Week 8; Quotes about Children

What a fast semester this was! For this week's blog assignment, I decided to do a series of quotes about children. But first, a quote I have always loved would be:

"The soul is healed by being with children." I firmly believe in this quote. Each day, I am blessed beyond measure when I come to work. My pre-k students give me the most joy I have ever experienced professionally. When I am having a rough morning, or I am feeling down during work, all I have to do is look at one of my students, and the love is so over abundant that all I can do is smile. When my students tell me, "I love you, Mrs. Franklin" my soul is so full. God has placed in me in the most wonderful profession. Being an educator is one of the best accomplishments in my life. First, of course, would be part of God's kingdom, and being a mother, but being an educator is a calling God knew I needed.

A few other quotes about children I love:

"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven." by Henry Ward Beecher

Princess Diana, Princess of Wales "Hugs can do great amounts of good, especially for children."

"Children's games are hardly games. Children are never more serious than when they play" by Montaigne

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

"If a child is given love, he becomes loving ... If he's helped when he needs help, he becomes helpful. And if he has been truly valued at home ... he grows up secure enough to look beyond himself to the welfare of others." by Dr. Joyce Brothers

These are just a few quotes I have saved, but I wanted to share them with you all. Remember, we are here to show children love, empathy, and encouragement. I am so blessed to be able to be a part of assisting in educating children.

Blessings!!

Susan

 

 

Testing for Intelligence

In the state of Texas, we are continually assessing children. However, I do not believe the previous TAKS test assessed the whole child. For example, a child is being tested on what they know and have memorized, but does that really show the intelligence of a child? I think not. I can say this because I had many 3rd graders who were, in my opinion, quite intelligent, but did horrible on the TAKS test. They were not good test takers, and they froze up when the test was placed in front of them.

Now, for the current year, we will be standardized testing with the STARR test. (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness) This test is quite scary for all educators in Texas right now. Again, it doesn't test the whole child; rather, it tests the child on how to apply skills they have learned. While this is a great trait for children to learn, (we all need to learn how to APPLY things) it isn't helping a child apply life skills. It is only helping a child apply, or attempt to apply information they have gotten from school. Testing likes these only measure literacy and numeracy. We need to allow children to show their creativity as well as their objectivity.


So many times, educators are told to not teach to the test and use hands on experiences. I am a firm believer in both statements; however, if we push the students to use manipulatives, which they do need, how unfair is it to not allow them to use it on a standardized test? This is a huge injustice when children have learned by using concrete objects. I remember the stresses of the testing, and what would be heartbreaking would be when a student would ask me if they could get out the color tiles or counting cubes during the test, and I would have to tell them no because it wasn't allowed on the test.

I know it is important to assess a child's literacy and numeracy, but there are many disadvantages to testing.  If a child does well all year but fails the standardized test, it isn't fair that the child be held back because of the testing. I do not believe the testing should dictate whether a child moves to the next grade level. I think the testing should help a teacher focus on what a child needs more of, and how to accommodate that child. 


I remember going to a workshop as a district this summer. I cannot remember the exact statistics, but the presenter of this workshop discussed how some foreign countries do not standardize test and their children are still ahead of all United States students. That struck me. What are we doing wrong? What can we do better? He mentioned how standardized testing is taking away a child's creativity. I couldn't agree more!


For example, Madfloridian's Journal discuss how Asia is moving away from standardized testing because it is taking away creativity and innovation. This goes on to discuss how the U.S. is continuing to impose the testing, and unfortunately, they (those in the state who controls the testing) do not want to hear about education. It is so sad to know many people want to put so much pressure on educators, but do not care to hear about what this testing is doing to our future students. I think we should try to do the same thing - move away from the testing and bring back the creativity!

