The general early childhood research topic that I have chosen to discuss is the importance of the curriculum and how it relates to children’s success in the classroom and the future.
The three related subtopics are:
1. The positive outcomes when parents advocate for their child and believe in the curriculum.
2. Different types of curriculums
3. How teachers relate the curriculum to positive outcomes to teacher training in the classroom.
My personal reason for choosing this topic is to explore and research the reasons that children are prepared and successful in the classroom currently and in the future. I feel that my number one goal is to ensure that parents are their child’s first advocate. I also want the children to become successful in the classroom on the preschool level in hopes of fully preparing them for public school. Creating a positive, loving and nurturing environment is a great foundation for teaching children about the importance of education. The relationships that families have ultimately has a huge effect on the outcome of children in the home and school life. I also feel that the teachers and families should be educated about the curriculum and understand the basis of the curriculum. If these things are done properly then the children will have the opportunity to learn using a positive curriculum that is appropriate for the children and it will allow children to learn and be successful in the classroom environment.
The three ways I anticipate that researching these topics might be significant for young children is because research can prove and explain the proper ways and methods that children can learn. The center that I work at uses the High/Scope curriculum and the research that has been written explains the ways that children learn best through play. This research also helps parents understand the ways that children progress using the curriculum. This is a great way to prove this to parents and show them results and scores of children that learn using this curriculum.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Websites
Name: NAEYC
Link: http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/naeycae/issues/2011-02-23.html
Website: www.naeyc.org
The organization that I choose to receive newsletters and information was NAEYC.org. The website offers monthly newsletters to centers or programs that are accredited programs. The information that I receive monthly gives me an insight in to the changing rules and standards that are required by NAEYC. The newsletter also gives tips to centers or programs that are interested in being reaccredited with the organizations.
One current issue from the newsletter that I thought was interesting and insightful was the section that discussed programs that may assist or serve military families. The article discussed the many programs that are available for families and the centers. There is also free training that will assist programs with becoming more qualified to work with preschool aged children. These programs will assist the families with helping the young children that are having issues with their parents’ deployments and even reunifications. I feel that this training is desperately needed to assist all families with various issues. I can see or imagine the huge benefits that can be gained with this training program.
I also learned about different job openings that were available in this organization. I feel this is a great way to market and find new employees that are interested in early childhood education.
Link: http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/naeycae/issues/2011-02-23.html
Website: www.naeyc.org
The organization that I choose to receive newsletters and information was NAEYC.org. The website offers monthly newsletters to centers or programs that are accredited programs. The information that I receive monthly gives me an insight in to the changing rules and standards that are required by NAEYC. The newsletter also gives tips to centers or programs that are interested in being reaccredited with the organizations.
One current issue from the newsletter that I thought was interesting and insightful was the section that discussed programs that may assist or serve military families. The article discussed the many programs that are available for families and the centers. There is also free training that will assist programs with becoming more qualified to work with preschool aged children. These programs will assist the families with helping the young children that are having issues with their parents’ deployments and even reunifications. I feel that this training is desperately needed to assist all families with various issues. I can see or imagine the huge benefits that can be gained with this training program.
I also learned about different job openings that were available in this organization. I feel this is a great way to market and find new employees that are interested in early childhood education.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Professional Contacts and Links
Part I- Establishing Professional Contacts-
I had a late start to this assignment however, I have sent out email to various professional contacts that have not contacted to me recently. I plan to continue to make contact with the professionals.
Even though I haven’t had any luck, I am in contact with colleagues that live in other countries that will assist me with the information needed to be successful with my blog assignment.
Part II. Expanding Resources-
The websites that I choose to research are nbcdi.org and naeyc.org. I chose these websites because I feel that they are essential organizations that will benefit me by offering me training classes and other forms of support for my career. I am a member of both of these organizations and I receive information monthly about updated policies and things that are important to educators in this field. The center that I work at is NAEYC accredited and I feel it is important to stay abreast of new and changing items in the field of education. This website not only caters to educators but it also has a wealth of information that is helpful for families of different structures. It is important for me to referred parents and educators to this website for support and articles that they can use to help educate themselves and their children.
Resources
National Black Child Development Institute
http://nbcdi.org/
(Newsletter: http://nbcdi.org/support/sign-up-for-nbcdi-newsletters/ )
The National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org/
(Review also the position statements: http://www.naeyc.org/positionstatements )
I had a late start to this assignment however, I have sent out email to various professional contacts that have not contacted to me recently. I plan to continue to make contact with the professionals.
Even though I haven’t had any luck, I am in contact with colleagues that live in other countries that will assist me with the information needed to be successful with my blog assignment.
