Getting to Know your Contacts-Part 3

While browsing through the UNESCO website this week I noticed that many of the same issues that we have talked about in my current class is also global issues.  I read information on Access and equity.  The site talked about countries that vowed to expand and improve early care and education for disadvantage children to allow for equitable access to care.  It also addresses quality for early childhood care and education.  It states that there are no universal criterial for quality but uses certain factors such as personal training, parent education and involvement and developmentally appropriate materials and practices.  And finally it addresses problems with governments investing and financing in early care and education.

Sharing Web Resources

Recently I had a chance to visit the Zero to Three web site, http://www.zerotothree.org
I really enjoyed browsing the site, it was actually very informative.  Its mission is to promote health and development of infants and toddlers and their families.  It informs, trains and support professionals, policy makers and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. I found so much information on brain development, which is going to help me in an up coming training session.  One of the featured topics is one of classroom featured topics.  The article is about expanding access to early head start.  Because of so many babies being born in economic stress, it has been recommended that the program expand its reach to provide services to more children.  Research show that Early Head Start positively impacts, children's development.

Getting to Know Contacts- Part 2

Getting to Know Your Contacts #2

As I began to search the naeyc’s website on new topics, there were three articles that really stood out.  Early childhood educators are really concerned about the future of our children.  We seem to be slowly raising children who are limited to creativity and basic social skills. 

The first article of discussion was that of Developmentally Appropriate Practice or (DAP).  It discusses the process by which children should be taught.  It is the foundation for NAEYC’s work.  It believes that teachers should meet children where they are by stage of development, both by individual and a part of a group and help each child meet challenging and achievable learning goals. (naeyc, 2009)

The next article of discussion has to do with the importance of Play.  The article focused on building play leadership and advocacy.  It allowed teachers, parents, administrators, policy makers and college faculty to revisit the power of hands on play designed to promote and strengthen play-based learning’s as part of developmentally appropriate practices in the early childhood field.  (YC, 2009)

The third article of discussion deals with Recess and how it is slowly disappearing in the elementary schools.  It is interesting to see how such an important part of childhood is being snatched away from our children.  In turn, we are seeing and increase in childhood obesity and diseases.  Teachers often conplain that we are raising a generation of children who can’t entertain themselves, have social difficulties and are fidgety and off task in class. (Jarrett, 2009)

The sad part about this issue is the fact that with so much scientific research, it seems as if no one is listening.  Top administrators and policy makers still insist on limiting play and creativity by adding more classroom time.  Don’t they realize that children are not having problems preforming well in school because they are not spending enough time in the classroom, but because they are jus simply burned out. 

Reference:

Taken from the www.naeyc.org/ website

Sharing Web Resources

This week I had a chance to explore the website by NAEYC, neayc.org.  I wanted to see if there was any information on the topic of economic investments in early childhood.  What I found was quite interesting.  I realized that this site keeps you informed of what is currently happening in congress concerning early childhood.  They also advocate for our children by making recommendations for improvements.  I came across a few recent recommendations that naeyc presented to congress on improving funding for early childhood.  One such recommendation was entitled, “The Right Investments in Children”. It basically asked that funding be increased for Childcare; Head Start/Early Head Start; and for services to be expanded to reach more children.  They also presented a call to action plan that supports the wellbeing of all children, their families, communities and early childhood professionals.

As I continued to browse the site, I found a wonderful article called “What are the Economic Benefits of Investing in Early Childhood?” The article discussed three economic benefits and three noneconomic benefits for investing in early childhood. The benefits range from social status to just helping the child to gain lifelong experiences.

 

The information was taken from NAEYC’s online author’s Q & A event with William Gilliam on the book “The Pre-K Debates: Current Controversies and Issues.  The event took place December 12^th -16^th 2011.

