Quote

"Children are one third of our population and all of our future." 


~Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, 1981




http://www.quotegarden.com/children.html

Testing for Intelligence?

Testing seems to be the number one tool used to measure children’s knowledge. I understand the purpose of testing; however, I don’t feel that a child’s faith should rely only on one test. For instance the TAKS test, Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. In certain grades and especially during the senior year in high school, students are required to pass all subjects. If a student doesn’t receive a passing score, they are not allowed to go on or graduate until a passing score is met. Although, TPRI which is Texas Primary Reading Inventory is used in early grades such as K-2 which is an assessment that measures reading and language arts development. I feel that test such as the TPRI are very essential to pinpoint and show a child’s weakness if there is a weakness. This test does not hold a child back from going to the next grade but is simple used to gauge development.

 In many ways schools all over the world are similar. All have their own forms of testing but one thing that is shared in common is the focus on reading, math and science. For instance, in Australia the assessment used is NAPLAN which is also known as National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy. NAPLAN is an assessment that measures a student’s reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy.

Lastly, I feel too much testing puts pressure on a child. Some people are simply not good test taker but are perfectly adequate in all of their academic subjects. I feel testing should be used for depicting strengths and weaknesses but not used to put unnecessary stress on a child.

http://www.garlandisd.net/departments/pre/glossary_assessment.asp 
http://www.naplan.edu.au/home_page.html

Poverty, Hunger and Violence

When I think about others, I immediately think about the children I work with on a daily basis. Poverty and hunger are the two stressors that many of the children I work with have in common. Many of the children come from single parent homes and deal with plenty of hardship. Due to the lack of money in their home reduces the amount of food they are able to have. Also, it impacts their living conditions. Some things that at times we don’t think twice about, such as a bed, is something that I realize many children do not have.

When I think about myself all of a sudden I had a memory that I haven’t thought about in years. It’s amazing how certain words can trigger our memory. I remember being in about the second grade and having this really good friend who hadn’t been long transferred to our school. I only remember her first name which was Alexandra. As our friendship matured I remember her confiding in me and telling about the abuse she endures from her step-father. I remember her telling me that she was physically and sexually abused by him; she made me promise not to tell anyone. I always tried to get her to come forward but she tried to reassure me that it wasn't that bad. For some time I held onto the secret but it started eating away at me; eventually, I told my mom and she told me to talk to my teacher. The day that I chose to talk to my teacher Alexandra didn’t show, days went by and her absence continued. Our teacher later told us that she had moved and I was heartbroken. All I could think about is if I had of said something sooner. I remembered how on certain days it seemed like she couldn’t focus because her mind was elsewhere. Abuse such as what Alexandra was experiencing, I know impacted her life and was a significant stressor

.

Poverty and hunger seem to be an extreme stressor for children in Africa. This quote I found is very startling “A child dies every three seconds from AIDS and extreme poverty, often before their fifth birthday”.  Majority of the homes are self-built and are usually mud houses, they are assembled with rusty and corrugated sheets and wooden boards. Majority of the homes are none electric and no pipe borne water. There are no hospitals and schools are not adequate. Children are not provided with medical attention and many do not attend school. 

Mexico City is one of the highest for children violence and murder. “In Mexico, for almost 25 years now, two children under 15 are murdered regularly each day”. The violence that these children are enduring can impact their life even into adulthood, producing health problems.

I think that biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial developments are all affected when a child is experiencing any of the above stressors. I feel that children become in denial, which is the only way that they can deal with their situation. By saying “it’s not that bad” or “it’s my fault” gives them some type of justification on why the situation is a occurring.

http://cozay.com/

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/americas/news/article_1293865.php/Mexico_among_countries_with_most_violence_towards_children