 Again, I know we need to assess to see what a student has mastered and needs help with, but I think we need to go back to the original way of teaching. I believe teachers and students shouldn't feel such strong pressure of standardized testing. I believe educators should be allowed to teach to the whole child. Educators need to get back to allowing children to use their creativity. I remember school being fun and exciting. Unfortunately, many students today (including mine) dread going to school on some days because they know they are going to have to do things for the test. They know they have a test they must pass to move on to the next grade; do they need to have this pressure as early as 3rd grade? I think not. This, of course, is my opinion.

References:

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/6680

Child Abuse

I can relate to this topic entirely too well. As a product of divorce, my mother decided to move to West Texas from West Virginia when her and my dad divorced. She quickly, and might I add, VERY quickly married my step dad. Before they were married, the abuse didn't start. It was all roses then. When I read the assignment for the blog this week, I pondered on how to write this. It has just gotten easier for me to even discuss this with my husband; but to discuss it with total strangers frightened me. I am not asking for sympathy; rather, I want everyone to see how we can overcome abuse! I did it, and I am still doing it!

Once my mother married, first came the beatings. I remember going to a restaurant when I was only 6 years old. I did not want to eat the brussel sprouts, and I was crying. They were HORRID! Well, my step dad is fuming and my mother is literally snickering at me. Once we get home, let me tell you, I feel the wrath of my step dad's anger coming through that belt he was swinging! I received a beating that kept me from moving much for about a week! These beatings were constant, and for the smallest things. I would have accidents in the night, and I would get beat so badly. Might I mention that my mother would sit around and watch him beat me, or just leave the room. It was horrible. Unfortunately, the worst wasn't over.

As a 6 year old child, I thought my life was horrible. However, I soon realized it was worse than horrible. First, my step dad started with the peep show. It didn't matter where I was changing at, he seemed to find a place to look! When I took showers, I would have to get in the bathtub, close the shower curtain, and take my clothes off so he wouldn't see me through the cracks. (This I mastered as I became older of course.) Well, it did get worse. He started fondling me in the worse imaginable ways! The sexual abuse made my childhood an absolute nightmare! I refuse to go in to the intimate details of the abuse, but let me tell you, it was the worst time in my life, or so I thought.

This abuse, both sexual and physical, lasted from the time I was 6 until I was 18. I actually managed to find a boyfriend that would put up with me, and he was my saving grace. I knew if I could get out of that house, the abuse would stop. I had found a way out. After 12 years of suffering abuse, I had been given an angel. Unfortunately, after 12 years of marriage, my trust issues and anger dissolved this marriage. But, God had given me a daughter, and through her, I was able to learn to trust and know some people do give unconditional love. God also allowed me to see what a REAL mother is supposed to do!

I remember when I was around 16 years old, I had had enough! I actually told people about what was going on, and guess what? Our sorry CPS system just swept me under the door and forgot about me! They refused to help me! So, now everyone thought I was a child trying to get attention! I will never understand that saying at all! I didn't want ANY attention! I wanted it to stop!! My own school counselor decided to call my mother after our confidential, or so I thought it would be, conversation. I will admit, the abuse stopped for about 2 months after that, but it started right back up!

As I became an adult, I have had triggers that have brought back memories. However, I believe the one thing that hurt me more than the abuse itself was finding out my mother new about the abuse and let it continue. She knew what he was doing to me, and when she left me there alone with him, she knew what was going to happen. Many times I would scream and cry for her to take me, and she would just smile and way at me. It was almost as if she thought it was funny. She admitted to me she knew about the abuse after my own daughter was born. I will never feel anything but animosity towards her because, as a mother myself, I would NEVER allow someone to hurt my child!

Words will never be able to describe how I coped through my childhood. I have blocked so many things out, and I am still having things reveal themselves. I became very isolated in school, would quickly fight someone if they said something ugly to me, and I was very depressed. I hated life, I hated myself, and many times I pondered ending it all. Thank goodness I didn't! As I earlier discussed, I had no resources or help. My mother had convinced me throughout the years that my dad and grandmother back in West Virginia hated me and never wanted to see me again. I had no one to turn to. To be honest, I am not sure how I survived it. I know God had his flock of angels over me, otherwise, I am not sure where I would be in my life right now.

