Week 8 - Bittersweet Farewell

These past eight weeks I have learned so much regarding communication, and I believe that I have become a better communicator in all aspects of my life.  I would like to take this time to thank all of my colleagues for all of their feedback this course, I learned so much through these connections.  Best of luck to all with your endeavors, both professional and personal.  Furthermore, I would like to thank Dr. Parrish for the feedback and support she has extended during this course, it has been truly a pleasure to have you as professor once again.

Bittersweet farewells to all

Karen Thompson
Edukater2007@aol.com

Adjourning Groups

I have been involved in many different types of groups, professional as well as personal.  I feel that all groups, when they work well together, are bittersweet when they come to an end.  When you have a group that struggles and then comes together beautifully, it’s hard to see it end.    Likewise, a group that meshes from the onset and runs like a machine is hard to leave as well.  When a group is productive, no matter what the process or outcome, the end should be a time for celebration and reflection. 

The hardest group adjournment that I was involved in was a group of parents who were rallying to keep a program in my child’s elementary school.  The funding was cut and we hated to see the program be cut, so we formed a group to try and change the inevitable.  We worked together beautifully, with a few minor disagreements which actually grew our bond even more.  After almost a year of accomplishments, we were still unable to keep the program alive, however the fight was definitely worth it. 

Upon the close of this group, we gathered for one last time and celebrated our labor of love and recognized each other for our hard work.  While we were not really successful in keeping the program, we built some lasting friendships and had a great group experience.  Our last meeting was at a member’s home, and was a relaxed environment with good conversation and a few tears. 

I feel that different groups end differently.  Sometimes professional groups I have been involved in just ended without warning, one day we were there, the next day we were done.  These types of ending are the most painstaking because I feel as though all my hard work and dedication was completely invalidated.

As this group of academic colleagues come to an end, I feel that some of us may continue to network and just share a common bond as educators.  I, for one, find that having colleagues from different areas and walks of life makes for a great information resource and a different set of eyes or ears.  I am confident that I will have some lasting contact with some of my Walden colleagues for many years to come.

Strategies to Avoid Conflict

Avoiding confrontation and negative communication has been something that has come pretty natural. One strategy I use often is to listen and compromise.  When I feel that my view differed from another's, I am always sure to listen to the view of the other, and then try and compromise.  This seems to work on numerous occasions.  The second strategy I use is what I call "keep my composure and never be afraid to walk away".  My mother instilled this strategy at an early age.  She always said stay true to who you are and when you feel as though your comfort zone may be breeched, walk away and try again later.  

These two strategies (if one would like to call them this) have served me well for 40 years.  While I have had some "healthy debates" over the years, I really cannot say that I have had any highly negative misunderstandings.  I am easy going by nature and always tend to think positively and try and take the role of the other when presented.  

Me as Communicator

This week I evaluated myself on the Communication Anxiety Inventory, Verbal Aggressiveness Inventory, and the Listening Styles Profile.  My results did not seem too surprising to me.  On the Communication Inventory, I scored a 42 which put me at the mild level.  This seems correct to me as I do not put much thought and worry into communication.  The Verbal Aggressiveness Scale rated a 63, putting me at moderate with a good balance.  Lastly, the Listening Scale rated me at Group 1 or people-oriented.

When I consulted both my colleague as well as my husband, they both scored me at similar levels on the listening scale and the communication scale, however the verbal aggressiveness scale was surprising.  My colleague rated me at a 43, or low level.  She mentioned that she found me to be quite easy going, non-confrontational, and very kind.  My husband, however, rated me at a 74, placing me at the significant level.

This exercise was eye opening to me in that I feel that I may be easy going and non-confrontational in the workplace, however at home with my significant other, I am considerably more aggressive. While I am glad that I am perceived as easy going and personable in my profession, I am a bit sharp in my personal life and I need to be a little mindful of this.

Communicating With Different Groups

Think about the cultural diversity you see in your colleagues at school, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, and also, possibly, within your family. Consider all the aspects that make up culture, including race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, varying abilities, and so on.

• Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
• If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

I do find myself communicating differently with different people.  I am a preschool teacher, and find myself speaking in language that is age appropriate for them, but sometimes taking that language a bit higher in order to provide opportunities for higher level thinking and problem solving.  Teaching in Camden City School District involves families of different cultures.  Many of my parents speak Spanish and I need to be able to communicate somewhat effectively with those families.  Because of this language difference, I speak slowly and clearly, and utilize Spanish language whenever possible.  Also, I am careful that my tone and demeanor is non-offensive and laid back.  II find that if my tone or body language seems rushed or anxious, this creates poor rapport and becomes a barrier to communication.  I also have a different communication with my professional colleagues at school.  When it is a laid back social situation, my language is just that, however when language is taking place in a professional situation, higher level communication and professional field language is utilized.  

Some strategies that I utilized within my communication are the following.

1.  I never assume anything about the people I am communicating with.  I always am mindful that my body language and tone is inviting and non-confrontational.   

2.  When communicating with others who speak a language other than English, I always try and utilize some of their words for understanding.  Additionally, my tone and body language is calm and does not indicate discomfort  or non-acceptance.  

3.  I always try and maintain composure, even when dialogue may turn confrontational or negative.  I keep my character at all costs and try and remain kind and calm.

4.  Lastly, I do not try to "pver talk" myself to make myself appear smarter or better than the person I am talking to.  I find that this can create a very sticky and uncomfortable situation for all involved.  

Nonverbal Communication

The task this week was a little different for me as I do not watch much television.  I turned on the tv while cooking dinner and muted an episode of Judge Judy.  It started off with a woman taking another woman to court over something to do with a dog (I assume that because the woman suing had a little dog in court with her).  The woman doing the suing appeared very distraught during the explanation as she seemed to become emotional during the explanation, displayed by some crying and wiping of tears.  The defendant had a smuglike smirk and at one point the camera turned to Judge Judy and you could see that she appeared to me lecturing the defendant in a heated manner because her face was wearing a scowl and she was gesturing aggressively with her arms and hands.

Once I watched the show with sound I found out that the plaintiff was suing for damage done to her little dog by the neighbors dog which was running loose.  The defendant was not the least bit remorseful and this made Judge Judy very upset and she gave the defendant a lecture for being a negligent pet owner who was not taking responsibility for their pet.

My interpretation of the show was somewhat spot on, and I interpreted it fairly close to the actual story line.  I feel that because of the nature of the show, I was able to interpret without sound, however if it were an actual sitcom or a similar show with more story, I don't believe that I would have understood nearly as much.  Facial expression and body language can tell a story within itself and really does tell a story without necessary words.

"The Competent Communicator"

This week begins the first week in the "EC Communication" course and I am excited to start this journey.  When asked to choose someone who is a competent communicator, I could not help but think of a colleague of mine.  This woman is the parent coordinator / education specialist for our district and she has truly mastered communication.  She has a knack for communicating respectfully, keeping the flow, and dispelling negativity.  She is always prepared and well informed, and when she does not have the answers, she has a flair for explaining that she will work on this and reconvene.  This professional is an asset to our district, and at the close of this course, I aspire to be an effective communicator such as her.

Good luck to all this course!!

Professional Hopes and Goals

As we come to the close of this course, I would like to tell my classmates thank you for all of your valuable feedback and support.  One of the greatest parts of this experience is learning from those in the field and you are all truly a part of this experience.  Best luck in your future endeavors!

The one hope that I have for working with diverse families is that I am a model for others working in the field.  I profess to have an open mind and a caring heart and I act accordingly. I have learned o much about respect and how we should treat and be treated and I just hope that this practice shows in my character.

This hope also directly relates to my goal, as it is quite similar. My goal is to not forget the lessons learned and the stories told, but to embrace them for the betterment of change for myself and all of those I come in contact with.

Farewell and best regards...

