My Supports

 

My family is one of my daily supports. I have awesome parents who is always there in my time of need. They always encourage me to better myself. My husband is my best friend and we connect on so many level. In the areas I'm weak he is strong in those areas. He is able to help me build some strength in those areas I'm weak in.   My children just seeing my children's face motivates me and that is support in itself.

My professor is one of my daily supports. I love the fact that they educate their selves to teach teachers how to master education and become a great teacher. The resources that my professor gives me to use to build up my knowledge about new strategies, current issues in education, and special education is a big support toward my education. They open my eyes to new ideas.

The internet is a one of my daily supports. The internet helps me have access to so many things that helps my day function. I need it for the weather, education information, school, blogs, news, online shopping, pay bills, emails, and social media.

My phone is one of my daily supports. I use my phone to communicate with family, call businesses, internet, map direction, take pictures, check bank account, calendar, emails, text messages, and alarm clock.

If I didn't have my family I would be lonely and feel lost. Sometimes do you every feel like your family is the only one that really understand you as a human or a person. So If I don't have family I would really feel that way.

If I didn't have my professor I wouldn't have education or job that pays well. I would be able to understand and teach this generation of children. I probably wouldn't have a job.

If I didn't have the internet or my phone I would not be able to function at all. I believe I would go crazy. I wouldn't be able to communicate with my family. I would have to ask strangers on the street for directions. I would have to go to the bank to check my account. I would have to drive to a person house to communicate.

I can imagine if the world didn't have those thing there would be chaos everywhere. Everyone lives off of family and technology. This is how we function.

  

My Connections to Play

Two Quotes that Sums up Play to Me!!!!

In our play we reveal what kind of people we are.

Ovid
Roman poet
43 BC–17 or 18 AD

Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.

Joseph Chilton Pearce
Contemporary American scholar


These are three pictures that describe my play when I was young.

 

 

 

 

My school and my parents were big on play.When I was in school from Kindergarten to 6th grade I love recess because I was able to socialize with my friends in different classrooms. We had so much fun playing all kinds of games in school.

 

Now, my mom would tells us to go play all the time outside. I believe she knew we like going outside because when my sisters and I would go outside we would be out until the street lights came on.

 

                                                                                                                                                                      

 

Play today is so different than when I was growing up. My friends and I would play in the playground from 10:00 am to night time. We would play kickball, football, ride bikes, rollerblade on the streets, and basketball. We would sleigh ride snowball fight, build forts, and snow angles. Everything we do was outside in the town or playground.

 

Play today  is all about technology. There is so many new things that keep children in the house such as internet, Ipad, cell phones, and video games. Children watch TV and play video games most of the day. Another thing, its hard for parents to let their children outside to play because of the crime. Trafficking person and kidnaps are on the rise. Back then people care not to harm children and women but now they don't care who they kill. Neighborhoods are not safe for families to enjoy playing outside without being harm. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relationship Reflection

I believe strongly in relationships and partnerships. To me when you have a positive relationship and partnerships you have support that cares about the well being of your children and their development. I also believe when a family has a partnership with teachers or other family members the family can trust the people they have partnership with to implement the same values, morals, and positive development taught at home or school.

My husband and I have partnerships with my parents and I have a strong partnership with my husband. In September 2012 my husband and I were deployed overseas. My parents volunteer to take care of our children for a year. My husband and I took the necessary arrangement to make the transition easier from our house to my parent's house. I knew and I trust my parents would implements the same values, morals, and positive development that my husband and I believe in. There were many positive points that played a factor in the partnership/relationship that was establish. One factor was the agreement of continuing to educate my children by taking them to the childcare center my husband and I have chosen. Another factor was my children's health and other health issues. My son is allergic to certain foods, so my parents took the responsibility to make sure he didn't eat certain foods. The communication with my parents overseas about my children's activities and development was important factor too. These factors kept my partnership with my parents strong and positive.

My husband and I have a strong partnership when it come to our children and our family. Our lives can be seen as challenging because we are both in the military.We work together to balance our military life, so it won't interfere with our family life. Our main focus is to equip our children with guidance and education that will help them succeed in the future. My husband is the biggest supportive person I have in my life. He motivates and encourage me to keep succeeding in everything I do.  We try to be on the same page about everything and maintain a health relationship.


