Wow! Time has gone by quickly. I just want to wish everyone the best of luck and hope to see some of you in my next class. Just remember as we take this journey that we are in this profession for a reason and that is to make a difference in the lives of those we teach. We are a team working together because team stands for Together, Everyone, Achieves, More. Again, best of luck to each one of you.
Vicki
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Code of Ethics
I-1.9—To advocate for and ensure that all children,
including those with special needs, have access to the
support services needed to be successful.
I agree that all children have the right to learn. When children with special needs I want to make sure that I can guide them to receive the support services they need to be successful whether this speech, occupational therapy or whatever type of service is needed to give them the best learning experience possible.
I-1.10—To ensure that each child’s culture, language,
ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and
valued in the program
This is important because children do have different backgrounds and as a teacher you need to be aware of the differences. You need to respect others culture and language.
I-2.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base related to
working effectively with families and to stay informed
through continuing education and training.
In order for me as a teacher I must stay aware of changes that may take place in the Early Childhood field. The more knowledge we have the better professionals we can become.
I-2.2—To develop relationships of mutual trust and
create partnerships with the families we serve.
Not only do I serve the children but their families as well. We are a team working together to give their children a great learning experience. I am also building a team with my parents in order to help them along the way also. This may be a parent who needs to go back to school to earn their GED. I am building that partnership with them to become a team.
I-2.3—To welcome all family members and encourage
them to participate in the program.
Parent involvement is very important in a program and we as teachers need to get our families involved. I always keep an open door policy with my parents. They are welcomed at all times and I love having parent volunteers in the classroom.
DEC
Responsive Family Centered Practices*Professional and Interpersonal Behavior
1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value
and human potential of each child.
2. We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all
our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families
and of those with whom we work.
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.
4. We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the
professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that
enhance the quality of their lives.
All of the above go back to being the best teacher you can be and in order to do this you must be willing to strive toward the things listed above. I am a professional in the Early Childhood field and I want to learn more everyday so that I can give my students a great learning expeience that they will carry with them in years to come.
Enhancement of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives
1. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with
whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture.
2. We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the developmental outcomes of children and to
provide services and supports in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children.
3. We shall recognize and respect the dignity, diversity, and autonomy of the families and children
we serve.
4. We shall advocate for equal access to high quality services and supports for all children and
families
I must understand the families I serve and remember that no two are alike. I must treat my families fair and not judge them due to certain things. I remember why I am in this field and what I want for the students I serve so in order for the best to happen I know I must give the best support I can give to the students and families I serve. I love my job and want to make the best of it. I want my students to look back in the years to come and say they remember me.
including those with special needs, have access to the
support services needed to be successful.
I agree that all children have the right to learn. When children with special needs I want to make sure that I can guide them to receive the support services they need to be successful whether this speech, occupational therapy or whatever type of service is needed to give them the best learning experience possible.
I-1.10—To ensure that each child’s culture, language,
ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and
valued in the program
This is important because children do have different backgrounds and as a teacher you need to be aware of the differences. You need to respect others culture and language.
I-2.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base related to
working effectively with families and to stay informed
through continuing education and training.
In order for me as a teacher I must stay aware of changes that may take place in the Early Childhood field. The more knowledge we have the better professionals we can become.
I-2.2—To develop relationships of mutual trust and
create partnerships with the families we serve.
Not only do I serve the children but their families as well. We are a team working together to give their children a great learning experience. I am also building a team with my parents in order to help them along the way also. This may be a parent who needs to go back to school to earn their GED. I am building that partnership with them to become a team.
I-2.3—To welcome all family members and encourage
them to participate in the program.
Parent involvement is very important in a program and we as teachers need to get our families involved. I always keep an open door policy with my parents. They are welcomed at all times and I love having parent volunteers in the classroom.
DEC
Responsive Family Centered Practices*Professional and Interpersonal Behavior
1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value
and human potential of each child.
2. We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all
our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families
and of those with whom we work.
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.
4. We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the
professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that
enhance the quality of their lives.