(naeyc.org)

 

 

 

Getting to Know Your Contacts

     While surfing the web to gain international contact with an organization or early childhood professional to gather information on childhood poverty, I remain unsuccessful in my efforts to connect to an early childhood professional overseas.  Turning to the Information on childhood poverty, I began exploring a website from the Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre.   The website was designed for any one person or organization that has a concern for childhood poverty.  It contains knowledge for tackling Childhood Poverty. (CHIP)  While the website gives insight on many issues that relate to childhood poverty in several countries, I chose to turn my focus on China.

     China has made strides in tackling poverty; however the largest portion of its poverty is still in Western China. (CHIP)  ” Many of the children living in poverty are in groups such as children of migrants, street children, children affected by HIN/AIDS and children with disabilities.”  (CHIP)  China has the highest education and health levels than most countries with equivalent incomes. In addition, 85 per cent of the population over 15 is literate. (CHIP) This is interesting to me because in the US we have so many children struggling with reading even in high school. It makes me wonder what we are doing wrong.  China has faced economic hardship and they too have been faced with job lost. This hardship has caused many families to have problems paying for their children to attend school. (CHIP) The fact that they have to pay in order for their children to go to school is very interesting.  This means children that are living in poverty do not attend school and will grow up to become adults living in poverty.

Resource:

Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre (CHIP). (n.d.). Knowledge for tackling childhood poverty. Retrieved from http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/

My Supports

The supports in my life is my faith, my family and technology.  The support that I get by having that wonderful relationship with my God has helped me through some very difficult times.  Because of it, I no longer worry but have a piece of mind, that alone means more to me than words can express. 


My two daughters are a great support to me. They are always there to help me often and can tell when I am tired or not feeling well, that's when they insist that I lie down.  My grand daughter is also a support; she is always there to give me a big hug when I need it.  My dad and All of my sibblings are always there if I need them. Especially my sisters, they are my best friends. Whether it is to have someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on.  They are always there to give you that encouraging word. I don't even have to wonder if someone will help me, it goes without saying. 

My technology support, the cell phone, the laptop, internet, Google, GPS oh, I can go on and on. Basically, I can do just about anything on my phone.  What would I do without it? (The same thing I did 20-25 years ago when it was not readily available.)

The challenges of technology, we are too dependent. I left them at home one day just to see how I would cope and to be honest, I felt as if I had left a piece of "me" at home.  By the time I got myself together, it was time to go back home.  That to me is scary.  I have been trying to get away from being so dependent, however it is so difficult.

My Connections with Play

Quotes about Play:

 

“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health”

Ashley Montagu

“Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.

Diane Ackerman

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”

Fred Rogers

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.”

Kay Redfield Jamison

Two of my favorite play items:   Boobie Jacks and Jump Rope

 

 

 

 As a child, I remember adults encouraging children to go outside and burn off energy.  When I started teaching over 25 years ago, we were required to include recess as a part of our lesson plan.  Children were required to have at least 30 minutes to an hour of free-play per day.  Some teachers would break it up, 30min in the morning and 30 in the afternoon. Today, school children no longer have the freedom to explore woods and fields and find their own special places. Physical education and recess are being eliminated; new schools are being built without playgrounds.  (Almon, 2002)

It seems as if people value play a lot differently today than in the past.

I believe that play itself has not changed; it is similar today as in the past.  For instance, if you take time to watch a child in the dramatic play area or the block center, you will see play being acted out similar as in years past.  However, the opportunity to play has changed.  Kindergarten classes do not have dramatic play or block areas in their classrooms. “They do not have time for that.”  What makes it worse, children spend hours at home sitting still in front of screens- television, video game, and computer- while they absorb other people’s stories and imaginations but can’t act out their own. (Almon, 2002) 

There was a time when we could go to an open lot in our neighborhood and play baseball, kickball, volleyball, freeze tag; I can go on and on.  Well, informal neighborhood ball games are a thing of the past, as children are herded into athletic leagues. (Almon, 2002)  This problem is not only because of the electronic games that consume much of their time, but because children have no other choice but to stay in the house.  With so many homeowner association rules, it’s forbidden for children to play in front of their own yards.  There was a case last year in my brother’s neighborhood where a dad put up a portable basketball hoop; he was later told that he had to take the device down.  In a neighborhood in a nearby city, children were seen playing dodge ball, it was shortly after that, that signs went up stating and I quote “No Playing ball, skateboarding or bike riding allowed”.  In other words, No Playing allowed.  This may sound a bit over the top and shocking but it really happened.  It was so bizarre, that it aired on the local news.  Of course, after much negative attention, the signs were removed.  When I see how little adults value play, I really fear for the future of our children.

