To all my colleagues I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for commenting on my blog, and to those of you who are my regular followers I truly appreciate your support. I was so frustrated with the Blog Assignment in the first few weeks, I was about to give up! Then one day I got on the course site and read through many of your comments and found that it wasn't only me having trouble. Thanks to all of your comments and discussions, I finally figured this out! Yeah!
I have truly enjoyed discussing the early childhood field with you all. I have learned a lot from the course work, but through our conversations I have been able to hear from colleagues on their perspective of the field and current issues in education that are affecting us all on different levels.
I look forward to many more discussions as we continue on our course.
Until next time,
Jennifer
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Early Childhood Code of Ethics
Professional Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Education
Under the NAEYC code of ethics there were two of the seven core values that were meaningful to me at this point in my professional career. The first value is that we recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community and society. As we attempt to assist children with their educational journey we must understand the culture, community, and family that they are coming. I have noticed that teachers that are not from our community tend to have difficulty understanding our children. The children use words and grammar that are unique or common amongst of our community, but are grammatically incorrect or even unheard of in other communities. For example the dialect that is spoken in the home is a form of broken English that is common. We be’s going to the store, for example instead of we were going to the store. Or I be’s quiet but I still gets in trouble. I have heard many teachers correcting the students English, which is their professional duty however I believe that we as teachers have to try to understand that the children are using the language they are familiar with and we have to find a less critical way to address their language mishaps that does not sound as if we are criticizing them. So professionally speaking, I believe that I will carry this core value with me on my professional journey to remind me that before I can make a judgment on a child I should understand the family, culture and community from which they come.
The second core value that was meaningful to me is directly tied to the previous one. Respect the dignity, worth and uniqueness of each individual. This includes not only the child, but their family and our colleagues. Our first impression of a person is important, however when we are working with young children and their families we need to understand that every person is unique and their dignity and feeling of worth is very important. If we treat each person we meet like we would like to be treated, then we are doing our job as professionals. Understanding the context from which a child or parent comes, will help us as professionals to ensure that help our children, parents and colleagues to maintain their dignity and self worth.
Finally, from the DEC Code of Ethics there were two goals that I found compelling. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages and cultures. As I proceed as a professional I understand that not only is it important to encourage and respect the children and their families, but also other professionals that I will come into contact with. We are each unique and have belief systems that are created by the environments and cultures from which we come. Therefore, if we are going to be high quality professionals we need to demonstrate our appreciation for diversity and values that are not necessarily our own.
To read the full Code of Ethics for the NAEYC and the DEC please visit the following sites;http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
http://www.dec-sped.org/
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Course Resources
Over the course of our class we have been giving many resources that will assist us in the classroom and our professional careers. I have found many of the resources in the list to be beneficial to our assignments now, but I also am learning about resources that will help me in the future. Also, many of the sites and articles listed have assisted me in understanding policy, procedures as well as developmental issues within the early childhood education field.
Although I am not working with children in the early childhood age group presently, I have been able to apply much of what I have learned about the emotional and social development of young children to my present assignment.
I hope that these resources are beneficial to others that are seeking community resources, or guidance on early childhood issues.
COURSE RESOURCES
Although I am not working with children in the early childhood age group presently, I have been able to apply much of what I have learned about the emotional and social development of young children to my present assignment.
I hope that these resources are beneficial to others that are seeking community resources, or guidance on early childhood issues.
COURSE RESOURCES
Selected Early Childhood Organizations
- 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/main/about.cfm - 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//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home - Institute for Women’s Policy Research
http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm - 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.preknow.org/ - Voices for America’s Children
http://www.voices.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=22807 - The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/
Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library
- YC Young Children
- Childhood
- Journal of Child & Family Studies
- Child Study Journal
- Multicultural Education
- Early Childhood Education Journal
- Journal of Early Childhood Research
- International Journal of Early Childhood
- Early Childhood Research Quarterly
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Studies
- Maternal & Child Health Journal
- International Journal of Early Years Education
My Choice Resources
Below are some resources that I considered to be beneficial. I enjoyed the Office of Environmental Education's site because it offers many ways to incorporate the outdoors into lessons or curriculums. Our children need to be more active, and what a wonderful way to get them moving than to get outside and play. The N.C. Division of Child Development site I thought would be helpful to have handy for anyone who is seeking to work in the early childhood field. At this site you can find any information on curriculum, regulations and how to apply for licenses or resources. Finally a site that offers fun and informative information for Children and Families. If we are going to involve families into education, we are going to need activities and ideals to encourage and support parents and families.