However, I overcame the childhood abuse, but not without many stupid choices and hurt along the way. I experienced so many unnecessary things in my early adulthood, but again, I overcame so much to get to where I am today. I believe that is why God chose the early childhood profession for me. I want to help children any way I can. I want to be their advocates and help them through difficulties. I can use my own childhood to help others succeed.

CHILD ABUSE IN AFRICA/SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN

Words cannot even describe how awful this makes me feel. A child should NEVER, EVER be abused, much less sold to the highest bidder for sexual purposes. In Africa, the adolescent girls are targeted because they lack economic and social status to fight it. How horrible is that! What really made me ill was knowing some young girls have to go through genital mutilation. Below, I have copied and pasted an article about this. While it is long, it is very informative. I wish I had the resources to do more to help the females in Africa. I pray one day it will get better for them!

Article retrieved from: http://advocatesforyouth.org/publications/457?task=view

Sexual Abuse and Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sexual abuse and violence are serious problems that transcend racial, economic, social and regional lines. Violence is frequently directed toward females and youth, who lack the economic and social status to resist or avoid it. Adolescents and young women, in particular, may experience abuses in the form of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and/or female genital mutilation. Accurately estimating the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence in the developing world is difficult due to the limited amount of research done on the subject. Cultural mores against reporting abuse make it difficult to assess accurately, and few adolescent health programs in sub-Saharan African address these critical issues. Domestic Violence Is Widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa. Violence against women is a widespread problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Surveys conducted in sub-Saharan Africa reveal that 46 percent of Ugandan women, 60 percent of Tanzanian women, 42 percent of Kenyan women, and 40 percent of Zambian women report regular physical abuse.(1) In a Nigerian survey, 81 percent of married women report being verbally or physically abused by their husbands. Forty-six percent report being abused in the presence of their children.2 Violence has a significant impact on the health and life expectancy of women. The World Bank estimates that rape and domestic abuse account for 5 percent of healthy years of life lost to women of reproductive age in developing countries.3 Domestic violence can have long-term psychological effects. Studies have shown that one out of every four suicide attempts by women is preceded by abuse.4 Children in abusive households also suffer from the effects of violence, whether or not they are physically abused. Studies have shown that children who witness violence may experience many of the same emotional and behavioral problems that physically abused children experience, such as depression, aggression, disobedience, nightmares, physical health complaints and poor school performance.3 Young People Are Vulnerable to Rape and Sexual Assault. Worldwide, 40-47 percent of sexual assaults are perpetrated against girls age 15 or younger.4 In a study in a South African hospital of children under age 15 in whom a diagnosis of child abuse was considered, 45 percent of the children reported having been the target of sexual abuse. Thirty-one percent reported being physically abused, and sexual abuse was suspected but not confirmed in another 14 percent of the children.5 A study in Uganda revealed that 49 percent of sexually active primary school girls say they had been forced to have sexual intercourse.6 Abuse takes place in both urban and rural environments. A study in a rural population of South Africa found that 51 percent of children between six months and 15 years of age receiving medical treatment for sexual abuse have been abused by a neighbor, an acquaintance, a lodger or a stranger.7 Studies conducted in a city in Zimbabwe found that half of reported rape cases involve girls less than 15 years of age and that girls are most vulnerable to sexual abuse by male relatives, neighbors and school teachers.8 Both boys and girls can be targets for sexual abuse. In a District in Uganda, 31 percent of school girls and 15 percent of boys report having been sexually abused, many by teachers.9 The threat of social stigma prevents young women from speaking out about rape and abuse. In Zimbabwe, rape cases are sometimes settled out of court when the perpetrator either pays compensation to the girl's father or pays a bride price and marries the girl to avoid bringing public attention and shame to the girl and her family.8 All Anglophone countries have enacted laws which directly address sexual offenses against minors. The age at which young people are protected by statutory rape laws varies in these countries, from under 13 years in Nigeria to under 16 years in Zimbabwe. Only Kenya specifically criminalizes both physical and verbal sexual harassment.10 Young People Are Targets of Sexual Coercion and Exploitation. Young girls frequently report that their early sexual experiences were coerced. In a study in South Africa, 30 percent of girls report that their first sexual intercourse was forced.1 In rural Malawi, 55 percent of adolescent girls surveyed report that they were often forced to have sex.8 