These pictures remind me of the observations that I conducted in the preschools and daycares over the past 5 weeks. The most exciting thing about these photos is that kids are learning and playing in a safe learning environment. These kids demonstrate and promote positive social skills, interactions and cooperative play....something we all learned about in the Early Childhood Development course. All professionals and parents should continue to work together to create productive and safe environments for our children to play in!

Inspirational Quotes

Your children need your presence more than your
presents.

                                                    Anonymous

Children need love, especially when they "do not deserve" it.

                                                ~ Harold Hulbert

This Video Will Assist Toddlers In Learning Numbers

This following video is a numbers song to the ten little tune. It's designed to help children learn the names and the spelling of numbers. This has been arranged and performed by A.J. Jenkins.

After receiving many views and likes on Youtube, here is what some viewers thought about this song.

Lori says:  "My grandchild of two months could not take his eyes off this , he is now one and he still cannot take his eyes off it, he is also trying to sing it now."

Shannon says "My two granddaughters also love it ( and all your great songs)I have put some on my mobile and if they start crying or are bored I put it on for them , they stop crying immediately. Thank you so much."

Kimberly says "my 2 yrs and 5 months old daughter loves to watch your songs even if she doesn't speak english yet :) Very nice, I like it too!"

Janet says "My 18 month old son loves watching your videos. At the end of the video he says again which means he wants to watch it again. Keep up the good work:)"

Assessments in Hong Kong

The amazing fact about children is that they learn in different ways. Some children are visual learners while others learn best by listening. For this reason, I believe that children should be assessed in any area that shows evidence of learning. I agree with Howard Gardner's theory that there are at least 7 multiple intelligences. Children should be assessed Linguistically, Intrapersonally, Interpersonally and Mathematically. When children are assessed in any area, it is important that the area is one that can be used in real life situations. It has to be meaningful.

Vygotsky speculated that parents play an important role in the intellectual development of their children, and that this role includes the transfer of expectations related to their children's academic achievement. Consequently, different parents can produce different contexts of academic achievement for their children. The participants were 215 Primary 5 and 6 students from four primary schools in Hong Kong, and their parents. Students were administered a test of working memory and their academic achievement was indicated by their school-assessed mathematics and language achievement scores.  Parents reported their expectations of their children's academic achievement, the extent of their home and school environment, and their educational and income levels. Correlational and sequential regression analyses showed that different schools yielded different contexts of academic achievement. The results support the hypothesis that parents, and especially parental expectations, play an important role in children's academic achievement, and that within Hong Kong different schools can be characterized by different contexts of achievement.

References

Phillipson, Sivanes. (2009). Context of Academic Achievement: Lessons from Hong Kong. Educational Psychology, v29n4p447-468

Poverty in Ethiopia

According to an article that I recently read, some of the causes of poverty in Ethiopia are:

• Absence of sufficient rainfall
• Shortage of food products owing to several conditions
• Technological know how being poorly developed
• Transportation facilities are poorly developed
• Lack of potable water, proper education and health programs

In Ethiopia, 44% of the population lives under the poverty line. Many of the people live in rural areas with agriculture as their main occupation. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is driving poor people even deeper into poverty, depriving families of the young adults who are their most productive members.
Poverty in Ethiopia is more pronounced in the rural areas as compared to the urban areas. The situation has worsened because of sharp increases in the prices of food and fertilizers on world markets, which made it difficult for poor households in Ethiopia to secure adequate food supplies.

References

Poverty In Ethiopia-Financial Information, World Finance
www.finance.mapsofworld.com/economy/ethiopia/poverty.html

Poverty (:-{/{) My Unwanted Experience

My family and I were negatively affected by poverty. We lived in it for many years. Although my mother and father worked, we struggled to keep food on the table, clothes on our bodies, and a roof over our heads. Poverty is a condition that no one should have to experience, but hey, life is unfair and people go through things. We made the best of this situation by being thankful for the things that we did have access to. Although, there is really nothing good about living in poverty, the unconditional love that I shared with my family and neighborhood friends kept me very happy. Having the support of loving, caring, & positive people was priceless. Having my family and friends in my life was better than playing with any toy. I have learned to be strong and give to others who are less fortunate. This was one positive thing that gave me the strength to cope with poverty as a child. My father and mother did not earn a lot of money so they constantly encouraged my siblings and I to get a good education so that we would not end up like them. Unfortunately the cycle continues all over the world. Change is possible and is currently underway because there is always at least 1 person who is willing to commit to it!

