When I Think of Child Development

Words of Wisdom:

"We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own."
~Ben Sweetland

"The true aim of every one who aspires to be a teacher should be, not to impart his own opinions, but to kindle minds."
~F.W. Robertson

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
~Chinese Proverb


My favorite quote of the above three is the last one.  As a teacher of preschool age children, learning is hands on and my children really do learn by doing.    This is true example of why teaching that is brought to life is the most memorable and lasting.  Special thanks to all of my classmates who added their wonderful words of wisdom to my blog, especially Elizabeth, who seemed to always have a special note...Thank you!

On a lighter note:

Testing For Intelligence

I believe that children s intelligence should be tested, but I am not an advocate of just a pencil and paper style instrument.  I believe that testing children's intelligence is a process and requires a battery of instruments to be truly indicative of the child's intellect.  Besides questioning and answering, work samples and hands on style problems should be utilized.  Not all children are successful test takers, nor do all children have the proper preparation skills and self diligence and drive for those style tests, therefore, the results can be skewed.
Similarly, I believe testing should be conducted with cultural aspects in mind. For example, in Mexico, children are tested for intelligence using toy looms and spools of thread, as well as other materials from the local environment.  Advocates have stated that testing materials and experimental designs need to b tailored to the needs and values of the culture in which it is going to be used.

Benson, E. (2003).  Intelligence across cultures. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org.

Chaos In the Lives of Our Children

Being a preschool teacher in a poverty stricken community in NJ, I have a large percentage of children with stressors in their lives.  These stressors take a toll on our children in body, mind, and spirit.  Chaos is a stressor that is defined as being confusion and disorder where behavior and events aren’t controlled by anything.   The following is a narrative of what a typical scene may look like in one of my children’s lives:

“It’s a bitter cold January morning.  A nine year old little girl walks her four year old brother to school.  The streets are littered with hypodermic needles and small plastic baggies. In the distance, the morning calm is interrupted by the sounds of sirens.  The little boy, while distracted by a stray cat nosing through a discarded paper bag, realizes his sister is almost a whole block ahead of him.  He runs to catch up, but stumbles from the rubber sole falling off the front of his well-worn sneaker.  When he finally catches up to her, she snatches him up by his arm and says in a scowl “you almost got left”.  They approach an old, gray church located on the corner of a predominant drug set.  They step over a homeless man sleeping on a piece of cardboard and ring the doorbell, hoping someone answers the door quickly.  Sister walks the little boy to his classroom and half hugs him before running out the door.  The little boy proceeds through a purple trimmed doorway to the “I Am Here” board and moves his picture from “home” to “here”.  He turns as he hears footsteps behind him and sees his teacher, Ms. Karen.  “Good morning Za’amir, how was your night?” she says in a welcoming tone.  She helps him stow his belongings in his cubby and they walk to the sink to wash his hands.  He explains that he did not have a very good night.  He did not like what mommy made for dinner and that he went to sleep hungry, and also his new baby brother cried a lot.  Additionally, he is upset because he could not find his 100 book challenge book and his sister Nyonna wouldn’t wait while he looked for it that morning.  Ms. Karen hugs him tightly and says “Za’amir, breakfast will be here soon and those tummy grumbles will hush shortly.”  He goes to the writing area, gets his journal and crayons, and joins the rest of his classmates at the table for “thoughts of the day”.  A short while later, the bell sounds over the loudspeaker.  The children put their items away and line up to go to the cafeteria.  Za’amir’s eyes light up as a smile comes across his face.  The school day has begun just like it did yesterday, just like it did the day the man came to check their ears, just like it did four months ago on the first day of preschool.  As he walks by Ms. Karen standing in the doorway, he can’t help but to grab her leg and give her the biggest hug.  She looks down while rubbing his knotty hair and says “I love you Za’amir”, and then he quickly jumps back into line before losing his place.”

This hypothetical scene is very much like a typical morning in my classroom.  Many of my students come to a safe place out of the chaos and turmoil of life as they know it.  Poverty and drugs are very much a way of life in Camden, NJ.  I strive to make my classroom environment one that is inviting, positive, and child centered.  I pride myself in consistency and routine, while maintaining the need for flexibility.  My expectations, while set high, are well defined and I remind and reinforce my students in regular intervals.  I feel that this helps to promote a harmonious classroom learning climate with minimal behavior issues and distractions.  I try and instill these ideals in my families that are serviced within my school.  I provide parents with resources and points of contact that are within the community that may aide in areas that are in need within their lives. 

            Chaos is prevalent in the United States, however the UK, Canada, and other relatively industrialized and forward thinking countries are  coming in close behind.  This rise in chaos is due to a rise in poverty levels, erosion of community and family structures, teenage pregnancy, single parent homes, drug abuse, and divorce.  Society is yet to confront this growing chaos in the lives of children and families today, and it is probably going to get much worse before it gets any better. 