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is important because it was part of my life when I was a baby. I had a discussion with my mom and she told me that I was breastfed for roughly 12 months. Due to the fact that I don’t have any children I at times bypass things that I have never had the opportunity of experiencing. However, in doing research over breastfeeding, I understand it is much more than a source of food for a baby. Breastfeeding a baby gives another means of bonding between mother and baby. Breastfeeding can also prevent many types of illnesses in a baby. Also, the mother can benefit from breastfeeding; it has been proven to lower type 2 diabetes. One thing that I found fascinating is that breastfeeding is common around the world. In so many topics certain countries differ and have completely different methods. However, places such as Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, Asia and Jordan all highly recommend breastfeeding. Islam promotes mothers to breastfeed for approximately two years. In the Philippines the mother will normally nurse her child for two to three years. In Asian families it is very common that they breastfeed until the child is three years old. In doing my research, I realized that there is not an exact age where you must stop breastfeeding; this is more of a personal decision depending on the family. My outlook on breastfeeding has definitely changed and blossomed.


http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/457485_2
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4587404_how-long-nurse-child.html
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/index.cfm?page=227
http://www.007b.com/public-breastfeeding-world.php

Childbirth––In Your Life and Around the World

I don't have any children, nor have I seen an actual birth. Not much can really be said about my birth. My mom just told me she was in terrible pain and was knocked out during a large majority of it. However, this past summer there was a new addition to our family. My cousin had her second child, Claire Elizabeth Miles.  I choose this event because this is the last birth in my family and the closes in relationship to myself. Claire was actually expected born almost two week after her expected due date. This baby kept us in suspense. Everyone tried to pinpoint the day of delivery, thinking she would be here before Memorial Day or on the actual Holiday. I remember feeling a rush of anxiety because the doctors told my cousin that they were just going to have to go ahead and take the baby.  She had to have an emergency cesarean section but thankful there were no complication. I remember thinking, as much as we like to think our doctors know it all, with children you have to think the unexpected. I am so thankful that everything went well on that June day. If there had of been any complications this could have effected Claire’s development and her childhood.

 In Mexico, there rituals are very different. When a woman is pregnant she has to abide by many guidelines that woman in the U.S. wouldn’t think twice about. While pregnant they are not allowed to attend funerals or be associated to anything relating to death. They also expect a woman to never take a hot or cold baths. Cold water is believed to be harsh on the bones; while hot water appears to produce circulatory problems. As well, they consider being in sun light or being close to fire could burn the placenta and aggravate the baby. While giving birth in Mexico it is tradition to make sure everything is closed (window, doors), no openings. If there is an opening is shall be closed or blocked with cloths. By closing up any holes they are protecting the baby and mother from evil forces. Also, while the mother is giving birth she is to be as quiet as possible so she will not be mocked. In addition, the umbilical cord is sacred and the cord is placed around the child’s neck. All of this is very different from what I know my cousin’s experienced. I know she was not worried about screaming or keeping up noise. Nor, was she concerned about anything being opened or keeping the umbilical cord. It’s amazing to see how other people do and believe and have so many different perspectives.


http://www.midwiferytoday.com/enews/enews0241.asp
http://www.mothersspace.in/pregnancy/pregnancy_traditions/world_childbirth_traditions

NAEYC

NAEYC Code of Ethics (Ethical Responsibilities to Children)

Ideals

I-1.5—To create and maintain safe and healthy settings

that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and

physical development and that respect their dignity

and their contributions.

Many children that I work with do not come from a stable environment. It is important that when a child comes to school that he or she feels comfortable and safe. I recently had a student run away from home because she told me that she was being physically abused. A learning environment at all times should be healthy and safe. As educator we can only play by the rules and call child protective services but we can’t be with that child when they go home. I feel while a child is my care that should always feel safe and only be concerned about learning.

NAEYC Code of Ethics (Principles)

P-1.3—We shall not participate in practices that discriminate

against children by denying benefits, giving

special advantages, or excluding them from programs

or activities on the basis of their sex, race, national

origin, religious beliefs, medical condition, disability,

or the marital status/family structure, sexual orientation,

or religious beliefs or other affiliations of their

families. (Aspects of this principle do not apply in

programs that have a lawful mandate to provide

services to a particular population of children.)

At the school I work at, there is a MAC lab (Mastery Assessment Center). The lab assists children who have any type of learning disability.  I enjoy the fact that the school does not discriminate against children who are lower in academics than others. Having this center allows children to stay in the classroom and experience the same learning environment as others. A child should never be discriminated no matter the situation.

