MISSION STATEMENT

Make a positive difference in each and every child that comes into my life. Be prepared and knowledgeable of all subjects I teach. Instill a lifelong love of learing. If something is not working, find another way. Bring joy, love and laughter each and every day.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AT IT'S FINEST

This is a video of twin boys engaging in a conversation between each other. This video is a clear example of how children develop language. The toddlers are babbling sounds to each other and then responding. What is unusual at this age, is to see both toddlers engaging in "conversation" with each other. Typically, you will see toddlers having a one-sided conversation. Clearly though, these little boys are responding back and forth by pointing, stomping, laughing and babbling. It's adorable and pretty amazing!

TEACHING TO THE TEST

Numerous times throughout the year, I hear teachers complaining that all they do any more is "teach to the test". School districts are afraid of losing funding due to lowered test scores on the national standards. In turn, they are dropping valuable classes such as art, music etc. in order to allot more minutes to teach to the standards. Teacher work satisfaction in the United States is one of the lowest in the world.The average new teacher stays in their career field three years (Smith, 2010). The U.S. educational system, really needs to take a look at how other school systems around the world are operating. Studies have shown that it's the person who is emotionally stronger, not necessarily smarter that does better as an adult (Berger, 2009). Allowing children to explore all areas of their development through academics, the arts, music, physical education, would allow children to slow down and enjoy the learning process and develop a love a learning in many areas. Assessing the "whole-child" rather than just the academic standards, would show strengths in all children and show what areas each child could use some improvement. By assessing the "whole-child", every child could be proud of those areas where they are strong. rather than having to dwell on the the fact they are slow in math or reading etc.

Finland is one of the most literate countries in the world. They have followed a top-down school reform approach, nationally since the 60's. Students are allowed to attend any private or public school they choose, free of charge. Teachers are highly qualified and extremely respected by the entire community. The school system as a nation, promotes life-long learning. The assessments are conducted by the teacher and are used as an individual encouragement for the student's growth and learning progress.The upper levels receive no numerical grades and are given only one standardized test upon completion of their upper-level coursework. The teachers and administration make up the assessments, which can be both verbal and written. There is a shared purpose and a recognized vision across the country, of teaching and learning between teachers and students. Finland provides good schools for everyone. The classrooms are orderly and calm with very few behavioral issues. From the beginning, students are taught everyone is responsible for their own learning and with learning comes a better life and better economical situation. The teacher satisfaction is extremely high. Students enjoy school and strive to do their best.

Berger, K., S.,The Developing Person Through Childhood. Worth Publishers, 2009.

 http://www.schome.ac.uk/wiki/Education_system_in_Finland

Child Prostition in Thailand

Recently, my sister visted Thailand. She told me it was a "life-changing" experience for her. There were many positive experiences she was able to enjoy. However, seeing the enormous amount of poverty and all the homeless children was "heart-breaking". My sister told me that every single day she was there, many children (some who appeared to be as young as five) would approach her group and offer to sell "sex" for food or money. Prostitution in Thailand is illegal. Although it is tolerated and seldom regulated (unicef, 2011). This includes the estimated 800,000 minors under the age of 18. (unicef,2011).

The stressors that impact  the development of children in this country are enormous. Children living in this environment are already faced with extreme poverty. Many of them are orphans living on the streets. Hiv/Aids is extremly high among sex workers in Thailand. Child prostitution correlates with illiteracy, limited employment opportunities and little financial means.These children are at extreme risks of disease and severe emotional disabilities.

Recently, the Thai Government was placed in Tier 2 in the 2007 U.S. Department of State's Trafficking for not complying with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act's standards for the elimination of trafficking. New prevention and Suppression of Trafficking in Women and Children Act have been inacted. The government is now actively supporting and collaborating with the International Organization for Mirgration. They are alos becoming more active in supporting an array of projects to prevent human trafficking for sexual and labor exploitation and sex tourism.

(an orphanage in Thailand, allowing some children a chance to get off the streets)

Source: My sister-Cruce, J. (2010).

http://www.justice.gov/criminal. Child Exploitation and Obscenity Scetion (CEOS).

www.humantrafficking.org/countries/thailand.



Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

Mother Nature's Perfect Food-Breast Milk

A mother of four children, I am a firm believer that breast-feeding is the healtiest and most natural way of bonding and satistying the needs of your baby.  There are always exceptions and a mother should never have to be ashamed about the choice they make on how to feed their infants. The World Health Organization (WHO), along with various other organizations have recognized the importance of encouraging mothers to breastfeed across the world.. Many national startegies promoting breastfeeding have been created. Public facilities across the world now have baby changing facilities and/or private places for mothers to nurse. There has been increased in parental training and awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding worldwide. In many countries, particularly those with a pool level of health, malnutrition is the leading cause of death for children under the age of five. There is an increasing level of training for many of these countries to educate mothers on the health benefits of breastfeeding their infants.

How infants are feed vary greatly from country to country. In some countries such as Ghana and Afghanistan, it is not uncommon for new mothers to feed their babies tea, at least until their breast milk comes in. They have not been educated on how valuable the nutrients are in the colostrum that precides the mother's milk. The water in the tea may contain bacteria leading to diarrhea for the infants. This practise also discourages breast milk stimulation and bleeding to slow down after giving birth.

Many times a new-mother will attempt to breastfeed their infant. With a lack of training, they may find it too difficult and give up. Breastfeeding isn't something that always comes natural, a mother really needs to be open to asking for help if needed. For example, I had my first child when I was barely out of high school. I made the choice to breast-feed her before she was born. I was under the impression my breast milk would be ready when I delivered her. After a few days of her and I struggling to get it right, I was tired (recovering from a C-section), and worried she was not getting any food. I was just about to give up and use formula instead, when a close family friend gave me some pointers and showed my how to hold my baby correctly etc. After that, it began to come naturally. Two years later she was weaned.

My second baby was born 18 years later (yep! 18). At that time, I requested the nursing specialist from the hospital to come in and work with me and give me some new pointers. All those years later, I still learned things about feeding my baby. Then when baby number 3 and 4 arrived, I was a pro by then and breastfeeding finally came natural to me.It makes me so happy that I did not give up and all four of my children were fortunate enough to start life with such healthy nutrition and close mother/child bonding. It may just be a coincidence, but NONE of my children were ever seen by a doctor for an illness until they started going to pre-school. My family lives a very active life, so please don't think I kept them sheltered all those years before school. I credit the breast-feeding with having such healthy children.

References:
www.who.int/entity/child_adolescent_health/documents/9241595230/en/
http://www.llli.org/

Birthing experience in The Netherlands

According to everything I read, most expectant mothers do not see an obstetrician. Unless, they are high-risk, expectant mothers in The Netherlands are referred to a mid-wife by the family doctor. All expectant mothers in Holland are required to pick up a kraampakket. This packet includes all the necessary supplies for a homebirth. Most deliveries take place in the home. If you do choose to deliver your baby at the hospitial, the mid-wife takes care of all the arrangements.

Naturally delivery without any medication is what the majority of woman in The Netherlands have. If there are no complications with the delivery and/or the baby, they can go home within a few hours of delivery. Quickly after the mother and baby arrive home the Dutch system of Kraamhulp (Maternity home care) is set in place. For seven days after the delivery, a home nurse comes and cares for the mother and baby. She also cooks, and cleans the house. Insurance covers this expense.

The home nurse also monitors the visitors and provides them with the traditional snack to celebrate the birth: beschuit met muisjes (biscuite with mice). The mice are miniature licorice bits with blue/white or pink/white coating.

This sounds like a dream come true for expectant mothers and their babies. What a warm and welcoming way to bring a baby into the world. I wonder if I can convince my husband that our next baby will be born in The Netherlands (whooooops, there will be NO more babies, our hands are full!).

reference: http://www.mothers&babies.com/. Birthing Customs Around the World (June 2010).

My Personal Birthing Experience.......

After seven years of trying to get pregnant, my husband and I went through IVF (invitro-fertilization). Our first attempt at IVF and we were pregnant! It was a scary and exciting time. By the time we were ready to deliver our baby, I was a nervous wreck. It just didn't seem like it was really going to happen and baby Rocco would really be here. It was a scheduled C-section (I've had 4 now). My husband and older daughter (who was 18 at the time) were allowed to be in the room with me.  I was unable to see what was going on, but my husband gave me "play-by-play". The Doctor was happily talking about his recent fishing trip to some of the nurses. There were also a few student-nurses in the room to observe. They had asked for my permission beforehand. The anesthesiologist talked to be throughout the procedure. At one point I got very nauseated and he quickly gave me medicine to take the nausea away.  Baby Rocco was out in less than 15 minutes after the start of surgery. They brought him over to me and let me touch and kiss him. He was then taken over to the scales to be weighed, rated, cleaned up etc. After my c-section I was placed in recovery for about an hour. After recovery, I was put in a private room where my extended family and friends could immediately start coming in for visitation. Baby Rocco was with me the entire 3 days I was at the hospital with the exception of a few tests that were made on him. A breast feeding specialist came in and worked with me on nursing, and the nurses gave me round-the-clock care. It was a pleasant experience. We have since had two more babies, one through IVF and one just happened! BIG SURPRISE & BLESSING! My children are 25,6, 4, & 2.