Childhood Obesity and Nutrition...A Growing Concern

Childhood obesity and nutrition is a topic of interest among children today.  As of 2010, between 16 and 30 percent of children were obese.  Obesity tends to start around age 5 and continues throughout later childhood into adolescence.  Obesity brings health problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, as well as low self-esteem. 

Current causes of childhood obesity include genetics, cultural reasons, lack of activity, and eating habits.  Eating habits is a factor that can be controlled and altered.  Portion sizes and poor food choices are two eating habits examples.  Many families do not have access to fresh foods and rely upon processed foods for convenience and cost efficiency.  Meals eaten quickly and at places other than the eating table contribute to the eating habits as well. 

Childhood obesity is not just an issue in the United States.  The World Health Organization found that approximately 24 percent of the children in European countries are obese, and the statistics are growing. 

Childhood obesity is of personal concern to me because I was obese as a child and it had effects later in life.  I personally struggle with weight and will continue to struggle.  I believe that my obesity came from notions my parents believed while I was growing up, such as I needed to eat everything on my plate, which happened to be an adult size plate with adult size portions.  I personally know and understand the impact of childhood obesity and I educate my parents about making smart food choices.  Furthermore, I serve on a council which makes it their mission to educate families in the inner city about food choices and healthy eating.  Education and making parents aware is one way to help remedy this obesity issue, and I do all I can to get the word out.

Reference

American Academy of Pediatrics: Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity

Center for Disease Control: Childhood Obesity

Childbirth in My Life and Around the World

Fourteen years ago I gave birth to my first of two children.  I gave birth in Underwood Memorial Hospital, in a brand new birthing suite.  I was in labor for 36 hours and eventually had to be given a cesarean section because of some minor complications.  I was closely monitored the entire time by doctor, nurse, and machine.  All necessary precautions were taken to ensure a problem free experience.  Technology was utilized to observe my baby and my vital signs.  Luckily, all of the necessary procedures, as well as quality prenatal care, afforded me an uncomplicated birthing process with minimal incidence of problems which may later cause developmental or health issues for myself or my child.

This scenario is not always the case in other countries.  According to the World Health Organization, congenital anomalies or birth defects occur 94% of the time in low income countries where mothers are susceptible to malnutrition and poor or non-existent prenatal care.  The birth defects can cause long term disability and even death.  Africa, for example, is one country that the World Health Organization helps with prenatal care and the birthing process.  Many women are not exposed to prenatal care, nor birthing facilities unless there is an immediate danger, and many times, at that point it is too late, and the damage is already eminent.

Luckily, organizations such as the one stated above, have a mission that all children will be healthy and no longer suffer.  It is these entities that are allowing our children to have a chance at a life free of birth defects, low birth weight, suffering, and death.

A Note of Thanks

As I conclude my first course in this study, I wish to thank all of my classmates for their support and ideas.  I have been afforded the ability to look at issues within the field of Early Childhood with different sets of eyes, and broaden my spectrum within.  I wish all of you luck in all of your future endeavors and look forward to continued contact through our future blogs, courses, etc.  May you continue with success while you grow and transform from your experiences.

Peace and best wishes!

Early Childhood Code of Ethics

Most professions have a code "Code of Ethics" which are really the rules that are followed within that field.  Early Childhood is no different.  This week I examined NAEYC's Code of Ethical Conduct, and Division of Early Childhood or DEC's Code of Ethics.

One ideal in NAEYC's code that is important to me is to appreciate the vulnerability of children and their dependence on adults.  We need to always be mindful that our children come from all walks of life, and what may not have been acceptable when you were a child or even were raising your own children, may not be frowned upon today by their parents or guardians.  Children learn what they live and we need to treat them with respect, and guide them.  Furthermore, these children all develop in different stages and at different times, we need to keep that in mind as well.

Another ideal, from NAEYC,  that I feel is very important is to develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.  A positive rapport is necessary when dealing with parents.  Parents need to feel a level of comfort when they are entrusting us with their most precious resource, their child.  Additionally, we need to keep in mind that parents are human and have faults and that no matter what or how a parent treats us, we need to maintain a level of professionalism.  One needs to learn how to maintain composure and patience when dealing with difficult situations.

Lastly, the ideal I feel is important from DEC is we shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.  I especially like this ideal because I feel that it takes a few years to really get acclimated to the field, and after almost 20 years in this field, I can honestly say hat my first 5 were the worst.  I shed many tears and had a hard time remembering that these children are really just babies at 3 and 4 years of age, and are just learning to live life n their terms.  Having a strong mentor would have benefited me in ways that I cannot even imagine, and I try to mentor new colleagues at all costs.

In closing, I welcome any comments or any opposing views on ideals, as I love to see things with a new set of eyes.