Welcoming Families From Around the World

This week we are asked to explain how we would welcome a child and their family from a country we know nothing about.  It is very ironic that this is the blog  task, because I was just informed this past week that I have a new child starting September 2nd from Chile.  I know nothing about Chile except that it is located in South America.

I intend to prepare for this child by researching Chile. This will give me a little insight on what the country is about.  I have found out that their primary language is Spanish.  My classroom is labeled in English and Spanish, and my IA speaks Spanish and I have a little Spanish language skills.  I found trade pictures about  Chile on the internet that I printed out and posted in the classroom.  Additionally, I found 2 children's books on Amazon, that I have ordered.  These children's books are "A Pen Pal For Max" by Gloria and Ted Rand, and "My Name is Gabriela" by Monica Brown and John Parra.

My intention is to help make this family feel as comfortable as possible by preparing a easy transition for their child.  I do not know if the family is coming to NJ because of family, displacement, or other.  I do not know if this move is positive or negative, but I will be welcoming.  I would like to assume that the family is experiencing a positive transition, but I will offer to help them further in any way I can.

   

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I am sure we have all had an incident of bias, prejudice, or oppression.  One scenario which I remember as though it were yesterday happened about 2 years ago.  Being a teacher, and having the summer off, I decided to work at the local supermarket for the summer.  The market is in a suburb of Philadelphia in southern NJ and is comprised of predominantly middle class Caucasian people, many with Italian heritage.  I recall one Saturday morning, this older gentleman coming to the deli for some meats.  One of my co-workers said to him, as he was a "regular",  "Oh Karen is like you Joe, she's a teacher too!".  Joe said that he was a retired high school teacher from Pitman NJ, (another suburb, very "Brady-ish" very old school way Caucasian, known to be stuck in a time of non-conformity and change type of town).  He then went on to say that Pitman had some of the most beautiful girls in the world, but that's beginning to change.  Somewhat puzzled, I asked why the change.  He told me "well, they are allowing the dark ones in.'   He was very nonchalant and comfortable saying this to me, I assume because I am Caucasian, and appeared to be like him.  Completely shocked and very taken aback, I did not know how to respond, but allowed the conversation to continue out of a lack of words for the situation, and the fact that I am professional and do not like to be taken out of character.  He then asked me where and what I teach, and I told him I was a Pre-K teacher for the Camden City School District (Camden is directly across the river from Philadelphia, very urban with a dominant African American and Hispanic culture, high drugs and crime, and happens to be the #1 murder city in the US due to its high numbers and small area).  He looked at me with an astonished look and said "Wow, how do you handle working with the blacks?"  (I feel the need to mention that he was "dead serious" with this question!!!)  At this point I was really peeved and totally disgusted, but my personality is somewhat dry and a little sarcastic so I put on a smile and responded loud enough for many to hear..."I don't mind it really, I am used to being around the "blacks" because my husband is "black".  The man looked at my co-worker (who was almost choking) and said "Is she telling the truth?" and he responded by saying yes.  The man, quite embarrassed and hopefully ashamed of himself, immediately gathered his deli order and walked away.  I just looked at my co-worker and said "Well I am glad he is retired because his narrow minded self is stuck in the 50's and that really is not conducive to being a teacher." and continued working.

This incident diminished equity, because the man assumed that we were equal, and that people, mainly African Americans, are not.  When finding out that I did not think or feel the way he did, he fled the situation and I would assume, looked down upon me or thought me to be sub-standard.

This situation makes me seethe with anger, and what makes it worse is that he is an educator.  This just goes to show that while times may change, some mindsets stay the same.  One would think that a teacher would have an open mind for all people regardless of their diversity, but that is just not the case.  If I had to speculate, he probably did not publicize his feelings in the workplace, but he was obviously open with his feelings now.   (I guess you can put on the game face with out really internalizing the feelings).

