michigan Chronicle, p. A7. Retrieved from ProQuest July 4, 2012.
Cooperstock, M. (2012, April 29). Immunizations boost public safety: Medical professionals have faith in vaccines. Columbia Daily Tribune, p. D3. Retrieved from ProQuest July 4, 2012.
Lack of vaccinations kills 4 million a year report seeks boost in immunizations in world's poorest nations. (1998, January 12). Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, p. 3. Retrieved from ProQuest July 4, 2012.
Friday, June 29, 2012
The Arrival of Lily and Madisyn: A birth in the US and in Germany
As I read the assignment for Childbirth around the world, I had to chuckle a little bit. This assignment just fit my world very well. I just wish that I could unbury my daughter's baby books, as they are in storage at the moment. I had the wonderful opportunity to have my first daughter here in the United States and my second daughter in a small hospital in Germany. Two completely different experiences, but two beautiful amazing girls.
Lily:
My older daughter Lily just turned 12 a few days ago, so her birth has been on my mind the last week. As she grows and changes each year, I always reminisce about her birth. I was 22 years old and living with my boyfriend (at the time) when I found out I was pregnant. I went to all my prenatal appointments by myself, except for my ultrasound. Prenatal care was standard with u/s at 20 weeks to make sure everything was developing normally. When it came time for Lily to arrive, my water broke, but I was not having concractions, so I was set up with a pitosin drip to get labor moving. I originally did not want an epidural or any other drug. I wanted to have her "au-natural". But pitosin is not fun, so once it started working, I asked for some stadol to help me relax. It helped me relax so well that I went from 3 cm dilated to 9.5 cm in about 30 minutes. And then, an hour later, Lily was born. I am very grateful that I did take those Lamaze classes, as it really does work. But her birth was the typical, laying on your back, IV, episiotomy, standard birth. My actual labor was only about 2 hours long. The hospital encouraged the babies to stay with the mothers in the room and to breast feed, both of which I insisted on doing. Being a mom was something I knew that I would be good at. And here we are, 12 years later, and I have a beautiful, stubborn, blonde-haired, blue-eyed young lady who I hope will choose to be something great.
Over the next few months, my boyfriend and I got married then moved to Germany for the Air Force.
Madisyn:
As we were settling into our new home I found out that I was pregnant with my second child, Madisyn. We were stationed at a little tiny base in the middle of the Germany countryside. The closest "American" hospital was an hour away. Since my first labor was so quick, I had to make the choice to either drive the hour when in labor and possibly have my child on the road, OR use the German medical system and have my child in a German hospital. I did NOT want to have my baby in the car, so I opted to jump into the German culture for this pregnancy. It was a completely different experience than the first.
In Germany, the mother receives a book that she takes with her to every prenatal visit and then to the hospital with her so that her medical history is in one place for the person who is delivering the baby to know. I was given an ultrasound at every visit until I was approximately 26 weeks, so that we could "see" the baby developing correctly. At 30 weeks gestation, I had the standard glucose test. Also at this time, I began the fetal heart beat monitoring prior to each visit. Each doctors visit began with me being put on a fetal heart machine to monitor the baby's heartrate and movements. At 36 weeks, Madisyn was still head-up or in a breech position, so my doctor gave me some at home ideas to get her to turn (and they worked) so I would hopefully NOT need a C-Section. As I neared my due date and Madisyn was still not ready to be born, the doctor had me take a medicine to help my cervix soften which would also help labor to begin.
At the hospital, epidurals and other drugs were not recommended. They encouraged natural labor. A mid-wife actually does all the work with the OB just being there only if complications arose. You had many choices of positions to make labor easier and more comfortable. They also had a bathtub for a water birth, if you so chose. They also had the ropes and the birthing balls available to help you get through actual labor. My water broke at midnight and concractions were already started. I went to the closest German hospital where I had a mid-wife who spoke no English and I spoke very little German. A wonderful and kind ER doctor came to help translate for me (I was very thankful to him for this and was also glad that this was not my first child!) Four hours later, Madisyn joined the world with no drugs and no episiotomy needed.
After birth, in Germany, a mother is encouraged to get her rest. They still encourage breast feeding, but they want you to sleep and rest and keep the baby in the nursery, where they would bring the baby to you when hungry. They also like you to stay in the hospital for up to five days, instead of the standard 1-2 in the US. This allows them to make sure that the mother is getting her rest and the baby is going to be fine and healthy.