Resources for Early Childhood Professionals and Families

Resources Obtained From Walden University

NAEYC http://www.naeyc.org

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/

UNICEF http://www.unicef.org

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/

WESTED 
http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm

Harvard Education Letter 
http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85

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

Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference
 http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/

HighScope
 http://www.highscope.org/

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

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

Council for Exceptional Children
 http://www.cec.sped.org/

Institute for Women's Policy Research 
http://www.iwpr.org/

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

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

National Institute for Early Education Research
 http://nieer.org/

Pre[K]Now
 http://www.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067

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

The Erikson Institute
 http://www.erikson.edu/

Additional Websites of Interest

compiled from years of experience and great minds in the field

Early Childhood Educators and Family Web Corner

http://users.sgi.net/-cokids/

Have a questions regarding young children or Early Childhood Education? This is the

place to go. Great teacher pages (including lessons, activities, educational links, etc.)

and family pages (parenting information, etc.). Good resource for links to sites for

information on young children with special needs as well as using technology with young

children.

 Sunshine Online

www.sunshine.co.nz/

Teacher Resources section has lots of good ideas for activities, lessons, and themes.

Nice computer learning section for young children. Websites to schools around the world

including the U.S. and 5 other countries (suggestions—Start a “Web Pals”

correspondence with another class—Connect with another teacher with a class similar to

your for activity ideas, support, etc.).

Preschool Teacher

www.bv.net/-stormie/

A website where teachers of Pre-K and Kindergarten students can go to for ideas for

curriculums, lesson plans, themes, activities. Teachers are encouraged to

contribute/share ideas on this site.

Early Childhood.com

www.earlychildhood.com

Nice site for parents and teachers. Lots of articles on a variety of issues regarding young

children. Fun craft ideas. Great internet links for parents, teachers, and kids. If you have a question or want to share one of your ideas, go to Sharing Boards. Join their mailing

list to receive the latest ECE news and ideas.

Hall of Early Childhood Education

www.tenet.edu/academia/earlychild.html

Great resources for teachers, parents, and kids---lots of links!

The Idea Box

www.theideabox.com

Hundreds of activity ideas, games, crafts, songs, recipes, etc. for young children. You

will also find coloring pages, online stories, links for children and adults, message boards

for parents and teachers, etc.

Early Childhood Today

http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/ect.htm

Lesson plans and reproducibles for many subject areas can be found at this site. A

parent Send Home Activities section is included, as well as activities section for kids and

their parents, and online activities.

Resources for Early Childhood Special Education

www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/pep/pz.html

Great sit for educators and parents of young special needs children. Great teaching

ideas, web links, information on disabilities, technology resources (including AT –

Assistive Technology), software recommendations, etc.

The Perpetual Preschool

www.perpetualpreschool.com

A good source for curriculum, activity, songs, and book ideas. Go to the ECE Web Guide

for articles on Early Childhood Education, including special needs. Need a break from

ECE? Want a little fun? Play trivia games at the teacher “break” area. This site also

offers online classes for educators. Tuition is $25.00.

 Early Childhood Ed. Online

www.earlychildhoodedonline.com

Various articles dealing with young children can be found here. You can also find several

web links to curriculum ideas, advocacy information, and professional development

opportunities.

Family Education

www.familyed.com

Great articles, activity ideas, internet tips for teachers (including special needs) can be

found at this site. Good parenting articles also. Up-to-date health articles from Dr. C.

Everett Koop.

 A World of Kindergartens

www.iup.edu/-njyost/KHI/KHI.htmlx

Kindergarten teachers from around the world collaborate to make this website. This site

includes great activities, resources, and personal insights from teachers. A great place to

go if you need suggestions from teachers in similar teaching situations. You can get lots

of support from preschool, kindergarten, and primary teachers from around the world

Parents as Teachers

http://www.parentsasteachers.org

Note:

These are great resources for all involved with young children…all ideas, opinions, additions, etc. are welcomed!

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

"My wish for the new millennium is for children...to grow up wiser,stronger, and more prosperous for the future than ever before."
~Hillary Clinton

"I just think that giving a child a chance and sharing what you have with a child is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, as well as a child."
~Hillary Clinton

"I feel very lucky because of my parents and then my education, the opportunities that I've had, so I would like to continue working to improve life for others."
~Hillary Clinton


"The best economic development strategy is to invest in early childhood."
~Art Rolnick, senior Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

"Cities always think they can promote economic growth by building a stadium but that's a terrible investment. He best way to promote growth is to invest in kids."
~Art Rolnick, federal reserve economist

"I'm not here to save the world, just make a difference in the community, or one child's life."
~Raymond Hernandez MSEd., Executive Director, School of Early Childhood Education University of Southern California

"It is important to makes real contribution to the world through teaching..."
~Louise Derman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

~Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa and political activist.