This gentleman would have to change (along with a large percentage of the population who still looks at Caucasian as being the superior race, and others are just  second class) for equity purposes.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

This week, the preschool summer program went to a children's museum for a class trip.  This museum  is located in Philadelphia and attracts many families as well as schools.  My children were exploring in one of the interactive displays, when I overheard a Mom to say to her young children "Lets go and come back back when those kids are gone, we don't associate with those type." I was appalled and really wanted to say "...and what type would that be, young children just like yours, or Hispanic children?"  Clearly I could tell by her body language that she was narrow minded and plain ignorant as she drowned them in hand sanitizer and scurried her children away.  

This is a prime example of microaggressions in our "modern" world.  I get disgusted at the lack of manners and downright evil attitudes that people of 2014 still possess.  We have come along way as far as the -isms of the world, however, we have a long way to go.  I do not understand why we cannot all at least practice respect and at the very least...tolerance.  Just for today I remained mute on my opinion because I was very busy with 15 preschoolers, and the lady should be thankful as I truly wanted to read her the riot act and point out her obvious flaws.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

This week I spoke with three different individuals about their personal view of culture and diversity.  I spoke with my 15 year old daughter, my friend who is originally from Puerto Rico but relocated to the United States in her middle school years, and a colleague from my school.  My daughter defined culture as your life , food, family, holidays, etc., and diversity as being different than what is normal.  My Latino friend defined culture as being your life and how you live it in relation to others.   Additionally, she defined diversity as being foreign or from a different place than the United States.  Lastly, my school colleague defined culture as the environment in which you live your life and how, including thoughts, actions, religion, traits, and family.  She defined diversity as being multicultural and different than what people think American to be.

All three of the answers touched on the information, however it was quite minimal.  All three explanations did not include abilities , or even language.  All three of my  individuals I interviewed, as well as myself, seem to have an idea about culture and diversity, but can't really find the words to truly articulate the meaning.  My school colleague seemed very cross that when I asked her, she struggled with an answer.  As teachers, we have to take multiculturalism and diversity into consideration when purchasing toys and books, as well as classroom materials.  When discussing this topic with my friend who is Latino, she joked and said she was an example.  I feel that sometimes we consider those who are a definitive example (ie. language, skin complexion, ethnicity, etc) of a different culture, when actually we are all examples of different culture and diversity.  In regards to my daughter, I was also surprised to know that she had a difficult time defining culture and diversity.  I believe that society defines culture and diversity as extreme differences, when we are all examples of diverse individuals (granted, some are more diverse than others, however we are all different in one way or another).  After this exercise, I see that, as an educator, I need to educate my children and students on diversity and differences in order to gain understanding and acceptance.

My Family Culture

This week we are asked to put our-self into a situation where we experience country devastation and evacuation - what three things would you take?

 I would want to take so many precious things.  To pick three items, I would have to pick my family photo album, my memory box of priceless mementos, and my Ipad.  My photo album is full of pictures of my parents, my children, and my family.  My mementos are are memories of the past and events that have shaped my life and who I am.  My Ipad  houses so much information about me, including pictures of my important papers from my life and career (like a computer hard drive - compact).

Considering that this is a completely foreign land I would try and explain by body movements and survival sign language, to the best of my ability (a translator would be wonderful!).

I would be devastated of I had to give up two of my items and just keep one.  If time was not an issue, I would use my Ipad to take pictures of my photos in the album and my mementos, and choose the Ipad.  If there was no time for that to happen, I would have no choice but to keep my photo album, the photos mean so much to me.  I lost my Mother very suddenly right after I graduated from college and I had no chance to say goodbye, all I have are memories and pictures - this is my choice.

This was a very eye opening experience  and very thought provoking.  I hope in my lifetime that nothing such as this scenario comes into play, but if it did, I would need to  be prepared, maybe I should act accordingly?

When I Think of Research...

What insights have I gained about research from taking this course?
My biggest understanding was learning how to read research articles.  This was a very tedious task for me over the past few courses, and this concept has made the task much easier.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
I realize that what I do on a daily basis within my own classroom is research, just on a much smaller scale.  I feel that I have a better understanding of the research process, and while it was struggle, I feel that I am somewhat more proficient in the area than I was.

