My Supports

Factors within my daily environment that are supportive to me consist of ....

"Encouragement and Positive Attitude with co-workers, family, and friends"

• The encouragement that I get from co-workers, family and friends motivate me to do my best and to encourage other during their time of need
• Being surrounded around people that have a positive attitude makes all environments weather its, work, home, or somewhere in the community pleasant. My physical support comes from these positive people and I'm able to thank them for being optimistic by being positive myself.

"Open communication"

• Open and  daily communication with people that I'm in contact with decreases confusion and promotes healthy relationships. Being able to communicate with other serves as practical support. I'm able to network with different professionals through open and effective communication and as a result I can resolve issues and help people get resources that they need.

"Spiritual belief"

• With some many things going on in life that we have no control over, I cling to my belief and faith in God to help me through the troubled times and appreciate the great times. I can always count on my spiritual belief for emotional support.  

Each of these supports play a huge role in the pleasant person that I try to be. With out these supports I feel life would be hard and depressing. I believing having a system of support inspires you to support others.

A challenge that I dread but sadly is common for many Americans is "Having to find another job after being laid off"! In this case I would need emotional support from my family and friends to help me on the  days I'm upset. I would use the internet, library, and newspaper as physical support to help find a new job. Practical support would come from husband take over the bills that I'm unable to pay until I find a new job! If these supports are unavailable during this challenge and other life challenges it makes it difficult for a person to be resilient from life's trauma. I'm thankful for the support I have in my life and I  realize that the ultimate benefit of my support is that it helps me so I can help someone else.

My Connection to Play

Quotes of Play

Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities.

Stuart Brown, MD- Contemporary American psychiatrist

Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson

Music, Books, and Paper and Writing Utensil

 

As a child the only items I need to play and have fun was music, book, or a pencil and some paper.

 

Support play

I was raised mostly by grandmother as a child. She fostered my desire to read and write by bringing home books, magazines, and newspaper comics for me to read. My grandmother use to also save posters, cardboard, and different types of paper for me to write on. I went through several stages of wanting to be an artist, singer, and even doctor. During each one of my stages my grandmother provided the necessary crops so I could be who and what ever I wanted to be in dramatic play.

Play Today

Technology has changed play for this generation. As a child I spent a lot of time playing outside and exploring nature. This was how I learned to make friends and developed my love for nature and an active lifestyle. Children today spend so much time playing video games, watching television, or playing on the computer that they miss out on playing with friends and exploring the natural items outside. My hope is that we can show children the joys of playing the old-fashion way.

Reflection of Play through life

Play throughout my childhood and adult life has been used as therapy for me. I mastered dramatic play as a child and now armed with a book, music, or a pen and paper I can escape a rough day or make a good day better. The 3 items I needed as a child to play are the same items I use today to relax, cope and enjoy life. I feel as if I’m a true kid at heart. I dance, laugh, and have fun acting silly with my students and son.  I get the most enjoyment of taking my son to the nature park and running around with him. I’m 29 but when most people meet me they think I’m barely 21. I give my love for children and appreciation of play the credit for my youthful look. I work hard but I play harder.

It's been over 15 years since I rolled down a hill but I couldn't let the opportunity pass me by!

 

Reflections & Reflections

Relationships & Reflection

Relationships have a way of enhancing life when times are good and helping you get through during times of distress. I value relationships because I understand how they help make me a better person. Relationships occur from love ones, work, family, school, and any other time people share a common interest and as a result spend time together.  I believe it’s important to be able to help the people that you have a relationships with  but also have a network of p people that you can count on in life. 

Whitney Seabron is my best friend of 17 years. Our friendships have endured ups, downs, children, marriages, and living in different states. Everyone needs that one person that truly knows and understands them. My relationship with Whitney is important because I can always can’t on her to tell me how it is and to have my back.

The relationship that I have with my dad contributes, Melvin Whitten contributes to the relationship that I have with my husband.  My dad throughout the years has been my back bone and installed in me not to give up! When life throws lemons you make lemonade. I feel that my dad prepared me for marriage because he showed what to look for in a man and how to fight for what you love!

My husband Enrico Mayes Sr and son Enrico Mayes Jr motivate me to be the best person I can be every day. The unconditional love that I receive from them inspires me to push forward, do my best, and make a difference in the world that we live in !

 

My grandmother is my all the time role model. Her words of wisdom stick with me as a mother, wife, and teacher. I remember when I left my grandmother’s house to go to college she told me, you don’t know who knows me or our family? Make our family proud! My grandmother’s words play in my mind every day and I try my best to make sure that everything that I do makes her and my family proud!

My circle is small and I have grown to appreciate that. Over the years I’ve had people take my kindness for granted and I’ve had to learn how to choose my friends and people that I associate with wisely. I believe the key to maintaining and developing relationships is accepting people for who they are and honesty. We all make mistakes. I try my best to help people with words of encouragement and positivity. If I can’t bring you up I don’t want to pull you down. As a teacher I use my positivity to make my students and families smile and bring optimism to my child care center.

