Thanks To Colleagues

THANKS TO COLLEAGUES

 I would like to thank all my colleagues for your comments and support throughout this class. Your posts and comments challenge me to expand my understanding of communication on a deeper level.  I have learned a lot about effective communication not only from the resources but from all of you. Thank you all for sharing your wisdom, kindness, and support. I wish you all many blessings as we enter our specialty. I hope one day I will meet many if not all of you face to face. You may contact me at barbara.beale@waldenu.edu. I would love to hear from you.

 

Adjourning Groups

ADJOURNING GROUPS

 

I have been involved in a limited amount of professional and personal groups. Some successful and others not so successful. This week as I explored the five stages of Abudi’s team building. I understand what was done wrong and what was done correct.  As I focus on the last stage known as the adjourning stage that means the project is coming to an end and the team members are starting to go their separate ways. They celebrate the team accomplished and what they have learned ( Abudi, 2010). The adjourning stage can be a sad time as the member of the team says their good-byes and also a happy time as the team celebrate their completing the project. During their time of working together as a team friendships have also been developed.

High performing groups will miss each other because they have formed a bond through their interacting and made good progress on the project. Some events a team might have are parties, dinners and gift giving. Adjourning is a very vital stage of team building because it brings closure for everyone.   

During this program I have had the opportunity to meet many colleagues from many walks of life. Although we have never meet in person there is still a connection which have fostered a bond.  At the end of each class there is a sadness and a joy because after each class we are all closer to our common goal. I would like to thank all my colleagues for the sharing of their blogs, discussions, and experiences that assist me in understanding many assignments and strategies. Thank you guys, you are the greatest and it has been a rewarding experiences working with you all. As we continue our educational journey many blessing for each and every one.

Reference

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html    

Conflict and Disagreement Strategies

In the past I always tried to avoided conflicts the best way I knew how. Now I have obtained information about strategies to use to solve conflicts, I feel I can defuse them more effectively. O'Hair and Wiemann (2012) states, "Conflicts is inevitable". I have learned that conflicts will some how find it way within relationships and sometime they can not be resolved. No matter how much you tried to avoid conflicts they manages to find their way into your life. I always try to keep peace even when I receive the short end of the stick.

I could not think of any conflict that I am currently having. I think of my self as a non-confrontational person. I am respectful and open- minded, I try my best to respond to conflicts in a matter that everyone wins.

I thought back to the time when my daughters were younger and they shared a bedroom. My oldest daughter always complained about how her sister would mess the room up after she had cleaned it up. My husband and I decided to stay out of it and let them work it out. One evening while my husband was at work and I was in the kitchen cooking. My oldest daughter came running into  the kitchen yelling " Mom she has done it again". While she was outside playing her sister had messed up the room looking for her favorite sweater. I took a deep breath and decided I had to deal with this matter that day, right then because it had gotten out of hand. I called a meeting with both girls in the family room. They both tried to speak at the same time which I stopped immediately. The girls must of known I meant business because they both stopped. I asked the oldest to voice her concerns which ( I had heard many time)she did. Every time she raised her voice I asked her to bring it down and she did. She explained how she was tried of her sister messing the room up after she had clean it up and she wanted her own room. My youngest daughter sat looking and listening to her sister with an expression on her face that stated who cares what she wanted. I calmly asked the youngest why she kept messing  the room up after her sister had clean it. My youngest looked at me and stated, "Mommy, she never talk to me except when she is fussing at me about cleaning the room. I kind of laugh to myself. I talked to the oldest about talking to her youngest sister in a kind and respectful way. I also talked to the youngest to remind her we do not do bad things to get what we want from others. My girls made peace with each other and their father and I was glad about that.

As I think back on this experience I learned that some conflicts need to be dealt with right away before they get out of hand. I can also identify using the strategies of deep listening, compromising. compassion, allowing each to express their feelings, Respect and attentiveness was also used in dealing with the conflict. 

References

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

 The Center for Nonviolent Communication. (n.d.). The center for nonviolent communication. Retrieved from http://www.cnvc.org/

Who Am I as a Communicator ?

Who Am I as a Communicator?

 

This week we were asked to evaluate the differences between our perception of ourselves as a communicator and how others viewed our abilities as a communicator as well. The three assessment used were the Communication Anxiety Inventory, Verbal Aggressiveness Scale, and the Listening Styles Profile.

