The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist." Montessori
"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world". Maria Montessori
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men". Frederick Douglass
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Testing for Intelligence?
On the subject of viewing children holistically I believe that tests should cover much more than acedamic skills such as reading and mathematics. Children have many learning styles and they should all be included in intelligence tests. If a child learns through hands on experiences and seeing, then expecting that child to listen to instructions without giving concrete handson relationships is not teaching to the whole child and test results will be inaccurate for these children.
Studies have shown that traditional "IQ" tests work well at predicting academic success but fall short of testing children's "emotional intelligence". These predictions of success may not only be wrong, but they may create inaccurate expectations for children and their parents. Psychologist and author Daniel Goleman offers a new concept not only for predicting school success, but future life success. He suggests that a number of ingredients add up to good "emotional intelligence," including self-control or impulse control, the ability to motivate one's self, persistence, optimism, self-umderstanding, empathy, the art of listening to others. He feels that children with superior cognitive skills do not always live up to their promise because they do not always possess solid emotional intelligence (Brodkin, A,M. 2010).
I looked at Europe, specifically Switzerland, to see how children were assessed and found that special agencies in each of the Swiss Cantons were responsible for the investigatory procedures. The special education needs are mostly identified by medical doctors and early intervention specialists including school psychologists but the final decision is made by the school administrative board. There is no standard instrument available at this time but orientation on ICF is under discussion.
I found my research on intelligence testing very informative. My youngest son has just been tested for the "gifted" program. Before this assignment I had very little knowledge on the way he was tested, as to whether or not he was tested with the whole child in mind. I will be a more active participant in his education plan because of this new knowledge I have aquired.
References:
www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/earlycld/ea500.htm
Brodkin, Adele. Scholastic Parents. using your head and your heart
www.who.int/classifications/icf/en
Studies have shown that traditional "IQ" tests work well at predicting academic success but fall short of testing children's "emotional intelligence". These predictions of success may not only be wrong, but they may create inaccurate expectations for children and their parents. Psychologist and author Daniel Goleman offers a new concept not only for predicting school success, but future life success. He suggests that a number of ingredients add up to good "emotional intelligence," including self-control or impulse control, the ability to motivate one's self, persistence, optimism, self-umderstanding, empathy, the art of listening to others. He feels that children with superior cognitive skills do not always live up to their promise because they do not always possess solid emotional intelligence (Brodkin, A,M. 2010).
I looked at Europe, specifically Switzerland, to see how children were assessed and found that special agencies in each of the Swiss Cantons were responsible for the investigatory procedures. The special education needs are mostly identified by medical doctors and early intervention specialists including school psychologists but the final decision is made by the school administrative board. There is no standard instrument available at this time but orientation on ICF is under discussion.
I found my research on intelligence testing very informative. My youngest son has just been tested for the "gifted" program. Before this assignment I had very little knowledge on the way he was tested, as to whether or not he was tested with the whole child in mind. I will be a more active participant in his education plan because of this new knowledge I have aquired.
References:
www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/earlycld/ea500.htm
Brodkin, Adele. Scholastic Parents. using your head and your heart
www.who.int/classifications/icf/en
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Week 4 Consequences of Stress on Children's Development
The stressor that I chose was the affects of war on children's development. I haven't really been through any of these stressors myself, nor do I know anyone who has been through any of these. I may have been exposed to some minor chaos and violence while growing up but I don't feel like I can put my situation on the same level as those who severely deal with this to the extreme on a daily basis. I can somewhat relate to some of the effects of PTSD as I have dealt with symptoms for some years now from the effects of a tramatic event as a child.
I chose the region of Afghanistan to focus on the effects of war on children. PTSD is high due to family violence caused by high levels of stress stemming from the war. Other issues stemming from war is: displacement, lack of food, interruption of school, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, mental disorders, and increased levels of arrousal. More common side affects of PTSD include: guilt, depression, anxiety, poor appetite, difficulty concentrating, difficulty relaxing, aggressive outbursts, poor interactions, fear of darkness, and strong effect on emotional development. There are 35,000 street children due to the war in Afghanistan with 25,000 children dying of malnutrition. Every 3 hours a child is blown up due to hidden mines, 7 out of 10 children have lost parents and 72% have lost relatives since the war began (Dev Psychopathol. 2001). I found much more information on bio-behavior consequences of war on chidren's mental health, growth and development at http://www.internetandpsychiatry.com/
I couldn't find much on the efforts to minimize harm to children except groups such as UNICEF having a Polio campaign in addition to helping with nutrition, water sanitation, obstetric care and provisions for non food issues. The United Nations has also brought immunization campaigns to the region.