Sexual exploitation of young people is frequently facilitated by their lack of economic power and job opportunities. In Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia, an estimated 30 percent (about 30,000) of prostitutes are women ranging from 12-26 years of age. The number of adolescent females engaged in informal prostitution may be far greater.11 Young women are vulnerable to coercion into sexual relationships with older men. "Sugar daddies" take advantage of girls' lack of economic resources by promising to help with their expenses in exchange for sex.12,13 A study of female adolescents in Kenya revealed that 50 percent of the girls admit receiving gifts in the form of money, ornaments and clothes from their partners when they engaged in sex for the first time.14 In Uganda, twenty-two percent of primary school girls anticipate receiving gifts or money in exchange for sex.6 In a hospital study on abortion in Tanzania, nearly one third of adolescents receiving abortion were impregnated by men 45 years or older.15 In villages in Ghana, 70 percent of mothers interviewed said they had encouraged young girls into premarital sexual relationships. Many older women felt that receiving gifts in exchange for sex was not regarded as prostitution but evidence of a man's love.16 Forced marriage of young girls to older males leaves girls with little or no economic or social power. In rural Northern Ethiopia, the mean age for first marriage is 13.5 years for girls and 19.5 years for boys.17 While the average age at marriage is rising, twelve of sixteen countries included in the Demographic Health Survey have an average age at first marriage of between 16 and 21.18 Female Genital Cutting Threatens the Health of Young Women. Estimates suggest that between 85 and 114 million girls have been subjected to female genital cutting, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM) or female circumcision. The practice varies from cutting the external genital area to closing the genital area leaving a small opening for passage of urine and menstrual flow. As populations grow, the number of girls undergoing the procedure is increasing by about 2 million per year.19 Female genital cutting has severe and lifelong health consequences for girls. In Sudan, doctors estimate that 10 to 30 percent of young girls die from it, especially in areas where antibiotics are not available.4 Medical complications of FGM include pain, prolonged bleeding, hemorrhaging, urinary retention, infections, obstetric complications, and psychological trauma.20 Few laws protect young women from FGM. In Anglophone African nations where genital cutting is prevalent, only Ghana has passed specific laws opposing its practice.10 References Wood K, Jewkes R. Violence, rape, and sexual coercion: everyday love in a South African township. Gender & Development.1997; 5(2):41-46. Odunjinrin O. Wife battering in Nigeria. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1993; 41:159-164. Heise LL, Pitanguy J, Germain A. Violence Against Women: the Hidden Health Burden. [World Bank Discussion Papers, no.255] Washington, DC: World Bank, 1994. Heise L. Violence against women: the missing agenda. In: Koblinsky M, Timyan J, Gay J, ed.. The Health of Women: A Global Perspective. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1993. Argent AC, Bass DH, Lachman PI. Child abuse services at a children's hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. Child Abuse & Neglect 1995; 19:1313-1321. Noble J, Cover J, Yanagishita M. The World's Youth, 1996. Washington, DC: Population Reference Bureau, 1996. Larsen IV, Chapman JA, Armstrong A. Child sexual abuse in a rural population letter: S Afr Med J 1996; 86:1432-1433. Njovana E, Watts C. Gender violence in Zimbabwe: a need for collaborative action. Reprod Health Matters, 1996; (7):46-52. Sebunya C. Child abusers face mob justice: AIDS Analysis Africa 1996; 6(3):15. The Center for Reproductive Law and Policy [and] International Federation of Women Lawyers, Kenya Chapter. Women of the World: Laws and Policies Affecting Their Reproductive Lives: Anglophone Africa. New York: The Center, 1997. Bohmer L. Adolescent Reproductive Health in Ethiopia: an Investigation of Needs, Current Policies and Programs. Los Angeles, CA: Pacific Institute of Women's Health, 1995. Sellix T. An Investigation into the Relationship between Older Males and Adolescents Females in Africa: Deconstructing the "Sugar Daddy." Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master of Arts in International Development. Washington, DC: American University, 1996. Moore K, Rogow D. Family planning and sexuality. In: Moore K, Rogow D, ed. Family Planning and Reproductive Health: Briefing Sheets for Gender Analysis. New York, NY: Population Council, 1994. Wjau W, Radeny S. Sexuality among Adolescents in Kenya. Nairobi: Kenya Association for the Promotion of Adolescent Health, 1995. Sharif H. AIDS education efforts begin to address plight of Tanzania youth. AIDS Captions 1993; 1(1):20-21. Ankomah A. Premarital relationships and livelihoods in Ghana. Focus Gender 1996;4(3): 39-47. Dagne HG. Early marriage in Northern Ethiopia. Reprod Health Matters 1994; (4):35-38. Alan Guttmacher Institute. Sexual Relationship and Marriage Worldwide [Women, Families, and the Future]. New York, NY: The Institute, 1994. Toubia N. Female genital mutilation and the responsibility of reproductive health professionals. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1994; 46:127-135. Kiragu K. Female genital mutilation: a reproductive health concern. Popul Rep J 1995; 23(33, Suppl):1- 4. Compiled by Lola Delano February 1998 © Advocates for Youth

