MY CONNECTIONS TO PLAY

"Play is the most natural method of self-healing that childhood affords."

                                                                      Erik Erickson

"Children need the freedom and time to play.  Play is not a luxury.  Play is a necessity."

Kay Redfield Jamison

When I was younger people supported play by encouraging their children to go outside and play.  Parents even joined their children outside to play.  Families played games outside, rode bikes, and I remember just taking evening walks.  We talked about different things on our walks and stopped to explore many insects and flowers along the way.  We could not wait to go outside when I was young, especially on Saturdays.  When got up extra early to get those chores done so the rest of the day could be spent outside playing.  We just went from one game to the next.  We shot marbles, jumped rope, played chase, rode bicycles, played hop scotch, and any other game that we could make up.  We went in the house for lunch and came back outside and started all over again.  Those days were so much fun.

Today, play has changed drastically.  Children no longer want to go outside to play.  Most parents don't have time because of work and home obligations.  Children occupy themselves with whatever the latest electronic gadget maybe.  They spend a lot of time on the computer, cell phone, x-box, wii, and anything that will NOT lead them outside to play.  They don't want to go out in the heat or the cold.  Most parent don't encourage outside play because they would have to take the time to go outside and watch the kids or perhaps play along with them.  In today's society both parents usually work and that makes it hard on the children.  After school, they are usually in childcare or with siblings.  By the time some parents get off from work it is already dark outside and there is no time left for play.  Play is also limited in school.  Most of the time in school is spent focused on passing test.  

I encouraged outside play and joined in with my children every chance that I got to be with them.  Today, we all still love being outside.  We have instilled the same values in my grandbabies.  We love to play and we love playing outside.  They learn so much while playing and they ask a lot of questions about the insects and flowers.  

 

WHEN I THINK OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT........ This course has taught me a lot about child development. The most exciting part of the course was doing the observations. It is amazing how much you can learn from children by watching them in their natural environment. I was really amazed during my last observation by the child's actions. This child is ADD/ADHD. The teacher was reviewing for a spelling test. This child was distracted and lost focus several times. Just when I thought that he was not paying attention, the teacher called out a word and his hand flew in the air. He was distracted, lost focus, and listening to the teacher at the same time. Is that really possible? It was hard to pick one quote because I have two that mean a lot to me. "Children are our most valuable resource." Herbert Hoover, 31st President "I continue to believe that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams." David Vitter, U. S. Senator I would like to thank the following classmates for all the positive comments and feedback posted to my blog. I wish you the best of luck in your educational journey. If I can ever assist you in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me at violet.watson@waldeu.edu Anita Partlow Jantina Maria Rice Samantha Testa THANKS

Testing for Intelligence "Assessment is the process of collecting information about children's development, learning, health, behavior, academic progress, need for special services, and attainment in order to make decisions (Morrision, 2009, p.61)." Ares that will improve a child's learning should be assessed. The whole child should be assessed. The assessment should be done on what the child is actually learning, doing, what they know and are able to do. It is important to remember the child's culture, language, and needs when performing the assessments. Assessments should be done throughout the year to determine how the child is progressing. Research has shown that no two countries has student assessments that match. Assessments are done in the French educational system by giving three national assessments. The assessments are given in third grade, sixth grade, and ninth grade. By the end of the senior year, students take test to see what may be their professional or educational future. French educators don't like the test, but the public and media supports it. I believe that assessments are necessary in order for a child to develop properly. We should communicate with parents and be truthful about the results. Keep records of the child's assessments. Teachers can provide parents with information that they can use to help their children at home. It is important for teachers and parents to work together in order to ensure that the child is developing properly. References Berger, K. S. 2012 The Developing Person Through Childhood Morrison, G. S. 2009 Early Childhood Education Today

