Passion, Motivation, and Wisdom

“It was like the most joyful experience, where I felt that everything in me was being called on to teach. And also, it was very rewarding. It just made me feel whole. It made me feel whole. It made me feel creative. And so it became my lifelong work with early childhood education. And the passion to make sure that all children were taught in environments and in ways that truly nurtured their ability to grow and to develop to their fullest ability.”

-Louise Derman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus (Excerpt from video, The Passion for Early Childhood)

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). The passion for early childhood  [Video webcast].   Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%   webapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_474  872_1%26url%3D

Quotes from Art Rolnick

Art Rolnick has contributed to the field of early childhood education by becoming an economic advocate in the ECE sector of Public Early Childhood Education. The following excerpt is from his article written with Rob Grunewald, Early Childhood Development Development: Economic Development with a High Public Return.

"The quality of life for a child and the contributions the child makes to society as an adult can be traced back to the first few years of life. From birth until about 5 years old a child undergoes tremendous growth and change. If this period of life includes support for growth in cognition, language, motor skills, adaptive skills and social-emotional functioning, the child is more likely to succeed in school and later contribute to society. However, without support during these early years, a child is more likely to drop out of school, receive welfare benefits and commit crime."

Reference

Rolnick, A., & Grunewald, R. (2003, March 1). Early childhood development:   economic development with a high public return. Fedgazette. Retrieved from www.Minneapolisfed.org/publications_papers/pub_display.cfm?id=3832

Quotes from Aisha Ray, Ph.D.

Aisha Ray, Ph.D. is a major contributor to the field of early childhood, specifically in the sector of research and academia. The following are quotes from Ray that inspire me to become a more well rounded early childhood professional:

"African American students face a constellation of challenges that children should not have to face," Aisha Ray, Erikson Institute's senior vice president for academic affairs, was quoted in the Winter 2012-2013 issue of Erikson on Children.

In her research for a project under Erikson, Envisioning Change, she was also quoted as saying,
"State policy simply isn't sufficiently focused on helping school districts address the challenges and inequalities African American students face during the critical early childhood years leading up to third grade."

Reference

Erikson Institute. (n.d.). Aisha Ray. Retrieved from http://www.erikson.edu/about/directory/aisha-ray/

Personal Childhood Web

I have had many people that have influenced my life throughout my childhood. These people are continuing to influence my life because of the strong presence they had during my lifetime. The lessons are priceless and continue to impact my life's decisions. I honestly feel that it takes a community to raise a child. My community is still involved, even though I am an adult.

My Sisters

I have two sisters: one older and one younger. I am extremely close to both of them.

As a young child, I looked up to my older sister. I wanted her confidence, her go getter spirit, her creative talent, and her sense of style. I watched my sister make her own path, despite what people thought she should do. Although it was never easy, she succeeded in creating her own path. Although she was busy creating her own path, she always made time for me. I could always talk to her about anything and knew she already experienced it-and could give me sound advice (even if I didn't want to hear the truth). Whenever I felt I wanted to run away from my parents, I had a safe haven with her. I have the best big sister, who continues to be a safe haven for me as an adult. I can still talk to her about anything and she has an amazing ability to get me calm in my many moments of hysteria. Unknowingly, she pushes me to discover my own path for success. 

My younger sister is a quietly, sarcastic bundle of happiness. As a child, she taught me how to share the spot light and to cheer for someone besides myself. I did better in school and in life because I wanted her to have someone to look to as a role model. Even when I've made mistakes, I made sure to remind her that she can learn from the mistakes and struggles that I have had to endure. Even today, as she is in the midst of completing her third year of college, I am proud of her and will do anything for her-as I cheer her on. 

My Heroes: The Men in My Life

  

My daddy: How does he make all three of his daughters feel like a daddy's girl? My daddy has been there for me throughout my entire life-for whatever I needed. As a young child, my daddy worked nights. When he got off work, he took my sisters and I to school every morning. He went on all field trips, field days, and any programs we had at school. He was the driver on all of our family vacations. He hugged and kissed me every morning and every night. There was never a time when my daddy was not there for me, even as he worked full time and obtained four degrees. Today if I call my daddy for anything, he will make it happen. My daddy supports me and understands me. From my dad, I learned to be consistent and that people will go above and beyond for people they love.

I had two grandfathers who both passed in 2012. Both of my grandfathers worked hard every single day to make sure their families did not want for anything. Once their children were grown, they made their grandchildren a priority. One of my grandfathers took over the job of taking my sisters and I to school every day. They both gave their opinions in a strong, yet unique way. From them, I learned to not settle for less. 

We're Every Woman

My mother: She has always been a tough cookie. She wore many hats as a mother and a teacher. Even though she had three daughters, she still obtained three degrees including a doctorate in education. She had a plan for all three of her daughters-she pushed us to strive for perfection. She wanted the best for us and she made sure we had it. She taught me that I can do any and everything through hard work, regardless of the obstacles that will arise. Even today, I strive for perfection in everything that I do. I will not settle for less than the best for myself or for my son. 