What surprised me were on the Communication Anxiety Inventory assessment I am ranked moderate. My scored indicated that I am concerned about a number of communication context, but probably not all. This place me at mid-point level of communication anxiety which is called “situational (Rubin, Palmgreen, & Sypher, 2009).  The other two individual ranked me as mild. The description stated that I feel a bit uneasy in some communication situation and somewhat more confident in other contexts, communications does not seem to be something that I worry a great deal about (Rubin, Palmgreen, & Sypher, 2009). I do worry about how I communicate with others in different situation that why I was surprise how the other two ranked me.

 I learned a lot about myself from the three assessments used this week. I learned that I allow my concerns about other feelings to cloud my dealing with a lot of situations directly. The assessments helped me to be aware of areas in communication that I need to improve. Learning about myself and areas of my strengths and weakness in communications has inspired me to monitor my presentations even more carefully. Being an effective communicator consist of many areas in which we have to be skilled.

 

Reference

Rubin, R. B., Palmgreen, P., & Sypher, H. E. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures: “Communication Anxiety Inventory”/ “Verbal Aggressiveness Scale”. A sourcebook. New York: Routledge  

 

Effective Comunication Strategies

Effective Communication Strategies

 There are many places in which we come in contact with people from other cultures. No matter where we go we come in contact with some type of diversity. On our jobs, in stores, in school and other places in our communities. Until now, I was not aware of the different communication styles I used when I engage in communication with people who are different from me.  

When speaking with some who do not speak English, I speak slowly, clearly using my hands and other body movement to help with communicate the message.

Speaking with family members I speak faster, louder, and a more realized matter, chopping the pronunciation of words and finishing each other sentences.

Understanding the difference in my communication styles with people who are of different cultures and groups, I have obtain the following strategies: eliminate all barriers and negative judgments, obtaining information about culture and group who are different from the ones I am familiar and applying the “Platinum Rule”.

These strategies help me to connect with others, enhance me in being an effective communicator, and to build strong respectful relationships with children, their families, and others in my community.     

Non- Verbal Communication

Non-Verbal Communication

 

I watched the show “The Middle” which is a sit- come about the Heck family which consist of a mother, father, and three children. In this episode of the show the family seems to be gather in the family room for a meeting. Everyone is sitting on the couch except the mother who is walking back and forth in front of the other family members moving her hands as she talk. She seem to be explaining something to the family.  The youngest son was sitting looking at his mother with a blank look on his face. The oldest son had his head resting on the back of the couch, rolled his head from side to side. He also yawned.  The daughter was sitting on the edge of the couch with her elbows placed on her knees with her face placed in the palm of her hands. The father had a look of when is this going to end expression on his face. I think the mother was discussing a topic that none of the other family members was interested in hearing about.

When I turned the volume up I found out the mother was discussing with the family about how she wanted to go back to school to get a degree so she could find a better job. She also wanted the family to help out with the cleaning around the house and other things which she would not have time to do once she start school.

While watching the show with the volume down I saw many facial expression that shown the family did not like or care for what the mother was saying. It was hard to really get and understanding of what was going on without sound. I based my assumption on the facial expression and body movement of the character. 

Watching the show without sound made me think about my own facial expression and body language when I am talking to others. I wonder how many times I have been misunderstood by others because of my facial expression and body language.  

Competent Communication

Competent Communication

The person I feel demonstrates competent communication is my pastor who is also my husband. He has a sense of confidence about him when he stands before the congregation. He speaks clearly as he engage us to understand what is being said by painting pictures with the words he speaks. His body languages express the passion he has for what he does. He makes eye contact with member of the congregation as he calls members by name while speaking. He laughs and sometime cry as he raise his voice and sometime lower it as he communicates his messages. He presents the message for the day in a simple yet powerful way connecting with whoever may be at the service for the day.

When we are talking or he is  conducting a meeting he listen to others without interrupting them as they share their perspective keeping an open mind concerning the matter.

I would like to model my communication skills after my husband and how he connects and so passionately communicates with people from all walks of life.   

Professional Hopes and Goals

Professional Hopes and Goals

I have gained so much information about diversity during this course. i understand how much a person’s culture, value, and beliefs make up who they are as an individual. How important it is for educators to establish a relationship with all children and their families, to stand up for the rights of others, and to respect all people.

My hope is for all programs working with children and families from diverse backgrounds is that all people accept and respect each other, to embrace both the similarities and the differences that each family brings to the program.