Reflection:
Two different births in two different cultures. Both had great prenatal care, but the actual birthing process and the time spent in the hospital afterwards was different. In the US, we have our babies, and leave, much of the time because we cannot afford the medical bills or because there isn't enough room. So have your babies and go home. In Germany, the focus is on both the mother and the baby. They want to make sure the baby is developing correctly and that after birth, both mother and baby are strong and healthy enough to go home. There is no rush to get them out of the hospital. I am blessed to have had the chance to experience both cultures.
Lily:
My older daughter Lily just turned 12 a few days ago, so her birth has been on my mind the last week. As she grows and changes each year, I always reminisce about her birth. I was 22 years old and living with my boyfriend (at the time) when I found out I was pregnant. I went to all my prenatal appointments by myself, except for my ultrasound. Prenatal care was standard with u/s at 20 weeks to make sure everything was developing normally. When it came time for Lily to arrive, my water broke, but I was not having concractions, so I was set up with a pitosin drip to get labor moving. I originally did not want an epidural or any other drug. I wanted to have her "au-natural". But pitosin is not fun, so once it started working, I asked for some stadol to help me relax. It helped me relax so well that I went from 3 cm dilated to 9.5 cm in about 30 minutes. And then, an hour later, Lily was born. I am very grateful that I did take those Lamaze classes, as it really does work. But her birth was the typical, laying on your back, IV, episiotomy, standard birth. My actual labor was only about 2 hours long. The hospital encouraged the babies to stay with the mothers in the room and to breast feed, both of which I insisted on doing. Being a mom was something I knew that I would be good at. And here we are, 12 years later, and I have a beautiful, stubborn, blonde-haired, blue-eyed young lady who I hope will choose to be something great.
Over the next few months, my boyfriend and I got married then moved to Germany for the Air Force.
Madisyn:
As we were settling into our new home I found out that I was pregnant with my second child, Madisyn. We were stationed at a little tiny base in the middle of the Germany countryside. The closest "American" hospital was an hour away. Since my first labor was so quick, I had to make the choice to either drive the hour when in labor and possibly have my child on the road, OR use the German medical system and have my child in a German hospital. I did NOT want to have my baby in the car, so I opted to jump into the German culture for this pregnancy. It was a completely different experience than the first.
In Germany, the mother receives a book that she takes with her to every prenatal visit and then to the hospital with her so that her medical history is in one place for the person who is delivering the baby to know. I was given an ultrasound at every visit until I was approximately 26 weeks, so that we could "see" the baby developing correctly. At 30 weeks gestation, I had the standard glucose test. Also at this time, I began the fetal heart beat monitoring prior to each visit. Each doctors visit began with me being put on a fetal heart machine to monitor the baby's heartrate and movements. At 36 weeks, Madisyn was still head-up or in a breech position, so my doctor gave me some at home ideas to get her to turn (and they worked) so I would hopefully NOT need a C-Section. As I neared my due date and Madisyn was still not ready to be born, the doctor had me take a medicine to help my cervix soften which would also help labor to begin.
At the hospital, epidurals and other drugs were not recommended. They encouraged natural labor. A mid-wife actually does all the work with the OB just being there only if complications arose. You had many choices of positions to make labor easier and more comfortable. They also had a bathtub for a water birth, if you so chose. They also had the ropes and the birthing balls available to help you get through actual labor. My water broke at midnight and concractions were already started. I went to the closest German hospital where I had a mid-wife who spoke no English and I spoke very little German. A wonderful and kind ER doctor came to help translate for me (I was very thankful to him for this and was also glad that this was not my first child!) Four hours later, Madisyn joined the world with no drugs and no episiotomy needed.
After birth, in Germany, a mother is encouraged to get her rest. They still encourage breast feeding, but they want you to sleep and rest and keep the baby in the nursery, where they would bring the baby to you when hungry. They also like you to stay in the hospital for up to five days, instead of the standard 1-2 in the US. This allows them to make sure that the mother is getting her rest and the baby is going to be fine and healthy.