I chose the region of Afghanistan to focus on the effects of war on children. PTSD is high due to family violence caused by high levels of stress stemming from the war. Other issues stemming from war is: displacement, lack of food, interruption of school, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, mental disorders, and increased levels of arrousal. More common side affects of PTSD include: guilt, depression, anxiety, poor appetite, difficulty concentrating, difficulty relaxing, aggressive outbursts, poor interactions, fear of darkness, and strong effect on emotional development. There are 35,000 street children due to the war in Afghanistan with 25,000 children dying of malnutrition. Every 3 hours a child is blown up due to hidden mines, 7 out of 10 children have lost parents and 72% have lost relatives since the war began (Dev Psychopathol. 2001). I found much more information on bio-behavior consequences of war on chidren's mental health, growth and development at http://www.internetandpsychiatry.com/
I couldn't find much on the efforts to minimize harm to children except groups such as UNICEF having a Polio campaign in addition to helping with nutrition, water sanitation, obstetric care and provisions for non food issues. The United Nations has also brought immunization campaigns to the region.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Child Development and Public Health
The topic that I chose was Nutrition/malnutrition because according to research, children need to have their basic needs met before they can focus on education and other secondary issues. In the beginning of my research I initially was interested in access to healthy water, but as I read articles I found that all six public health measures were interrelated. One led to another which made it a toss up as to which one I decided to research.
I found that Peru had the highest rate of malnutrition in Latin America with 40 percent of children under 5 having malnutrition. Water was a secondary issue, it is usually collected, hauled a long distance, and stored until it is consumed. Water gathered in this way is vulnerable to contamination between its source and its point of use.
I have learned that there are many factors that impact children's development all over the world and they all need to be addressed. Determining which is the most important is the question. In the evidence from my readings this week I think you have to focus on the health of the mother and unborn child as all of these would have an impact on a healthy pregnancy. I am definately more aware of the broader span of public health issues than I was before I did my research.
I found that Peru had the highest rate of malnutrition in Latin America with 40 percent of children under 5 having malnutrition. Water was a secondary issue, it is usually collected, hauled a long distance, and stored until it is consumed. Water gathered in this way is vulnerable to contamination between its source and its point of use.
I have learned that there are many factors that impact children's development all over the world and they all need to be addressed. Determining which is the most important is the question. In the evidence from my readings this week I think you have to focus on the health of the mother and unborn child as all of these would have an impact on a healthy pregnancy. I am definately more aware of the broader span of public health issues than I was before I did my research.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Childbirth experience
All four of my births had memorable moments. My first was 4 wks early with only minor complications and mild postpartum depression. My second was quite memorable as I had to go by ambulance as we were escorted by the police. Needless to say I had anxiety issues during the birth process as I delivered only 20 minutes later upon arrival to the hospital. After my sons birth I was afraid to go through another birth so we did not plan on having any more children. Well, 14 years later I found out I was pregnant and was in shock. I had a lot of fear, stressors and anxiety with this pregnancy and I did have early preterm contractions from about 4 months on. My third son was born about 3 wks early but was healthy. My fourth son was my toughest pregnancy as I was on partial bedrest toward the end because of pre-eclampsia. He was born healthy and my largest child. I had expectations to deliver in water with all of my births but my babies were born too quickly. I considered home births but was afraid of possible complications. I was also very adament about having drug free births so I was able to have my children without any medication.
I chose to tell about these births because I feel as though I had experienced some of the incidence that were mentioned in the book. It was also facinating to read about possible reasons for early births and low birth like two of mine had. I didn't realize that low birth rate, father support, exhaustion and other stressors could have such an impact on child development.
I chose the Netherlands to find out how births happen there. I found that they have the highest mortality rate in Europe as they have 10 deaths per 1,000 compared to 6-7 per 1,000 here in the U.S. In contrast, 30 percent of their births are at home, while about 1 percent are born at home in the U.S. In addition, midwives are their primary care and they are sent to an Obgyn as their secondary only if complications arrise. In the U.S our primary care is with an Obgyn. I really didn't realize how normal world wide homebirths were as compared to the seemingly normal hospital births here in the U.S. I also didn't realize how many midwives were used in other countries. It has given my a lot of insight.