My goal is to continue to be passionate and to be an effective advocate for children and the families I serve. My goal for the Early Childhood field is for it to incorporate families diversity more into the programs by doing this we will be able to understand and meet the individual needs of the children and families more. This would give the children and families a sense of pride concerning their culture.

I would like to thank all my colleagues for the feedback you have given to me during this course. I appreciate the insights and ideas you shared. My wish for you is that you keep your passion and fulfill your desires in life as you continue your journey. Hope to share other classes with you. God Bless!

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Welcoming Families From Around the World

 

I am working in a childcare center and I received word that a child from a family who recently emigrated from Niger, Africa would be enrolling in the center. The family home language is French.

 

 I would prepare myself to be culturally responsive by:

 

*Getting all the information I can obtain about the child and her family before their arrival. (Language, culture, and interest, number of children in family, role of children, gender roles, child’s abilities or disabilities). Review paper work.

*Learn basic words in family home language, also label and post names of item in family home language and English. Have a translator available.

* Incorporating art, music, foods and crafts from the family culture.

* Have a meeting with all staff to collaborate on ways we all can make child and family feel welcome at the center and to discuss any problem they foresee.  

*Be aware of my own attitudes toward cultures differences.

My overall goals are to eliminate all bias, prejudices and discrimination that may be present, make sure the child and her family members feel valued, respected, and welcome in the child’s learning environment. To include all children cultural knowledge as part of the learning environment in which all children may engage in and thrive in during their learning process.   

 

 

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

 I was raised in a very small town in the South. I remember when I was in the 8th grade. A Caucasian family moved into town. The family had a boy my age and his younger sister. The boy was placed in my class at school.  My best friend who was an African American girl (Amy) and the Caucasian boy (Ken) decided to become girlfriend and boyfriend.  In the late 60’s the idea of a Caucasian boy dating an African American girl in the south was not accepted.  This relationship brought forth an uproar within the school among the teachers, principal and some of the student. They both was harassed by teachers, students, cafeteria staff, and custodian of the school.   The teachers of both race gather Amy and Ken together for mandatory meetings. Within the meeting, the teachers began to explain why their relationship was not acceptable at school. I remember the principal meeting with the parents of my friends. This interracial relationship was so discriminated against that my best friend and her family moved out of the county a few weeks later.

 Now that I am aware of internal oppression I can see how this incident could have effected many internally who was involved in the situation. Incidents such as this is degrading and humiliating. They destroy ones self-esteem and self-worth.

As we know prejudices is a learn behavior and children do not automatically display this behavior, in the late 60’s children were introduced to prejudices behavior through adults actions. Today our society is more acceptable to interracial relationships. I am glad things has change enough that people are free to have relationships with whom they choose.   

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

 Every day in our society people are treated a certain way because of their race or gender. Actions can send messages of how people feel about people who they interact with.

 My sister took her car to this mechanic to repair what she thought was here wheel bearing. So she expressed this to the mechanic. The mechanic did not check to make sure that this was the problem he just replace the wheel bearing so on her way home her car was doing the same thing it was doing before come to find out it was not the wheel bearing but it was her breaks. She had to pay for two repairs. I think the mechanic did things this way because she is a female. I do not believe this would had taken place if a male had taken the car.

 

My daughters and I went groceries shopping because we were going to have a family cook-out. We had a grocery cart full of things we needed. When my daughter got to the checkout the cashier asked my daughter if she was paying with EBT my daughter stated “No with cash”.

 

My mother –in-law came to the hospital to see my youngest daughter in the nursery when she was born. To my understanding there were other people there to see other babies. When they brought my daughter to the window someone made the comment “This baby is so cute her daddy must be white, just look at her color and hair. My mother-in-law (a lady who do not hold her tongue) replied.  “This is my son’s baby, my granddaughter and both of her parents are black”.

 

These examples of microaggression made me and my family members feel humiliated, disrespected, and devalued. Reflecting on these incident has brought about my being more aware of my interactions and communication with people. In my professional role I will continue to work with a more diverse population therefore I must be mindful or the messages I communicate verbally and non-verbally.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSPECTIVES ON DIVERSITY AND CULTURE

 The three people I chose to question for this week assignment are a 47 year old African American man, a 55 year old (acquaintance) Caucasian woman , and a 28 year old  female( family member)  African American.

The African American male define culture as” being your beliefs, religion and other things that are in still in you from your  up bring, something’s which are passed down from one generation to another”.

 He define diversity as the differences between people from the same background or from different ones”.

My acquaintance define culture as” your way of life, and a person perspective of who they are and who other are as well. Diversity is the difference that a group of people may have.