Part II. Expanding Resources-
The websites that I choose to research are nbcdi.org and naeyc.org. I chose these websites because I feel that they are essential organizations that will benefit me by offering me training classes and other forms of support for my career. I am a member of both of these organizations and I receive information monthly about updated policies and things that are important to educators in this field. The center that I work at is NAEYC accredited and I feel it is important to stay abreast of new and changing items in the field of education. This website not only caters to educators but it also has a wealth of information that is helpful for families of different structures. It is important for me to referred parents and educators to this website for support and articles that they can use to help educate themselves and their children.
Resources
National Black Child Development Institute
http://nbcdi.org/
(Newsletter: http://nbcdi.org/support/sign-up-for-nbcdi-newsletters/ )
The National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org/
(Review also the position statements: http://www.naeyc.org/positionstatements )
Sunday, February 20, 2011
My Supports
My Supports
When I think about supports, three things come to my mind. I thought about God, my family and technology.
I feel that God makes all things possible in my life. I also feel that he provides me with everything I need to stay healthy and maintain my existence in the community. He helps me to continue my education as well as stay needed in my career. I know that he consciously helps me be all that I can be.
The next support that I have is my family. My family supports me in everything I do. I know that my family has my back through thick and thin. If it was not for my family, I know that I would not have the ability to continue my education. My mom is my biggest supporter. She was not able to complete college because she was married and she had to take care of her family. She constantly encourages me to further my education and take it to the limit.
My last support is technology. Technology is a huge part of the world today. Everyone is using technology all around us. Cell phones, computers, email, Facebook and even the internet help to keep the world in the loop. I know that the internet truly helps me because it fi were not for the internet, I would not be able to complete my degree online. Web based education is one of the best things, that I have ever known.
When I think about supports, three things come to my mind. I thought about God, my family and technology.
I feel that God makes all things possible in my life. I also feel that he provides me with everything I need to stay healthy and maintain my existence in the community. He helps me to continue my education as well as stay needed in my career. I know that he consciously helps me be all that I can be.
The next support that I have is my family. My family supports me in everything I do. I know that my family has my back through thick and thin. If it was not for my family, I know that I would not have the ability to continue my education. My mom is my biggest supporter. She was not able to complete college because she was married and she had to take care of her family. She constantly encourages me to further my education and take it to the limit.
My last support is technology. Technology is a huge part of the world today. Everyone is using technology all around us. Cell phones, computers, email, Facebook and even the internet help to keep the world in the loop. I know that the internet truly helps me because it fi were not for the internet, I would not be able to complete my degree online. Web based education is one of the best things, that I have ever known.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
My Connections to Play
Quotes:
1."Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.”
Dr. Haim Ginott
I love this quote because it describes how children pick up everything they hear and see. I know that children learn most by what they see on television, radio and in their home environment. This quote should be shared with other because it describes how cautious parents and adults should be when talking around curious children.
2. Children are like sponges, they soak up every thing they hear and see.
Author unknown
# Include two to three pictures of essential play items for your younger self.
When I was younger, the role of play was very important in my life. I went outside daily and played with my two friends, Alice and Natila. I loved them deary and we all worked together to discover our creative side! Our parents all agreed that play and learning was very important. We all went to preschool together and we learned a lot about the importance of being creative and learning through play.
I totally feel that play has drastically changed from when I grew up. Play was considered fun when I was young. I was encouraged to play outside daily and I had some much fun while playing. Today, children have more video games and the use of the internet which distract children from playing outside. I feel that children need fresh air and exercise to stay healthy. Due to the play that I did as a child, I was able to focus more on my work when I went to school as a young child.
1."Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.”
Dr. Haim Ginott
I love this quote because it describes how children pick up everything they hear and see. I know that children learn most by what they see on television, radio and in their home environment. This quote should be shared with other because it describes how cautious parents and adults should be when talking around curious children.
2. Children are like sponges, they soak up every thing they hear and see.
Author unknown
# Include two to three pictures of essential play items for your younger self.
When I was younger, the role of play was very important in my life. I went outside daily and played with my two friends, Alice and Natila. I loved them deary and we all worked together to discover our creative side! Our parents all agreed that play and learning was very important. We all went to preschool together and we learned a lot about the importance of being creative and learning through play.
I totally feel that play has drastically changed from when I grew up. Play was considered fun when I was young. I was encouraged to play outside daily and I had some much fun while playing. Today, children have more video games and the use of the internet which distract children from playing outside. I feel that children need fresh air and exercise to stay healthy. Due to the play that I did as a child, I was able to focus more on my work when I went to school as a young child.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Healthy Helpful Hints to keep children physically fit.
Good nutrition is a very important part of a child’s life. Good nutrition aids with the growth and physical development of a child. It also helps to ensure that children have a healthy and productive life. According to Robertson adequate nutrition during childhood is necessary to maintain overall health and to provide for growth (Robertson, 2007).