My hope is to someday have play restored in the lives of our children.  However, the progress is difficult to make because there are many parents that misguidedly prefer that their children focus on early academics. Their concern about their children’s future easily turns to fear. They then place considerable pressure on teachers. (Almon, 2002)

Play, what role did it have during my childhood? As I reflect back, play was a very big part of my life.  I was a child that loved to play. I could pretend to be anything.  It allowed me to digest life and make it my own.  I loved sports and was always the best girl at it in my class.  I remember as a child, when I was playing, it was the only time that I was not shy.  As an adult, I still like playing sports or even watching them.  I like bowling, volleyball, going to themed parks and so much more.  I like having fun.  It is like a stress reliever.  It has a positive affect on mental health. When children play, they also have fun and laugh.  In the past, I often heard older people say, “Laughter is good for the soul”. If our children loose the ability to play, this decline will certainly have serious consequences for children and for the future of childhood itself. (Almon, 2002)

 

Reference:

Almon, K. (2002). The vital role of play in early childhood education. Gateways, 43. Retrieved from http://www.waldorflibrary.org/Journal_Articles/GW43almon.pdf

 

Relationship Reflection

As I reflect on my relationships in the past and present.  I can truely say that relationships really played an important part in my life.  As a child, I really overcame some very challenging times.  Coming from a very religious but poor background and realizing that my clothes were very old fashioned I began to shy away from some of the other children.  In other words, I was that quiet child that sat in the corner and never really talked because I did not want to be noticed.  I only played with kids that played with me.  To this day, I remember the one teacher that really seemed to take notice of me, she would often take time to talk to me.  And really tried to have some type of relationship with me.   I remember the day when a big bag of clothes came to our house from the school. I was so excited!  After about 35 years, I ran into that teacher and finally got a chance to thank her and tell her how much it meant to me, that she actually noticed me and mead me feel special.  Now that I have come into the education field, it is what she did for me that causes me to always remember to take notice of every child. 
Some of the challenges that I endured as a child really helps me to be able to show compassion and empathy for others. And, it helps me to keep an open mind when working with children and their families.  I try very hard to step outside the box and not to be judgemental.

When I was 16, I lost my mother and at age 39 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the close relationship that I have with my dad and my siblings that helped me through those difficult times then and even today. I have 10 siblings, when I went into the hospital for my surgery, the nurses all came to me and said, "you have a lot of people that love you". The waiting room was jammed packed.  I saw every last one of my brothers and sisters, along with my dad and other relatives.  It's still very emotional to talk about.  It is our faith in God and the love and support that we give towards each other that really helps us through it all.

Quotes About Children

"If someone is going down the wrong road, he doesn’t need motivation to speed him up. What he needs is education to turn him around." -Jim Rohn

"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression."
- Dr. Hiam Ginnot

"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance!"
- Andy McIntyre

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."
- Stacia Tauscher

Test for Intelligence

In the U.S. IQ (Intelligence quotient) test have been given to predict later educational attainment and then adult success.Thirty years ago, the definition of mental retardation was staightforward: All children and adults with an IQ below 70 was classified as mentally retardede, with further subdivisions for progressively lower scores: mild retardation, 55-70; moderate retardation, 40-54; severe retardation, 25-39; profound retardation, below 25. Historically, each of these categories signified different expectations, from "educable" to custodial".  However, the mere label mentally retarded sometimes led parents and teachers to expect less than the child was actually capable of; consquently, the child's learning was reduced. (Berger, 2009)

