Cultural Diversity

The one person comes to mind when I think about cultural diversity in the workplace, would be Ms. Obloque.  Ms. Obloque is a Pakistan, who speaks different than the majority people I work with.  Most time it is very hard to understand what she is saying .  When I communicate with Ms. Obloque, I usually try to look directly into her eyes and mouth while she is speaking, to help get a better understanding of what she is saying.  Although, Ms. Obloque struggle to speak English, she works very hard with the children, and practice her English skills daily.  I would like to learn how to listen to her closely, so that I would not show any signs of misunderstanding to Ms. Obloque.     

Communication Behavior

The one person who I feel have great communication skills is Oprah Winfrey.  I learned from watch her TV show for many years that she get a connection with people who she communicate with.  She shared with listeners on her TV show that people should recognize acceptance and signification in their self first, and then we can recognize it in other.  Once its recognize one can set aside all judgemental thoughts and actually hear what the person is saying.   

Over the years, I noticed that Oprah communicate with people like people dancing.  She take one step forward, and then allow the person to take a step forward.  She makes perfect eye contact with her listeners, she speak very loud and clear, and she allow the listener to be heard as well.

Communication

I choose to watch Little House on the Prairie, the episode was Country Girl.  The reason I choose this program is because I dislike it a lot, I know you all may think I'm nuts, but I grew up with my mother, and grandmother watching it daily.

No Sound

When the TV show started, I assumed Laura was sick, because Mary pulled the bed covers off Laura's head; however, Laura immediately pulled it back over head.  Following the TV showed the mother cooking, so I assumed it must be Sunday, because the mother appeared to have a lot of food cooking at one time.  Laura and Mary finally came down stairs dressed in what appeared to be their church dresses, at least that what I though.  The girls talked to their mother about something, but Laura seemed to be upset.  The mother and father smiled at the girls and then the girls left the house walking.  They arrived to a building that looks like a church.  I seen other children standing in the yard of the church, Laura appeared to me afraid for some reason, because she kept standing behind Mary.

With Sound

The first assumption I made about Laura being sick was wrong.  She was not sick she did not want to go to school.  Also, I assumed they were going to church; however, the sisters were getting ready for school.
I feel that my assumptions would still been a little off, even if I was familiar with the TV show. 
I learned by watching the TV show without sounds, that hearing and listening play a huge role in the way one understand, perceive sound, and interpret what they heard.

When I Think of Research

From this course, I have gained knowledge  oh how important research is in early childhood education.  Research helps educators build their knowledge of Early Childhood's teaching and learning.  My ideas about research since taking this course has lead me to understand that the research process takes a lot of time, patient, and commitment.  I've learned from this course that their are several designs to choose from. as well as, how to collect data, and how important accuracy is in research.

This course was one of the most difficult course I have taken in a very long time.  Some of the things that made this course challenge for me, is developing a research question that was not too board or too narrow, and stating the hypothesis.  I am still not very certain on either one of the two.  Although, I did learn some things about research, such as, the different types of designs, variables, and how to collect data for a research.

As we all finish up this week's assignment, I would like to take the time to wish each and everyone Good Luck in your future educational journey, as well as, your every day life.

Research Around the World

I chose Early Childhood Australia.  Some of the current international research topic I learned about on this website is:

• Resources to support services, families and children deal with bushfires
• Challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children
• Learning and teaching through play
• The Early Years Learning Framework: Building Confident learners

Also, I learned that Early Childhood Australia website supports Best Practice with links to help build emotional foundations for learning, feeling and behaviours.  Learning about babies and toddlers and a lot more.  The new information that got my attention on the Early Childhood Australia website is, how to become a member of their organization.  Being a member, you will have to join a non-profit, non-government organisation that has continually advocate for the best interests of children from birth to eight years old.  Also, as a member of Early Childhood Australia, you can also lend your support to this vital, yet often underrated, work.


References

Early Childhood Australia. a Voice for Young Children. Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.

