A Children Quote
"Childhood is that state
which ends the moment a
puddle is first viewed as
an obstacle instead of an
opportunity."
-Kathy Williams
Friday, June 24, 2016
When I think of Child Development
A Children Quote
"Childhood is that state
which ends the moment a
puddle is first viewed as
an obstacle instead of an
opportunity."
-Kathy Williams
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Testing for Intelligence?
What do you believe should be measured or assessed?
First all let me say, I am against standardize testing, and common core. I believe that these test are not design for children, when the material on the test is not what the teacher is teaching. For example, when common core started, children did not do well at all. One reason was because the material that was on the test was not the material that was being taught in the classroom. The teachers couldn't pass the test. When parents so what their children were being tested on; they couldn't pass the test. Then, they wanted to educate the parents after the test had been administered and the children didn't do well. Think about how many children have test anxiety. You know some children when they see a test, they automatically freeze. Does that mean that they don't know the material? "No!"
When I think about measuring a child's mind; I think about what should the child and what do I need to teach to make sure that the child is getting what they need and what they should know. I believe children learn more through hands on experience, which is a good way to measure what they know, especially dealing with young children. I will teach the basics; for example, when introducing the letters of the alphabet. I show the letter, introduce the letter and incorporate the letters in my centers. For example, we make the letter using playdough, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, and different art materials, which is done through art. I add the letters to my writing center, I use file folder games. I utilize songs, fingerplays, music, and rhymes to introduce the letter. Children are being measured, learning, getting hands on experience and playing at the same time. I am a firm believer that children learn by being creative.
When I assessed my student to see what they learn, I usually use cards, interactive technology games, I add letters, and asked them to simply pick up the letter that I asked for. This is a great way to see what that have learned when teaching young children. I believe teaching this way gives them opportunities to think out of the box, and be creative.
Finland
Black &William,(1998) suggest that Finland's high scores on the PISA are due to a lack of high-stake testing. These students are not required to take a national standardized high-stake test until they transfer over to secondary school, and they only test if they decide to go to higher education. Finland states the purpose of their assessment is to improve learning. Their formative assessments is only used for the purpose of learning. Finland believe that the pressure of high-stake assessments will inhibit the development of formative assessment. Finland states the United States rely on testing their students, which in turn result in teaching tom the test. The children are given a normative assessment in the early part of their early learning to see if they have any disabilities. All children are placed inn the same classroom. They do not place children by their ability; they have a second teacher in the classroom to teach the children that are struggling. Finland focus only on learning, so they don't have extra curricula activities like sports, bands, football teams etc. They only have language, history, science , math, music, recess, and carpentry. Their assessment are also based around improving their instruction and learning.
My Comments
My concerns with all the testing here in the United States is that we are losing students and teachers. Parents are beginning to home school. I totally disagree with home schooling, because it takes a way socializing, learning new ways to learn, and meeting people. Children need to be able to interact with their peers. These test are stressing the students, parent, and teachers out. I wonder what is happening to our education system. I know where I live, which is Shreveport, La. we have lost teachers, and a lot of our schools have been closed. I believe teaching the old way works, without all the testing. I think we need to only incorporate the skills that are needed for our children to be ready for this global world!
Reference
5(1), 7-74.
First all let me say, I am against standardize testing, and common core. I believe that these test are not design for children, when the material on the test is not what the teacher is teaching. For example, when common core started, children did not do well at all. One reason was because the material that was on the test was not the material that was being taught in the classroom. The teachers couldn't pass the test. When parents so what their children were being tested on; they couldn't pass the test. Then, they wanted to educate the parents after the test had been administered and the children didn't do well. Think about how many children have test anxiety. You know some children when they see a test, they automatically freeze. Does that mean that they don't know the material? "No!"
When I think about measuring a child's mind; I think about what should the child and what do I need to teach to make sure that the child is getting what they need and what they should know. I believe children learn more through hands on experience, which is a good way to measure what they know, especially dealing with young children. I will teach the basics; for example, when introducing the letters of the alphabet. I show the letter, introduce the letter and incorporate the letters in my centers. For example, we make the letter using playdough, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, and different art materials, which is done through art. I add the letters to my writing center, I use file folder games. I utilize songs, fingerplays, music, and rhymes to introduce the letter. Children are being measured, learning, getting hands on experience and playing at the same time. I am a firm believer that children learn by being creative.
When I assessed my student to see what they learn, I usually use cards, interactive technology games, I add letters, and asked them to simply pick up the letter that I asked for. This is a great way to see what that have learned when teaching young children. I believe teaching this way gives them opportunities to think out of the box, and be creative.