The 28 year old family member define culture as" being the event , foods, and holidays a person  celebrates that represent their culture".

Diversity as being an "variety of differences".

 When I asked these people about their definition they all had to think for a few moment and seem to struggle with expressing their definition.  This assignment reinforced my belief that culture and diversity are very vital parts of understanding the children and families we serve in the educational profession. People are aware of the surface culture someone may have but not aware of the deep culture that identifies who we are as well.

My Family Culture

                                               

My Family Culture

If my family and I were told we had to leave our country and move to another country that had a different culture this would be very hard for us leaving other family members and friends. It would be very difficult to choose three small items to take along when there are so many item that have sentimental value and apart of who we are and now you have to leave all this behind. However I would take the family bible because I know we would need the strength of God to take us through this situation and we would also need encouragement which we would get from the word of God as well. The bible also have recorded in it the birthday, marriages, and death of family member. The second item would be a photo album which has pictures of my great grandparents, pictures of my grandchildren and other family members. The third item would be the folder in which we keep important papers. After getting to the new country and being told we could only have one item that one item would be the family bible which we would use to continue to teach the word of God to the strengthen my family. The bible also have important dates in it. We would have to carry a lot of our family memories would in our hearts.

Everyday many families have to make these difficult decision, many leaving their country and family members behind I know this is very emotional and frustrating for them coming to a new country whose culture is different leaving all the familiars items and places and even some people behind.    

When I Think of Research..........

Over the last several weeks this course has helped me to gain many insights into early childhood research. I have gain much respect for the many researcher who research issues that is so vital to the betterment of life. I have learned how research is develop. It starts with a topic, than a subtopic than to a specific question. Through this course I have gain understanding of the different designs of research, knowledge of the ethical values and principles researchers must maintain in order to demonstrate professional standards, and method to collect and gather information.

I had to read the assignments many time to get an understanding of the information begin shared and many times I was not sure I understood the information correctly. I would like to thank all my colleagues for their support, comments and encouraging words throughout this course.

Research is a part of our everyday life. Before this class I never considered what research consist of and the dedication of the people who does it every day. I appreciated the efforts and success of all researchers of the past, the present, and the future thanks to their hard work and commitment to their research lives are effected in varies ways.  .

Thanks to all my colleagues for their support, comments and encouraging words throughout this course. Thank you so much and God bless you all.

Research Around the World

 

 

 Research Around the World

 

I chose to explore the Early Childhood Australia website.  This site provides information for providing high quality services for all young children and their families. Early Childhood Australia has done research on many issues that we are focusing on here in the United States as well. There are links to Australasian Journal of Early Childhood (AJEC) which is identified as being the world longest running major journal within the Early Childhood field which has articles on Literacy and Technology in the early years of education and Diversifying early years professional learning: one size no longer fits all.  The “Every Child Magazine” shared articles on the subjects Technology and Interactive Media as tools in early childhood Programs, Valuing Play: The Early Years learning Framework in Schools, and Discovering Cultural connection  to name a few very interesting articles. There is also a link to a section entitle Research in Practice Series (RIPS) that provides practical , easy to read resources that offers effective new approaches for challenges issues in the care and education of young children.  As you can see this site focus many of the same issues that we face every day being in the early childhood field. Issues of high quality care for all children, good health, engaging families, and respecting diversity.

 I really like The Everyday Learning Series that is published quarterly that provides information for parents and other caregivers for young children. It shared vital information to assist throughout each stage of child development. As I explored the website I notice there were information on issues that dealt with the development of the whole child.

I view Early Childhood Australia website as a wealth of information that can assist anyone who works with children who would like to foster all children’s development in positive ways.

 

Reference

 

Early Childhood Australia: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/     

Research that Benefits Children and Families- Uplifting Stories

I found an article entitled “Early Emergence of Behavior and Social Emotional problems in Very Preterm Infants” which shared vital information about the social-emotional development of preterm toddlers which stated, “Children born very preterm are reported to have an increased frequency of social, emotional, and behavioral problems at school age compared with their peers who are born full term” (Spittle et al.2009). The main purpose of the study was to compare social-emotional difficulties and competencies of very preterm and full-term children at 2 years' corrected age.  The relation between perinatal variables and early behavior problems was also examined to help identify those very preterm children who were most at risk.