It is stated that most research on children's cognition has been done in North America and western Europe,but the same patterns are apparent wordwide. In Zimbabwe, for example, children's understanding of classification is influenced not ony by their age but also by factors related to society such as the particulars of their schooling and their families socioeconomic status.  The most detailed intenational example comes from Brazil and involves the street children who sell fruit, candy, and other products to earn their living. Many have never attended school and consequently score poorly on standard math achievement tests. However, some oth these young peddlers are skilled at pricing wares and making change. Some cannot read, but they use colors and pictures to identify how many reals each bill is worth. They may recalibrate selling prices daily in response to changes in the inflation rate, wholesale prices and customer demand. These childeren calculate "complex markup computations..... by using procedures that were widespread in their practice but not known to children in school. (Berger, 200) 
I personally find this interesting. These children who consequently score poorly on standard math achievement test, actually can master such high skills.  For that reason, I believe that no one method should have the final say. I believe in testing the whole child.

Reference:
Berger, K. S The Developing Person Through Childhood

Childhood Stressors

My Childhood Stressors
As a child, I experienced several stressors. I will not say that I lived in poverty, however we were very poor. And believe me when I tell you.  I know what it is like to be hungry.  The only thing about my situation is that my parents gave us such a loving home. When my siblings and I get together, we often speak on the fact that as we were growing up, we were poor but did not realize how poor we were. My mom could make a meal out of anything and we were greatful. 
The stressor that really did the most damage was that of being isolated. It came from my peers or others outside the household.  I remember being isolated at school because I came from a very religious family.  I remember hearing children comment on the way that I dressed and not wanting to play with me because of it. Now I did not dress very differently than most.  It was the fact that as a girl, I did not wear pants. But also, my clothes were very old fashioned, which was basically because that was all I had to wear.  I remember putting paper in the bottem of my shoes because I had walked a hole at the bottom. The funny thing about it all was that I remember playing with other children in kindergarten and then watch those same children shy away from me because of what they heard other children say about me.  It is very hurtful to feel all alone in school as a young child with no one to play with. I was that child that sat in the corner unnoticed, not even by my teachers.
 To top it all off, the talks not only came from peers at school, but also from the church.  My dad is a minister, and for some reason people decided that because my dad is a preacher, that my siblings and I should be put on a different level than other children.  I also remember the looks and wispers that still bother me today. 
I really don't think people realize what PK kids (Preachers Kids) go through.  Many try so hard to fit in and when they mess up like all children do, it is magnified. Now that I am older, I won't say that I was not affected because for years I held many feeling inside and developed a very low self-esteem and I fell into depression.  By the grace of God, I can say that because of my experience, I have empathy towards the poor and needy, those that are struggling emotionally, and those that feel like outsiders and need a friend. I can't begin to count how many people that I have been put in my path and that I was able to help encourage.
Also as an educator, I quickly pick out the children that are being isolated and empathize with those children. So in turn, I started a rule in my class.  That is, we are all friends and we have to look after one another.  I will say, that I have had parents come to me in amazement because their shy child will come home so excited, talking about school constantly. I still run into parents 20 years later that will thank me because they say that I help their child come out of their shell.


My church has a mission in Mozambic, Africa.  We have partnered with a group there to support an Orphanage.  These children have experienced extreme poverty, hunger and isolation because they have lost both of their parents.  My dad travels there from time to time and tries to describe the conditions of what he sees.  He said that seeing children with no shoes, torn clothes and with nothing to eat except what they get from the mission puts him in tears.  He stated that many of the children were cared for by the community.  We also have regular visits from the leader of the mission who comes frome time to time to give a report on what our support has done for the mission. I am not sure of the affects that these stressors may have on them because for many of these children, this is the only life that they know. I would love to some day make the trip along with my dad to really get a true hands on experience of helping the orphanage.  Although my circumstances were not as severe, I can really empathize with them. To be honest, when I hear their stories, I have no complaints at all.