I chose to tell about these births because I feel as though I had experienced some of the incidence that were mentioned in the book. It was also facinating to read about possible reasons for early births and low birth like two of mine had. I didn't realize that low birth rate, father support, exhaustion and other stressors could have such an impact on child development.
I chose the Netherlands to find out how births happen there. I found that they have the highest mortality rate in Europe as they have 10 deaths per 1,000 compared to 6-7 per 1,000 here in the U.S. In contrast, 30 percent of their births are at home, while about 1 percent are born at home in the U.S. In addition, midwives are their primary care and they are sent to an Obgyn as their secondary only if complications arrise. In the U.S our primary care is with an Obgyn. I really didn't realize how normal world wide homebirths were as compared to the seemingly normal hospital births here in the U.S. I also didn't realize how many midwives were used in other countries. It has given my a lot of insight.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thank You!
I want to thank all of my colleagues who contribued to my blog with comments of support and insight. I enjoyed hearing others' ideas and the sharing of information through the discussion board, it was very helpful. It is through each of these avenues that I gain the courage to move to the next level of my educational endeavor. Thanks again!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Codes of Ethics
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct Ideals that are meaningful to me :
Ideals 1-1.1- To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
This is meaningful to me because I feel to be a competent and knowledgeable leader you have to have a good knowledge base and be willing to contine your education and training.
Ideal 1-1.5- To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions.
This ideal is especially meaningful to me in that this is what I try and do in my current position. I want to be able to mentor others to create and maintain a safe and healthy setting for children in all developmental domains. I feel it is very important for children to be treated as individuals with a voice so that they can feel valued and contributing to their environment.
DEC Code of Ethics:
3. We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and using new evidence based information to improve our practices while also responding openly to the suggestions of others.
This one is again significant to my professional life to gain competence and respect in the field. I believe it is important to be open to suggestions of others also, as to keep open communication and collaboration in the Early Childhood community.
Ideals 1-1.1- To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
This is meaningful to me because I feel to be a competent and knowledgeable leader you have to have a good knowledge base and be willing to contine your education and training.
Ideal 1-1.5- To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions.
This ideal is especially meaningful to me in that this is what I try and do in my current position. I want to be able to mentor others to create and maintain a safe and healthy setting for children in all developmental domains. I feel it is very important for children to be treated as individuals with a voice so that they can feel valued and contributing to their environment.
DEC Code of Ethics:
3. We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and using new evidence based information to improve our practices while also responding openly to the suggestions of others.
This one is again significant to my professional life to gain competence and respect in the field. I believe it is important to be open to suggestions of others also, as to keep open communication and collaboration in the Early Childhood community.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Resources
NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program Evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age8 http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf
Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda.Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller
FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~images/pdfs/snapshots/snap33.pdf
Article:
Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42–53.
Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42–53.
UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
Websites:
Administration for Children and Families Headstart’s National Research Conferencehttp://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
Personal Resources:
Book:
Anne Fadiman (1982). The spirit catches you and you fall down
Farrar, Straus and Giroux/New York
Quote:Vision without Action is merely a dream
Action without Vision passes time
Vision with Action can change the world
Joel Barker
Quote:
Like a compass, a code can point us in the right direction, but we have to choose the road to take (YC 2010)
Friday, October 1, 2010
Words of Inspiration and Motivation
Marcy Whitebook
"we must, as a society, do whatever we can to ensure that the teachers and providers who spend their days with children have the preparation, support and reward that allow them to play that protective role in children's lives".
"we must, as a society, do whatever we can to ensure that the teachers and providers who spend their days with children have the preparation, support and reward that allow them to play that protective role in children's lives".
Words of Inspiration nd Motivation
Lilian Katz
"Leadership is best demonstrated by one who can clearly articulate priorities, establish a tone or
feel in an organization or profession, and consistently think and communicate
at a level just above where the majority of people function".
Words of Inspiration and Motivation
Loise Derman Sparks
" I had a built in passion that it was important to make a real contribution to the world and to fix the injustices that existed" (video)
Sandy Escebido
"We, as Early Childhood Professionals have the unique opportunity to shape a child's life for the better" (video)
" I had a built in passion that it was important to make a real contribution to the world and to fix the injustices that existed" (video)
Sandy Escebido
"We, as Early Childhood Professionals have the unique opportunity to shape a child's life for the better" (video)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Favorite Children's Author
One of my favorite books is "Just me and my little brother", by Mercer Meyer. It is special to me because a teacher gave that book to my oldest son when he was going to be a big brother at the age of 14.
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