I hope you enjoy these resources!
Below are some resources that I considered to be beneficial. I enjoyed the Office of Environmental Education's site because it offers many ways to incorporate the outdoors into lessons or curriculums. Our children need to be more active, and what a wonderful way to get them moving than to get outside and play. The N.C. Division of Child Development site I thought would be helpful to have handy for anyone who is seeking to work in the early childhood field. At this site you can find any information on curriculum, regulations and how to apply for licenses or resources. Finally a site that offers fun and informative information for Children and Families. If we are going to involve families into education, we are going to need activities and ideals to encourage and support parents and families.
I hope you enjoy these resources!
Office of Environmental Education. http://www.eenorthcarolina.org/edresources/earlychildhood.html
This site offers educational resources to incorporate the outdoors into lessons.
N.C. Division of Child Development. http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/providers/pv_providres.asp.
Everything an early childhood educator might need in one easy to access location.
Children and Family Resource Center. http://www.childrenandfamily.org/.
Information for children and families.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Personal Childhood Web
Unfortunately, I have been unable to upload the map of my web to this blog. I am still working on that.
The people that were important to me during my early childhood were my Mom, my Dad, my siblings, Mrs. Mabry my kindergarten teacher and Mrs. Hentchel my first grade teacher. Without these people in my early years, I do not believe that I would have made it this far.
My mother has always been a strong influence in my life. She was the one individual who encouraged and supported us in our studies from the early years. As a young child I remember that she loved me. She always made holidays and birthdays special, even though now I know times were hard. She is the rock in our family. Thanks to my Mom and her red pen and demand for neatness, I was a successful student. I love her and she has set the standard for me as a mother.
My father was a strong man. He was the boss in our home. Unfortunately he was not able to help us with our schoolwork because he only had an 8th grade education himself. However, my father's contribution to our success was that he instilled in us, sometimes by whipping it into us, the importance of having a good education. We lost him when I was 13, but I knew from an early age that he loved me and would do anything he could to help me.
My siblings; Lynn, Vicky, Jeremy and Melanie. We always had each other. My older siblings we very dependable, and they took care of us when my Mom and Dad were away. Because of the strict expectations my father had for us we would help one another to keep from getting into trouble. Although we may not always get along, they were and are always there for me when I need help. Yes, as old as I am sometimes I have to pick up the phone and ask for their help with an assignmnent. The best thing is that I can always count on them to encourage me and boost me up. They are the best people to have on your side. I love them so much!
Mrs. Mabry, what can I say about her. She was the greatest teacher I ever had. As a grown up looking back, I wonder if she was as great as I perceived her to be. As I work with my own students I notice that the little, unintentional things, mean so much to them. Do I care about them, sure I do. But I am just being me. But Mrs. Mabry seemed to care about my education a lot. She knew my siblings who were her students before me and I was so shy. But she helped me to feel safe and confident in myself. I can remember thinking that her class was so fun that I never wanted to go home. But of course, I did. She would keep me behind during recess or music class to help me with skills I had not mastered. I know now that that was her free time, and she cared enough about me to sacrifice some of her time to work with me. To me she was love. She always smiled and hugged you. I felt as if I was a part of her family.
Mrs. Hentchel was my 1st grade teacher. She was fun! Something about that year seemed so magical. I do not remember to much just that her lessons were energized and she taught me the alphabet using the Letter People. They all had funny names and we would stand up and sing along while holding pictures of them. It was not intimidating to learn because we were all up singing along. As a person she was a strong personality that cared about us and encouraged us to keep going and not give up. A wonderful person.
Because of all of these people, my early childhood years were wonderful. Sure I had a few instances that made me embarrassed or just made me want to quit, but one of these people would always re-energize me to do my best and keep going. I had the feeling that I was safe, I was loved and I could do anything and be anything. I owe a lot to them.
Today I know that having a good early childhood experience allowed me to develop all the skills and tools I need to be successful. I am who I am today because of all the wonderful teachers that I had throughout my school and college careers. I am a life long learner because my parents and teachers taught me that the sky is not the limit, that I should reach for the stars and beyond. I enjoy learning and I enjoy teaching young children. I want to share with children the same motivation that others shared with me. I have been and continue to be blessed by great people.