Access to Healthy Water in Haiti

Access to healthy water is a concept that some people in developed countries take for granted. It is a blessing to be able to get out of bed, walk to kitchen and bathroom faucet, turn a knob and clean water is provided immediately with your preference of temperature. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many residents in Haiti. 46% of Haiti's urban population and 54% of Haiti's rural population have access to a water supply. Sewer systems and wastewater treatment are nonexistent. In rural areas, systems have often fallen into disrepair. They either do not provide any water service at all or provide service only to those close to the source, with those at the end of the system (tail-enders) remaining without water. In almost all urban areas of Haiti, water supply is intermittent. The problem of supplying the metropolitan area of the capital with sufficient clean water and a sewer system remains unresolved. Many privite citizens and some major consumers such as luxury hotels, receive all their water via tanker trucks. This topic is important because children can catch life threatening diseases if they are not able to drink clean water. This issue is relevant to my field of work because home day cares must have clean water, serve nutritious meals, and follow other health protocols.

References

"Water Supply and Sanitation in Haiti" from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

My Personal Birthing Experience

I am a woman who has never given birth or been pregnant before. It is interesting to learn more about women giving birth around the world. I was able to witness and support the birth of my niece. My sister was overdue and the doctor recommended that she arrive at the hospital a day before the birth. We packed several night gowns, slippers and other comfortable items that she would enjoy throughout her hospital stay. She was shy about letting the baby's father witness the birth due to the horrible smell and sight of stuff exiting...well you know where Im going with this :-)). She felt more comfortable with me being there so I held 1 leg while the nurse held the other leg and instructed her to push. Surprisingly all she felt was pressure from pushing, but no pain. Fortunately the doctor was able to give her an epidural and some pitocin several hours before delivery. I witnessed the crowning of the head. When the baby was born, I was surprised because my sister and I were the ones crying and the baby never made a sound....but her eyes were wide open and she looked so curious. This experience helped me to mature and feel more responsible for the life that just entered the world. As I reflect on this experience, I really do appreciate the support of well trained professionals in making this delivery a success!

Special Birthing Experiences

I viewed a video of a kenyon mother who gave birth to her 8th baby at home on the floor due to extreme poverty in one of the poorest slums in Kenya. I noticed that the baby hit the floor because the mother was still standing while she was in labor. Unfortunately, Jane is too poor to pay hospital fees so all of her children were born like this. Her neighbors help out as much as they can, but none of them possess any medical skills if something went wrong after the birth of her baby. Jane works at an illegal alcohol brewery making $1.00 per day. Jane states that "Giving birth is the easy part, but trying to feed 8 kids is a daily struggle." The childrens' father travels a lot and does not want to be involved in family planning. He only shows up for surprise visits. I think seeing the video has helped me to appreciate where I live and what is available to me in the United States. I think Jane is a strong person who doesn't have the tools that she needs to be successful.

I also noticed that Jane's family did not have access to a phone, electricity, or even nutritious foods. This will have a negative effect on both mother and the child's development. I was relieved to know that her baby did not have any medical emergencies after birth. However, my sister's infant did have a substance called meconium in her lungs and she was able to be treated. So, Jane in some instances, is fortunate.   

Code of Ethics (Ideals) that are meaningful to me

NAEYC Code of Ethics (Ideals)
I-1.3- To Recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.
It is good to identify special characteristics in each child in my future home daycare business. This will get parents excited and motivated about how their children are developing. All children are gifted in some way. When a professional can point out these talents in children, it is rewarding to the professional, the parent(s), and child in care.

I-1.4- To appreciate the vulnerability of children and their dependence on adults
This ideal is significant to my profession as a child-care provider. This is the reason that I chose to be a childcare provider. I enjoy guiding the little ones in the right direction physically and emotionally. The kids depend on me because they know that I will provide protection, love and materials for them to grow and develop. If the kids were not vulnerable and dependent, there would be no need for child care.

I-1.8- To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities.
This ideal is significant to my profession. I plan to have a home daycare business that will allow children with disabilities to interact and learn together. No child should feel isolated or alienated in our education system. All children should feel a sense belonging and unity in this learning community.

DEC (Ideals)
1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child.
This ideal is significant to my profession because professionals need to lead by example. This is how we can help children learn and be successful later in life. When we show our appreciation for the potential of children, those children will feel encouraged to learn more.
2. We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work.
This ideal is significant because there is no reason for parents to trust childcare providers if the provider is not being honest about what the child is learning. Professionals should be honest about the child's behavior, skills, and progress.  This will allow the parents and professionals to guide the child to the next stage of development.
3. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture.
In my profession and personal life, I believe in treating all people with an equal amount of respect....the same respect that I would want in return. I am an accepting person. I will continue to demonstrate this in my home-based daycare business.


