Reference:
Compassion International. (2002-2011). Releasing children in poverty. Retrieved from http://www.compassion.com/child-advocacy/find-your-voice/famous-quotes/default.htm
Monday, December 12, 2011
Quotation
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." ~Nelson Mandela
Friday, December 9, 2011
Testing for Intelligence
In almost every state, you will find that students are being tested on their learning through standardized testing. While these tests do hold some validity in showing that a child has learned, they are not comprehensive. I was actually excited to see this topic this week, because my school has had us taking an 8 week course on this topic. From what I have learned from that course and our present course through Walden University is that teachers need to vary their instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Multiple Intelligence Assessments show that all people learn in a different way. According to TeacherVision.com, there is no single approach for teaching and assessment that can work for all of your students. In fact, standardized tests actually favor children who are mathematically and linguistically strong ("Using multiple intelligences," 2000-2011). To be an effective educator, one must first realize that the days of teaching to and assessing the whole class are gone. To holistically assess children, I believe that options should be given. For example, in my class, we read a book about the first Thanksgiving. The children had the option of writing a paragraph about what they learned, answering guided comprehension questions, drawing a picture or acting out the story to the class to show what they have learned. One girl in my class chose to draw a picture. She struggles greatly with her reading and writing skills. However, she is a wonderful artist. She excels spatially. In her picture, she drew an accurate depiction of a pilgrim girl, dressed as our story described, planting corn in a mound with a herring. Our story told about Squanto teaching the pilgrims that by planting the corn with a herring and mounding the dirt, they would get a better corn crop. She showed me, in the way that worked the best for her, that she learned as much as any other child in that room. With standard testing, she would more than likely not have been able to express those ideas on paper and she would have probably appeared to have not learned anything. By varying our assessments, and letting children choose how they are assessed, which in turn creates intrest for the child, we will have a more hollistic approach to understanding their intelligence.
I decided to research how Korea assesses their children. I found that testing starts in kindergarten. However, they look at aspects such as how they interact and play with others, attitude and other cognitive aspects rather than just academic achievement. they use these assessments to begin intervention, if needed, right away. All assessments are standard throughout Korea (Nah, 2011).
Reference:
Nah, K. (2011). Child assessment in early childhood education and care settings in south korea. Asian Social Science, 7(6), 66-78. doi: 10.5539/ass.v7n6p66
Using multiple intelligences in testing and assessments. (2000-2011). Retrieved from http://www.teachervision.fen.com/intelligence/resource/4933.html
Monday, November 21, 2011
Negative Effects of Divorce on Children
This week, I chose the stressor of divorce on children. My parents divorced several months BEFORE I was born. Now, it might be assumed that I didn't know life any other way, so how could this be a stressor? Well, my mother chose for me to not get to know my father. They didn't get along, so I was not allowed to have contact with him and he was allowed no contact with me. It was the 70's and the issues of paternal rights weren't what they are today.
As a young child I felt the stress of watching my mother try to be a single mom. I love my mom and she has always been a great mother. However, we struggled to make ends meet at times. Her stress became my stress. I also noticed at a young age that I was different. I didn't even have so much as a picture of what my father looked like. When other children would make crafts for father's day, I would do something different. I wanted to be like other children who had a daddy.
My mother got remarried when I was 9 years old. this did not fill the gap, as this person did not treat me like their own child. I would have to say it made the gap bigger. Also, from being so close to my mom for 9 years and having to share her with no one, I had a terrible time adjusting to her getting married, moving to a new town and a few months later having a new sister.
I always felt as though I was an intruder in "their" family. I was the one who didn't fit. I always felt that if maybe I knew my dad, I would have someone else in my life to identify with.
So even though I was not there to witness the breakdown of my parents' marriage, the effects of their divorce followed me throughout my life.
I chose to look up the effects of divorce on Chinese children. According to the article I Did, But Now I Don't,"During a study of divorced children within China, researchers concluded that children from divorced families were less-adjusted-based upon levels of depression and anxiety-than individuals from families which were intact (I did but.., 2011)." In China, teachers report children of divorced families as having more discipline problems and that teenagers seems to show negative signs such as withdraw from their peers, aggression and negative emotional issues. However, in China, it is considered to be disgraceful to get divorced. Therefore, the negative impact of the divorce falls upon not only the divorced parents, but the children as well. There are financial stressors that come with divorce in China also. Many times, alimony and child support are not rewarded as it is in the United States. This can cause financial hardships on families, especially if one parent was the bread winner. Financial stressors also effect children.