"Quote of Child Development & Sincere Thanks" I truly believe once a child has a positive self-concept then they can view the world in a positive light as well! If I had to pick a quote to inspire me as an Early Childhood Educator it will be “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." - Sydney J. Harris I want to take the time to thank my colleagues for support, encouragement, and the opportunity to network. I shared many feelings of inspiration and enlightenment through the readings of the blogs and discussion boards through our course. It’s nice to share in an educational community that strength yours goals and uplifts your spirit. Good luck to all in your school work and future endeavors!

 

 

 

 

 

"Its All about Their Emotional Well Being"

 

 

 

 

 

The child's emotional well being in my opinion is the most important part of the child. A child that doesn't have self value or worth will have a hard time learning because they are not motivated. As early childhood professional we should strive to help the child build  positive self-concept through activities that build confidence, self esteem and independence. Once that is intact everything else falls into place.

Before children are assessed academically they need to be assessed emotionally.  Questions on how the child feels about themselves and school should be asked. Last year I had a 7 yr. old boy that would come to my house to play with my son. I asked him how do you like school and to my surprise he said, "I hate it". I asked why and he replied, "Its boring all we do is take test"! His response broke my heart.

I feel that many schools have lost the sense of the holistic view of the child with standardized testing.  A plan needs to be put into place to  keep children excited about learning. Learning should be fun, and should make children feel good about themselves.

 

 

Assessing School-Age Children in Italy
http://www.slideshare.net/msanch43/school-system-in-italy

 

 

The curriculum at the child development center I work for is based of the Reggio curriculum so I thought it would be interesting to learn information about when the students are asses in Italy.

 

The students in Italy are assessed twice during their academic career. Once at the end of middle school where they take a national examination to  receive a diploma upon passing. The next time they take a test is when they are 18 or in the 13th grade which is the last grade of Secondary school.

 

Once students receive their diploma they get to choose  technical, vocational, or lyceum as a upper secondary school. Technical school teaches students a trade they can pursue when they graduate. Vocational school resembles a  traditional American high school.  The Lyceum prepares students to attend a university.  

Additional information about Italy's School structure can be assessed at the website above   

 

 

 "Check out this Podcast on Assessing young children through birth"

http://earlyed.newamerica.net/blogposts/2012/podcast_assessing_young_children_birth_through_third_grade-62724

Poverty (Lack of money vs. Lack of Knowledge)

Poverty  "Money vs Information"





I'm not sure which is worst, A lack of money or a lack of information?   From birth to the age of 4 my parents knew to provide food, shelter, clothes and love but they forgot about education.  

I started kindergarten with no Pre-K training. I slipped through kindergarten. Failed the 1st grade and after having two teachers take me under their wing I was able to catch up and love school.

 I didn't realize until the 4th of 5th grade that I was part of the "working poor" class. My parents understood the importance of getting the resources to make sure that I had my shots, food and shelter but for what ever reason  a Head Start on education was not of importance.

My passion for  early childhood education strives from these experiences. As a child its hard to understand why your peers understand certain academic concepts and you don't . I will forever be grateful for the teachers that  took extra time with me and didn't give up.

 I now know it is worst to have a lack of information than money.  Even with a lack of money if you have information  you can get the resources you need with that information.

As an early childhood professional, my main goal other than to take care of the children that's in my care is to make sure the families have the information to get the resources that need.

The Effects of Poverty & Education in Jamaica

The effects of poverty on education in Jamaica is shockingly similar to the effects in the United States. "The Gleaner" a Jamaican newspaper company states, "Poverty is the enemy of education because it limits access to education and the experience of the education process". 
Poverty reduces the children's food intake and over all appearance.   As a result of malnutrition children are restless, unable to pay attention in class and often disruptive. These children are withdrawn and embarrassed of their clothes and end up with low self-esteem from being teased by their peers.
Eventually many of theses children give up on school and engage in the illegal activities around them. The Gleaner stresses the importance of child advocacy, good teachers and providing resources for the children in Jamaica and all over the world.

 
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101022/letters/letters3.html

Child Development and Public Heath (SIDS)

SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a scary thought for any one that cares for infants.  It's a dreadful thought to go to wake a sleeping baby only to find that they are dead. The causes of SIDS range from the infants sleeping environment, sleeping position, undiagnosed health issues, over heating and accidents. I choose this topic because as both a mother and infant teacher I'm interested in learning more information about this phenomenon.
  My center has adopted a new policy which states that while infants are sleeping there has to be a person physically watching the babies as they sleep. Removing blankets and toys from the crib area along with placing a sleeping baby on their back are the biggest ways to reduce SIDS.  Since the early 1990's the  international "Back to Rest" campaign has caused SIDS to drop by 50% in most countries (Berger, 2012).  Currently the SIDS rate is much lower in Canada and Japan than in the United States  but higher in New Zealand and there is no explainable reason (Berger, 2012).  The biggest concern among pediatricians is that the SIDS rate is beginning to plateau in most countries
(Pediatrics, 2011).  Research shows that breast feeding, use of pacifiers, and receiving early and regular prenatal care reduce the risk of SIDS but further scientific investigation is under way to determine other causes of SIDS(Pediatrics, 2011).