Children of different ages require good nutrition and eating habits because each age group requires different nutrients to help the body develop properly and grow. Infants are required to drink enriched milk for meals. The milk that infants’ drink provides all the essential nutrients required for infant to develop into health babies. Feeding babies sugary, sweet juices and other liquids not given by pediatrician can be permanently damaging to a young babies life. Similarly, Roberts states that the growth and development of an infant is directly related to nutrition (Roberts, 2007). It is also important for older infants to be introduced to solid foods at the right time. This is important because introduction to solid foods to early can make the infant have food allergies or intolerances.
Toddlers need foods from each food group to ensure that the child is healthy. Some toddlers may challenge the adult by not eating certain foods. It is important to introduce the toddler to a variety of foods. Introducing these foods will make it easier to develop a variety of foods that the child will be familiarize with and likely to eat more of. Toddlers need to be introduced to finger foods slowly. Food jags are just one type of picky eating that toddlers may display (Tessmer, 2004).
During the preschool age children have become more verbal and aware of the types of foods that the child likes to eat. At this age good nutritional eating habits are important because food fuels the brain and give it the energy to function properly. Children may see different types of foods on television and they may want the foods just because they look fun on television. These foods may not be healthy for the children at all. Children at this age are easily influenced by television advertisings of foods that are poor nutritional choices (Hinden et al., 2004).
Adults should actively help children develop healthy eating habits because they can help educate children to understand the importance of healthy eating habits. Adults can help educate the children to understand the consequences of bad eating habits. This can give children the opportunity to learn about the proper ways to keep themselves healthy as children and even continue into adulthood. The ways that I believe that adults can help develop healthy eating habits in children are positive role modeling, educating and constant supervision.
Cooking can be a fun learning experience for children and adults. This can be an educational time as well as family time that is spent with adults and children. Invite children into the kitchen to prepare the food that they will be eating. This is a great strategy to get children into the habit of eating healthy foods that they helped prepare. Another strategy is to eat as a family with the children. This is a great strategy to get children to eat the same foods as the adults. If the adults model good healthy food habits this will hopefully rub off on the child.
These are three easy fruit recipes that the adult and children can create together. Each of these recipes has fruit items from the food pyramid that helps children fully develop. Each recipe has a high nutritional value that is provided by the variety of fruits that are used. Each recipe is loaded with Vitamin C, calcium, folic acid/ vitamin B9 and fiber. These recipes create a healthy snack for the children and parents to create together.
1. FRUIT POPCICLES:Ice tray Pop cycle sticks One can of your child's favorite fruit Open the can of fruit and take the juice from the can of fruit and add it to the ice tray. Use a Popsicles stick or tooth pick and stick it in the juice and freeze.
2. BANANA SMOOTHIE
Make up your own variations using other fruits and juices.1 small frozen banana, cut into chunks1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt1/4 cup orange juicePut all ingredients into the blender and whirl until smooth. These arefairly thick. Add more liquid if you want them thinner. Makes 2 servings,each having 125 calories, 213 mg calcium, 10 mg vitamin C, 7 grams protein,and 160 mg sodium.See Simple Snacks for Kids for reference
3. Festive Fruit Salad Serves: 8
1 16-ounce can pineapple tidbits or chunks
1 pint strawberries
2 ripe peaches or nectarines
2 ripe kiwifruit
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
¼ cup orange juice
1. Open canned pineapple and drain juice; pour fruit into large mixing bowl.
2. Rinse and dry the peaches, kiwi and strawberries.
3. Cut green stems off strawberries, then cut each strawberry into slices.
4. Cut the peach in half; twist the pit until it comes out.
5. Cut peach halves into slices. Cut slices into smaller pieces, if desired.
6. Cut kiwi into coins, then cut each coin in half.
7. Add strawberries, peaches and kiwi to pineapple; stir to mix fruit.
8. Gently stir in blueberries and raspberries.
9. Pour orange juice over mixed fruit.
10. Refrigerate until ready to serve
References:
Hinden, T., Contento,I., & Gussow, J. (2004). A media literature nutrition education curriculum for Head Start parents about the effects of television advertising on their children’s food request. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 104(2), 192-198.
Robertson, C. (2007). Safety, Nutrition, & Health in Early Education. Thomson Delamar Learning. New YorkTessmer, K. (2004) Food jags. Discovery Channel. Retrieved January 15, 2011, from http://health.discovery.com/encyclopedias/illnesses.html?article=1905
Children of different ages require good nutrition and eating habits because each age group requires different nutrients to help the body develop properly and grow. Infants are required to drink enriched milk for meals. The milk that infants’ drink provides all the essential nutrients required for infant to develop into health babies. Feeding babies sugary, sweet juices and other liquids not given by pediatrician can be permanently damaging to a young babies life. Similarly, Roberts states that the growth and development of an infant is directly related to nutrition (Roberts, 2007). It is also important for older infants to be introduced to solid foods at the right time. This is important because introduction to solid foods to early can make the infant have food allergies or intolerances.