All of the above go back to being the best teacher you can be and in order to do this you must be willing to strive toward the things listed above. I am a professional in the Early Childhood field and I want to learn more everyday so that I can give my students a great learning expeience that they will carry with them in years to come.
Enhancement of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives
1. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with
whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture.
2. We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the developmental outcomes of children and to
provide services and supports in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children.
3. We shall recognize and respect the dignity, diversity, and autonomy of the families and children
we serve.
4. We shall advocate for equal access to high quality services and supports for all children and
families
I must understand the families I serve and remember that no two are alike. I must treat my families fair and not judge them due to certain things. I remember why I am in this field and what I want for the students I serve so in order for the best to happen I know I must give the best support I can give to the students and families I serve. I love my job and want to make the best of it. I want my students to look back in the years to come and say they remember me.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Course Resources
Part 1: Position Statements and Influential Practices
NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap
NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from 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 age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from 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://main.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/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases.
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.
Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title.
Part 2: Global Support for Children’s Rights and Well-Being
Article: 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:
World Forum Foundation
http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage
World Organization for Early Childhood Education
http://www.omep-usnc.org/
Read about OMEP’s mission.
Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/about/
Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.
Note: Explore the resources in Parts 3 and 4 in preparation for this week’s Application assignment.
Part 3: 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/
The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/
Part 4: Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library
Tip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to “How Do I...?”, select “Tips for Specific Formats and Resources,” and then “e-journals” to find this search interface.)
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
Additional Resources:
Books that I enjoy using:
Families, Professionals and Exceptionality: Positive Outcomes Through Partnerships and Trust by Ann Turnbull, Rud Turnbull, Elizabeth J. Erwin, Leslie C. Soodak, and Karrie A. Shogren
Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs, Third Edition by Carol Copple and Sue Bredekamp
Challenging Behavior in Young Children: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding Effectively by Barbara Kaiser and Judy Sklar Rasminsky
Creating Literacy: Instruction for all children in grades Pre-k to 4 by Thomas G. Gunning.
Websites I find useful:
http://www.georgiaheadstart.org/
http://decal.ga.gov/ (Bright From The Start Early Care and Learning)
http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/articles.aspx?ArticleID=282
I love to search the internet about early childhood education.
NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap
NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from 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 age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from 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://main.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/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases.
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.
Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title.
Part 2: Global Support for Children’s Rights and Well-Being
Article: 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:
World Forum Foundation
http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage
World Organization for Early Childhood Education
http://www.omep-usnc.org/
Read about OMEP’s mission.
Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/about/
Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.
Note: Explore the resources in Parts 3 and 4 in preparation for this week’s Application assignment.
Part 3: 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/
The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/
Part 4: Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library
Tip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to “How Do I...?”, select “Tips for Specific Formats and Resources,” and then “e-journals” to find this search interface.)
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
Additional Resources:
Books that I enjoy using:
Families, Professionals and Exceptionality: Positive Outcomes Through Partnerships and Trust by Ann Turnbull, Rud Turnbull, Elizabeth J. Erwin, Leslie C. Soodak, and Karrie A. Shogren
Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs, Third Edition by Carol Copple and Sue Bredekamp
Challenging Behavior in Young Children: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding Effectively by Barbara Kaiser and Judy Sklar Rasminsky
Creating Literacy: Instruction for all children in grades Pre-k to 4 by Thomas G. Gunning.
Websites I find useful:
http://www.georgiaheadstart.org/
http://decal.ga.gov/ (Bright From The Start Early Care and Learning)
http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/articles.aspx?ArticleID=282
I love to search the internet about early childhood education.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Words of Inspiration and Motivation
"Everybody counts, everybody deserves a chance, everybody has a responsbility role to play and we all do better when we work together." _Bill Clinton
"We need to help younger people recognize their own capacity to do good, and help them discover the rewards of generosity." _Bill Clinton
"And I believe that one of our greatest future directions is to provide as much choice and control as possible for people with intellectual disabilities. And when those people, similar to Jay, need support in making that happen, then they are surrounded by family and friends who can enable them to have the life that all of us want for ourselves, an opportunity to control our front door and opportunity to have a job where we can contribute and to have valued friends."