The United States and China have something in common in terms of the topic of divorce. In both countries, the ripple effect of the divorce is felt not just by the divorcees, but by the children. Unfortunately, it is often felt for years to come.
References:
I did but now I don't;divorce and its negative impact on society. (2011, February 04). Retrieved from http://siteslab.org/pitjournal/node/703
As a young child I felt the stress of watching my mother try to be a single mom. I love my mom and she has always been a great mother. However, we struggled to make ends meet at times. Her stress became my stress. I also noticed at a young age that I was different. I didn't even have so much as a picture of what my father looked like. When other children would make crafts for father's day, I would do something different. I wanted to be like other children who had a daddy.
My mother got remarried when I was 9 years old. this did not fill the gap, as this person did not treat me like their own child. I would have to say it made the gap bigger. Also, from being so close to my mom for 9 years and having to share her with no one, I had a terrible time adjusting to her getting married, moving to a new town and a few months later having a new sister.
I always felt as though I was an intruder in "their" family. I was the one who didn't fit. I always felt that if maybe I knew my dad, I would have someone else in my life to identify with.
So even though I was not there to witness the breakdown of my parents' marriage, the effects of their divorce followed me throughout my life.
I chose to look up the effects of divorce on Chinese children. According to the article I Did, But Now I Don't,"During a study of divorced children within China, researchers concluded that children from divorced families were less-adjusted-based upon levels of depression and anxiety-than individuals from families which were intact (I did but.., 2011)." In China, teachers report children of divorced families as having more discipline problems and that teenagers seems to show negative signs such as withdraw from their peers, aggression and negative emotional issues. However, in China, it is considered to be disgraceful to get divorced. Therefore, the negative impact of the divorce falls upon not only the divorced parents, but the children as well. There are financial stressors that come with divorce in China also. Many times, alimony and child support are not rewarded as it is in the United States. This can cause financial hardships on families, especially if one parent was the bread winner. Financial stressors also effect children.
The United States and China have something in common in terms of the topic of divorce. In both countries, the ripple effect of the divorce is felt not just by the divorcees, but by the children. Unfortunately, it is often felt for years to come.
References:
I did but now I don't;divorce and its negative impact on society. (2011, February 04). Retrieved from http://siteslab.org/pitjournal/node/703
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Child Development and Public Health
I chose the topic of mental health of mothers, fathers and families in general. I chose this topic because I think for a long time it was something that was not to be discussed and it was looked upon in a negative light. mental health does not mean mental illness. I truly believe mental health is important to maintain, especially for mothers and fathers, because their mental health can be a major factor in the development of a child.
We have read about how parents should take care of their mental health in the United States, but I chose to research the topic of mental health in Japan. the author of the article I chose is a filmmaker from Japan. After trying to juggle too much in his life at once, his doctor told him he suffered from "burn-out". In Japan, people don't view any type of mental health breakdown in a positive light at all. This opened the filmmakers eyes to the fact that being severely stressed out and needing a break and some sleep was considered to be a mental "illness" in Japan. This sense of shame prevents many people from seeking any help or treatment which only makes the problems worse. Even having an eating disorder is considered a shameful mental illness.
What I have learned from this is that people need to not feel shameful about mental health. Something as simple as stress is a mental health issue. Expectant mothers who don't learn to cope with stress can cause harm to their child's development. I hope to be able to further educate myself on mental health. Perhaps one day I will be able to advise a class for expectant mothers on the importance of their mental health and ways in which not only they, but their child can benefit also.
Reference
Priestly, I. (2009, March 23). New documentary explores taboo subject of mental illness in japan. Retrieved from http://www.japantoday.com/catagory/art-culture/view/new-documentary-explores-taboo-subject-of-mental-illness-in-japan
We have read about how parents should take care of their mental health in the United States, but I chose to research the topic of mental health in Japan. the author of the article I chose is a filmmaker from Japan. After trying to juggle too much in his life at once, his doctor told him he suffered from "burn-out". In Japan, people don't view any type of mental health breakdown in a positive light at all. This opened the filmmakers eyes to the fact that being severely stressed out and needing a break and some sleep was considered to be a mental "illness" in Japan. This sense of shame prevents many people from seeking any help or treatment which only makes the problems worse. Even having an eating disorder is considered a shameful mental illness.