Mental Illness of The Mothers, Fathers and Families in General

Maternal mental health poses a huge human, social and economic burden to women their infants, their families and society and constitute a major public health challege. (Mental illness in one family member can affect the intire family). During Pregnacy and after delivery many women go through various emotions issues which can lead to mental health illness such as anxiety, post partum depression, and psychosis just to name a few.  These can lead to other illnesses such as highblood pressure, pre-eclampia early and difficult delivery which will cause the baby to be premature or have a low birth weight for its age. Infants of chronically depressed mothers show less socialbility with strangers, fewer facial expressions, smiles less, cry more and are more irritable than infants of normal mothers. (World Health Organization, Feb. 2008)
When I read information on this topic, it reminded me of a women that I know personally that stayed depressed throughout her pregnancy. As a result, she gave birth to a depressed baby. The little boy, never smiled, he never showed any facial expressions, basically he exibited the same behaviors stated in the article. Fortunately, he lived with his grandparents, who worked tiredlessly to help him to overcome the depression, he is now the most bubblely child around. He laughs and plays with other children. It is wonderful to see.
Worldwide, mental illness is the fourth leading cause of disability and the tenth leading cause of death. Forty percent of all countries have no mental health policies and one in four countries have no mental health legislation whatsoever to protect the civil rights of the mentally ill. Which means there is no help for women with postpartum depression. (Stone, K. 2011)
Often it is said that there is not enough support for mental illness in this country, and there is not, however when we look at the support world wide. It is hard to complain.

References:
World Health Organization, The Issue, Feb. 2008, (Maternal Mental Health and Child Health and Development) http://www.who.int/mental_health
Stone, K. July 2011, Mental Health Matters to New Mothers Across the Globe. http://postpartumprogress.com

Childbirth in My Life and Around the World

Childbirth in My Life:
I had the opportunity to participate to witness the birth of my granddaughter.  Labor was around 101/2 hours. My daughter was in so much pain and had to get something for it.  Once it was time, she pushed for another hour and a half.  It seemed like every time we would see the top of the babies head, it would go back in. This went on for almost 2hrs.  The doctor could not figure out why the baby was not coming out.  Finally, my daughter said, "It seems like something is tugging on me on the inside". They finally figured out that the baby was holding on to the umbilical cord.  Well, the doctor decided to give my daughter a little snip.  And with one push, out popped Sydney, with the most started look on her face as if to say, "Hey how did I get here?".  And when I held her for the first time, she grab and took hold of my clothes, it was amazing!

Childbirth in Ghana
After reading about how women in other countries give birth, I can really appreciate what we have in the United States.
When in labor, women in Ghana lay on the floor and endure the pain in silence.  (There was no silence when my daughter was in pain.)
Once it is time for the baby to come, the mother sit into a sqatting position. The midwife is there to assist while supporting her back and to catch the baby. It is said to be a gentle birth. (My daughter was laying on her back, and pushed with the assistance of the doctor, the nurses and I. We were all there to support, just in case there were complications.)                                                                           [Hiller,2003 p.3]

Code of Ethics

In the NAEYC code of ethical behavior, there are several key core values that are deeply rooted in the history of the field.  I really have taken notice of a few, they include:

• Appreciation of childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.  It is important that we not only recognize this but help others to understand this very important statement as well. So many do not look at early childhood as something that should be invested in.  That is why our teachers are so underpaid.  I once hear an elected official make a statement that he did not want to invest in a particular program to train providers because if they were to get their licence or certification, they would have to be paid more money. I could not believe what I was hearing.
• Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect.  This is something that I live by, I strive to build a relationship with the families.  I want them to know that I can be trusted and that they have my respect.  Parents know that when their child is in my care, I will care for them as if they were my own.  Parents also feel comfortable coming to me to talk about concerns, they do not have to fear that I will be judgmental.
• Professional Development and Preparation is critical in providing the most effective services for young children and their families. It is my duty as a professional to stay on top of current issues.  When I train parents and providers I often refer to the latest issues in early childhood.  If I don't stay on top of things, I can inform them on what is happening.