At 2 years' corrected age, the parents of 188 very preterm (gestational age <30 weeks or birth weight <1,250 g) and 70 full-term (gestational age ≥37 weeks) children completed the Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment to determine externalizing, internalizing, and dysregulation problems and social-emotional competencies. For the very preterm children extensive perinatal data were collected including sex, birth weight, gestational age, chronic lung disease, and postnatal steroids, as well as neonatal cerebral white matter abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance imaging.

The very preterm children at 2 years demonstrated significantly higher internalizing and dysregulation scores and lower competence scores than peers born at term. There was no significant difference in externalizing scores between groups. Female sex, lower birth weight z score, white matter abnormalities, and postnatal corticosteroids were significantly associated with lower competence scores in the very preterm group. Very preterm children exhibit higher rates of behavior problems early in development, in particular internalizing and dysregulation problems and poorer competence.

As we know all children develop differently whether they are preterm or full term. Early detection of problems help support families and makes sure appropriate interventions are executed. However research information like this allows us to be aware of problems preterm toddlers may exhibit.  

 

Reference

Spittle, A., Treyvaud, K., Doyle, L., Roberts, G., Lee, K., Inder, T., et al.( 2009). Early Emergence of Behavior and Social Emotional Problems in Very Preterm Infants. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Vol.8 Issue O. pp.909-918.

Affiliations

• Correspondence to Alicia J. Spittle, Ph.D., Victoria Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, 2nd Floor, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia, 3052
   
   

Personal Research Journey

Premature birth is a major issue around the world. It is known as the second cause of infant death. There are many reason why a baby may be born premature.  Thank God with the technology and research today many premature babies survives and live very productive lives.

The topic I chose to focus on is “The Social- Emotional Development of Premature children”. I am interested in this topic because I have a grandchild who was born premature and I have met several other children who were born premature as well. These children are about to be 2 years old and there are some are a little older.  I want to know the indicators that a child is having problems in this area of development. I understand that premature children social-emotional behaviors like most children varies. I want to know more about this topic out of personal curiosity.  I would like for early learning programs to be able to assist these children’s needs in order for the children to obtain rewarding early learning experiences at home and in the early learning environment at school.

It may hope by exploring this topic we identify the support and programs needed in the early learning years to motivate and enhance the developmental process of every premature and developmental delayed child.  

If you have any resources or insights that can assist me in this process please feel free to share.

Week 8 Final Blog Assignment

During the past eight weeks I have been introduced to some vital research and professional websites on early childhood issues and trends. The knowledge I obtained from these resources have supported my professional growth in many ways.  I found a wealth of information I can use to enhance my understanding of conditions of early care and education programs around the world.  My perspective of early care and education has been enlarged by this knowledge.

It is amazing that educators around the world are experiencing some of the same issues when it comes to early care and education. Such issues as poverty, equity and quality in early care and education.

My abilities to support children and families has increased with the information I obtained while exploring the different websites. I gained a deeper passion for specifies of my profession and the many professionals who share this passion. I want to explore other platforms in which I maybe apart to learn more and assist with educating children, parents and the community.    

My goal is to continue to grow professionally by continuing to stay informed of the much changing information about the issues of child care and education. I thank all my colleagues for the information they have contribute to increase my knowledge of the issues, strategies, and their compassion and goals. My their compassion for children and the issues that affect children be the wind at their back to encourage them to meet their goals for making a different in all children lives.      

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS PART3

The articles on the UNESCO website is very enlightening. UNESCO advocates for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programs that attend to health, nutrition, security and learning and which provide for children’s holistic development. It organized the first World Conference on ECCE in September 2010, which culminated in the adoption of a global action agenda for ECCE called Moscow Framework for Action and Cooperation: Harnessing the Wealth of Nations. As a follow-up to the World Conference, UNESCO works in partnership with Member States, partners and other stakeholders to encourage timely and effective implementation of the Moscow Framework so that all young children develop their potential to the fullest.

 The first article I explored is “Every child has the right to education!” which discussed the world observant of the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 2010, and what difference if any it has made to children’s right to education.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is a good example of the largest number of ratifications of any convention. Needed now is a sharper focus on the universal and effective application of the right to education, especially action at national level according to the articles 28, 29 and 30 of the Convention. The gap between ratification and implementation can be seen in the 69 million children, most of them girls, who are still deprived of their right to basic education. Even those children who do have access to school often suffer from poor quality education and leave school without having acquired basic skills.