What I have learned from this is that people need to not feel shameful about mental health. Something as simple as stress is a mental health issue. Expectant mothers who don't learn to cope with stress can cause harm to their child's development. I hope to be able to further educate myself on mental health. Perhaps one day I will be able to advise a class for expectant mothers on the importance of their mental health and ways in which not only they, but their child can benefit also.
Reference
Priestly, I. (2009, March 23). New documentary explores taboo subject of mental illness in japan. Retrieved from http://www.japantoday.com/catagory/art-culture/view/new-documentary-explores-taboo-subject-of-mental-illness-in-japan
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Childbirth-In My Life and Around the World
My Personal Story:
My personal story is about the birth of my only child, Emilee. I found out I was pregnant with Emilee in November of 2003. After going to my midwife for the initial round of testing, I was given the information that I had the Anti-M antibody in my blood. Basically, this anti-body can be release and passed through the placenta. It will attack your baby's red blood cells and can kill the child. Throughout my pregnancy, my midwife worked closely with a fellow obstetrician to monitor me. Every month (for the first five months), I had blood drawn and my titers in my blood monitored. At month five, there was a rise in my titer count, which resulted in bi-weekly non-stress tests and bi-weekly titer blood draws.
At 38 weeks, I went in for an exam. Due to Emilee's size (she was already almost 8 pounds) and the fact that my doctor didn't want to push our good luck with my Anti-M problem, she scheduled me to go to the labor and delivery unit that evening. I would be induced.
When we arrived at the hospital, the nurses got me settled and hooked me up to a fetal heart monitor. The reading was all over the place. They thought they had a bad machine and moved me to another room. The same thing happened in the new room. they asked if I was a smoker, which I am not. This was cause for alarm because her heart rate would go down to 120, then up to 190 and then spike down again. They called in my midwife and the doctor she had been working with and after looking through my fetal heart monitor feeds, the doctor had informed me that the Anti-M antibody had actually started attacking the baby. Within and hour, Emilee was delivered via c-section. Special care doctors were in the room to be on the cautious side, but Emilee was born at 9:25 pm, July 22nd, 2004. She was a healthy 7lb, 15 oz.
I will always be grateful for the care I was given and the quick reaction time my physicians had. I chose this example because of how important I feel that it is for mothers to have proper prenatal care. I believe the care a mother receives during this time can impact the development of their child. Without care, I would have never known I had this condition and more than likely, Emilee would not be here today.
Reportedly, the seven-billionth person on Earth was born on Monday morning in the Philippines. This prompted me to research a typical birthing experience in that country. What I found is that although hospital births are advised in the Philippines, that an average of 62% of women chose to give birth at home. This is quite interesting to me as that would never be an option I would want. Many of them do have help from a midwife or a birthing assistant. For some, this is a choice, but for others, they live too far from a medical facility or cannot afford for a medical facility to help them. Many of the women do consult a midwife early on in their pregnancy. If the medical provider finds that a home birth could be complicated, they do try to persuade the mother to give birth in a facility. However, ultimately, it is the mother's choice. If a home birth is chosen, midwives will bring a birth kits that provided supplies that might be needed. Mothers are asked to have a desk lamp to be able to check the perineum and to have a portable heater on hand. Once the baby is delivered and the placenta is taken care of, the midwife will typically leave the parents alone with the child for some bonding time ("Homebirth," 2009). This greatly differs from my story. As soon as Emilee was born, she was wisked away to be checked by the special care team. I then went into recovery for an hour and I was unable to hold her. It was over two hours after her birth that I was able to hold her at all. I think when possible, parents and babies need to have bonding time.
Comparing the two stories, we are the same in that we both had midwives, however, my pregnancy was also overlooked by a physician. I believe that many of the mothers in the Philippines chose home birth to make the experience more family oriented and personal. I applaud this, however I still believe I (if I ever had another child), would still be more comfortable in a hospital environment. I feel there are more resources readily available if a problem would happen to arise.
Resources:
Homebirth. (2009, February). Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com.ph/pregnancy/labourandbirth/planningyourbabysbirth/homebirth/
My personal story is about the birth of my only child, Emilee. I found out I was pregnant with Emilee in November of 2003. After going to my midwife for the initial round of testing, I was given the information that I had the Anti-M antibody in my blood. Basically, this anti-body can be release and passed through the placenta. It will attack your baby's red blood cells and can kill the child. Throughout my pregnancy, my midwife worked closely with a fellow obstetrician to monitor me. Every month (for the first five months), I had blood drawn and my titers in my blood monitored. At month five, there was a rise in my titer count, which resulted in bi-weekly non-stress tests and bi-weekly titer blood draws.