Reference:

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and Statement of Commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010 from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

Course Resources

• 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 (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.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_infanttoddler

Websites:

World Forum Foundation
http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us

World Organization For Early Childhood Education
http://www.omep-usnc.org/

Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/about/

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/

FPG Child Development Institute
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/main/about.cfm

Children's Defense Fund
http://www.childrensdefense.org/

Center for Child Care Workforce
http://www.ccw.org/

National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/

National Child Care Association
http://www.nccanet.org/

Pre[k]Now
http://www.preknow.org/

Voices for America's Children
http://www.voices.org/



Journals Available in the Walden Library

• 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

Additional Resources

Quotes:

 "Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes, they forgive them."
                                                                                                                        Oscar Wilde

"Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas."
                                                                                                                         Paula Poundstone

                                                                                                                      

Inspirational Quotes

"Part of being who you are has to do with feeling your feelings, which means you'll have a wide range of emotions -not just constant sunshiny happiness."

                                                                                                             Janet Gonzalez-Mena
                                                                                                




"Experts generally agree that taking all opportunities to read books and other material aloud to children is the best preparation for their learning to read. The pleasures of being read to are far more likely to strengthen a child's desire to learn to read than are repetitions of sounds, alphabet drills, and deciphering uninteresting words."

                                                                                                          Lilian Katz
                                                                 Reading/Children's Literature/Children

My Personal Childhood Web

James Carter (Father)                    Faye Carter (Mother)                Courtney Carter (Sister)
                            James Puryear (Teacher)            Dorothy Corbett (Babysitter)


James Carter is my father. He was always working to support me and my 2 siblings. He was also very religious and attended church every Sunday. He enjoyed spending time with me, transporting me to school, and watching cowboy movies with me. Whenever he went anywhere, I was always following him. Dad was over-protective because I was his youngest daughter. He was very particular about the kind of friends that I had. He wanted me to surround myself with positive people.  Although he has passed on, I know that he would hope that I continue to make good choices and help others.

Faye Carter is my mother. When I was a child, my mom spent a lot of time working as a nurse. She was the cargiver. She always had hot food ready for me when I got home from school.  She would help me take my medicine for my chronic skin disease. She would emphasize how important it was to get a good education. She is still an active force in my life today. She hopes that I will take advantage of the opportunities that were not available to her long ago. 

Courtney Carter is my sister. She influenced me to respect myself and others. She was an excellent role model for me. She would take me shopping and attend doctor appointments with me. On Friday and Saturday nights, we would make popcorn and watch our favorite comedy movies. During special occasions, she would give me a new hair-style. She continues to be a huge influence in my life because she is my big sister and has earned a lot of my trust.

James Puryear was my school teacher. He was motivating, patient and willing to help all students regardless of how defiant some of them were. He tutored me in several subjects. He also taught me to keep moving when things don't look promising. I really admire his committment and passion for teaching and caring about the future of students. I never really got the chance to thank him for making a difference in my life.

Dorothy Corbett was my babysitter. Although my mom and dad worked full time, they could not afford child-care. Ms. Corbett babysat me free of charge. She was fun and flexible with her time. She allowed me and the other kids to help her prepare food and set the table. She played educational games with us. She also gave me warm baths to soothe my chronic eczema. She taught me safety rules such as "Look both ways before crossing the streets,"  and "Don't talk to strangers." I see her as a rescuer because she rushed me to the hospital when I had anaphalaxis (life threatening allergic reaction) to peanuts.

My Favorite Children's Book

"Green Eggs and Ham" is my favorite children's Book. It teaches children about rhyming words. It also uses repetition. Repetition is one of the best ways for children to learn and remember certain words. It makes learning fun and adventurous. It encourages children to express themselves and expand their imagination. It is also a good source to use for reading comprehension. "I LOVE GREEN EGGS AND HAM!" (just not on a house or with a mouse)  ((:-))))

Quote About Children

"I continue to believe that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams!"


                                                                                                             David Vitter, U.S. Senator

Early Awareness and Development

As I was driving, my 2 year old niece shouted "McDonalds" from her car seat. Although the pronounciation was altered, I realized that she was in the early stages of literacy because she recognized the yellow "McDonalds" Symbol. Therefore, literacy begins before a child starts school.