If I had the means and knowledge to conduct research studies about any topic in the Early Childhood field, It would choose to look into childhood obesity.  Childhood obesity can have a harmful effect on the body and mind in a variety of ways.  Obese children are more like;y to have:

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. 
• Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, and asthma.
• Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Obese children and adolescents have a greater risk of social and psychological problems, such as dissemination and poor self-esteem, which can continue into adulthood.

Today, many children are quickly diagnosed with childhood obesity,  As an educator, I would like to be able to research information about this topic more and see what answers research could provide.  I would like to find out the negative impacts childhood obesity have on the well-being of children and the negative impact childhood obesity have on the learning abilities of the children.

I think that research such as this would benefit children, families and educators.  I feel it could help educators, because it could help us to learn new ways to enhance and support young children's healthy development and learning abilities.  Other positive benefits could include ways that educators can help young children to become more physical active, by being effective supportive to the disease and using appropriate resources that would help them to live a long healthy life, and succeed academically by having a healthy brain.

References

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/resources/recommendations.html

Your Personal Research Journey

Hello everyone!!! I chose cognitive development in early childhood education.  The reason I chose cognitive development is because; cognitive development is very important in reason, solving problems, and to think consciously.  I feel strongly that young children should be taught at a early age ways to develop cognitive skills.

I plan to learn more on how I can implement activities and stimulate a child's cognitive development during this research.  I will be pleased to accept any ideas, activities, and suggestion from you all.  thanks in advance!

Final

It has been a pleasure to travel an eight week journey with each of you.  Throughout this course I have been enlighted on so many issues and trends related to early childhood education and care.  I have truly enjoyed reading and sharing information from my peers.

Also, it was a wonderful experience to learn about issues at an international level.  I chose World Forum Foundation as my international resource.  I learned from them how they deal with poverty, Children's Rights, and curriculum around the world.

World Forum Foundation provides information to help support families in poverty.  World Forum Foundation assures that funds are available for low-income families for childcare,  World Forum Foundation has established a World Forum Fellowship fund.  The funds are used to facilitate the attendance for early childhood education.

World Forum Foundation inspires, encourages, and supports the initiation of a Working Group of Children's Rights.  Their goal is to research the work of existing groups surrounding Children's Rights, determining the mission and goals for this Working Group and plan strategies for accomplishing these goals.

World Forum Foundation informed and taught me that they are a group of early educators, and along with others who focus on issues related to quality curriculum for young children.  The World Forum Foundation has been very committed to addressing issues with early childhood curriculum around the world.  They are working to recruit and continue to recruit group members from around the world, to develop clearly stated principles that will support early childhood curriculum.
 

Getting to know your International Contacts - Part 3

This week I have learned that the World Forum Foundation is working to promote an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings.  World Forum Foundation is accomplished through convening gatherings of early childhood professionals around the world and by promoting the continuing exchange of ideas among participants.  The mission of the World Forum Foundation is accomplished through two types of gatherings of early childhood professionals World Forum on Early Care and Education.  Every two years 600 – 800 early childhood professionals from more than 80 countries gather to share ideas on a wide range of issues impacting the delivery of quality services for children and families.

In the alternate years, Working Forums—regional meetings of early childhood professionals focusing on specific issues—take place.  Both types of gatherings serve as “meeting places” where all those interested in promoting the well-being of young children and families can share ideas, strategies, and perspectives.  At World Forum gatherings people often come together to launch global projects on specific issues and topics. Current projects focus on men in early childhood education, AIDS and young children, nature education, peace education, teacher education, and immigration and young children.

References
http://worldforumfoundation.org

Sharing Web Resources

This week I chose Global Leaders for Young Children as a outside link.  Global Leaders for young Children is to improve life chances for young children around the world by providing opportunities where developing early childhood leaders can become effective change agents and advocates for quality early childhood development services in their home countries.

The central goal of the Global Leaders for Young Children initiative is to encourage participants to become more effective change agents and advocates for quality early childhood development services in their home countries.