Reflection:
Two different births in two different cultures. Both had great prenatal care, but the actual birthing process and the time spent in the hospital afterwards was different. In the US, we have our babies, and leave, much of the time because we cannot afford the medical bills or because there isn't enough room. So have your babies and go home. In Germany, the focus is on both the mother and the baby. They want to make sure the baby is developing correctly and that after birth, both mother and baby are strong and healthy enough to go home. There is no rush to get them out of the hospital. I am blessed to have had the chance to experience both cultures.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Thank you!
As the last week of my first masters course winds down I would like to thank of classmates for their great support and discussions over the last 8 weeks! I look forward to working with you all again!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Ethics
Ethics: an extremely important aspect of LIFE! This week, we had to read through the code of ethics for both the NAEYC and the DEC to see what "spoke" to us the most. To me, ethics are extremely important. I am an extremely honest person, and I value hard work, trust, and integrity, all of which play a big part in a persons' ethics. These are the ideals from each, that I chose to share with you.
NAEYC Code of Ethics:
1) I 1.1 To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
2) P 1.2 We shall care for and educate children in positive emotional and social environments that are cognitively stimulating and that support each child's culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure.
3) I 3A.1 To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with coworkers.
DEC Code of Ethics:
1)I2 We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whome we work.
2) II1. We shall engage in ongoing and systematic reflective inquiry and self-assessment for the purpose of continuous improvement of professional performance and services to young children with disabilities and their families.
3) IV2. We shall use every resource, including referral when appropriate, to ensure high quality services are accessible and are provided to children and families.
All of these specific parts of these two organizations' code of ethics refer to doing our best, doing what is right, and always researching and adapting to our students to give them the best learning experience possible. Which is what I strive to do in my classroom.
Resources:
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.dec-sped.org/
NAEYC Code of Ethics:
1) I 1.1 To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
2) P 1.2 We shall care for and educate children in positive emotional and social environments that are cognitively stimulating and that support each child's culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure.
3) I 3A.1 To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with coworkers.
DEC Code of Ethics:
1)I2 We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whome we work.
2) II1. We shall engage in ongoing and systematic reflective inquiry and self-assessment for the purpose of continuous improvement of professional performance and services to young children with disabilities and their families.
3) IV2. We shall use every resource, including referral when appropriate, to ensure high quality services are accessible and are provided to children and families.
All of these specific parts of these two organizations' code of ethics refer to doing our best, doing what is right, and always researching and adapting to our students to give them the best learning experience possible. Which is what I strive to do in my classroom.
Resources:
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.dec-sped.org/
Friday, June 1, 2012
Resources and Organizations in Early Childhood Education
NAEYC - www.naeyc.org
This organization has numerous articles and links for research that they have completed in the early childhood field. Their position statements are all research based to improve upon early childhood education.
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://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.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.
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
World Forum Foundation http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
World Organization for Early Childhood Education http://www.omep-usnc.org/
Association for Childhood Education International http://acei.org/
The Division for Early Childhood http://www.dec-sped.org/
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/
Children's Defense Fund http://www.childrensdefense.org/
National Institute for Early Education Research http://nieer.org/
Additional Sites that are special to my research: Dr. Jean Feldman http://drjean.org/ I was able to go to a workshop that she hosted. She has amazing ideas to use in the classroom. She also has many great songs and ideas to use to add music into the classroom.
Jack Hartman http://www.jackhartmann.com/
Jack Hartman also emphasizes learning with music. I've used a lot of his songs to help enhance the learning of my students.
Hayes, K. & Creange, R. (2001). Classroom Routines That Really Work for PreK and
Kindergarten: A Bank Street Teacher Resource. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
- This book has a lot of great ideas for classroom management, centers, whole group
instruction, etc. It is a must have for any new ECE teacher.
Wong, H. K. & Wong, R. T. (2004). How to be an Effective Teacher: The First Days of
School. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.
- Another great resource for any new teacher. I still read this book and get new ideas to
use in my classroom!
Steve Spangler Science http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/
I had the chance to meet Steve Spangler and take one of his workshops. He has great ideas to help you teach problem solving and critical thinking skills through science. His experiments can be used in all age levels and they are FUN!
This organization has numerous articles and links for research that they have completed in the early childhood field. Their position statements are all research based to improve upon early childhood education.
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://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.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.