-Ann Turnbull
It became my passion to make sure all children were taught in environments and ways that truely nutured their ability to grow and develop their abilities."-Louise Derman Sparks (Video-The Passion of Early Childhood)
"We as professionals in the early childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child's life for the better." Sandy Escobido(Video-The Passion of Early Childhood)
Additional Quotes:
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ~~ Dr. Seuss
Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation. John F. Kennedy
Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it. [Proverbs 22:6] Bible
"We need to help younger people recognize their own capacity to do good, and help them discover the rewards of generosity." _Bill Clinton
"And I believe that one of our greatest future directions is to provide as much choice and control as possible for people with intellectual disabilities. And when those people, similar to Jay, need support in making that happen, then they are surrounded by family and friends who can enable them to have the life that all of us want for ourselves, an opportunity to control our front door and opportunity to have a job where we can contribute and to have valued friends."
-Ann Turnbull
It became my passion to make sure all children were taught in environments and ways that truely nutured their ability to grow and develop their abilities."-Louise Derman Sparks (Video-The Passion of Early Childhood)
"We as professionals in the early childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child's life for the better." Sandy Escobido(Video-The Passion of Early Childhood)
Additional Quotes:
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ~~ Dr. Seuss
Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation. John F. Kennedy
Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it. [Proverbs 22:6] Bible
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Personal Childhood Web
When thinking about the people who touched my life as a child and who continue to have an influence on me I have many people in mind but I will take the top five and tell you about them.
The first person that I would have to give credit to would be the lady who kept me from the time I was born when my mama had to go back to work. Her name was Mary Lizzie Dent. She worked for the Parker family through the years but she was like a second grandmother to me. No one else could keep me if they tired I would cry all day long and mama would have to take off work and come and get me. Mary Lizze had a special touch on my heart. She taught me many thing throughout my life. She taught me that you can be anything you want to be and that you never let anyone tell you different. She taught me about how to treat people and that if I wanted to be treated right then you had to do right as a person. She was a great lady and we shared many good times together. If Mary Lizzie couldn't do it then nobody couldn't. She was a very, very, special person who today I miss greatly. I wish she was still her today so that my children could have gotten a dose of values. They wouldn't make it with Mary Lizzie but I know she would love them to the moon and back as she did me and I did her. The second person I would have to say would be my first grade teacher Mrs. Sadie Brantely. She was the best teacher anyone could ask for. She took me under her wing and showed me what learning was about. She had the special touch that touched me and left a lasting effect on me. She taught me that you have to apply yourself in school and learn all you can. She made me understand that school would be the place that would carry you on in life and just how important it was to do your best. She also found out that I had a hearing problem and brought that to my mother. I was diagnosed with a never hearing loss and had to have hearing aid to help me understand better. Without her taking the time and noticing this I might have fallen behind in school. She was the teacher that everyone would love to have had. She was everyone's favorite. She was the type of teacher that I want to be and she showed me that you have to love your job and want to serve the students you teach to the best of your ability. She wanted us all to learn and that is what I want for my students and that is to leave a lasting and great learning experience for them. The third person I would like to say was a part of my life would be my grandmother. Mama Madge was the best. She would take me and teach me the importance of how to treat people. She showed me that you must love everyone regardless of who they are. She was a Christian woman who wanted each of her grandchildren to serve the Lord. She taught us that God was an important part of our lives and that we must serve him and love him. She taught us that without him things could be hard. She basically taught us just how great life is with God on your side. Her religious values have impacted me greatly throughout my life. I have seen the many good things she talked about throughout the years and I have seen the things that happen when you stray from God. This is a lady who I greatly miss a whole lot and would give anything to have her back but I know she in happy and living a life far better than us. Just like the song goes "If Heaven wasn't so far away I would pack up the kids and go for the day" I would give them a chance to get to know her and how just wonderful she was and how much she loved life. The fourth person would have to be my mother. Without her I would be nothing. She taught me so many values about life. She was a single mother