The Global Leaders for Young Children supports the achievements of equity in education.  Global Leaders for Young Children work is based on the perspectives on equity and a commitment to provide emotional and intellectual support to educators as they work for the transformation of educational settings.  They commit by participating in two mentoring sessions,

• learn leadership and advocacy skills.
• be inspired to make a difference in their countries.

The new insight I learned this week is Global Leaders for Young Children are encourage to put what they learned into practice by working with other people in their country to launch a leadership or advocacy project.

Getting To Know Your International Contacts

The new insight and new information that I gained while visiting the World Forum Foundation and Bonnie's blog is the Indigenous people have developed an Action Group.  At the 2009 World Forum Foundation, on Early Care and Education, fifteen persons gathered from seven countries to hold the first ever Indigenous People Action Group meeting.  The participant meet for two consecutive days, prior to the meeting with the World Forum Foundation, to explore themes, such as, the rebuilding of cultures, inclusion, young children and nature, and indigenous culture in urban settings.

The World Forum Foundation shows equity and excellence by improving life chances for young children around the world.  World Forum Foundation has developed a cadre of ear;y childhood leaders, who has learned to be effective change agents and advocates for quality early childhood development in their communities, nations, regions, and the world. 

Sharing Web Resources

Children's Rights is a specific section that is particular relevant to my professional development.  The World Forum Foundation advocate for the U.S. ratification of the convention on the Rights of the Child.  World Forum Foundation believes it is an important part of global citizen to promote Children's Rights.  They are also fighting to ask their legislators to ratify Children's Rights and to agree to promote and protect children's best interest. 

One thing I noticed about World Forum Foundation is their main focus is to protect the children and families.  They are out seeking other organizations to help strength and move mountains to serve their families.

The World Forum Foundation helped me to know how to contact Senators and diplomatic channels when I have issues or concerns.  I have learned how to work with organizations and individuals in striving to make positive difference in the lives of children around the planet.

References
© Copyright 2011 World Forum Foundation, All Rights Reserved

Getting To Know Your International Contacts

Poverty in Mongolia

The country I chose is Mongolia from the podcast. There was a hard hit on the economy that affected the families of Mongolia. The percentages of unemployment rose and inflation and prices soared. Social services and welfare were limited to the families of Mongolia.

I learned from studying this country that the lives of the families living in poverty have gotten worse over the 1990s. According to the information gathered, migrants and people living in rural areas are considered poor. Mongolia is dealing with large amount of cuts in their education services. Education for poor kids is very limited and the dropout rate is higher, due to economic reasons. The state does not support the families and children living in Mongolia.

Policy and procedures are underway to reduce poverty in Mongolia. The government has created a plan of action; which is known as a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper covers solution to help economic growth, rural development, social services and welfare, and good governance. They are hoping to tackle poverty and childhood poverty in Mongolia.

References

http://www.childhoodpoverty.org

Sharing Web Resources

I have followed Ms.Bonnie Blog all week.  She has not posted much, but I did learned that she attend a conference on ISSA/DECET Programs.  Ms. Bonnie shared on her blog some highlights from the conference.  She shared how educators need to welcome and value diversity, subjectivity, context, multiplicity and connectedness, complexity, uncertainty, democracy, and dialogue.  Ms. Bonnie also discusses how Early Childhood Educators should be a strong and equal and proactive participant in a lifelong system of education.  Ms. Bonnie attended this conference with people from all around the world, such as, Serbia, Netherlands, Australia, Hungary, and Tajikistan.

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expamding Resources

Hello Everyone,

I was able to subscribe to Bonnie's Blog she appears to travel around the world visiting different Head Starts.  I am very excited about communicating with her.  She have lots of pictures on her blog, and different educators from all around the world.  This is a link to her blog http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/bonnie/ I can not wait to hear from her.

My Supports

To me supports mean having someone or something that can lend you a helping hand when in need. My biggest support comes from the man upstairs, which is God. I often give Him the highest praise, I do not know where I would be if it was not for the support He gives to me. When I am getting weak, frustrated, about to give up, I call on His name, and ask him to give me the strength to carry on.