At 38 weeks, I went in for an exam. Due to Emilee's size (she was already almost 8 pounds) and the fact that my doctor didn't want to push our good luck with my Anti-M problem, she scheduled me to go to the labor and delivery unit that evening. I would be induced.
When we arrived at the hospital, the nurses got me settled and hooked me up to a fetal heart monitor. The reading was all over the place. They thought they had a bad machine and moved me to another room. The same thing happened in the new room. they asked if I was a smoker, which I am not. This was cause for alarm because her heart rate would go down to 120, then up to 190 and then spike down again. They called in my midwife and the doctor she had been working with and after looking through my fetal heart monitor feeds, the doctor had informed me that the Anti-M antibody had actually started attacking the baby. Within and hour, Emilee was delivered via c-section. Special care doctors were in the room to be on the cautious side, but Emilee was born at 9:25 pm, July 22nd, 2004. She was a healthy 7lb, 15 oz.
Reportedly, the seven-billionth person on Earth was born on Monday morning in the Philippines. This prompted me to research a typical birthing experience in that country. What I found is that although hospital births are advised in the Philippines, that an average of 62% of women chose to give birth at home. This is quite interesting to me as that would never be an option I would want. Many of them do have help from a midwife or a birthing assistant. For some, this is a choice, but for others, they live too far from a medical facility or cannot afford for a medical facility to help them. Many of the women do consult a midwife early on in their pregnancy. If the medical provider finds that a home birth could be complicated, they do try to persuade the mother to give birth in a facility. However, ultimately, it is the mother's choice. If a home birth is chosen, midwives will bring a birth kits that provided supplies that might be needed. Mothers are asked to have a desk lamp to be able to check the perineum and to have a portable heater on hand. Once the baby is delivered and the placenta is taken care of, the midwife will typically leave the parents alone with the child for some bonding time ("Homebirth," 2009). This greatly differs from my story. As soon as Emilee was born, she was wisked away to be checked by the special care team. I then went into recovery for an hour and I was unable to hold her. It was over two hours after her birth that I was able to hold her at all. I think when possible, parents and babies need to have bonding time.
Comparing the two stories, we are the same in that we both had midwives, however, my pregnancy was also overlooked by a physician. I believe that many of the mothers in the Philippines chose home birth to make the experience more family oriented and personal. I applaud this, however I still believe I (if I ever had another child), would still be more comfortable in a hospital environment. I feel there are more resources readily available if a problem would happen to arise.
Resources:
Homebirth. (2009, February). Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com.ph/pregnancy/labourandbirth/planningyourbabysbirth/homebirth/
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Codes of Ethics
There are three codes of ethics found from the DEC and the naeyc that I have found especially meaningful.
1. "We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers of services for their children (DEC, 2000)."
I find this code to be meaningful because I believe it is an area that I really need to put emphasis on. I get along very well with my students and their families, but have I really involved them and given them the tools they need to make smart, educated choices for their child? I feel I could improve in this area. By improving, I can make the parent more a part of the educational process and in doing so, we become more of a team for that child.
2. "To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with or without disabilities (NAEYC, 2005)."
This statement is meaningful to me because until last year, I had never participated in inclusion or had a disabled child in my class. All in one year, I had three inclusion children and one child with many disabilities. This really opened my eyes to their special needs and I felt that as a teacher, i had to grow to meet those needs. I had to step outside of my comfort zone and teach things in a new way, set up my classroom in a new way and be understanding and patient in a new way. Even though at times it was trying, in the end, it was truly a rewarding experience.
3. "To share resources with co-workers, collaborating to ensure that the best possible early childhood care and education program is provided (NAEYC, 2005)."
I used to to somewhat just stay to myself. I didn't collaborate with co-workers on projects or ideas. When I had a good idea, I kept it to myself and for my class. I have come to realize that by sharing our ideas and new information, everyone benefits. As educators, if we can work as a team, everyone wins. We have a broader base of knowledge and our students reap the benefits of many good ideas put together for the common good of the students.