most of her life raising me. She taught me that if you want something out of life you have to work for it. She worked two jobs to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. My daddy wouldn't contribute anything to help and back then child support was if you paid you did and if you didn't it was fine. There wasn't any rules about child support then like they are today. She was a high school dropout but later and when I say later she was up into her late 30's when she decided to go back to school. She earned her GED and then off to college she went. Also, by this time she had remarried and my stepfather was the father I never had. He stood by her side. She would work all day and then at night he would drive her to college about 2 hours away and sit and wait on her until class was over. She did this until she earned her degree in business. She then got the job she retied from and that was with the Department of Family and Children Services. She continues to this day show me many things in life that I need to see. She still keeps me on the right track. She showed me that life is what you make it and when you if you want something and set your mind to it then you can do it. She is also the perfect grandmother for my children. Also, without my stepfather I would be nothing. He is the greatest and he loves my children as if they were his own. I couldn't have asked for a better life and I thank God everyday for my mother and for bringing my stepfather into our lives. The final person I give credit for is our Heavenly Father above. Where would I be without him. He is the person who gives me the stenght to carry on each day. He has been there for me through the bad and good times. He has given many wake up calls to get me back to where I need to be. Without him life would be tough. He makes things in life easier. He is a friend who is always there when you need him and he never leaves my side. I thank him each and everyday for the blessings he has given me. Each of these people have given me so much to be thankful for and each have been and still is a blessing in my life. I continue to this day to carry on the values and lesson they have taught me in life and I also share these values and lesson with my own children.
The first person that I would have to give credit to would be the lady who kept me from the time I was born when my mama had to go back to work. Her name was Mary Lizzie Dent. She worked for the Parker family through the years but she was like a second grandmother to me. No one else could keep me if they tired I would cry all day long and mama would have to take off work and come and get me. Mary Lizze had a special touch on my heart. She taught me many thing throughout my life. She taught me that you can be anything you want to be and that you never let anyone tell you different. She taught me about how to treat people and that if I wanted to be treated right then you had to do right as a person. She was a great lady and we shared many good times together. If Mary Lizzie couldn't do it then nobody couldn't. She was a very, very, special person who today I miss greatly. I wish she was still her today so that my children could have gotten a dose of values. They wouldn't make it with Mary Lizzie but I know she would love them to the moon and back as she did me and I did her. The second person I would have to say would be my first grade teacher Mrs. Sadie Brantely. She was the best teacher anyone could ask for. She took me under her wing and showed me what learning was about. She had the special touch that touched me and left a lasting effect on me. She taught me that you have to apply yourself in school and learn all you can. She made me understand that school would be the place that would carry you on in life and just how important it was to do your best. She also found out that I had a hearing problem and brought that to my mother. I was diagnosed with a never hearing loss and had to have hearing aid to help me understand better. Without her taking the time and noticing this I might have fallen behind in school. She was the teacher that everyone would love to have had. She was everyone's favorite. She was the type of teacher that I want to be and she showed me that you have to love your job and want to serve the students you teach to the best of your ability. She wanted us all to learn and that is what I want for my students and that is to leave a lasting and great learning experience for them. The third person I would like to say was a part of my life would be my grandmother. Mama Madge was the best. She would take me and teach me the importance of how to treat people. She showed me that you must love everyone regardless of who they are. She was a Christian woman who wanted each of her grandchildren to serve the Lord. She taught us that God was an important part of our lives and that we must serve him and love him. She taught us that without him things could be hard. She basically taught us just how great life is with God on your side. Her religious values have impacted me greatly throughout my life. I have seen the many good things she talked about throughout the years and I have seen the things that happen when you stray from God. This is a lady who I greatly miss a whole lot and would give anything to have her back but I know she in happy and living a life far better than us. Just like the song goes "If Heaven wasn't so far away I would pack up the kids and go for the day" I would give them a chance to get to know her and how just wonderful she was and how much she loved life. The fourth person would have to be my mother. Without