 The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the force for the states who have endorsed the rights for education. As supporters and promoters of the right to education, they must reflect these obligations in their Constitution and laws and take steps to improve education policies and strategies. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Convention, the biggest challenge is to eliminate disparities in education and to ensure that the core obligations of States regarding the right to education remain in the forefront, not only for accelerating progress towards the Millennium Development Goals, but for pushing the Education for All agenda forward. The right to education is not only a human right in itself but also essential for the exercise of all other human rights.

The second topic I explored is ”Access and Equity”. In1990 Jomtien Declaration for Education for All stated that learning begins at birth. A decade later, the 2000 Dakar Framework for Action reaffirmed the importance of early childhood by including the development of early childhood care and education as the first of its six main goals. Participating countries committed themselves to “expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.” Governments were particularly urged to expand equitable access to quality early childhood services underscoring the importance of instituting policy in favor of the poor.

Countries often promote alternative services for poor children with limited or no access to mainstream early childhood services which can be cost-effective and pedagogically innovative, but often raise concerns about sustainability and quality.  In cases where the government has limited resources, a pro-poor policy can redistribute resources by reducing state support for the more privileged. Central governments must ensure an equitable distribution of resources among different populations and especially those who live in the most disadvantaged regions. This approach aims to expand access without creating serious regional inequities. However, where there is universal provision for a certain age group while the overall enrolment in other age groups is low, this policy can create inequity.

Privileged children of the target age group benefit from state investment, while poor children of non-target ages receive scant government attention. A policy of universalization with targeting can minimize inequity where governments aim for universal access among the target age group, but simultaneously priorities the poor.

I also explored the link that shared information about Global Action Week (GAW) on Education for All (EFA). Global Action Week on Education for All is an annual awareness-raising campaign, organized by the Global Campaign for Education (GCE). UNESCO supports GAW every year by distributing information and resources through its network and by organizing activities together with NGOs, GCE members and other EFA partners. This year, the campaign will focus on the theme of “Education and Disability” under the slogan “Equal Right, Equal Opportunity”. This event will makes aware the profound challenges faced by persons with disabilities in realizing their right to education. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/events/2014-global-action-week-education-all#sthash.MfCVRTWg.dpuf.

The above articles informed me of issues and solutions that countries are working own basis on the research stating the important of early learning for young children. It is amazing to see that countries of different levels of development are dealing pretty much with the same issues when it comes to early learning and protection, and rights for young children. Every child has the right to a quality early learning experience. As an educational professional I want to make sure these rights are available for every child. I want to sow the seed of success in every child’s life with whom I come into contact.

 

Reference

UNESCO (2013). Early childhood care and education. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/ 

 

 

 

SHARING WEB RESOURCES WEEK 6

 

 

The organization I have been exploring is the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Education. This week I went to the link Books Published by the NAECTE member. I found a book entitled “Global migration and education: Schools, children and families”. This book addresses the issues faced by immigrant children and other newly arrived children, their parents, and educators.  The common challenges and successes are identified in school settings that cope with these issues.  Intended for researchers, students, school professionals, and educational policy makers in the fields of multicultural education, child psychology, international education, educational foundations and policy, and cross-cultural studies, this book is highly relevant as a text for courses in these areas. There are other books written by member listed as well. Who share information on topics such as “Early Childhood and Neuroscience” and “High-tech tots: Childhood in a digital world” to list a few books.  This link shared a list of books written by educators of educators on topics that is vital to children health development and the educating of teachers.

 The organization e-letter comes out quarterly. The NAECTE Spring conference will be held in June, 2014 and the theme is Beyond Standardization. The conference promise to provide a stimulating and meaningful exchange of ideas on the theme.          

 

 

References

Adams, L., & Kirova, A. (Eds.). (2007). Global migration and education: Schools, children and families.

 Berson, I. R., & Berson, M. J. (Eds.).  (2010). High-tech tots: Childhood in a digital world.

 National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Education (2014). Retrieved from www.naecte.org

Wasserman, L.H. and Zambo, D. (2013) (Eds.) Early Childhood and Neuroscience- Links to Development and Learning (Educating the Young Child 7).