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

Chaos is something that I have experience during the last six months. My mom's house burned down March 29, 2013. She and three of my brothers had to move in with me and my childen and grandson. My sister also had been making plans to move back home from Seattle, WA. Her plans were to live with me until she could find a job and apartment. So, after the fire, I had ten people living in my three bedroom mobil home. You could not imagine all the chaos that was in my house. Mealtime was crazy, bathtime was crazy, getting everyone to help get chores done was almost impossible. It was so bad, I felt like a prisoner in my own house. Once I got off from work, I went straight in my room. I did not come out for anything, not even supper. I was very stressed out. One night I decide that I had to change things in my household. I sat up most of the night making schedules and setting rules for my household. I felt so much better when I went to sleep that night. The next day, we had a family meeting and told everyone that things were about to change in my house. Anyone that did not like what was about to happen, could kindly find somewhere else to live. I presented the schedules, assigned chores, and went over house rules. I printed chores and rules on hot pink and florescent green paper. I also starting walking in the afternoons. This was my stress reliever. My household started running much smoothier. My mom and brothers recently moved into their new home. My sister found a job teaching in another city. She will be looking for an apartment near her job. My daughter is in college living on campus. Once my sister leaves, my son and I will be the only two living in my home. If I had to do it all over again, I would because they had no where else to live, but I would start with rules and schedules. My church helps to sponsor a children's home and school in India. All of the children at this home are orphans. These children are so grateful and happy to be at the home. A lot of them were homeless and starving. They are so grateful for anythig that we send, no matter how big or small. Even though "India has taken significant steps to reduce poverty, there are still more people living in poverty that in middle class. Safe water is one of the biggest problems in India. There have been improvements made to the drinking water. "Other wate sources are contaminated with both bio and chemical pollutants (Snyder)." The school and orphan home that my church helps to sponsor has been blessed to finally receive clean running water. They don't have to walk for mile to get clean water. www.thewaterproject.org Snyder, Shannyn.Water In Crisis

CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH Access to healthy water is important to health and sanitation. There are many disease caused by unsafe water. Unsafe water really affects children because they are not strong enough to fight these diseases. Access to healthy water is important to survival, growth, and development. I am very concerned about access to healthy water because our church helps to support children’s home and school in India. It took them a long time to get clean running water to the school and children’s home. All the children at the home are orphans. We have close contact with the children and very concerned about their health. The children were so amazed and happy to have clean running water. Most of them were use to walking for miles in order to get any kind of water. The majority of the water that they walked to collect was unsafe and unclean. Adequate, well-maintained water supply and sanitation facilities in schools encourage children to attend school regularly and help them achieve their educational goals. Inadequate water supply and sanitation in schools are health hazards and affect school attendance, retention and educational performance. • 88 per cent of the population of 1.2 billion has access to drinking water from improved sources in 2008, as compared to 68 per cent in 1990. • Only a quarter the total population in India has drinking water on their premise. • Women, who have to collect the drinking water, are vulnerable to a number of unsafe practices. Only 13 per cent of adult males collect water. • Sixty seven per cent of Indian households do not treat their drinking water, even though it could be chemically or bacterially contaminated. Chemical contamination in water ensuring water quality at the source is crucial. In India, there is a widespread natural occurrence of arsenic and fluoride in the groundwater. UNICEF is supporting Government of India programs on arsenic and fluoride mitigation and identifying water quality testing technologies which are appropriate for use in field situations. All emergencies cause disruption to basic services. People are less likely to be able to drink safe water, use basic sanitation facilities and maintain improved hygiene practices. Children, especially those under the age of five, are particularly vulnerable to the diseases which can result during emergencies. These diseases include diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, respiratory infections, skin and eye infections which are all likely to occur when water supplies and sanitation services are disrupted. UNICEF has set out minimum standards of response for any emergency situation. These describe the life saving actions which UNICEF will take within the first six to eight weeks of an emergency, along with the longer term role in the subsequent weeks and months. This information may impact my future because I know the importance of having access to healthy water. I can also be an advocate for any children in my classroom that may not have access to healthy water. My job would be to inform them of any resources that may be available to help them have access to healthy water. Water, Environment, Santitation http://www.unicef.org/india/wes.html

Prenatal Development and Childbirth My birthing experience with my first child was extremely painful and stressful. I stayed in labor for 18 hours. Most of the time, I was screaming. I decided that I did not want any pain medicine with any of my children. The unknown about childbirth is what causes so much stress and unnecessary pain. I had my second child eight years later and the experience was so much different. I stayed in labor for only 7 hours and I learned to not scream. I learned breathing techniques and prayed a lot. I have learned that no matter how many classes you attend, you are never totally prepared for childbirth. After experiencing childbirth, you have a much better idea of what to expect and how to handle it. My thoughts on childbirth: I believe that childbirth is the best thing that a women can every experience. The warm feeling that you get as your child is enter this world is worth every pain and I can't even explain the feeling you get when you hear that first cry. It is AWESOME! In the Netherlands, most childbirth takes place with a midwife. A nurse stays seven days to take care the baby and mother and help around the house. Sometimes, the mother may chose to go to the hospital and if everything is okay, the mother and baby may go home in two hours. Pain medicine is not given unless the doctor thinks it is necessary. This is similar to the birth of my children because I did not have any pain medicine, but that was my choice. The mothers in the Netherlands don't have a choice.