Finland
Black &William,(1998) suggest that Finland's high scores on the PISA are due to a lack of high-stake testing. These students are not required to take a national standardized high-stake test until they transfer over to secondary school, and they only test if they decide to go to higher education. Finland states the purpose of their assessment is to improve learning. Their formative assessments is only used for the purpose of learning. Finland believe that the pressure of high-stake assessments will inhibit the development of formative assessment. Finland states the United States rely on testing their students, which in turn result in teaching tom the test. The children are given a normative assessment in the early part of their early learning to see if they have any disabilities. All children are placed inn the same classroom. They do not place children by their ability; they have a second teacher in the classroom to teach the children that are struggling. Finland focus only on learning, so they don't have extra curricula activities like sports, bands, football teams etc. They only have language, history, science , math, music, recess, and carpentry. Their assessment are also based around improving their instruction and learning.
My Comments
My concerns with all the testing here in the United States is that we are losing students and teachers. Parents are beginning to home school. I totally disagree with home schooling, because it takes a way socializing, learning new ways to learn, and meeting people. Children need to be able to interact with their peers. These test are stressing the students, parent, and teachers out. I wonder what is happening to our education system. I know where I live, which is Shreveport, La. we have lost teachers, and a lot of our schools have been closed. I believe teaching the old way works, without all the testing. I think we need to only incorporate the skills that are needed for our children to be ready for this global world!
Reference
Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. Assessment in Education,
5(1), 7-74.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Consequences Of Stress on Children's Development
Violence
In almost all families of every income, ethnicity, and nation, parents want to protect their children while fostering their growth. Yet far more children die from violence-either accidental or deliberate-than from any specific disease (Berger, 2016). I can honestly say, I have never as a child had to deal with any of these stressors. I see a lot of these stressors everyday, because I work with families that is associated with these kind of problems.
I had a family that was dealing with violence. Mom had three children that was 5, 12, and 14 years of age. The dad was hurting the oldest, because he was not his biological child. Mom knew this was happening, but she would find some way to make an excuse. The dad was beating the child with his fist, or anything he felt like picking up at the time. Mom was by making excuses, making promises or just acting like she really didn't know what was going on in her house. Mom would asked the child, "How did you do that.?" Mom knew dad was doing this to her child. Mom would also promise the child that she would buy them something or take them somewhere special if they wouldn't tell anyone what happen. I asked mom was this her way of surviving by lying and hiding the truth. Mom told me that I could not tell her how to run her house. I told mom that I may not can tell her how to run her house, but I am a mandated reporter.
One day I did a pop up visit at their house. When I open my car door, I could hear the screaming, crying, and pleading for someone to stop. As I was approaching the door, I dialed 911. When I open the door, the child was covered in blood, and barely moving. The police walked in an immediately grab dad. The child had been beaten with a child's plastic bat. I called CPS and they came and removed the other children. mom went to jail with dad. The child has some memory loss, and has lost mobility to his right arm. This was stress on the entire family, because it was stressful on mom and the child for lying. The child was dealing with the most stress, because he had to make sure he was doing all the right things to keep dad from hurting him, but what was the right thing? Child Abuse is violence.
Here are some other regions and countries where children are experiencing stressors like war, poverty, racism, natural disaster, isolation, hunger, noise, chaos, disease, environmental pollution, and violence.
Caribbean Region, Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad, Africa, and Kenya.
What happens to children's biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial development when they experience these stressors?
These children can be emotionally torn down, and can become vulnerable. They can experience brain problems and physical problems. Other problems could be; humiliation, embarrassment, anxious, depression, anger problems, and worried about self or loved ones. All of these problems ties into the developing domains.
Reference
Berger, K. S. (2016). The developing person through childhood (7th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Child Development and Public Health
My public health topic is on mental health of mothers, fathers, and families.
Describe in what ways this topic is meaningful to you.
This topic is very personally to me, because I am a Parent Specialist Officer ( PSS ) for Ekhaya Youth Project. My job as a PSS is to support families with mental health problems and assist them with coping with issues that will involve their families. I always remind my families that parenting is a challenge for some people; especially for parents or family members that have mental health conditions. When I see my families; I remind them that their problem does not affect everyone in their family. We work on social skills, and what to do when they become overwhelm. I tell them their condition affects their behavior, and their relationship with their families. We discuss the importance for taking their medication and keeping their doctor appointments. I give them numbers to call if they need to talk about anything, or if they become suicidal. In my experience I have seen children get taken away from their mother, father, or family member, because they have attacked them, and seriously hurt the person. I see family members, and children get verbal abuse on a daily basis.