Mental Health of Parents and Families

I chose this topic because I believe if we can find some way to help this illness, many children may not have the emotional detachments and emotional disturbances as they grow and develop. When a child is growing in an environment that is not positive, or have parents that are depressed, they too may become depressed, have social problems as well as behavior problems. 

I have seen the impact of children who have had parents with mental problems. They become emotionally detached from everyone. They have had excessive discipline problems as well as anger that can be very scary at times. While some kids are resilient, others may be unable to change, thus leading to even bigger problems like drug use, legal problems, or even thoughts of hurting self. 

I just feel a huge sadness for parents with these problems because they just do not realize how they are impacting a child's life and future growth. Ultimately, our children are our future, and we want them to have positive growth and development so they can be successful. We must break this vicious cycle so children can be wonderful parents when they grow up.

While I was searching for information from other countries, I came across a great article from the UK. Basically, it is the same as the United States as far as what it can do to a child if they have to care for a parent with a mental illness. Like the U.S., doctors and psychiatrists are there to help, as well as numerous amounts of resources. Below the video link, is another great link to a fabulous article. Beware, it is VERY long, but VERY informative! 

I also found another great site with a short video on a child who actually grew up with a mentally ill parent. I have it posted, but thought I would put the actual URL in case it didn't load.

http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfoforall/youngpeople/caringforaparent.aspx

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:31V9IgABfSQJ:www.youngcarer.com/pdfs/Mental%2520Illness%2520Leaflet%25206th.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgp7DUA4Va_Is4u0qJSTljeUP-qG-rRgEM7CxtzsqaojE9rmXUWL5FdtQu3nmkOSQ8vzd5uCCCQetoBZLizi4xadGNCeQuP3X0axiT2vdQroCGl4cUIHhc9EIjx2r5Z5QCx8FfE&sig=AHIEtbTsV6iTNY0yqYpp40hFaevE7tlhQw

If you are interested in mental health of parents and the impact on children, this is a great article!