My husband and kids are my next support group. When I look in the eyes of my kids, I think about the dreams I have for their future. Knowing that I am their role model, I cannot allow them to know, nor think that I will give up easily on tasks. My husband supports me in any thing that I strive to do. He is someone that I can talk to, cry to, and depend on through any situation.

I feel like I would not have the job, family, or the professional I have if I did not have the support from God. I am a huge believer in the things God can do. I thank Him for each and every accomplishment I have made, as well as, failures I have made in my life. The failures are learning tools. They taught me to not give up and keep striving for my goals.

 

My Connection to Play

QUOTES

"Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do.  Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do." ~Mark Twain

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing" ~George Bernard Shaw

 

 

 

 

Play was supported my family members.  When I was younger we would play in the neighbor hood, the neighborhood where I was raised was majority family members.  We mostly played outside daily if the weather permitted.  I can remember sharing one bike throughout the entire neighborhood.  Every child rode the same bike.  This taught us how to share and respect each other. 

 

 

Today, most kids play inside rather than outside.  Their parents spend a lot more money on gadgets than what my parents spent back in the 1980's.  I feel that if the kids now would be more creative with play , it would help their parents save tons of money, and the kids would be a lot more active.

 

 

My thoughts on play during my childhood, as a child we had to think harder than the kids today about play.  For, example, we had to be very creative, we had to create games and rules for play time.  This allowed my parents to use their hard earn money to pay the bills in the household.  Today, the kids are causing more stress on their parents about purchasing playstations games, ipads, computers, and cell phones.  Which causes some households to be in financial debts. 

Relationship Reflection

To me, developing a relationship is very important, because it helps us to grow into deeper connections with people in our surrounding.  Relationship is when two or more people become more familiar with one another, with hopes to form a relationship.

In my life I have had the opportunity to develop relationship with several people.  My family is the first people I developed a relationship with.  Growing up my parents taught me how to trust people, and get to know people for who they are, rather than what people think about some one.  My family is a loving and caring group of people, that loves and cares with all their heart.  Second, my husband is another person that I developed a relationship with.  He came into my life over 15 years ago, and we became friends and then lovers.  We use to spend a lot of time together, such as, going out to eat, walking in the park, and visiting our family members together.  Often times we would share important information with each other that we have never told anyone else, personally I was testing him out to see would he disclose my information.  My husband has never shared any of the information with anyone, else at less, I have not heard it again.  This is one key factor in developing a relationship is trusting someone, and being able to be trusted.

Another key factor in developing a relationship is to be able to see a person's true color.  One should spend time observing that person's character, and get to know the person for who he/she is.

When I think of child development

"There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and let the future in. ~Graham Greene

This is a picture of my students back in December of 2011.  I was transferred from one school to another school in the middle of the school year.  I was very hurt about leaving my prior students behind, however I knew that my current students needed me the most because of a situation that had occurred prior to be coming to teach them. 

Testing for Intelligence

Assessing children helps to determine how a child is progressing in certain areas.  Also, assessments can diagnose if a child have any learning and developmental problems.  Teachers need to know how to serve each child needs.  Assessing children will help teachers to recognize how and what to plan, and how to adjust the curriculum to meet the needs of all children. 

In Northern Europe the school systems use the same curriculum for all children.  The children living in Northern Europe do not start school until the age of 7.  Finland uses very little standardized testing to assess students.  Teachers assess students in Finland by using an open-ended assessment at the end of second and ninth grades.  The feedback to the students from the assessment is in narrative form, explaining descriptions of their learning progress and area of growth.  The open-ended assessment evaluates a child's problem-solving skills, analysis, and writing skills.

I would like to share with the readers of my blog, to always remember that all children are not "good" test-takers when using test to assess children.  As educators, we need to be created prior to assessing children using test, maybe we can have a test taking workshop for the students and parents or share some test taking tips with the students prior to testing them.

P. Sahlberg, 2009, Educational Change in Finland, in A. Hargreaves, M. Fullan, A. Lieberman, and D. Hopkins (Eds.), International Handbook of Educational Change