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?  Like I stated, I have come to the realization that I conduct research in the field on a daily basis, just on a much smaller scale.

What were some of the challenges you encountered - and in what ways did you meet them?
I have never put too much thought into research or being a researcher, however, I feel that I have gained a better understanding of research and the process.  I found this semester to be quite stressful foe a couple reasons.  First, I have a very limited interest in research.  Second, I had many unexpected events within my family life that were very tie consuming, which took my attention away from this course.  Lastly, timing was very inopportune in reference to work.  The last marking period is very daunting during this time, and I was consumed with finalizing assessment and grading for the school year.  I want to thank my colleagues because I did not feel like I was alone in this task, and truly learned  a lot from our discussion interactions and blogging. Thanks loads!!!

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course? 
I have a greater respect for researchers in the field and their contributions, for this is not an easy accomplishment.  There is an abundance of patience, perseverance, and ambition to be a researcher.  

Again, good luck to my fellow classmates, and I hope to cross paths with each of you again in future endeavors!

Research Around The World

This week  explored the international early childhood website, Early Childhood Australia.  I chose this website because it is very similar to the NAEYC website, and is very user friendly.  The site contained a wealth of information, as well as some very informative links.

I was very surprised to see that many of the main issues on the website were ones that are priority in the United States as well.  Topics such as preschool funding, best practices, and professional partnerships are some of the most current topics of interest.

They have a publication on the website called "Voice" and it was obtainable while exploring the cite.  One of the more recent issues had a small article on the Early Childhood Flexibility Practices and Patterns Project in Australia.  I found this to be of great interest to me because this is something that I feel is lacking in my own local early childhood sector.  I believe that if we were to establish a similar program, this would be a fundamental benefit to our families.

I encourage my classmates and colleagues to explore this website as well, as I feel that it is truly noteworthy and has a wealth of valid information for the field of early childhood.


http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/about_us/about_early_childhood_australia.html

Research that Benefits Children and Families - Uplifting Stories

There are positive effects of research on children and one of those research studies has impacted my profession.   The research I am speaking of consists of  a culmination of an Abbott Preschool Program Longitudinal Effects Study : Fifth Grade Follow-Up in 2013.  This was a multi-year research study of New Jersey's Abbott Preschool Program which showed significant gains in those communities which participated in the preschool program, and significant gains in literacy, math, and science through 4th and 5th grade.  Abbott districts are school districts in New Jersey that were created as a result of a ruling in Abbott vs. Burke.  The ruling from the case asserted that education within certain poor communities were unconstitutionally substandard.
I am an Abbott Preschool teacher in the Camden City School District, and this research study has helped to support the fact that we are making a difference with our children and their education.  This study has had a positive effect upon the children and families of not only my district, but 30 other Abbott districts in New Jersey.

Personal Research Journey

The topic that I have chosen for my research is language development in preschool children.  I have chose this topic because language development is an integral part of my curriculum and classroom.  So much of everything I do within my classroom revolves around this concert, and I find the topic amazing.  I love to see the progress children make when they discover letter sounds and then start to show progress in making strings of letter sounds.  This is the very early stages of reading and it is truly magical.

Upon entering this research course, I was quite intimidated and truly frightened of the entire process.  After the first week, and realizing that I am not alone, I am excited for this journey.  Dr. Ferrari has made it known that this is an introductory course, and I am now looking forward to the bones of research and understanding even more.  I know that this course will be beneficial to me in so many ways, not just in my Walden experience, but also in my career.

I welcome any and all information that my colleagues wish to share.  I am a fan of both the course discussions and the blogging, as they both provide a wealth of information from classmates who may have differing perspectives and fresh ideas.  

Karenskonnection.blogspot.com

Final Blog

As I post this final blog at the close of this course, three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field come to mind.  First, I have gained a better understanding that while we have concerns about the early childhood field in the United States, our counterparts in other nations have similar, if not the same concerns.  Second, I have realized that issues such as poverty and child welfare and health issues are national and global issues and progress in these areas is necessary.  The third and final consequence is that educators, regardless of their nation of origin, have the same goal and common thread, they want what is best for their children and families.