Helpful Education Resources

Helpful Education Resources:

Websites:
The National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org
Harvard Education Letter
http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
National Child Care Association
http://www.nccanet.org

Professional Journals:
YC Young Children
Early Childhood Education Journal

Quotes from Early Childhood Professionals

"We want our children to do more than just learn how to read and write; we want them to learn in such a way that they become life long readers and writers."
Lilian Katz (Parent Magazine, October 1990)


"My passion is to make sure that all children are taught in environments and in ways that truely nurtur their ability to grow and to develop to their fullest ablity."
Louise Derman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus, Pacific Oak College, CA


"We as professionals in the early childhood field have the opportunity to shape a child's life for the better."
Sandy Escobido, Deputy Field Director
Los Angeles Prechool Advocacy Initiative
California Community Foundation

Martha’s Childhood Web

Growing up as a child for me was interesting and fun but different. I came from a very large family of 12.  I was never alone. I always did things with my sisters and brothers.  My entire family did had and still have an impact on my life.

I will start with my Mom:

My mother was the most influential person in my life. She was a strong woman who really kept our household together. Although there were 10 children, we were very disciplined. My mother was very sweet and loving, however “she said what she meant and meant what she said,” and that is all I am going to say about that.  She was supportive and encouraging. She taught me how to cook, sew and do so many other things. Unfortunately, I lost my mother when I was 16. It was very devastating to not only me but also my entire family.  It was the positive things that she taught us that really kept us all together.

My Dad:

My daddy was and still is a minister.  Although he was very busy working to support the family and pasturing a church, he still took time out to spend with us.

Dad would take us for rides, buy us ice cream and we would talk and sing during the entire trip.  He would sometimes, come in the room where we were and walk on his hands.  It is little stuff like that that I will cherish.  Although he was busy, he took time out to spend with us and I will never forget that.

My sisters:

I have six sisters and we are so much alike. It is hard to name just one because each one touched my life in so many ways.  Having so many sisters, I was never alone.  After the death of my mother, my sisters gave me advice and supported me in what ever I set out to do.

My Brother:

I grew up with three older brothers and they were my protectors. They were loving and sweet men unlike the norm.  Although, they loved to tease their little sisters, they looked out for us.  Whenever I needed advice from a male prospective, they provided their honest opinion.

My BFF:

With so many bothers and sisters, it is a wonder that I had a childhood friend but I did.  My childhood friends name is Wanda.  We were inseparable.  She had a very positive impact on my life.  She stayed at my house so much that my parents called her their daughter. Wanda and I did everything together and we talked about everything.  We had so much fun and we are still friends today. It has been 40 years.

One of My Favorite Books:

One of my favorite children book titles is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss, it is one of my favorite titles because the story itself talks about the different places you can go when you read. We as educators know how important it is for children to learn to read and do it often, which is a key to success. One of the campaigns that I am working on right now is going around to elementary schools and getting children excited and pumped up about reading.  We are on a mission to raise readers. 

An Unforgettable Moment:

There are times when educators can be very judgmental.  Once I had a student that would come into my classroom each morning and fall asleep during breakfast time.  She would sleep for an hour.  Some of the teachers would make comments about whether or not she was going to bed on time.  Other comments were also made concerning the situation.  However, after meeting with the mother, I realized  that the mother was a good caring mother and was doing all she could to raise her two girls alone.  The reason that the little girl was falling asleep was because the mom had two full time jobs and the girls would stay up until midnight just so that they could see their mom.  I talked to a few people and we all worked to help mom get a job that would pay what both jobs did together, so that she would be able to have time to spend with her girls.  “It takes a Village”

Favorite Quote:

My Favorite quote is “It takes a village to raise a child”.  This saying is so true.  The parents can’t rely on the schools alone and the schools can’t rely on the home alone.  It is going to take the home, the schools, and the community all working together.

Everyone is talking about the high school drop out rate in this country.  What gets me is that they all act as if the solution is so hard.  They are going into these middle schools and high schools trying to figure out what to do. As early childhood professionals, we can give them the answer if they would all just listen. You have to start from the bottom and move up, Early Childhood Education, that is the key!