I give them ways to cope with their problems. This is a very serious problem nationwide, that will lead to some serious factors. This mental health issue will always be a global issue.
Information about mental health of mothers, fathers, and families in Jamaica.
Mental health issues are considered to be a hopeless fact in Jamaica. If a family member have mental health issues in Jamaica, they will receive primary care under the mental health program. The care is performed by psychiatrists or mental health officers. These people will modify their drug doses and use other therapies, if they are trained in that field. The Jamaicans gives lectures and hold meetings with their parishes to educate their people about mental health. There is very little help in Jamaica with families that are destined to have mental heath problems. Statistics in Jamaica states; if a child is fatherless, they will suffer with anxiety, depression, suicidal and psychosomatic. I will remind you once again that this is a major problem nationwide.
Ways this information may impact my future.
I know that we are blessed in the United states, because we have so many resources that can help us. I strive really hard to make sure these families I serve needs are met. I will continue to educate myself through my trainings and workshop. I have seen what happens when these families do not meet their requirements to learn how to cope with their problem. I will always implement what I have learned by finding strategies, and resources to help the adjust with matters dealing with their families. I know that visiting the doctor, and taking meds are also essential. That is why I will continue to check their daily chart for meds.
Describe in what ways this topic is meaningful to you.
This topic is very personally to me, because I am a Parent Specialist Officer ( PSS ) for Ekhaya Youth Project. My job as a PSS is to support families with mental health problems and assist them with coping with issues that will involve their families. I always remind my families that parenting is a challenge for some people; especially for parents or family members that have mental health conditions. When I see my families; I remind them that their problem does not affect everyone in their family. We work on social skills, and what to do when they become overwhelm. I tell them their condition affects their behavior, and their relationship with their families. We discuss the importance for taking their medication and keeping their doctor appointments. I give them numbers to call if they need to talk about anything, or if they become suicidal. In my experience I have seen children get taken away from their mother, father, or family member, because they have attacked them, and seriously hurt the person. I see family members, and children get verbal abuse on a daily basis.
I give them ways to cope with their problems. This is a very serious problem nationwide, that will lead to some serious factors. This mental health issue will always be a global issue.
Information about mental health of mothers, fathers, and families in Jamaica.
Mental health issues are considered to be a hopeless fact in Jamaica. If a family member have mental health issues in Jamaica, they will receive primary care under the mental health program. The care is performed by psychiatrists or mental health officers. These people will modify their drug doses and use other therapies, if they are trained in that field. The Jamaicans gives lectures and hold meetings with their parishes to educate their people about mental health. There is very little help in Jamaica with families that are destined to have mental heath problems. Statistics in Jamaica states; if a child is fatherless, they will suffer with anxiety, depression, suicidal and psychosomatic. I will remind you once again that this is a major problem nationwide.
Ways this information may impact my future.
I know that we are blessed in the United states, because we have so many resources that can help us. I strive really hard to make sure these families I serve needs are met. I will continue to educate myself through my trainings and workshop. I have seen what happens when these families do not meet their requirements to learn how to cope with their problem. I will always implement what I have learned by finding strategies, and resources to help the adjust with matters dealing with their families. I know that visiting the doctor, and taking meds are also essential. That is why I will continue to check their daily chart for meds.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World
My Birth Experience
I was pregnant with my first child in 1984. I was laying in the bed one night watching tv and I felt a sharp pain in the bottom of my stomach. I didn't move; I just laid there thinking the pain will stop. I was only seven months pregnant. All of a sudden,blood begin to run down my leg. My underwear was full of blood. I started crying and screaming for my mother. My mom came in and called 911. The paramedics came and immediately said, "She is going to lose this baby!" I remember asking God to let my baby live, and to take me! That was the last thing I remembered. When I woke up, I was so sore, and felt like my skin was so tight. My mother said, "Baby you had a baby boy, and take it slow, because you have staples, and running a temperature." I looked at my mom, dad, and my child's father and noticed their eyes was filling up with water. I asked my mother to tell me what was going on. Mom said, "My grandson is so tiny and his lungs are not fully develop." mom said, "He cannot breathe on his on!" I said, "I want to see my son now!" Mom helped me out of the bed, and put me in a wheelchair. We started going down the hall, and I began to pray, and asked God to heal my son. I went in the NICU unit and there he was laying there with tubes from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet! OMG!! He was so tiny! I asked the nurse how much did he weigh. She said, "2lbs and 10oz. My baby looked so helpless. I asked the nurse to get the doctor for me. The doctor came in and told me that my placenta was separating and he did an emergency C-section. He told me that there was nothing that he could do to help my baby. He stated that my baby wouldn't make it through the night. My mom said, "Please help my grandchild; there has to be something that you can do!" The doctor said, "I am so sorry." The nurse told me that I needed to go back in get in bed, because I was still running fever. We went back to the room, and I told everyone to leave, because I needed some time to myself. I laid there crying all night. The nurse came in and whispered in my ear; "he is breathing on his own!" I started crying harder and thanking God for answering my prayers. My walked in and said, "he is going to make it! mom said, "I was not going to leave you are my grandbaby! Today, De' Mikael is 31 years old, a UPS driver, and a daddy himself!