One goal I would like to see for the field in regard to international awareness, is a greater global understanding of the topic of early childhood education.  All young children benefit from educational services at a young age, and regardless of nation or land, the benefits are standard across the board from country to country.  Early childhood education is a necessity in all nations and should be handled, not just domestically, but on a global basis for the benefit of all children and families.

Getting to know International Contacts Part 3

This week I asked my international contact, Jacqueline Perry what her hopes, dreams, and aspirations are for the future of her profession.  She stated that she has been in the field of early childhood education for several years and her dream is for early childhood to become more respected, appreciated, and understood.  She aspires that one day all children, regardless of socio-economic issues, race, culture, and background shall be privy to early childhood education.  I agree with her on this topic, and long for the day in the future.  

Like I have stated in pervious posts, our Canadian neighbors share many of the same viewpoint, expectations, and aspirations as we do in the United States.  

Sharing Resources

The website I found to be most helpful is www.hhs.gov US Department of Health and Human Services.  Currently if you visit the site, the three main topics are Open Enrollment Over for Obamacare, Healthy Eating, and Autism Awareness.  All of these topics take you to outside links with a  wealth of information.  If you go to the search bar and type equity in preschool, many  different links concerning the topic come up.  Many  of the links deal with head start and their different initiatives.

Like  i have stated in the past, this is wonderful site with a wealth of information that can be utilized within the field of early childhood education.

 http://www.hhs.gov

Getting to Know Your International Contacts - Part 2

This past week I touched base with my Canadian contact, Jacqueline Perry.  I discussed with her the topic of school readiness in preschool and my concerns as  far as my view on the field.  She stated that school readiness is a concern in her country as well and there is much current debate on the topic.  There is discussion about what can be done to remedy the gap in  readiness and where the field  of early childhood is going.  Once again, this  is an example of how our neighbor to  the north is experiencing some of the very same topics and issues within the field.  Different country, however, same trends and concerns over our young children and the future of the field.

Sharing Web Resources

The website that I find to be very helpful, and full of current  and relevant information is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at http://www.hhs.gov.  I utilize this website quite often, as it is very user friendly.  There is a search bar where you can put in a search word and it will bring up several hits of information.  I utilize information on the site from health concerns to English Language Learners.  Recently, I utilized the site for a wealth of information on poverty, child hunger, and homelessness.  The resources located within the website are based upon all different viewpoints of different topics, and provides both pro and con views of the issues at hand.  

I recommend this website to anyone who may be searching for issues or trends in education or the area concerning children and families.  There is a wealth of information relevant to education professionals as well as parents and caretakers.  

Getting to Know Our International Colleagues

This week I have the pleasure of introducing Jacqueline Perry whom I made contact through the Canadian Association for Young Children.  We have discussed a few limited topics, especially poverty.  British Columbia has the highest child poverty rate and continues to worsen.  Much of this is attributed to the high number of single mother homes and growing welfare cases.  Low minimum wage  and lack of jobs attributes to the growing need for welfare.  Through the discussion, I realized that this is very similar to what we see in the area I reside. The minimum wages are comparable and the cost of living is similar as well.  It seems that much of the strife these struggling families endure is similar across country borders.  I look forward to continuing our correspondence and am very eager to learn more about the issues revolving around early childhood in our neighboring country.

Sharing Web Resources

This week I chose two websites.  NAEYC, because I utilize this website on many different occasions and find it to be a priceless resource. The other website is the Canadian Childcare  Federation, which is very similar to our NAEYC.

National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org/

Canadian Childcare  Federation
http://www.cccf-fcsge.ca/

Both websites and organizations focus on the betterment of young children. I located the Canadian website through the NAEYC Global Alliance, and decided to  peruse it because of its close proximity to the United States.  I was very curious as to whether they were similar or different.
I found both websites to be very similar with he same concerns such as child health, care, and professional development.  There is also a concern on behalf of the Canadian Childcare Federation  for Aboriginal Child Care because  of the various Aboriginal Communities within Canada.