NAEYC Code of Ethics (Ethical Responsibilities to Families)

Ideals

I-2.2—To develop relationships of mutual trust and

create partnerships with the families we serve.
I-2.3—To welcome all family members and encourage
them to participate in the program.

When working with children it is a good idea to understand their background. The best way to become familiar with a child’s environment is to develop a relationship with their family. Sometimes family member can give a child that extra push that sometimes educators can’t. I had a student last year who was failing; I contacted the Mother and she had no idea about the situation. By developing a foundation with the family I began to see an immediate change in her son’s academics. Thinking back, if I had not established a relationship with the student’s parents, there is a possibility that he could have failed that six weeks and maybe even for the semester.

Resources

Part 1: Position Statements and Influential Practices

    * 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://www.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/~images/pdfs/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. 

Part 2: Global Support for Children’s Rights and Well-Being

    * Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
      
    * Websites:
          o World Forum Foundation
            http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/about.php
            This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage

          o World Organization for Early Childhood Education
            http://www.omep.org.gu.se/English/about_OMEP/
            Read about OMEP’s mission. 

          o Association for Childhood Education International
            http://acei.org/about/
            Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.

Note: Explore the resources in Parts 3 and 4 in preparation for this week’s Application assignment.

Part 3: 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/pages/page.asp?page_id=22807

    * The Erikson Institute
      http://www.erikson.edu/
        

Part 4: Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library

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

Additional Resources
I feel at times you can feel backed into a corner and need some simple words to get you going again. I have provided 3 quotes from 3 different sites to make one think more about in depth about education. 


"I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework." -- Edith Ann, [Lily Tomlin]
http://www.etni.org.il/quotes/education.htm

''Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know.''
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_education.html

“Education is not received. It is achieved.”

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/education_is_not_received-it_is_achieved/259705.html

Quotes

Stanley I. Greenspan M.D. quotes

“We really need to change that historic dichotomy of cognition on the one hand, emotions on the other hand, and realize that our emotions are the fuel that gives rise to social behavior but also to different levels of intelligence,”

“Regardless of the history of IQ tests in the family, if I see nurturing, warm, interactive people who read emotional signals well and interact well, usually I see happy, competent and bright children,”  (This is one of my favorite quotes; I feel very passionate about the truth in this quote.)

“If you do a little bit of looking at books with your children and inspire them to be curious about the pictures and ... what the word means, but don't get into very structured systematic teaching at too early an age, ... and you also interact emotionally and have fun with pretend play ... then you have the best of both worlds.”


Excerpts  from Susan (Sue) Bredekamp and Carol Copple (National Association for the Education of Young Children)
Teachers acknowledge what children do or say. They let children know that
they have noticed by giving children positive attention, sometimes through
comments, sometimes through just sitting nearby and observing (“Thanks for
your help, Kavi,” “You found another way to show 5”).

• Teachers encourage persistence and effort rather than just praising and evaluating
what the child has done (“You’re thinking of lots of words to describe
the dog in the story—let’s keep going!”).

• Teachers give specific feedback rather than general comments (“The beanbag
didn’t get all the way to the hoop, James, so you might try throwing it
harder”).

• Teachers model attitudes, ways of approaching problems, and behavior
toward others, showing children rather than just telling them (“Hmm, that
didn’t work and I need to think about why,” “I’m sorry, Ben, I missed part of
what you said. Please tell me again”).

• Teachers demonstrate when they show the correct way to do something.
This usually applies to a procedure that needs to be done in a certain way
(e.g., using a wire whisk, writing a letter P).

• Teachers create or add challenge so that a task goes a bit beyond what the
children can already do. (For example, when the teacher removes several
chips from a set, asks how many are left, and finds the children can count the
remaining chips accurately, he may then add difficulty by hiding the remaining
chips. Figuring out how many are left just from knowing the number that
were removed is more challenging.) In other cases, teachers reduce challenge
to meet children where they are (e.g., by simplifying the task). 

Quotes from Lousie Derman-Sparks and Raymond Hernandez

Louise Derman-Sparks
" I had a built in passion that it was important to make a real contribution in the world and to fix all the injustices that existed in the world." "So the passion to create a safer, more just world for all kids is there and suppose will be there until I die and maybe even after."