Resources:
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.dec-sped.org/
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
1. "We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers of services for their children (DEC, 2000)."
I find this code to be meaningful because I believe it is an area that I really need to put emphasis on. I get along very well with my students and their families, but have I really involved them and given them the tools they need to make smart, educated choices for their child? I feel I could improve in this area. By improving, I can make the parent more a part of the educational process and in doing so, we become more of a team for that child.
2. "To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with or without disabilities (NAEYC, 2005)."
This statement is meaningful to me because until last year, I had never participated in inclusion or had a disabled child in my class. All in one year, I had three inclusion children and one child with many disabilities. This really opened my eyes to their special needs and I felt that as a teacher, i had to grow to meet those needs. I had to step outside of my comfort zone and teach things in a new way, set up my classroom in a new way and be understanding and patient in a new way. Even though at times it was trying, in the end, it was truly a rewarding experience.
3. "To share resources with co-workers, collaborating to ensure that the best possible early childhood care and education program is provided (NAEYC, 2005)."
I used to to somewhat just stay to myself. I didn't collaborate with co-workers on projects or ideas. When I had a good idea, I kept it to myself and for my class. I have come to realize that by sharing our ideas and new information, everyone benefits. As educators, if we can work as a team, everyone wins. We have a broader base of knowledge and our students reap the benefits of many good ideas put together for the common good of the students.
Resources:
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.dec-sped.org/
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Course Resources
Position Statements and Influential Practices
Tip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to “How Do I...?”, select “Tips for Specific Formats and Resources,” and then “e-journals” to find this search interface.)
- NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/72033/CRS-CW-5691431/educ6005_readings/naeyc_dap_position_statement.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, 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, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
- NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller
- FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases. - 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.
Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title.
- Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
- Websites:
- World Forum Foundation
http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the 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.
- World Forum Foundation
.
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/
Tip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to “How Do I...?”, select “Tips for Specific Formats and Resources,” and then “e-journals” to find this search interface.)
- 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 Personal Sources:
Articles: Linder, S. M., Powers-Costello, B., & Stegelin, D. (2011). Mathematics in early childhood; reaearch-based rationale and practical strategies. Early Childhood Education Journal,39(1), 29-37. DOI: 10.1007/s10643-010-0437-6 retrieved from: http://www.springerlink.com
Organizations:
(Chicago Public Schools) Early Childhood Education
U.S. Department of Education
The Brazelton Institute
Friday, September 30, 2011
Pieces of Inspiration
T. Berry Brazelton, MD:
"Parents don't make mistakes because they don't care, but because they care so deeply."
President William J. Clinton:
"The promise of our future is limitless. But we cannot realize that promise if we allow the hum of our prosperity to lull us into complacency. How we fare as a nation far into the 21st century depends upon what we do as a nation today." State of the Union Address, 1999
"Now, we all know that in all of our communities, some of our children simply don't have what they need to grow and learn in their own homes or schools or neighborhoods. And that means the rest of us must do more, for they are our children, too." ~ State of the Union Address, 1997
Louise Derman-Sparks:
"I had a built in passion that it was important to make a contribution to the world, to fix all the injustices in the world. I wanted to do that through teaching." ~Laureate video, "The Passion for Early Childhood"
"Parents don't make mistakes because they don't care, but because they care so deeply."
President William J. Clinton:
"The promise of our future is limitless. But we cannot realize that promise if we allow the hum of our prosperity to lull us into complacency. How we fare as a nation far into the 21st century depends upon what we do as a nation today." State of the Union Address, 1999
"Now, we all know that in all of our communities, some of our children simply don't have what they need to grow and learn in their own homes or schools or neighborhoods. And that means the rest of us must do more, for they are our children, too." ~ State of the Union Address, 1997
Louise Derman-Sparks:
"I had a built in passion that it was important to make a contribution to the world, to fix all the injustices in the world. I wanted to do that through teaching." ~Laureate video, "The Passion for Early Childhood"
Monday, September 19, 2011
Personal Childhood Web
There have been many people in my life who have influenced me. however, there are some that I hold near and dear, for their influence still runs strong through me today.