I hope you found this information useful; I feel as if I am rambling, but this topic is so important because we must do what we can to reverse the negative effects of having a parent with a mental illness. 

Susan

My Birthing Experience

On November 13, 1998, I gave birth to my only child, a daughter named Madisyn. It was a difficult pregnancy as well as birth. I was actually in labor for 3 days, and the doctors just kept sending me home. Finally, on the second day of labor, my water broke and off to the ER I went. From the moment I arrived, it was dismay. During the pregnancy, I was very ill. I was put on bed rest for 3 months, and I don't feel like I enjoyed my pregnancy because of the illness. However, that never clouded the fact that I had this beautiful child God entrusted me with. So, because of the difficulty of the pregnancy, the nurses were hooking me up to every machine and seemed somewhat frantic. Finally, the third day arrives, and I am in the worst pain of my life, I inform the doctor we need to get my baby delivered. I am unable to dilate, and it is time to make some decisions. After a heartfelt visit with my daughter's dad and the doctor, we prepare for a C-section. This was certainly not a memorable delivery. Once I am in the operating room, everyone gets to work. A specialist is also called in due to the sonogram tech informing the doctor the lengths of my daughter's arms and legs are measuring about 4 weeks behind; therefore, everyone is assuming she may have Down's Syndrome. Once my daughter is delivered, the doctors become excessively frantic because I am hemorrhaging and flat lining. The doctors make sure my daughter is ok, and I am sedated. Once I am ok and in the recovery room, I finally wake up and want to see what God has blessed me with.

Even though my pregnancy was not a positive experience, and the birthing experience was horrific, what I received took all of that away. I would, if possible, do it all over again. I chose this experience because I wanted everyone to understand not all birthing experiences are positive, but having a child that you are responsible for, can make you forget the negatives.

I believe the impact birth has on child development can be positive and negative. Negative because someone who has a birthing experience may cause stress, thus the mother pulling away from the child for an amount of time. Not all negative deliveries will cause this, as I wanted to be as close as I could be to my new baby. However, post partum stress (from a traumatic delivery) can cause a child to not develop as they should. Positive experience, because it can foster healthy childhood development because the mother is connecting with the child and bonding.

As I was searching for births among other countries and cultures, I came across an article discussing birth among different people. I was amazed to read how the Chukchee women of Siberia gave birth. She delivered her own child; cut the umbilical cord, and disposed of the placenta herself! What an amazing, strong woman! The Gunia women of South America would actually step out of their marching formation if they were in labor, deliver their child, and step back into the formation. I am just amazed at the strength of these women. What a difference from the childbirth procedures in the United States. I could not have just delivered my child and went immediately back to what I was doing.

This does produce a probing question. How does the above mentioned birthing experience contribute to child development? I am not sure how to answer that, just yet that is.

I have certainly gained an understanding of how different birthing experiences can be among different cultures and countries. Before this class, I really never thought about how others give birth, or even how that would contribute to child development. Through this course, I hope I can answer my own questions as well as gain more insights to an ever interesting topic.

References:

Biesele, M., "An ideal of Unassisted Birth" in Davis-Floyd, R.E. & Sargent, C.F.

(eds), Chilbirth and Authoritative Knowledge, University of California Press, Berkeley, 1997, p. 485. Retrieved from  http://www.unassistedchildbirth.com/media/alone.html

                                                                                                                        

Codes Of Ethics

I believe all of the Codes of Ethics are extremely important. However, here are a few that are meaningful to me personally.

I-1.3—To recognize and respect the unique qualities,

abilities, and potential of each child.(NAEYC; 2005)

*This is meaningful to me because I believe we need to recognize the uniqueness for each child! All children are different on all levels, and we need to respect that and encourage them each day. I also believe all children have their own set of unique abilities. Again, not all children are alike and we must allow them to be their own person. I also believe each child has potential, no matter what background they come from or what their home life is. We MUST allow children to be the very best!! 