"Wisdom begins with wonder."

~Socrates, Greek Philosopher

Personal Childhood Web

I have created this post as a dedication to 4 influential people within my childhood.

1.      My Mother Marjorie – My mom was a wonderful, strong woman who loved me, and wanted the best for me before I was even born.  I have a journal in which she documented her thoughts and dreams for me while she was pregnant.  She was a stay home mom until I started 7^th grade.  I am an only child, and while I was somewhat spoiled, my mom taught me to take care of my things, as they do not always come easily.  My mom consistently instilled the notion that education was the most important part of my life, and in order to prosper, one must be educated.  Furthermore, my mom taught me that as long as I was educated and chose a profession I love, I will always have the means of being independent.  I believe that this is the reason I have a passion for higher education and bettering myself.  I find many of the attributes of my mother within myself in reference to my children. 

2.      My Father Robert – My dad was a great provider for my mom and me.  My dad was a high school dropout in the 9^th grade because he had to help provide for his mother and 2 other brothers. My education was important to my dad because he understood the struggle with not having a high school education.  My dad was fortunate to be promoted to a foreman at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, despite his limited education.  I remember helping him write his reports for his superiors, because he did not have the basic language skills that the task entailed.  My dad always said “I was able to make it on a 9^th grade education, but the world is changing and that is not cutting it anymore.  I want my daughter to go to college, the first in the family.” My dad was not one who showed his emotions regularly, but I knew he loved me because he always called me “slurpee” and took me to the 7-11 convenience store to get slurpees all the time.  Along with my mom, I credit my dad for helping create my further education and lifelong learning attitude. 

3.      My Maternal Grandfather James – While I only was able to enjoy my poppop for 8 years of my life, he was my best friend.  I loved my poppop with all my heart and he loved me.  We were always together, and my poppop let me do things to him that he would never let anyone else do.  I remember getting my hairbrush all tangled in his thinning gray hair.  My grand mom would have to work like crazy to get the brush out and he would never complain. Additionally, I remember playing doctor with him and giving him the hardest needles.  I know I had to hurt him, but he always made a silly face to make me laugh.  My poppop was the nicest person, and never had a mean word to say to or about anyone.  He had a calm and peaceful disposition.  I believe that I have gotten my peaceful mannerisms from my poppop.  I am easy going and always try to keep the peace, just like him. 

4.      My Maternal Great Uncle Sam – My uncle was amazing, I always knew this, but I never really understood how amazing he was until I was in my late teens.  My uncle was always kind to me when I was young, but the most memory I have of him was when I was a teen.  He was very old.  He was my mom’s uncle, and my mom had me when she was 35, and he passed when I was in my 20’s at the age of 95.  My uncle would sit for hours and tell me stories about his music.  He was a wonderful musician and played classical instrumental music all his life.  Even well into his older years, he bought a Casio Keyboard because he no longer had the wind to blow the horns he so loved.  He told me countless stories about playing in speakeasies with the boys during prohibition.  He told me about his love stories for my aunt who passed way too immaturely from Alzheimer’s disease, and how she was never able to have children, but they were too busy for that anyway.  I remember him being able to do anything.  He told me about how he built his home from the ground up and created it just the way he and my aunt wanted it.  He would always say “Look around, you can’t find one crack…you know why? Because I built it the way it was supposed to be done, not like carpenters today.”  He was so proud of me when I graduated from high school, and then college.  I will never forget, he was old as ever, but still came to my college graduation to see me walk.  He still impacts me today with his “you can do anything you want” speeches. Whenever I feel a little discouraged, the memory of his talks ground me.  

These 4 people have really helped to shape my life and make me who I am as a woman, mother, and teacher.  

This is a great book that my preschoolers just LOVE!!! It is available through Scholastic and also has a read along CD which is great for individual child listening.  Fun book to incorporate into the beginning of the year.

"A teacher is a very special person who uses his or her creativity and loving, inquiring mind to develop the rare talent of encouraging others to think, to dream, to learn, to try, and to do!"
Beverly Conklin (1999)

Community Cleanup Walk

Today, myself, my IA, and my preschoolers went for a walk to clean up the neighboring park.  Once we returned from the walk, the children drew pictures and allowed us to write their words on their artwork.  This is an example of one the pictures.  This child is a returning preschooler and loves to draw and tell stories.

Welcome to my Early Childhood blog!!!

Hello, and welcome to my "Karen's Konnection" Early Childhood blog.  This is an exciting and new experience for me, as I have never had my own blog. I welcome all feedback and hope this will be a forum for growth, collaboration, and all things positive. 

This week I am in the process of setting up my pre-k classroom for the 13th year.   Monday is my first day of school and I intend to share my great experiences with you and solicit advice as well.  Here's to a great year!