A Note of Thanks and Support Shirley Russell Thanks Shirley for supporting me by readidng my blogs and sending me encouraging feedback. It is important to get feedback from our fellow classmates and colleagues. The information can help us to grow in our profession. I enjoyed your comment, "shape a child's life for the better. This is exactly what we, as educators, should do. I wish you the best of luck in continuing to pursue your education and profession.

A Note of Thanks and Support Laure Toulemonde Vidal I would like to thank you for reading my blogs and supporting me by leaving me postive comments. I love when you said that "we have to teach our children in the present so that they can have a better future." That statement is so true. I wish you the best of luck with all your future goals and aspirations. Good luck with the rest of your education process. Maybe we will take another class together.

Examining Codes of Ethics

Three ideals contained in the NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics: 1. To be familiar wit the knowledge case of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training. This is important to me because as an early childhood professional, I plan to be a life-long learner. In order to be a life-long learner, I must continue my education and training. 2. To recognize and respect the unigue qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. We must remember that all children are different and they learn, grow, and develope in different ways. We must observe, assess, and evaluate each child in order to plan developmentally appropriate activities according to the qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. 3. To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions. In order for children to grow and learn, the setting must be safe and healthy. The area should be clean, lots of light, cheerful, and inviting. There should be lots of games and toys so that children can interact which will help promote their social development. Outdoor areas must also be safe and healthy. Playground equipment should also be safe for the children.

Growing Your Collection of Resources

Article: National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2004). Young children develop in an environment of relationships (Working Paper No. 1). Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/resources/reports_and_working_papers/working_papers/wp1 Book Excerpt: Keenan, T., & Evans, S. (2009). Theories of development. In An introduction to child development (pp. 35-43). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Article: Garris Christian, L. (2006).Understanding families: Applying family systems theory to early childhood practice. Young Children, 61 (1), 12-20. Use the ProQuest database, and search using the document title. 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://community.fpg.unc.edu/sites/community.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/FPG_Snapshot_N33_EvidenceBasedPractice_09-2006.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 media segment 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/ 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/ Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/ HighScope http://www.highscope.org/ Children's Defense Fund http://www.childrensdefense.org/ Center for Child Care Workforce http://www.ccw.org/ Council for Exceptional Children http://www.cec.sped.org/ Institute for Women's Policy Research http://www.iwpr.org/ National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/ National Child Care Association http://www.nccanet.org/ National Institute for Early Education Research http://nieer.org/ Pre[K]Now http://www.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067 Voices for America's Children http://www.voices.org/ The Erikson Institute http://www.erikson.edu/ 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

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

Lyndon B. Johnson stated, "Headstart was designed to help break the cycle of poverty, providing preschool children of low-income families with a comoprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, and nutritional and psychological needs." William J. Clinton stated, "that in a globalized world where America is competing with an increasing international workforce, we must invest in American education at every level." Louisie Derman Sparks stated, "It is my passion to make sure that all children are taught in environments and in ways that nuture them to grow to their fullest ability." Sandy Escubido stated, " we as professionals in the early childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child's life for the better." Marian Wright Edelman state, "education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it."

Personal Childhood Web

I have had many people to come in my life and encourage and support me. My mother has always been my biggest fan. My siblings have also been a very good support system. I have had several aunts, my grandmother, and grandfather have encouraged me to get the best education possible. My late husband and children were my support system and encouraged me to go back to college. I try my best to set a good example for my children and siblings because I am the oldest sister.

Personalizing Your Blog

My favorite quote is "children must be taught how to think, not what to think (Margaret Mead)."

The title of my favorite children's book is Cinderella because it has a fairytale ending.

A story about a child that touched my heart is The Garbage King by Elizabeth Laird.