I-1.5—To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions. (NAEYC; 2005)

*This is important to me because I believe, as educators we need to ensure our students feel safe when they leave their homes. We need to provide relationships and an environment that will allow a child to feel secure while at school. Also, we need to provide students with a setting that allows them to develop the way they should. We need to provide opportunities in our daily routines to ensure this. 

 

6. We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children’s development and learning. (DEC; 2009)

* This is important to me because I feel we need to build that strong foundation with not only our students but families as well. We must provide information to families about their students as well as providing that support. Not all families are able to devote 100% of their time to the school their child attends; however, we can allow families to be included in their child's education by sending literature about the classroom, the school, and current events going on with their child. We also can provide literature about their child's learning and ways of development.

This blog has been so beneficial on so many levels. Not only have I been allowed to post my own blog, but I have learned from others' blogs. It has been wonderful to read about each one of you that has posted on your blog. Your insights and suggestions for early childhood will forever be etched in my mind.

Susan

Resources For Early Childhood

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). “The Resources for Early Childhood” . (Video Webcast). In Foundations: Early Childhood Studies. Retrieved from            

            http://www.courseurl.com

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://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. 

Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
 

Websites:

• World Forum Foundation
  http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
  This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage 
  
• World Organization for Early Childhood Education
  http://www.omep-usnc.org/
  Read about OMEP’s mission. 
  
• Association for Childhood Education International
  http://acei.org/about/
  Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements. 

Selected Early Childhood Organizations

• National Association for the Education of Young Children
  http://www.naeyc.org/
  
• The Division for Early Childhood
  http://www.dec-sped.org/
  
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
  http://www.zerotothree.org/
  
• WESTED
  http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
  
• Harvard Education Letter
  http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
  
• FPG Child Development Institute
  http://www.fpg.unc.edu/main/about.cfm
  
• Administration for Children and Families Headstart’s National Research Conference
  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
  
• HighScope
  http://www.highscope.org/
  
• Children’s Defense Fund
  http://www.childrensdefense.org/
  
• Center for Child Care Workforce
  http://www.ccw.org/
  
• Council for Exceptional Children
  http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
  
• Institute for Women’s Policy Research
  http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm
  
• National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
  http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/
  
• National Child Care Association
  http://www.nccanet.org/
  
• National Institute for Early Education Research
  http://nieer.org/
  
• Pre[K]Now
  http://www.preknow.org/
  
• Voices for America’s Children
  http://www.voices.org/
  
• The Erikson Institute
  http://www.erikson.edu/

Selected Professional Journals

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
  

My selected resources: 

Bredekamp, S; 1986; Developmentally Appropriate Practice. NAEYC;  Washington, D.C.

National Head Start Association; http://www.nhsa.org 

**Even though I do not teach Head Start, this website has great information!! 

 

Berk, L.; Winsler, A; 1995; Scaffolding Children's Learning: Vygotsky and Early Childhood Education; NAEYC; Washington, D.C.

Early Childhood News; http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=411

(This site has a great article on early childhood; however, there are also other resources available)

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

I chose Edward Zigler, Ph.D. from the head start sector. There are many important things he said to me, but a couple of things left quite an impact. Here are a couple of quotes from him:

Dr. Zigler stated, "The children who were in high quality programs are less likely to become delinquent and criminal later on."

I can't agree more!! If we can give these programs to students, it would be phenomenal!! Kids would stay in school and move on to do something productive and not get in trouble!!

Zigler also went on to say: "I am basically an academic, not advocate for children."

He wants to make the life of children better, and each educator should have that desire also. I want to have Dr. Zigler's passion and motivation to help all students, regardless of their living arrangements.

I also chose Sylvia Chard, Ph.D. from the public early childhood sector. Here are a couple of quotes:

Chard stated, "Young children are inquisitive. They ask questions, wonder about things, and like to investigate interesting phenomena in their world."