What do you remember about the event?
I remembered being afraid. I was puzzled, because I couldn't remember what I had done to make this happen! I kept saying, "What have I done!"
Why did you choose this example?
I chose this example, because so many women go through different experiences having babies. C-sections and early births can come from different things pertaining from prenatal care and childbirth. My experience may help someone.
What are your thoughts regarding birth and its impact on child development?
My thoughts are; birth and child development is very essential, because the birth of a child is amazing. The mom bonds with the child and from day one, make sure that the child is developing normally. Mom notices things that can be fixed, before it gets overlooked. She sees all the early inventions in her baby.
Choose a region in the country.....Africa
babies in Africa chances are very low. There are 11 million premature births in Africa. ten percent of the births are premature.
The similarity is Africans just like Americans both are 37 weeks pregnant when premature babies are born.
The differences...We have quality heath care with doctors and they have their moms or grand mothers delivering their children, without professional training. If emergency happens when have transportation. Africans have to walk while they are in labor to get help.
I can say that I would not make it living in Africa having a baby without meds, and the proper equipment for my baby and me to live!
I was pregnant with my first child in 1984. I was laying in the bed one night watching tv and I felt a sharp pain in the bottom of my stomach. I didn't move; I just laid there thinking the pain will stop. I was only seven months pregnant. All of a sudden,blood begin to run down my leg. My underwear was full of blood. I started crying and screaming for my mother. My mom came in and called 911. The paramedics came and immediately said, "She is going to lose this baby!" I remember asking God to let my baby live, and to take me! That was the last thing I remembered. When I woke up, I was so sore, and felt like my skin was so tight. My mother said, "Baby you had a baby boy, and take it slow, because you have staples, and running a temperature." I looked at my mom, dad, and my child's father and noticed their eyes was filling up with water. I asked my mother to tell me what was going on. Mom said, "My grandson is so tiny and his lungs are not fully develop." mom said, "He cannot breathe on his on!" I said, "I want to see my son now!" Mom helped me out of the bed, and put me in a wheelchair. We started going down the hall, and I began to pray, and asked God to heal my son. I went in the NICU unit and there he was laying there with tubes from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet! OMG!! He was so tiny! I asked the nurse how much did he weigh. She said, "2lbs and 10oz. My baby looked so helpless. I asked the nurse to get the doctor for me. The doctor came in and told me that my placenta was separating and he did an emergency C-section. He told me that there was nothing that he could do to help my baby. He stated that my baby wouldn't make it through the night. My mom said, "Please help my grandchild; there has to be something that you can do!" The doctor said, "I am so sorry." The nurse told me that I needed to go back in get in bed, because I was still running fever. We went back to the room, and I told everyone to leave, because I needed some time to myself. I laid there crying all night. The nurse came in and whispered in my ear; "he is breathing on his own!" I started crying harder and thanking God for answering my prayers. My walked in and said, "he is going to make it! mom said, "I was not going to leave you are my grandbaby! Today, De' Mikael is 31 years old, a UPS driver, and a daddy himself!
What do you remember about the event?
I remembered being afraid. I was puzzled, because I couldn't remember what I had done to make this happen! I kept saying, "What have I done!"
Why did you choose this example?
I chose this example, because so many women go through different experiences having babies. C-sections and early births can come from different things pertaining from prenatal care and childbirth. My experience may help someone.
What are your thoughts regarding birth and its impact on child development?
My thoughts are; birth and child development is very essential, because the birth of a child is amazing. The mom bonds with the child and from day one, make sure that the child is developing normally. Mom notices things that can be fixed, before it gets overlooked. She sees all the early inventions in her baby.
Choose a region in the country.....Africa
babies in Africa chances are very low. There are 11 million premature births in Africa. ten percent of the births are premature.
The similarity is Africans just like Americans both are 37 weeks pregnant when premature babies are born.
The differences...We have quality heath care with doctors and they have their moms or grand mothers delivering their children, without professional training. If emergency happens when have transportation. Africans have to walk while they are in labor to get help.