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
World Forum Foundation http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
World Organization for Early Childhood Education http://www.omep-usnc.org/
Association for Childhood Education International http://acei.org/
The Division for Early Childhood http://www.dec-sped.org/
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/
Children's Defense Fund http://www.childrensdefense.org/
National Institute for Early Education Research http://nieer.org/
Additional Sites that are special to my research: Dr. Jean Feldman http://drjean.org/ I was able to go to a workshop that she hosted. She has amazing ideas to use in the classroom. She also has many great songs and ideas to use to add music into the classroom.
Jack Hartman http://www.jackhartmann.com/
Jack Hartman also emphasizes learning with music. I've used a lot of his songs to help enhance the learning of my students.
Hayes, K. & Creange, R. (2001). Classroom Routines That Really Work for PreK and
Kindergarten: A Bank Street Teacher Resource. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
- This book has a lot of great ideas for classroom management, centers, whole group
instruction, etc. It is a must have for any new ECE teacher.
Wong, H. K. & Wong, R. T. (2004). How to be an Effective Teacher: The First Days of
School. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.
- Another great resource for any new teacher. I still read this book and get new ideas to
use in my classroom!
Steve Spangler Science http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/
I had the chance to meet Steve Spangler and take one of his workshops. He has great ideas to help you teach problem solving and critical thinking skills through science. His experiments can be used in all age levels and they are FUN!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Inspirations Quotes from Amazing Individuals!
The following are quotes by Deborah Stipek, PhD, Dean of the School of Education, Stanford University-
"There's research showing the more children enjoy what they're doing, the better they learn, the longer they retain what they learn, and the deeper the understanding."
"...we put so much emphasis on performance, on 'getting it right,' as opposed to the joy of discovery."
"A happy classroom rewards children who want to learn."
"Classrooms where materials are easily accessible to students...help kids gain a feeling of responsibility for what they need to take care of."
From Edward Zigler, PhD, who was the first director of the Office of Child Development and started the Head Start program.
"I think my greatest contribution is the work that I've done with my own students."
"The greatest enemy of children today is poverty."
"Research shows that a good preschool program benefits [middle-class kids] as well."
"There are good times, and there are bad times. But you have to stay in the game."
"You need leadership to make people move, to get change enacted."
"Be totally committed to the optimal development of each child."
"You always have to keep a perspective on what you're trying to do."
"You have to be willing to persevere."
These are some AMAZING words from Inspirational people! I hope they motivate you to be the best educator you can be, as they have helped me!
"There's research showing the more children enjoy what they're doing, the better they learn, the longer they retain what they learn, and the deeper the understanding."
"...we put so much emphasis on performance, on 'getting it right,' as opposed to the joy of discovery."
"A happy classroom rewards children who want to learn."
"Classrooms where materials are easily accessible to students...help kids gain a feeling of responsibility for what they need to take care of."
From Edward Zigler, PhD, who was the first director of the Office of Child Development and started the Head Start program.
"I think my greatest contribution is the work that I've done with my own students."
"The greatest enemy of children today is poverty."
"Research shows that a good preschool program benefits [middle-class kids] as well."
"There are good times, and there are bad times. But you have to stay in the game."
"You need leadership to make people move, to get change enacted."
"Be totally committed to the optimal development of each child."
"You always have to keep a perspective on what you're trying to do."
"You have to be willing to persevere."
These are some AMAZING words from Inspirational people! I hope they motivate you to be the best educator you can be, as they have helped me!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
My Childhood Web
When I think back to my childhood, there are many people that I can say, helped to make me into the person that I am today. I had a great family and great neighbors so I will hopefully get everyone in here, even if it takes me a few posts.
1) My Mom- I know, everyone says Mom first, and they should. Your mom is your first teacher and your protector. My mom let this stubborn girl learn on her own (through gritted teeth) and was there to pick me up and put me back on my feet when I fell down. She was always there for a hug and for support and always said she loved me after I did something wrong or stupid.
2) My Dad- My dad also allowed me to be me and through even tighter gritted teeth, let me make my own choices and my own mistakes. He was usually good for an "I told you so" also. He made me learn the different types of trees and plants in our area and made sure that I learned how to drive a manual transmission. The latter I am more grateful for than ever, AND I will make sure that my girls learn as well. Even though we did not see eye to eye all of the time, he instilled me a love for books and would always take me to the book store with him.
3) My Grandma (Dad's Mom)- She instilled in me a love for singing, flowers, grapes, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. She is in her 80s and is still a very healthy individual. She raised 7 successful kids and did everything with a smile on her face, and still does.