 

Favorite Quote and Thanks!!!

I want to thank my instructor and colleagues for all that they have shared with me. I enjoyed reading and replying to everyone blog and discussion. Good Luck to everyone and God Bless.

This is one of my favorite quotes :“The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six.”

- Maria Montessori

Testing

I agree with the standardize test somewhat. I do like the fact that it measure different subjects. It shows the teacher what needs to be revised in their teaching style and it also makes schools aware of what teacher is doing its job. One thing that I question is the pressure that is put on the children who are taking that test by the teacher and school. I have heard many children complain about the test and the pressure. Most of these children are stress out from testing day after day for a week. Some children feel that why we should have these test and we already take test for classroom lesson. Another issue that was brought up was that some of the questions on the test are bias. For an example, there would be a vocabulary word that an inner city child would not know, but a rich child would know the vocabulary word because of their upbringing and environment they live in.  

Children in Mexico are also tested by standardize test. The schools are not equipped like America. So they don’t have the necessity to gain the knowledge with technology like we do here. Their funding for schools are based on their test scores. “Quality most students fail to acquire the skills necessary to raise their productivity, improve their earnings and help the economy grow. Scores on national reading and math” (Puryear, 2011).  Most of their scores are above lowest levels. 53% of their students scored at the bottom of the reading exam.  For the PISA Exam “Roughly half the Mexican students scored at or below the lowest level, meaning that they cannot do more than “carry out routine procedures accord- ing to direct instructions in explicit situations”(Puryear,2011). It sad because these school in Mexico have less material then we have and the teachers are trying to do their best for them.

Stess of Racism

Racism was a big stressor for me when I was young. I'm from a small town that didn't have many minority. When I started 1st grade I was sent to an elementary school about 5 miles from my house in the woods. In this elementary school I was the only minority in the whole school.  As a 1st grader you are small compare to the 6th graders. So you are not notice alot of times. I overheard some of the older children speak about my race in an awful way and it frighten me. I didn't want to go to school because I was scared, but I wouldn't tell my parents. I didn't have any friends in my classroom and the children were not pleasant to be around. I was so terrify by everyone in the whole school. I really didn't talk to anyone or participate in class. My teacher notice there was something go on, so she set up a conference with my parents. They ask me "what was wrong" and I didn't say anything. They ask me "did someone say something to me". I was so scared I didn't say anything until I got home. I had to repeat 1st grade because I couldn't comprehend any informatin in class. I was so stress about someone harming me because of my race. Till this day I can think back and cry because I know what it feels like for other children to be terrify in school. I don't know how I coped with it. All I can remember is my new 1st grade class and how much I like my teacher. My teacher made all my fears go away because she was so attentive to me and my needs.

The other country I looked up on stressors was Japan. Some of the researcher had several studies on what age group stresses the most. The older children in Japan stress more than younger children. Most older children stress about education, health fitness, and peer relationships. In Japan there is a certain standard to up hold.  "It is certainly true as students they must strict conformity demands of behavior and appearances to inhibit individual expression"(Kilburg, 1999) In American children worry about just getting to school and being present. In Japan they have different stressors. They have to worry about appearances if their hair is light it has to be dyed. Culture is big so that is something else they have to abide by. To me we have common stressors in American. In Japan children have our common stressors, but also additional ones.



 Kilburg, D. (1999, April). Socialization of emotional adaptation in japan:fundamental concept. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/donkilburg3/1999-socialization-of-emotional-adaptation-in-japan

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is an important topic for mothers and babies. I support breast feeding %100. When I was pregnant with my first child. I took a breastfeeding class and I recieve so much information why breastfeeding is important. I decide to breastfeeding both of my children. I believe that breastfeeding creates a close relationship between mother and child. Breastfeeding is so meaningful to me because there are so many way it benefits the baby such as fighting diseases, providing antibodics, and nutrients.  The word bonding comes to mind when I think of breastfeeding.