I can say that I would not make it living in Africa having a baby without meds, and the proper equipment for my baby and me to live!
Saturday, April 23, 2016
A Note Of Thanks and Support
To my Colleagues and Walden Faculty,
The time has finally come for us to go to the next level. I want to thank each and everyone of you for supporting me in EDUC-6005-7 course. Words cannot express how I feel at this moment. I feel like I know each and everyone of you personally. You have supported me by giving words of encouragement when I felt frustrated, or even lost. Thank you for the comments and knowledgeable information that you have shared with me in this course. I have really enjoyed the collaborating experiences, and listening to what you have brought to this field. It was so nice meeting people that brought all kinds of creativity to this course.
My colleagues, I hope that you have taken what I have shared with you throughout my journey as an Early Childhood teacher. I have supported you by commented on your post, and giving examples of what I have experienced as a teacher. I have supported you by learning from you and taking that information and sharing with other colleagues. I am glad that I had the experience to be a voice for you!
I want each and every one of you to continue to strive for the best! As you continue this journey always remember that you are the one that will make a difference in those children and families lives. My wish for my colleagues is to become successful learners and to utilize what they are perceiving in this field. I want them to become professional teachers, educators or whatever they choose to be. I want to leave this with you....YOU ARE THESE CHILDREN FUTURE! EARLY CHILDHOOD DOES MATTER! I have really enjoyed everyone! I will see you down the road as we continue our life-long learning!
The time has finally come for us to go to the next level. I want to thank each and everyone of you for supporting me in EDUC-6005-7 course. Words cannot express how I feel at this moment. I feel like I know each and everyone of you personally. You have supported me by giving words of encouragement when I felt frustrated, or even lost. Thank you for the comments and knowledgeable information that you have shared with me in this course. I have really enjoyed the collaborating experiences, and listening to what you have brought to this field. It was so nice meeting people that brought all kinds of creativity to this course.
My colleagues, I hope that you have taken what I have shared with you throughout my journey as an Early Childhood teacher. I have supported you by commented on your post, and giving examples of what I have experienced as a teacher. I have supported you by learning from you and taking that information and sharing with other colleagues. I am glad that I had the experience to be a voice for you!
I want each and every one of you to continue to strive for the best! As you continue this journey always remember that you are the one that will make a difference in those children and families lives. My wish for my colleagues is to become successful learners and to utilize what they are perceiving in this field. I want them to become professional teachers, educators or whatever they choose to be. I want to leave this with you....YOU ARE THESE CHILDREN FUTURE! EARLY CHILDHOOD DOES MATTER! I have really enjoyed everyone! I will see you down the road as we continue our life-long learning!
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Examining Codes of Ethics
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
Ethical Responsibilities to Families
I-2.2- To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with families we serve.
I think that it is very important for every family to feel comfortable with their child's teacher. I constantly remind my families that we have an open door policy. I welcome them at anytime so that they can see that their child is in a safe learning environment. I want them to trust me with their child. I always speak in a professional tone, and remind them that I am here for them and their child.
I-2.7- To share information about each child's education and development with families and to help them understand and appreciate the current knowledge base of the early childhood profession.
I would say this is not only meaningful, but is important as well. I share information with my families regarding their education on a daily basis. I communicate with my parents through letters, portfolios, conferences, and most of all home visits. I let my parents see the progress their child has made by starting the portfolio at the beginning of school. I will always let my families know when I see some development delayed issues. I explain to my parents on the first day, why early childhood is important, and why we need to communicate throughout the school year.
I-2.9- To participate in building support networks for families by providing them opportunities to interact with program staff, other families, community resources, and professional services.
Our program offers parent involvement, in fact welcomes all family members. The school get a panel of parents that takes the positions as presidents, vice presidents, treasures, and secretary. These parent attends all meetings regarding Head Start issues. They come and ask the teachers what they need, or what they would like for them to discuss in the meeting regarding early childhood. They join other families, professionals, and the community at these meetings. I encourage my parents to become a part of this panel. I tell them this is the time to be heard, and voice their opinions.
DEC Code of Ethics
5.We shall use individually appropriate assessment strategies including multiple sources of information such as observations, interviews with significant caregivers, formal and informal assessments to determine children's learning styles, strengths, and challenges.
I do observations daily on my children. I look for something different, creative, and meaningful. I take these observations and record them into teaching strategy. This is where I level the children to see where they are at the moment. I can also use teaching strategy to see progress. This information goes to the Department of education. We have professionals come in and talk with the teacher about a child's progress. If the teacher see any issues, she and the team get together along with the parent to see what they can do to help the child. We use this assessment to analyze the child's strength, challenges, and learning style.
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