her I would be nothing. She taught me so many values about life. She was a single mother most of her life raising me. She taught me that if you want something out of life you have to work for it. She worked two jobs to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. My daddy wouldn't contribute anything to help and back then child support was if you paid you did and if you didn't it was fine. There wasn't any rules about child support then like they are today. She was a high school dropout but later and when I say later she was up into her late 30's when she decided to go back to school. She earned her GED and then off to college she went. Also, by this time she had remarried and my stepfather was the father I never had. He stood by her side. She would work all day and then at night he would drive her to college about 2 hours away and sit and wait on her until class was over. She did this until she earned her degree in business. She then got the job she retied from and that was with the Department of Family and Children Services. She continues to this day show me many things in life that I need to see. She still keeps me on the right track. She showed me that life is what you make it and when you if you want something and set your mind to it then you can do it. She is also the perfect grandmother for my children. Also, without my stepfather I would be nothing. He is the greatest and he loves my children as if they were his own. I couldn't have asked for a better life and I thank God everyday for my mother and for bringing my stepfather into our lives. The final person I give credit for is our Heavenly Father above. Where would I be without him. He is the person who gives me the stenght to carry on each day. He has been there for me through the bad and good times. He has given many wake up calls to get me back to where I need to be. Without him life would be tough. He makes things in life easier. He is a friend who is always there when you need him and he never leaves my side. I thank him each and everyday for the blessings he has given me. Each of these people have given me so much to be thankful for and each have been and still is a blessing in my life. I continue to this day to carry on the values and lesson they have taught me in life and I also share these values and lesson with my own children.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
The Special Child.
Working in the early childhood field for almost 15 years I have experienced great joy teaching the students who have crossed my path but I won't ever forget the one child that really showed me what it really means to be a teacher. Three years ago I had a child enrolled in my class who had autsim and this was something I was not familiar with at all. I had no clue what to do and how to react to this child. Every little thing would set him off and I just didn't know what to do. After about 2 weeks of school I was just about ready to quit my job. I would pray each night that God would give me the strenght to carry on and show me how I could accept this child. I knew that child had been put in my classroom for a reason but I just didn't know why yet. To make a long story a little shorter this child and myself finally clicked. We begin to understand each other and we were learning from each other. This child did not talk so he would mostly point or take me to what he wanted. Every day I would get my flashcards out with pictures on it and try to get him to say what he say but nothing never happened. One day after many weeks of this I was working with him and showing him the cards and out of the blue he said cookie. You could have heard me scream from a million miles. The other teachers came to see if I was ok. I was thrilled. From that point on words were slow but he would verbalize some things. What this comes down to is I thought I wasn't going to make it having this child with special needs in my room. I was clueless to what I was doing. Having this child showed me that I should never underestimate myself. I am the teacher I set out to be and if we believe we can overcome many obstacles we may face. After having this child with autism I have had several child since then and by going through what I thought I couldn't do I have amazed myself by working with these children with special needs. They have all been a blessing and have opened my eyes to many things. I can see clearly now.
Children's Quotes
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Billy Graham
“A child needs both to be hugged and unhugged. The hug lets her know she is valuable. The unhug lets her know that she is viable. If you’re always shoving your child away, they will cling to you for love. If you’re always holding them closer, they will cling to you for fear.”
“Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Billy Graham
“A child needs both to be hugged and unhugged. The hug lets her know she is valuable. The unhug lets her know that she is viable. If you’re always shoving your child away, they will cling to you for love. If you’re always holding them closer, they will cling to you for fear.”
“Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Hello Everyone!!!
Hello,
I am new to this blogging things so I hope I am doing this right. I am looking forward to reading my classmates blogs and learning how to do this blogging thing. Good Luck Everyone!!!
Vicki
I am new to this blogging things so I hope I am doing this right. I am looking forward to reading my classmates blogs and learning how to do this blogging thing. Good Luck Everyone!!!
Vicki
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