In Asia breastfeeding has came a long way. In 1970s breastfeeding wasn't popular in Asia. As the years go by the percentage of women breastfeeding has increased. In 1990's the formula scandal was going on and women started to breastfeed even more.After the scandal about formula, the percentage of women breastfeeding has went down mainly because of  traditional beliefs or misconceptions about breastmilk; the lack of public facilities to accommodate breastfeeding mothers; a maternity leave of only three months; and the aggressive marketing of infant formula. I learned that in the majority of china's hospitals breastfeeding is not promoted as much as formula. Women are discovering that hosiptal show no support toward women who are breastfeeding. Some hospitals offer free breastfeeding class, but they are given by the people from the formula companies. Most women do not see support from hospitals, markets, and families in China.

All this information is going to help me better inform parents from other countries about breastfeeding. In the United States we have several immigrants moving from different countries. Some of these countries either don't promote or educate people about breadfeeding. So when we meet parents that are from another country who are pregnant. We as teachers are entitled to educate them about breastfeeding and it's benefits. We can do that by providing information on the parent's board or a handout.

Wiens, V. (2011, August). Breastfeeding a baby in china. Retrieved from http://www.havingababyinchina.com/reference/breastfeeding-a-baby-in-china/

Ying , S. (2012, May). Social media campaign offers critical support to breastfeeding mothers in china. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/china_62387.html

 

My Own Experience

I had the privilege to have two precious children from God. I took different approaches to each birth. My first birth was my daughter.  I was amazed  every time I would go for my prenatal visits. I love hearing the information I got from my doctor and the experience of hearing my daughters heart beat. When you hear the heart beat it gives you this feeling that is unexplainable. I took some birthing classes before I had her to prepare for the birth. I also researched and made a decision to breast feed. During my contractions, I decided to get an epidural for the pain. And I also came up with a plan when she was brought into the world. My plan was after I had my skin to skin bonding, my husband was to give our daughter her first bath. Then he got the chance to have skin to skin contact with him.
My son's birth was kind of the same but I took a different approach with the pain. My husband and I decided to have a doula assist us with the pain of the contractions. I love having a doula. I also decided to do all my laboring at home. So when I was on my way to the hospital I was ready to give birth in the car. I didn't because the doula helped with the pain, so I wouldn't push. After the birth of our son, my husband and I did the same thing with the bath and bonding.

The reason I chosen both of my births because I took different approach with each one. The things I have chosen to do during the birth and after the birth was for the development of my children.  The decision I made such as breast feeding, first bath, prenatal check ups, and the bonding moments were some of the things that I felt would help my children develop. I believe we as parents should research and make healthy decision for our children when they are brought into this world. When having a child your focus should be on the development of that child.

The country I research about was Haiti. I found that there are differences and similarities in birth experiences compare to the U.S. Some of the differences that I was amazed by was that the women do not have the option of getting an epidural for the pain.  And some Haitian women may eat clay/dirt during pregnancy. Now, the reason why is they believe it will help to balance minerals, vitamins, and also help with the nausea during the pregnancy. One of the similarities  that I found was that breastfeeding is encourage and practice in Haiti. They continue breastfeeding for nine months just like some people in the U.S.

Reference
Background on Haiti  & Haitian Health Culture
www.cookross.com/docs/haiti.pdf‎

Good Luck!!

This course has brought good insight on the Education field. I have grown to become more educated and a better teacher. I learn how to be a advocate that goes beyond what is ask. My goals has been enhance and improve. I want to thank my colleagues for their support and help without them I would be lost. Yes, this was my first online class and I made it because of my colleagues. Good luck to all colleagues and hope you accomplish everything that you want in your career. Stay focus, improve, and reflect.

Code of Ethics

1. To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

This ethic should be important to all teachers. Its important to me because I believe that as a teacher I should familiarize myself with new knowledge on education as the generation changes how they obtain or learn knowledge.

2. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues and others with whom we work, honoring, their beliefs, values, customs, languages and cultures.

This ethic states important topic respect. Respect goes along way when it come to families, coworker, and children. And respect works hand and hand with values, beliefs, customs, languages and cultures. I believe values, beliefs, languages, and cultures is important topics that families see as meaningful and as teachers we should respect that.

3.We shall use every resources including referral when appropriate to ensure high quality services are accessible and are provide to children and families.

This ethic is big because we are the first encounter to help children and families to get the necessary help  and provide resources that will identify any disabilities or any educational problems.