Dolores Rupert - Mother I would have to say that my mother has to be who has influenced me the most. She instilled strength in me. For my first nine years, she was a single mom and is a breast cancer survivor. She always showed me the positive side of things and how to look at life and truly enjoy it. She decorated for every holiday and she always had a knack for doing special little "extras" for me like putting notes in my lunch box that would say " I love you so much" or "Good luck on your spelling test today!" and cutting my sandwich in the shape of a heart on Valentine's Day. This made me feel loved and special. I never questioned that with my mom. I find that I do many of these same things with my daughter. I write notes and put them in her lunch, we both get excited for holidays and I think that because of my mom's illness, I tend to look around and see life as being something very fleeting and try to enjoy all of the little things that my daughter and I share.
Mrs. Kathy McClintock - 3rd grade teacher I was new to Elmwood Elementary in the fall of '86. My mom had just remarried, we moved to a new town and I had a new baby sister on the way. Everything in my life changed. I felt so lost because of everything new that was happening in my mom's life. Somehow, I think me teacher sensed that. She gave me extra attention that I think she new I needed. She was fun and kind and everything a child could ask for. However, the one thing that I will always remember is when I lost my math homework for another teacher. That teacher was going to keep me after school. I had really done the homework but couldn't find it in my messy book bag. No one at home was checking my homework anymore (something that got lost in the fray of the new changes in my mom's life). Mrs. McClintock took the time to help me uncrumple and look through each paper in my bag. We did find my homework and I don't think I will ever forget that. She has taught me to look beyond the exterior of a student. When a student doesn't have homework or they are unorganized, perhaps there is an underlying reason. She taught me to treat each child as wonderful and special.
Kathy Rupert - grandmother My grandmother didn't come in to my life until I was 9 years old, but she never made me feel like I was anything less than her very own biological granddaughter. She was so much fun. She would take me for my whole Christmas break. We would do fun crafts, watch movies and bake. She didn't talk down to me, but treated me like a person. What I liked the most, was that she taught me how to do so many things like crocheting, baking, painting, wood carving and more. While most adults would push me away like I was getting in the way, she invited me in to learn and actually wanted to hear what I had to say. Her influence is still with me today. I am a crafty girl and I attribute that to my grandma! I am passing it down to my daughter as well. I am teaching her how to make the crafts that she is interested in and encouraging her to let her creative spirit fly. What I love best is the conversations we have when we are crafting. they come naturally and easy...just like they did with my grandma.
Harold Kleman -grandfather My grandfather was the only adult male figure I had in my life until I was nine years old. He was a family man, liked to drink his coffee, relax by the tv watching John Wayne movies and Lawrence Welk and going fishing. A strong memory of my grandpa was what a family man he was. He loved his family, spent time with them, didn't talk down to them and always ate supper at the table with the family. To me, my grandpa influenced the type of man I was looking for in my life. Whether I realized it or not, my grandpa became a measuring stick for relationships in my life. I would look for those qualities in the people I dated. I feel so fortunate to have had him in my life and in the way he influenced my choices.
My Aunts (Laura, Pansie, Patty and Theresa) I am grouping my aunts as an influence in my life because they taught me that family takes care of each other and sticks together. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 34 years old and a single mom. She had a double mastectomy and spent significant amounts of time in the hospital, especially when her body rejected her breast reconstruction. My family, and especially my aunts, gathered me up and took care of me as their own. They were mindful of the things they said so I wouldn't worry and tried to provide me with as much normalcy as possible. I missed my mom terribly, yet at the same time, I felt at home with them and knew that I would always be okay with them near. Their influence on me has been that I am a very family-oriented person to this day. When your family is down, you need to step to the plate and help them out of whatever difficulty they are going through.
Dolores Rupert - Mother I would have to say that my mother has to be who has influenced me the most. She instilled strength in me. For my first nine years, she was a single mom and is a breast cancer survivor. She always showed me the positive side of things and how to look at life and truly enjoy it. She decorated for every holiday and she always had a knack for doing special little "extras" for me like putting notes in my lunch box that would say " I love you so much" or "Good luck on your spelling test today!" and cutting my sandwich in the shape of a heart on Valentine's Day. This made me feel loved and special. I never questioned that with my mom. I find that I do many of these same things with my daughter. I write notes and put them in her lunch, we both get excited for holidays and I think that because of my mom's illness, I tend to look around and see life as being something very fleeting and try to enjoy all of the little things that my daughter and I share.