Raymond Hernandez
"I think first and foremost my passion comes from a lot of it is intrinsic motivation that I have for the work that I do. Every day, I go to work and look forward to it because I know the services that I'm providing for children it's to their benefit." I want the children to know "That there is more to life than just what's in their neighborhood."

 Additional quote
Raymond Hernandez
"Having people offer me opportunities and opening doors for me where I feel like now, as I've gotten older, it's my turn to be able to create opportunities for parents and their children."


I feel what Hernandez said is very important to our society today. I think that many people forget that you have to give back. There is an imaginary cycle that need to continually turn in order for the cycle to continue prosperously.



http://thinkexist.com/quotes/stanley_greenspan/
http://www.naeyc.org/store/files/store/TOC/375.pdf 

Personal Childhood Web

I can truly say that I have enjoyed every aspect of my childhood life. I couldn’t think of one thing that I would change because that would change the person that I am today. There were many people that impacted my life but the top five people would be my mother, aunt, grandmother and two uncles.
    My Mom is a person that influenced my heart and soul. She has impacted my life more than words can explain. I come from a single parent home like many.  My parents divorced when I was two years old. As a child I lacked a lot of love from my father and even though a person can’t take the place of another, my mom did a fantastic job at it. My mother always put me as her number one top priority. She always would take time out for me, no matter how hectic her schedule was. She was at every event, no matter how small or big. She taught me at a young age that life never goes as planned but you have to work with what you have. The smallest things such as a hug, smile or a kiss on the forehead daily was enough to show how she cared about me.
    Next my Aunt Bonita and her husband, Uncle Greg, were and still are like my second parents.  From first grade to the twelfth grade, either my aunt or uncle would take me to school and pick me up every day. That may not seem like much but knowing that a person is there waiting for you in all inclement weather was reassuring. Little things like having hot chocolate, Slurpee, or a lollipop waiting for me in the car when I got out of school are things I will never forget. Sometimes the small items are the things that actually weigh the most and show they care about you. They both made me feel special, like I was their own child and welcomed me each and every day in their home. The nurture they showed me as a child is something I will never forget. Now the roles are reversed and I show the same compassion to them as they are my own parents.
    My Uncle Wilbert is another person that I hold very dear to my heart. As a child you are still learning and you make many mistakes. I can remember him working hard around the house painting walls on one occasion. I remember touching up against the wall which made a stain appear. Instead of him getting irate, he plainly told me it was okay, and not to worry about it. He always had tremendous patients with me, no matter what mistake I made. This has always been important to me because my own father never had much tolerance to deal with errors. As well, anytime I was stressed or depressed, he would always take time out to make me laugh and make me forget about the situation I was dealing with. I find myself using his techniques in life today. I seem to be a magnet for children; they seem to love being around me. I can’t help but feel that children enjoy being around me because I am carrying on similar characteristics of my Uncle.
    Last but not least my grandmother, Victoria is someone I know I will talk about my entire life. As a child, she constantly taught me life lessons and is currently continuing that path. Children always ask “why questions” and many people will say “because I said so”. However, my grandmother would always take the time out to explain and make sure I comprehended a situation. Taking five minutes out of her day made the world to me. She is a person that I know no matter what, I can come to. I can tell through her eyes, smiles, and hugs that she loves me and cares deeply about me. Also, she has a loving heart not just for myself but for anyone who is in need.
The people I discussed above are very important people in my life and will always be. I know they are imperative to me because all of them are like my parents. They have truly impacted my life and I am thankful to have each and every one of them. Without my mom, aunt, grandmother and uncles I wouldn’t be the person that I am today.

Dr. Seuss "Green Eggs and Ham"

Dr. Seuss books were one of my favorite books to read as a child. Dr. Seuss of course was not the only great children writer at the time. I remember enjoying reading Pinocchio. However, the reason why I always went back to reading Dr. Seuss books was because of consistency. I had almost every book in the Dr. Seuss collection. All children enjoy being familiar with something or someone. Children develop relationships rather fiction or not. As a child I felt like I knew Dr. Seuss personally, which made me eager to read more or read a book multiple times. Today, when I think about children books, lines from Green Eggs and Ham come to mind.

Educational Quote

"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."
- Maria Montessori