Early Childhood Education Resources

• My resource:
  Teachers First:
   http://www.teachersfirst.com/
  
  
• Kids Matters
  http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/early-childhood
  
  
• Gryphonhouse
  http://www.gryphonhouse.com/index.asp
  

This Week's Resources:

• 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
  
  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.
•  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
  This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the media segment on this webpage
• World Organization for Early Childhood Education
  http://www.omep-usnc.org/
  Read about OMEP's mission.
• Association for Childhood Education International
  http://acei.org/
  Click on "Mission/Vision" and "Guiding Principles and Beliefs" and read these statements.
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
  http://www.naeyc.org/
• The Division for Early Childhood
  http://www.dec-sped.org/
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
  http://www.zerotothree.org/
• WESTED
  http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
• Harvard Education Letter
  http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
• FPG Child Development Institute
  http://www.fpg.unc.edu/
• Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference
  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
• HighScope
  http://www.highscope.org/
• Children's Defense Fund
  http://www.childrensdefense.org/
• Center for Child Care Workforce
  http://www.ccw.org/
• Council for Exceptional Children
  http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
• Institute for Women's Policy Research
  http://www.iwpr.org/
• National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
  http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/
• National Child Care Association
  http://www.nccanet.org/
• National Institute for Early Education Research
  http://nieer.org/
• Pre[K]Now
  http://www.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067
• Voices for America's Children
  http://www.voices.org/
• The Erikson Institute
  http://www.erikson.edu/

 

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

by Susan Bredekamp, Ph. D

Major Contribute to Head Start

 It is import to help children as much as possible about parenting to help prevent social problems like premature child bearing, and child neglect and abuse. Now that we know more about brain development in the very young, it is critical that we teach our future parents the important role that parents can play in stimulating and nuturing their children, and in preparing them to reach their full potential in school and in later life.

By Edward Zigler, Ph.D

Personal Childhood Web

 The five people that was nurturing and caring towards me was My grandma, my dad, my first grade teacher, my best friend's father, and my track coach.

My grandma was my best friend. She died almost a year ago. She always made me laugh even if I was sad. She always told me story of her up bringing  and her life. All the stories she told me I learn from them. When I was little I use to stay over here house and she would cook my favorite meal which was her favorite too. She was my joy.

In my family there was my father, my mother, my two sisters, and me in our household. I felt for my dad because he was the only male and he had to deal with us. I remember every morning before school my dad would say a prayer for  my sisters and me. He would always gives us a huge and a kiss. Out of all my sisters I was the only one to play sports. My dad would make it to every game I had and was my biggest supporter.

My first grade teacher Mrs Guinta was the best teacher I ever had. I was scared in first grade and she made me feel so comforter able. She always paid close attention to me and I think she could sense I was nervous and scared. She always check on me everyday. She made me feel like a belong in her classroom. Mrs. Guinta had a calm spirit about her and she cared.

My best friend's father, Bishop Morman was different. He was way older than my dad. I expect to hear old people wisdom but that's not what came out of his mouth. When my best friend and I would go out for the day he would have a talk with us. During the talk he would tell us what time to be home and not to get in trouble. He would always say something funny about us not listening or returning home on time. He was like my second Dad because he wanted to make sure we make good choices.

My track coach Mr. Argos was my support. I always get worry before a track meet but he was a person who encourage me. He believed in me and our track team so much. He was involved in our academic and our family situations. He knew every bodies personalities on the track team. He stayed involved, that is what I liked about him.

                                              Now my dad is my son's biggest supporter.


All these people made a special impact on my life my grandmother showed me happiness, my dad  showed  me how to love and support others, my first grade teacher showed me how to make children belong, my best friend's dad show me how to be a parent, and my track coach showed me how to believe.

God Bless!!!

Favorite Children's book

My Favorite Children's book: Ira Sleep Over by Bernard Waber
I first heard this book being read when I was in first grade and I fell in love with it. The reason it was my favorite because it was the first book I took home and read to my parents. Now, I'm older every time I see this book I smile ear to ear. My children loves this book too.

Google Blog

Out of all the links to creating a new blog and RSS reader, Google has been the easiest. I recommend everyone to use Google. I am excited to see how this blog accounts and RSS reader works. If anyone has any question on setting up their blog account or RSS reader for Google I would be glad to help you.

First Blog entry

I'm so excited that I started my own Blog.