Mrs. Kathy McClintock - 3rd grade teacher I was new to Elmwood Elementary in the fall of '86. My mom had just remarried, we moved to a new town and I had a new baby sister on the way. Everything in my life changed. I felt so lost because of everything new that was happening in my mom's life. Somehow, I think me teacher sensed that. She gave me extra attention that I think she new I needed. She was fun and kind and everything a child could ask for. However, the one thing that I will always remember is when I lost my math homework for another teacher. That teacher was going to keep me after school. I had really done the homework but couldn't find it in my messy book bag. No one at home was checking my homework anymore (something that got lost in the fray of the new changes in my mom's life). Mrs. McClintock took the time to help me uncrumple and look through each paper in my bag. We did find my homework and I don't think I will ever forget that. She has taught me to look beyond the exterior of a student. When a student doesn't have homework or they are unorganized, perhaps there is an underlying reason. She taught me to treat each child as wonderful and special.
Kathy Rupert - grandmother My grandmother didn't come in to my life until I was 9 years old, but she never made me feel like I was anything less than her very own biological granddaughter. She was so much fun. She would take me for my whole Christmas break. We would do fun crafts, watch movies and bake. She didn't talk down to me, but treated me like a person. What I liked the most, was that she taught me how to do so many things like crocheting, baking, painting, wood carving and more. While most adults would push me away like I was getting in the way, she invited me in to learn and actually wanted to hear what I had to say. Her influence is still with me today. I am a crafty girl and I attribute that to my grandma! I am passing it down to my daughter as well. I am teaching her how to make the crafts that she is interested in and encouraging her to let her creative spirit fly. What I love best is the conversations we have when we are crafting. they come naturally and easy...just like they did with my grandma.
Harold Kleman -grandfather My grandfather was the only adult male figure I had in my life until I was nine years old. He was a family man, liked to drink his coffee, relax by the tv watching John Wayne movies and Lawrence Welk and going fishing. A strong memory of my grandpa was what a family man he was. He loved his family, spent time with them, didn't talk down to them and always ate supper at the table with the family. To me, my grandpa influenced the type of man I was looking for in my life. Whether I realized it or not, my grandpa became a measuring stick for relationships in my life. I would look for those qualities in the people I dated. I feel so fortunate to have had him in my life and in the way he influenced my choices.
My Aunts (Laura, Pansie, Patty and Theresa) I am grouping my aunts as an influence in my life because they taught me that family takes care of each other and sticks together. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 34 years old and a single mom. She had a double mastectomy and spent significant amounts of time in the hospital, especially when her body rejected her breast reconstruction. My family, and especially my aunts, gathered me up and took care of me as their own. They were mindful of the things they said so I wouldn't worry and tried to provide me with as much normalcy as possible. I missed my mom terribly, yet at the same time, I felt at home with them and knew that I would always be okay with them near. Their influence on me has been that I am a very family-oriented person to this day. When your family is down, you need to step to the plate and help them out of whatever difficulty they are going through.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Each time I read this, I am a child again....
I would have to say my very favorite piece of children's literature would have to be The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. When I was a little girl, our school librarian expressed her love for Chris Van Allsburg. She hung posters of his book covers around the library. Of course, she read all of his books to us and I enjoyed each one. However, I will never forget the first time I heard this story. I was transfixed. From the "hot chocolate as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars" (VanAllsburg, 1985), the dreamy and delicate chalk-pastel illustrations, to the first gift of Christmas presented to the little boy. I can still remember the ache in my heart when his gift was lost through the hole in his pocket.
I have loved many books through the years, but none have touched my heart as this book has.
Reference:
VanAllsburg C(1985). The polar express. (50 ed., p. 6). New York: Houghton MifflinCompany.
I have loved many books through the years, but none have touched my heart as this book has.
Reference:
VanAllsburg C(1985). The polar express. (50 ed., p. 6). New York: Houghton MifflinCompany.
One of my favorite quotes...
"Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater." ~Gail Godwin
I love this quote because I really believe that much of learning comes from the delivery of the message. When you can engage a child and really catch their attention...enormous learning takes place!
Reference: Gail godwin quotes. (2011). Retrieved from www.goodreads.com
I love this quote because I really believe that much of learning comes from the delivery of the message. When you can engage a child and really catch their attention...enormous learning takes place!
Reference: Gail godwin quotes. (2011). Retrieved from www.goodreads.com
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Rachel's Chalkboard: Welcome to my very first post!
Rachel's Chalkboard: Welcome to my very first post!: Hello everyone and welcome to my blog! Blogging is brand new to me, so this should be quite a learning experience!
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