Toddlers need foods from each food group to ensure that the child is healthy. Some toddlers may challenge the adult by not eating certain foods. It is important to introduce the toddler to a variety of foods. Introducing these foods will make it easier to develop a variety of foods that the child will be familiarize with and likely to eat more of. Toddlers need to be introduced to finger foods slowly. Food jags are just one type of picky eating that toddlers may display (Tessmer, 2004).
During the preschool age children have become more verbal and aware of the types of foods that the child likes to eat. At this age good nutritional eating habits are important because food fuels the brain and give it the energy to function properly. Children may see different types of foods on television and they may want the foods just because they look fun on television. These foods may not be healthy for the children at all. Children at this age are easily influenced by television advertisings of foods that are poor nutritional choices (Hinden et al., 2004).
Adults should actively help children develop healthy eating habits because they can help educate children to understand the importance of healthy eating habits. Adults can help educate the children to understand the consequences of bad eating habits. This can give children the opportunity to learn about the proper ways to keep themselves healthy as children and even continue into adulthood. The ways that I believe that adults can help develop healthy eating habits in children are positive role modeling, educating and constant supervision.
Cooking can be a fun learning experience for children and adults. This can be an educational time as well as family time that is spent with adults and children. Invite children into the kitchen to prepare the food that they will be eating. This is a great strategy to get children into the habit of eating healthy foods that they helped prepare. Another strategy is to eat as a family with the children. This is a great strategy to get children to eat the same foods as the adults. If the adults model good healthy food habits this will hopefully rub off on the child.
These are three easy fruit recipes that the adult and children can create together. Each of these recipes has fruit items from the food pyramid that helps children fully develop. Each recipe has a high nutritional value that is provided by the variety of fruits that are used. Each recipe is loaded with Vitamin C, calcium, folic acid/ vitamin B9 and fiber. These recipes create a healthy snack for the children and parents to create together.
1. FRUIT POPCICLES:Ice tray Pop cycle sticks One can of your child's favorite fruit Open the can of fruit and take the juice from the can of fruit and add it to the ice tray. Use a Popsicles stick or tooth pick and stick it in the juice and freeze.
2. BANANA SMOOTHIE
Make up your own variations using other fruits and juices.1 small frozen banana, cut into chunks1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt1/4 cup orange juicePut all ingredients into the blender and whirl until smooth. These arefairly thick. Add more liquid if you want them thinner. Makes 2 servings,each having 125 calories, 213 mg calcium, 10 mg vitamin C, 7 grams protein,and 160 mg sodium.See Simple Snacks for Kids for reference
3. Festive Fruit Salad Serves: 8
1 16-ounce can pineapple tidbits or chunks
1 pint strawberries
2 ripe peaches or nectarines
2 ripe kiwifruit
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
¼ cup orange juice
1. Open canned pineapple and drain juice; pour fruit into large mixing bowl.
2. Rinse and dry the peaches, kiwi and strawberries.
3. Cut green stems off strawberries, then cut each strawberry into slices.
4. Cut the peach in half; twist the pit until it comes out.
5. Cut peach halves into slices. Cut slices into smaller pieces, if desired.
6. Cut kiwi into coins, then cut each coin in half.
7. Add strawberries, peaches and kiwi to pineapple; stir to mix fruit.
8. Gently stir in blueberries and raspberries.
9. Pour orange juice over mixed fruit.
10. Refrigerate until ready to serve
References:
Hinden, T., Contento,I., & Gussow, J. (2004). A media literature nutrition education curriculum for Head Start parents about the effects of television advertising on their children’s food request. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 104(2), 192-198.
Robertson, C. (2007). Safety, Nutrition, & Health in Early Education. Thomson Delamar Learning. New YorkTessmer, K. (2004) Food jags. Discovery Channel. Retrieved January 15, 2011, from http://health.discovery.com/encyclopedias/illnesses.html?article=1905
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
When I think of child development....
A quote that I love to use is:
"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.”
Dr. Haim Ginott
I love this quote because it describes how children pick up everything they hear and see. I know that children learn most by what they see on television, radio and in their home environment. This quote should be shared with other because it describes how cautious parents and adults should be when talking around curious children.
"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.”
Dr. Haim Ginott
I love this quote because it describes how children pick up everything they hear and see. I know that children learn most by what they see on television, radio and in their home environment. This quote should be shared with other because it describes how cautious parents and adults should be when talking around curious children.
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