 

 

Getting to know your Contacts- Part 2

The Center of the Developing Child efforts is to improve or rebuild the framework of global children’s initiatives.  On the Harvard University website I found information about different projects the organizations is involved with. The website has so much information about key issue concerning global child development.  Such project like Nucleo Ciencia Pela Infancia (NCPI) this program collaborates with local experts to use the science of child health and development to guide stronger policies and larger investment to benefit young children and their families in Brazil. Another project is Zambia Early Childhood Development Project (ZECDP) who purpose is to measure the effects of an ongoing anti-malaria initiative on children development in Zambia. ZECDP created a new comprehensive instrument for assessing children physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development before and throughout their schooling.   The Center key components are the domains of early childhood development, children mental health, and children in crisis and conflict situations.  These are major areas also for early childhood studies across the world.  Complete recognition and understanding of the details of childhood and children development, training regarding the patterns and degrees of early childhood mentality and mental health, how children learn, and the most successful means of educating early childhood students; and reaching out to the different sectors that are intertwined with the early childhood field parents, educators, researchers, and policymakers are trained and educated to be significant leaders for the global children’s initiative cause to enhance support for the Global Children’s Initiative.

 The information I recovered from the Center seems to explore similar approaches to measure children status in at risk areas of the world and exploring the science of child development strategies that address malnutrition and other health challenges.  While the organization format is great, there are still the issues of race, socioeconomic status, language barriers, geographic location, as well as funding sources that need to continue to be considered.

 

 Reference

Harvard University [Website].  Global Children’s Initiative . Retrieved March 5, 2014, from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing Web Resources

The organization that I have been exploring is the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educator (NAECTE). The Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education publishes original manuscripts, reviews, and information about association activities.  The journal provides a forum for the exchange of information and ideas about research and practice in early childhood teacher education. The journal publishes research reports, position papers, essays on current issues, reflective reports on innovative teacher education practices, letters to the editor and books reviews. The journal is published by Taylor and Francis.

The article “Service Learning: A Promising Strategy for Connecting Future Teachers to the Lives of Diverse Children and Their Families” was published in the recent issue of The Journal of Early Teacher Education. This article provide information about service learning implemented in a course for teacher education candidate’s pre k- grade 5.  Students learn about the dynamic of family diversity, and how family resources and background influence children’s success in school. This article along with others enhance my knowledge of crucial issue that effect the learning of teachers who teach future teachers.

 

References

Able, H., Ghulamani, H., Mallous, R., & Glazier, J., (2014).  Service Learning: A Promising Strategy for Connecting Future Teachers to the Lives of Diverse Children and Their Families. Retrieved from www.tandfonline.com/toc/ujec20/current#.UzdM2PF5mSM

 

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Education (2014). Retrieved from www.naecte.org

   

Getting to know Your International Contacts

My connection to a professional in another country has not yet been established so the alternative that I chose to investigate is childhood poverty in Morocco. Morocco is a country located on the northwestern tip of Africa. The streets of it cities are filled with children as young as 6 years old who are called street children. Many of these children left home to help support their families and to relieve their families from trying to support them. In Morocco nearly 30 percent of the population is children under 14 years old and these children lives are effected by poverty and neglect.  The children in the country face such problems as child labor and child prostitution. So many of these children do not receive any education therefore when they become adults the will continue to face poverty issues.

According to UNICEF, in 2008. 6,480 children were abandon at birth in Morocco. This is due to the social stigma of single mother being ostracism by family and society. In total the number of children who has been orphaned and grow out without the protection and guidance of parents was 650,000.  There are

SOS Children Villages are located in Morocco where children and their family can learn strategies for keeping families together during hard times. Also the village provides quality care for children who cannot live with their biological families.

I found the programs and organizations that is assisting the children in Morocco very interesting and helpful to the children who otherwise would be living in the streets and would be engaged in all sort of unhealthy activities.  Children living in poverty is a worldwide issue,lets join the war against it.  

 

Reference

Morocco SOS Children’s Villages, activities retrieved from www.sos-childrenvillages.org/where-we-help/africa/morocco

Sharing Web Resources

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators at www.naecte.org. I chose this organization because it is one that I am not familiar with and I wanted to learn more about.

According to the website the organization purpose is to promote the professional growth of its membership, discuss educational issues, to advocate for improvement in the early childhood teacher education, to provide a forum for consideration of issues and concern of interest to educators of early childhood teacher educator, and to provide a communication network for early childhood teacher educators.

The National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educator (NAECTE) has an E-letter that is publish quarterly which includes information on the “Presidential Early Learning Council”, “Alliance of Early Childhood Teacher Educators. It also share information of fellow awards recipients and a list of books published by members.  A great organization for educators of educators.

Establishing Professional Contacts/ Expanding Resources

Establishing Professional Contacts

The early childhood professional I chose to establish contact with Morocco, Philippines, Ghana, South Africa, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. My means of communicating with these professionals is by e-mail. I am really looking forward to commutating with these early childhood professional and share information. I am waiting for responses from the professionals I have e-mailed.