This is such a true quote!! Young children want to find things out through exploration, and we as educators need to allow that!

Louise Derman-Sparks said, “I want to fix the injustices in through this world. I can do that through teaching.”

What a wonderful quote!! Just imagine what we can do for our students by taking on the injustices in the world and turning them into positives and have successful children achieving all of their dreams and aspirations!!!

Raymond Hernandez said, “My passion comes from wanting to make a difference.”

When we become and educator, our passion must be fueled by wanting to make a difference in the lives of the children we teach. I love this quote because I am passionate about helping all children succeed; therefore, I will be helping make a difference!!

Hernandez also stated, “There is more to life than just what is in your neighborhood.”

This quote really stuck with me because he is absolutely right. It doesn’t matter where a student is from or what type of neighborhood they are in; all children can overcome all obstacles if someone will make that difference!!

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). The Passion for Early Childhood. (Video Webcast). In Foundations: Early Childhood Studies. Retrieved from  http://www.courseurl.com          

               

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). Sectors of the Early Childhood. (Video Webcast). In Foundations: Early Childhood Studies. Retrieved from   http://www.courseurl.com

My Personal Childhood Web

I did not have positive support until I reached the age of around 14. There are 3 specific people who influenced me and instilled love and belief in me that I still use today.

The first person would be my high school band director, Barry. I had never played an instrument before in my life, but he was willing to help us all learn. He showed me he believed in me and didn't make me feel like a failure. He only showed me how positive he was and how he believed I could do anything I wanted. That relationship continues today; I actually visit him and keep in touch with him. He one of my biggest supporters!

The next person is actually my band director's wife, Pam. She actually became like a mother I didn't have. I didn't have her in class, but I did go her home many, many days and nights. She helped my by always encouraging me and helping me believe I could do anything I wanted. She showed me unconditional love, and that helped me grow and become positive. She never told me I couldn't do anything; rather, she pushed me to achieve my goals with love and positive words at all times! She has been a positive fixture in my life since I was around 14. She and I still stay in touch. I believe, without her and her husband, I would not be the positive person I am today, nor would I have the desire and strong will I have to continue my education. I can remember a time when I was really struggling with some Math concepts, but Pam would not let me give up. She started tutoring me every night, despite her busy schedule, and wouldn't let me give up. She would sit with me for hours until I was able to do the work. Not giving up on me and actually taking time to work with me left a great impact. It showed me that some people actually did love me and wanted me to succeed in life.

The next, and final person who made a positive impact on me would be my Pastor, Bro. Gil. He has been invovled in my life since I was 14, and I believe God gave him to me to keep me going and to continue thriving. He encouraged me by always reminding me, "God will never put more on you than He thinks you can't handle." Even though I believed I couldn't handle things, I knew he was right. He would always have positive words, no matter the situation. He showed me love by never being afraid to give me those hugs while reminding me certain situations do not last forever. Even as an adult, he is still my pastor, but moreover, he is more like my dad. He is a strong supporter in all I do, even as an adult, and continues to remind me that God will never put more on me than He thinks I can handle.

Even as an adult, the three people I mentioned above influence me. When situations arise, I will think back to those three people, and they always help me want to make the right choice. I will not give up on things, and it is because they were there with me when times were the hardest and they never gave up on me!

Great first 2 weeks!

I hope everyone is having a great first two weeks of school! I am enjoying reading everyone's posts!! I hope you have a great third week, and beyond!!

Hope to talk to you soon!!

Blessings,

Susan

Issues

Hello everyone!!

My blog was going great, and when I tried to post, I keep getting a message that says, "You do not have permission to view this blog; log out and change your settings." If you are subscribed to my blog, will you reply to this and give me some suggestions? It is frustrating because it was working fine!!

Thanks,
Susan

Hoping this works.....

I am sure hoping this works!!!