My grandmothers: The strongest women that I know. They both took care of their families-while they had careers (a teacher and a nurse), even during a time when most African American women did not have educations. They loved their granddaughters and gave us the world. They both cooked my favorite meals and read my favorite books. From them, I understand the importance of love, family, and prayer. I come from a long line of strong, educated women-who would not want me to settle for anything less than I deserve.

Maria Montessori Quote

Maria Montessori (1949)stated in The Absorbent Mind, "Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment."

I can relate to this quote because children learn best when they are engaged in activities. When children are involved in hands-on experiences and learning, they are naturally inclined better understand. This is also true in home situations. Children learn how to handle situations from how their adults in their life handle situations. Children mirror the reactions of their trusted adults. If a parent uses vulgar language when they are upset, the child is going to use vulgar language when they are upset. If a child sees violence in their home, they will exhibit violent behaviors. As teachers, we have to figure out how to counteract the negative behaviors children witness on a daily basis. Do not respond to negative behaviors with more negativity. Counteract negative behaviors with love. When my children use negative words or actions, I explain why they shouldn't do such behaviors but I also hug them and tell them "I Love You". More importantly, I model positive behaviors and I constantly show them that I love them. Let's show our children how to exhibit positive behaviors instead of just telling them.

Progression through my Early Childhood!

This was me as a young child around 6 years old. I had no idea I would affect the world. I knew that I could do anything  and the sky was the limit. My parents always supported me. I also always had teachers that pushed me and  cheered for my success.

When I was in school, my teachers constantly made me evaluate my life's goals. I found my career ambitions from third grade. I wrote "I want to be a 3rd grade teacher like my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. R. Knox, so I can teach the many things she taught me." Goals are very important. Who knew that I would choose my career path at 9 years old and stick with it.  As adults, we should encourage our children to be whatever they want to be in their life. Don't disregard their thoughts because their childhood goals could become their futures if they are encouraged to follow their dreams.

This is my school picture from this school year as a teacher.  I do not teach third grade, but I am an educator. I don't remember exactly what my third grade teacher taught me, but I do remember being pushed to do my best. Would I be the teacher I am today if I didn't have parent and teachers to love me and encourage? Well, think about our children today. Do they have someone to love and encourage them? Are you going to be the teacher that they remember as the teacher who knew they would succeed? If you show a child that you believe in them, he/she will learn to believe in himself. They will be able to go above and beyond their wildest dreams. I still have people who believe in me and I am not done reaching my goals.

Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss

I love the children's book "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. It is a realistic view of the obstacles that may be presented to us throughout our life. The opportunities start now. It is up to each individual person to choose the path that works for them. The path you choose may not always be the easiest decision or the most popular. The path you choose will be full of challenges that may not end up the way you imagine. Even though hard times will arise, don't give up because you will reach your goals.
I love this book because it is a children's book that has a lesson for all ages. Children need to know that they can choose any path. Their path will not always be laid out for them. A good teacher will give children the tools they need to succeed. Life is not always easy, but children have to remember to be persistent to reach their goals even when life is hard. The children in my classroom need to hear this story so they can learn to work toward their goals regardless of what happens. As adults, we have to remember the same thing. Decide what you aspire to do with your life and continue to work towards it. Dr. Seuss (1990) ends , "KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!" (p. 42). Be persistent and the goals you will accomplish will surprise you.

Seuss. (1990). Oh, the Places You'll Go!. New York, NY: Random House

Picture retrieved from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oh-the-places-youll-go-dr-seuss/1100068206?ean=9780679805274

Handling Tough Situations in ECE

I love the children in my classroom. Many of them have been in my classroom for almost two years. Many of the situations that they go through affect me. I am excited to embark on a new journey of graduate school in order to receive new insight on how to better help them.
My challenge for this week includes how to handle when students (4 years old) use vulgar language. In most early childhood classes, cursing may not be an issue. Some of my children are quickly becoming a product of their environment by imitating what they see and repeating what they hear.
I have a student who has been struggling emotionally-he is usually very upbeat and quick witted, but lately he has been easily upset and clingy by wanting to hug me/lean on me during center time and other random times of the day. On Friday, he used the "b-word" while in the house area during center time. Another one of my students, who is also experiencing some home issues, became noticeably upset. She ran to me crying hysterically and grabbing my leg. My heart dropped because my classroom is  supposed to be a safe haven and she felt violated. I just hugged her until she stopped crying and shaking.
My question is...How do you handle the other student. He is going through a tough situation at home too. I spoke with mom prior to the "b-word" and set up a meeting with the social worker for mom. She never showed up. Well, what would you do?