 

 

 

Expanding Resources

 

As I explored the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE) web-site I found that its members are people from all across the United States and other countries. They have come together because of their interest in Early Childhood Teacher education. The NAECTE foundation was formed in 1998. It is a 501 (c) tax-exempt organization that raise funds for the benefit of early childhood teacher educators and the children and communities they serve.

One of the goals of this organization is Advocacy. It has created the NAECTE Foundation Advocacy Award to recognize members who has demonstrated their effectiveness as advocates for programs and policies that support quality programming for young children. This award comes with a $500 honorarium.

Another goal of the NAECTE is to promote and support research project related to early childhood teacher education. Many member of the NAECTE have develop their capacities as researchers by presenting at NAECTE conferences and writing for its journal.

The next goal of the NAECTE Foundation is to provide scholarships of $1,000 to doctoral students to support collection of data and completion of the dissertation.

Many of the members of NAECTE has published books on subjects such as Neuroscience, Global migration, Childhood in a digital world just to name a few.  

 

Reference

www.naecte.org

MY SUPPORTS

 I have discovered that having support in your life will assist in having a more productive life. However everyone does not have strong support so I concern myself as being highly blessed. The Word of God gives me the support I need to function every day. It reminds me who I am, who I belongs to and the fact that I have a purpose in life. With this in mind I know I am an overcomer.

 My next source of support is my husband who is my best friend. He is my shoulder to cry on. He listens to me vent about my day. He works full time and yet he has dinner ready every night I come home. He always encourage me when I feel defeated and reminds me of my first source of support the Word of God.

 There is a group of ladies where I work who call themselves the Crew. They support me by doing their job with the most excellence altitudes. We are all supportive of each other. I thank these ladies all the time for their support and encouragement.

The supports that I have in my life assist me in overcoming obstacles that arise in my life. I support others in the ways that others are supports for me. The supports in my life are very important to me and they help me to succeed in becoming and doing what have been predestined for me to be and do. 

 The challenge that I can think of is being in a wheelchair and the place I want to go is not wheelchair accessible. I thought of this because before my father passed he stop walking. The only way my sisters and I could get him from one place to another was in a wheelchair and many time this was very hard on my father as well as my sisters and me. I thank God for my husband who was a trooper during this time. We had to lift my father down and up the stairs to get him in and out of the house while waiting for a ramp to be build. So I can image the frustration of a person in a wheelchair when their environment does not support them and they cannot get to where they desire to go because of limitations in their environment. 

My Connection to Play

My Connection to Play

When children pretend they’re using their imaginations to move beyond the bounds of reality A stick can be a magic ward. A sock can be a puppet. A small child can be a superhero.

Fred Rogers

American children’s television host

It is in playing and only in playing that the individual children or adults are able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers them self.

D.W. Winnicott

British Pediatrician

           Hula Hoop

   Jumping Rope

      Hopsctoch                                                                                           

 MarblesRing around the Rosie

Playing is what we did when I was growing –up. We played outside, we played hard and we played a lot.  In the afternoons when you got home from school you change into your play clothes and outside you went to play with the other children in the neighborhood before it got dark.  We play tag, marbles, Mother May I, soft ball, dodge ball, and many other outside games. During the summer we played outside most of the day. It did not matter if it rain, we played in the rain.  On a summer evening it was nothing to look out in the back yard to see at least 15 children playing softball. We use to run across the fields laughing just to be doing something. We played hiding-seek. Oh what such wonderful and care free days they were.

My mother, father, sister, and school supported play when I was young. My parents bought the toy and took me to visit cousins where I would play, talk and laugh. My baby sister and I would play together all the time. We shared toys. We rode our bikes to the store. We climbed trees caught tadpoles in the ditch and so much more everyday was an adventure. At my school we went outside to play every day after lunch where we played softball.

Play today is different from play during the time I grew up. Yes we played board games but play was more physical and provide many opportunities for children to interact with other children.  Physical play helped us to develop in many areas of development that were vital to our overall development. However at the time I thought we were just having fun. There are benefits from such physical play such as being healthy, self-esteem, and socialization.

These day I play with my grandchildren assisting them in playing outside and learning some of the games I played when I were growing up. Encouraging them to play outside which can be fun and healthy for them. I cannot beat them racing but I have fun trying.  Play can benefit the young as well as older adults.