Welcome to kidgreen blog.....

My sister and I (in yellow) hosting a slumber party for my niece last weekend. House full of 14 year old girls-it was crazy and so much fun! I'm sure this class will have many adventures and enjoyment as well. Looking forward to blogging with my classmates.

Code of Ethics

The code of ethics statements with DEC (Division of Early Childhood) and NAEYC (The National Association for the Education of Young Children) really brought to my attention the valuable role we play as early childhood professionals.  The three that really spoke true to my heart are as follows:


NAEYC: 1-1.1-To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child.

This ideal really sums it up for me. Staying current in all that concerns children is vital for anyone in a early childhood position. Most importantly, knowing each and every child as individuals and valuing that individualism is truly a must!

NAEYC: 1-1.8-To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities.

As I have mentioned previously, special education is my "forte". So it was just natural to be drawn to one of the ideals that pertains to children with disabilities. Our world is made up of all types of people. We don't separate people out in town or in stores or at work because they learn differently or have lower IQ's, so why should we do that in the classroom? Besides, if we include those with disabilities early on, studies have shown there are less prejudices against them as they attend class, programs with non-disabled students. Children easily adapt to each other the younger they are when they start spending time together.

DEC-Responsive Family Centered Practices:


1.We shall demonstrate our respect and appreciation for all families' beliefs,values, customs, languages, and culture relative to their nurturance and support of their children toward achieving meaningful and relevant priorities and outcomes families' desire for themselves and their children.

Our society has become a "melting pot". As role models and leaders in the field of early childhood, we need to strongly stand by the above code of ethic practice. If we lead, they will follow. If we respect these values, the families in turn will open up to us and we can all work together toward achieving our goals for these children and their families.

Article: NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

Article: The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.dec-sped.org/

Dr. Kirk coined the term "learning disabilities"

Old definition-minimal brain dysfunction

New definition-difficulties in processing language, reading and processing information.


Dr. Kirk changed societies entire way of thinking about children with learning disabilities.......

Inspiring words from Louise Derman-Sparks (video segment-week 2)

"I always wanted to be a teacher. My mom told me when the kids were playing house, I was always the teacher".

"I have a built-in passion to make a difference in the world".


"I LOVE CHILDREN"

Inspiring Video & Old American Indian Quote

You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of your grandfathers.
So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin.
Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother.
Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth.
If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves.
~ Unknown ~

THE DAY THE BABIES CRAWLED AWAY-by Peggy Rathmann

This is one of my very favorite children's books. A delightful story about a day at the fair. Told by his mother, it's about the adventures of a little boy that has to chase after all the babies because the parents are too busy with the pie-eating contest to notice them leaving. The babies chase butterflies, visit frogs, bees and bats. Finally, the little boy has to make a sling out of their diapers to get them out of the bog and back to their parents. He is honored the hero of the day - HIP, HIP, HURRAY!

It's an easy read with rhyming text and adorable illustrations.

Vow I made to myself as a brand new teacher!

One hundred years from now it will not matter

What kind of house I lived in, How much money I had, Nor what my clothes were like.

But the world may be a little better

Because I was important in the life of a Child.

This quote was given to me many years ago as a brand new teacher. At that time I made myself a vow that I would always be that person, and should I sway from that way of thinking then I would leave the world of teaching behind. Today, the meaning behind those words still burn true to my heart.

Welcome to kidgreen blog...

Hello Fellow Classmates-My name is Donna and this is the first time I have ever blogged. Yes, I'm sure many of you are thinking "wow, she must be living in the dark ages". Not exactly! I am the busy mother of 2, 2, 4 & 6 year olds. After 14 years of teaching Special Education in the public school system, I changed careers and started selling real estate. Currently, I am an associate broker and also help run my husband's contracting business. That is why I have NEVER blogged before-no time ha!

Hopefully I won't mess this up. Looking forward to meeting all of  you and the many new adventures Walden will bring my way....beginning with blogging!!!!