4) My brother and sister- I am the baby of the family and they will tell you that I acted like it every minute of my young life. But they are always there when I need them. My brother is who I call first if I need anything. He is hardworking and dependable. My sister is the one who will always tell you like it is.... as in, her opinion, whether you like it or not. I can honestly say that there are more times than not when I don't like what she has to say. But she says it because she loves me and she wants the best for me.
5) Edna Binnie- I unfortunately do not have a picture of this amazing woman. She lived across the street from us and was one of my mother's and grandma's best friends. She and her daughters would babysit me when I my mom had errands to run. She was a stay at home mom who was always redecorating her house and planting in the garden. Their family had cows and horses and a huge farm (huge in my childhood eyes anyway). She was one of the healthiest people I know, always exercising and eating the food that she planted and grew in her own garden. We would always go visit her just to sit and talk over a cup of coffee. She lost a battle to cancer a few years ago but will always be remembered.
6) Darla Grabe- another amazing neighbor. The Grabes lived next door and all of us kids grew up playing in the dirt and trees together. She was always cooking and her door was always open, even if the kids weren't home. I don't remember ever seeing her sit down. She was always busy doing something. She was like another mom to me. Darla had a massive heart attack at the age of 42, when I was 19 years old. Her daughter Heather has many of the same qualities as she did. And we still get together when I am in my hometown for a visit.
7)My extended family- My dad was 1 of 7, and mom 1 of 5. We had huge family gatherings and they were all big parties when we were kids. I grew up playing with my cousins, going to grandparents for each holiday, and always having family around. We aren't so close now that we are all grown up and around the US, but we still love each other.
8)I am going to put many teachers that I had together. But they each had an impact on me for different reasons. Mrs. Kennedy- 1st grade- I remember helping her with some of the lower academic students. Mrs. Gammal- 2nd grade- loved to read. Mr. Cooper- 3rd grade- started my love of science. John Geist- he was the athletic trainer who taught me how to tape a "mean" ankle. I started my first profession because of him. And that started me on the way to who I am today. His wife, Diana, was the volleyball coach who taught me how to play, score, and ref the game. And many others. I would have to look through my yearbooks to remember all their names, but my memories of growing up are still vivid.
1) My Mom- I know, everyone says Mom first, and they should. Your mom is your first teacher and your protector. My mom let this stubborn girl learn on her own (through gritted teeth) and was there to pick me up and put me back on my feet when I fell down. She was always there for a hug and for support and always said she loved me after I did something wrong or stupid.
2) My Dad- My dad also allowed me to be me and through even tighter gritted teeth, let me make my own choices and my own mistakes. He was usually good for an "I told you so" also. He made me learn the different types of trees and plants in our area and made sure that I learned how to drive a manual transmission. The latter I am more grateful for than ever, AND I will make sure that my girls learn as well. Even though we did not see eye to eye all of the time, he instilled me a love for books and would always take me to the book store with him.
3) My Grandma (Dad's Mom)- She instilled in me a love for singing, flowers, grapes, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. She is in her 80s and is still a very healthy individual. She raised 7 successful kids and did everything with a smile on her face, and still does.
4) My brother and sister- I am the baby of the family and they will tell you that I acted like it every minute of my young life. But they are always there when I need them. My brother is who I call first if I need anything. He is hardworking and dependable. My sister is the one who will always tell you like it is.... as in, her opinion, whether you like it or not. I can honestly say that there are more times than not when I don't like what she has to say. But she says it because she loves me and she wants the best for me.
5) Edna Binnie- I unfortunately do not have a picture of this amazing woman. She lived across the street from us and was one of my mother's and grandma's best friends. She and her daughters would babysit me when I my mom had errands to run. She was a stay at home mom who was always redecorating her house and planting in the garden. Their family had cows and horses and a huge farm (huge in my childhood eyes anyway). She was one of the healthiest people I know, always exercising and eating the food that she planted and grew in her own garden. We would always go visit her just to sit and talk over a cup of coffee. She lost a battle to cancer a few years ago but will always be remembered.