The people that were important to me during my early childhood were my Mom, my Dad, my siblings, Mrs. Mabry my kindergarten teacher and Mrs. Hentchel my first grade teacher. Without these people in my early years, I do not believe that I would have made it this far.
My mother has always been a strong influence in my life. She was the one individual who encouraged and supported us in our studies from the early years. As a young child I remember that she loved me. She always made holidays and birthdays special, even though now I know times were hard. She is the rock in our family. Thanks to my Mom and her red pen and demand for neatness, I was a successful student. I love her and she has set the standard for me as a mother.
My father was a strong man. He was the boss in our home. Unfortunately he was not able to help us with our schoolwork because he only had an 8th grade education himself. However, my father's contribution to our success was that he instilled in us, sometimes by whipping it into us, the importance of having a good education. We lost him when I was 13, but I knew from an early age that he loved me and would do anything he could to help me.
My siblings; Lynn, Vicky, Jeremy and Melanie. We always had each other. My older siblings we very dependable, and they took care of us when my Mom and Dad were away. Because of the strict expectations my father had for us we would help one another to keep from getting into trouble. Although we may not always get along, they were and are always there for me when I need help. Yes, as old as I am sometimes I have to pick up the phone and ask for their help with an assignmnent. The best thing is that I can always count on them to encourage me and boost me up. They are the best people to have on your side. I love them so much!
Mrs. Mabry, what can I say about her. She was the greatest teacher I ever had. As a grown up looking back, I wonder if she was as great as I perceived her to be. As I work with my own students I notice that the little, unintentional things, mean so much to them. Do I care about them, sure I do. But I am just being me. But Mrs. Mabry seemed to care about my education a lot. She knew my siblings who were her students before me and I was so shy. But she helped me to feel safe and confident in myself. I can remember thinking that her class was so fun that I never wanted to go home. But of course, I did. She would keep me behind during recess or music class to help me with skills I had not mastered. I know now that that was her free time, and she cared enough about me to sacrifice some of her time to work with me. To me she was love. She always smiled and hugged you. I felt as if I was a part of her family.
Mrs. Hentchel was my 1st grade teacher. She was fun! Something about that year seemed so magical. I do not remember to much just that her lessons were energized and she taught me the alphabet using the Letter People. They all had funny names and we would stand up and sing along while holding pictures of them. It was not intimidating to learn because we were all up singing along. As a person she was a strong personality that cared about us and encouraged us to keep going and not give up. A wonderful person.
Because of all of these people, my early childhood years were wonderful. Sure I had a few instances that made me embarrassed or just made me want to quit, but one of these people would always re-energize me to do my best and keep going. I had the feeling that I was safe, I was loved and I could do anything and be anything. I owe a lot to them.
Today I know that having a good early childhood experience allowed me to develop all the skills and tools I need to be successful. I am who I am today because of all the wonderful teachers that I had throughout my school and college careers. I am a life long learner because my parents and teachers taught me that the sky is not the limit, that I should reach for the stars and beyond. I enjoy learning and I enjoy teaching young children. I want to share with children the same motivation that others shared with me. I have been and continue to be blessed by great people.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Hello!
Hello to all. I am still trying to get used to the "blogging", please be patient.
I am creating this blog as a tool for my graduate classes. I am looking forward to learning the in's and out's of blogging as well as utilizing it as a sounding board to hear from other professionals in the early childhood education field.
I am very passionate about education and helping children discover their own abilitiy to be successful. I have recently decided that I most definately would be able to make a larger difference if I could work in the early childhood education field. I want to help children see that we all have the ability to succeed because it is inside of us all. Our backgrounds, neither cultural or economical, do not determine the level of success we will achieve, but instead it is the determination that we have to reach goals that we set for ourselves.
I look forward to sharing ideals, articles, and conversations with you all.
Jennifer
I am creating this blog as a tool for my graduate classes. I am looking forward to learning the in's and out's of blogging as well as utilizing it as a sounding board to hear from other professionals in the early childhood education field.
I am very passionate about education and helping children discover their own abilitiy to be successful. I have recently decided that I most definately would be able to make a larger difference if I could work in the early childhood education field. I want to help children see that we all have the ability to succeed because it is inside of us all. Our backgrounds, neither cultural or economical, do not determine the level of success we will achieve, but instead it is the determination that we have to reach goals that we set for ourselves.
I look forward to sharing ideals, articles, and conversations with you all.
Jennifer
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