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

I was pleasantly surprised at the ease of making contact with 2 professionals this week.  I utilized The Global Alliance of NAEYC to make these contacts and I look forward to conversing regularly with my new colleagues.  The website I am exploring is the Canadian Association for Young Children.  I became very interested in this site in relation to the 2 professionals I connected with this week.  I have had extensive experience with the NAEYC website, and this appears to be the Canadian representation of such.

My Supports

Support, to me, is a force that keeps me going.  I have many different supports in my life, and they serve different purposes.  My first support is God...God is my foundation of life and continually blesses all aspects within.  My second support is my husband and family...they give me reason to go on when life gets hard or crazy.   My third support is myself and my values...these have been engrained in me throughout life by my experiences and have truly formed me and continue to be a driving force within.  

These are by no means, my only supports...they are just my major, life dependent ones.  I have work supports which include my colleagues and friends.  I have personal supports, like routines, time management skills, etc. I also have pleasurable supports such as my guinea pig, hobbies, and interests.  All of these supports keep my life harmonious.

Imagining my life without these supports is very disheartening.  I am at a stage in my life where life is good.  Of course there are the normal ups and downs, and it is by no means perfect...but it is progressing positively.  I credit my supports for this.  

My Connections to Play

“Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.”
― Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

“Play is the work of the child.” – Maria Montessori

“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” -O. Fred Donaldson

The pictures  above represent the play  favorites of my childhood.  Barbie dolls, my kitchen play  set, and my bike were always my pastime doings.  My parents always encouraged my play as a child, and they allowed me the freedom to experience endless hours of fun.  I had my own play area where I could set up my playthings and play  continuously for days or months on end.  I was an only child, therefore, much of y play was solitary, but I remember that I was not lonely.  I do recall that much of my play was imaginative and I did talk to myself quite often (wow, does that mean I was "crazy"?Nah, I think I just had a rich imagination. )

Imagination leads me into my next topic.  Imagination is  what I believe is lacking  in play today.  So many things have evolved or changed that I believe that the imagination is being taken  out  of the toys.  For example, a traditional infant stacking ring set used to be made of just plastic colored rings that stack on a  post and go from large to small.  Nowadays, these stacking rigs light up and play music, plus lots of other bells and whistles.  Similarly, play has become very sedentary.  Children  would much rather sit in front of a video game than go out and ride bikes,  run  around, or even roller skate (no wonder childhood obesity is on the rise).  

Play is how children learn, but play does not stop with childhood.  Play is important and therapeutic to adults as well, or at least to me.  I need some me time to play...riding my bike, walking around  the park, crossword puzzles, crafting...it keeps my sanity.  As  adults, we should take heed to the benefits in the act of playing.  Life may be lighter and more enjoyable if we could all learn to play.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships have helped to shape the person I am today.  I saw this poem many years ago, and as I get older, the more i understand this poem.  The people listed in this post are near and dear to me and will always have a special place in my heart for the role they play within my life.

First and foremost, I have a special relationship with my Lord, My God. While I am not an extremely religious person, I do see his blessings in my life on a daily basis.

 My husband...while we have had our share of good and not so good times, I have learned so much about life and love within this relationship.

 My children...being a Mom has got to be the best relationship.  This relationship has taught me so much, especially to care and love unconditionally for another.

 My co-worker and great friend.  We were brought together through the workplace and have grown to have a wonderful bond and friendship.  This relationship has brought me through places in my life that were both positive and negative and has truly evolved into a true friendship.

Last but not least, my children at school (not pictured due to confidentiality). The relationships I form with my children is priceless.  They leave marks on my heart that only another teacher could understand.  I really think of my children when I read this poem I opened my blog with, because they really do fit for the "reason", "season", or "lifetime".