6) Darla Grabe- another amazing neighbor. The Grabes lived next door and all of us kids grew up playing in the dirt and trees together. She was always cooking and her door was always open, even if the kids weren't home. I don't remember ever seeing her sit down. She was always busy doing something. She was like another mom to me. Darla had a massive heart attack at the age of 42, when I was 19 years old. Her daughter Heather has many of the same qualities as she did. And we still get together when I am in my hometown for a visit.
7)My extended family- My dad was 1 of 7, and mom 1 of 5. We had huge family gatherings and they were all big parties when we were kids. I grew up playing with my cousins, going to grandparents for each holiday, and always having family around. We aren't so close now that we are all grown up and around the US, but we still love each other.
8)I am going to put many teachers that I had together. But they each had an impact on me for different reasons. Mrs. Kennedy- 1st grade- I remember helping her with some of the lower academic students. Mrs. Gammal- 2nd grade- loved to read. Mr. Cooper- 3rd grade- started my love of science. John Geist- he was the athletic trainer who taught me how to tape a "mean" ankle. I started my first profession because of him. And that started me on the way to who I am today. His wife, Diana, was the volleyball coach who taught me how to play, score, and ref the game. And many others. I would have to look through my yearbooks to remember all their names, but my memories of growing up are still vivid.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Student Work
This is a display I made with cut art rain drops and tear art flowers to help teach the signs of spring.
Favorite books
This was one of the most difficult things to think about. What is my favorite children's book? There are so many to choose from! BUT if I have to narrow it down, I would pick:
1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein - it is just a great book about growing up, faithfulness, generosity, etc. Many great lessons can be learned from this story. We use it every year as part of our Life Principle lessons that we teach as a Kindergarten unit.
and
2. the Skippyjon Jones books by Judy Schachner- this series of books is about a Siamese Cat who gets into mischief by pretending to be a Chiuaua. I love to read these books to my students with all the fun voices. I can also discuss with them about making good and bad choices. It is also great to see them think of what Skippyjon will do next. The students can also get into the rhythm of the chants that Skippyjon does throughout the stories, adding in a musical element as well.
1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein - it is just a great book about growing up, faithfulness, generosity, etc. Many great lessons can be learned from this story. We use it every year as part of our Life Principle lessons that we teach as a Kindergarten unit.
and
2. the Skippyjon Jones books by Judy Schachner- this series of books is about a Siamese Cat who gets into mischief by pretending to be a Chiuaua. I love to read these books to my students with all the fun voices. I can also discuss with them about making good and bad choices. It is also great to see them think of what Skippyjon will do next. The students can also get into the rhythm of the chants that Skippyjon does throughout the stories, adding in a musical element as well.
Passion
It is amazing what a week can do! I've been reflecting on why I started teaching this week. And I've realized that I've been teaching since I was little. I remember my sister making fun of me for thinking that I knew everything and that I was smarter than everyone. I remember always being the one people would ask for help. I also remember, even in elementary school, being a teacher's helper. I think I was just always drawn to this profession but just chose the long "scenic" route to find it.
So I now find myself in LOVE with teaching kindergarten. I cannot see myself in any other grade level. I love seeing that light switch turn on and the reading begin. I love their faces when I tell them what a great job they just did on a paper or project. I love when I see them excited about reading. Passion for kids doesn't even begin to say how much I enjoy my job or why I love my job so much. Every day is a new day and everyday can bring a new surprise! My passion is to help the children of today be the best they can be for the future of our world.
So I now find myself in LOVE with teaching kindergarten. I cannot see myself in any other grade level. I love seeing that light switch turn on and the reading begin. I love their faces when I tell them what a great job they just did on a paper or project. I love when I see them excited about reading. Passion for kids doesn't even begin to say how much I enjoy my job or why I love my job so much. Every day is a new day and everyday can bring a new surprise! My passion is to help the children of today be the best they can be for the future of our world.
Friday, May 4, 2012
So, this is the first of many on my newest journey through a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education. I am currently a Kindergarten Teacher with a Secondary Education Degree. I fell in love with Early Childhood while my daughters were young and I was in their classrooms as a volunteer. So 5 years later, here I am. Hoping to add the theory and developmental knowledge to my practices and classroom. I am looking forward to being the "nerd" that I am and learning more about my students so that I can serve them better. My blog is titled "Turning on the Light" because that is one of my favorite things about kindergarten: watching that light turn on when they finally get the concept that I am teaching. I hope you enjoy going on this journey with me as I post my thoughts and ideas throughout this program!
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