PEDIATRICS Vol.128 No.5 November 1,2011 pp.e1341-el361 (doi)10.1542/peds.2011-2285

Child Birth in Japan

 In Japan its believed that the pain that the women goes through during labor will help prepare them for their role in motherhood as a result painkillers are not used by most Japanese women during child birth.  Child birth takes place in the hospital but fathers are not allowed to be in the room if they don't take the prenatal classes. The hospital stay after child birth is longer in Japan. Mothers stay at least five days for a vaginal birth and 10 days or more for a cesarean delivery. Once the mother and child leaves the hospital they stay at the mother's parents for a month or longer. Culture tradition states that women stay in bed with their baby for 21 days. "What a great way to make sure that the baby and mom bond"!

Personal Birthing Experience

In  hopes are mentally preparation for the birth of my son, I asked my mother about my birth. My mother's story only added to the anxiety that I had felt about giving birth. I was born 2 months early because of my mother's high blood pressure. I weighed 2lbs and 4oz and remained in the hospital for 3 months. While I was thrilled to be considered part  of the "80's miracle babies, I was also determined to make sure that I did everything in my power to make sure my son was healthy and I had more positive birthing experience. I participated in  Lamaze and parenting  classes, ate healthy, stayed active and  also watched my best friend  give birth to her daughter 2 months before my expected due-date. On May 21, 2008  at 4:15 am, I gave birth to a healthy boy that weighed 8lb 12 oz. and 21 inches.  I had a natural birth at a hospital and was able to leave with my son 24 hours after giving birth. I chose to give these examples of my mother's birth a long with the birth of my son because while they both took place at a hospital, they were completely different. If my mom didn't go to the hospital to have me I may not have made it, however with necessary people around I could have used another alternative such as a mid wife and had a home birth. My thoughts of birth and its impact on child development is if you put as much care, patience, and love as you did while you were carrying the baby and delivering it then your baby will  grow and development into a healthy child.

Special thanks for Rachel

 Rachel I just want to let you know that I enjoyed looking and reading your blogs. You went well and above each blog assignment to create useful posts with beautiful visuals. I appreciate you support and wish you the best with school and achieving your goals. Thanks for being a motivating colleague.

A Special Thanks

Dominque, I just want to say Thank for sharing your inspiring stories and support through the blog assignments. I was hooked to reading your blogs from your initial post, I said, "Hell NO and now addicted"! I love the inspiration quote by Maya Angelou" You can only become truly accomplished at something you love".  Good luck with school and your future endeavors. 

Examining Codes of Ethics

"To respect the dignity and preferences of each family and to make an effort to learn about it's structure, culture, language, customs, and beliefs"

This statement is significant to my professional life because each family has something special to bring to the classroom.  An increase diversity of cultures language, customs, and beliefs from families can led to opportunities to teach children about social acceptance and valuing different perspectives.

"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"

Every child learns at their own pace and in different ways. The following statement is important because as an early childhood professionals we should always be on the search for new and innovative ways to engage all children in learning.

"Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle"

I believe childhood is one of the most valuable stages of the human life. The experiences that children go through shape their views for adulthood. The appreciation that I have for childhood is the reason why I value early childhood education. A child that is given a strong and  positive foundation in academics has a better chance of achieving success when they get older.

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://community.fpg.unc.edu/sites/community.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/FPG_Snapshot_N33_EvidenceBasedPractice_09-2006.pdf

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/

Check out this Article!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/wp/2013/08/01/no-theyre-not-on-drugs-business-leaders-ceos-bipartisan-politicians-embrace-early-childhood-education/

 

Resouces that I think will catch your eye!

http://www.scholastic.com/commoncore/index.htm

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/page2.aspx



Welcoming Families From Around The World

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I country I have chosen for my family to have migrated from is Russia. There are several different things that I would do to make myself more culturally responsive to my family. One of the first things that I will do is to reflect, acknowledge, and let go of any biases or stereotypes that I may have about the Russia Family. The next thing I will do is to get background information on Russia’s culture, language, and proper Russian etiquette. Adding specific such as Lacquer boxes, ballet costumes, Matrioska dolls and or photos of these items in various centers will begin my process of adding Russia’s culture to the classroom. I will ask my director about the primary and secondary language that the family uses. If the family is not fluent in English than I will see what I can do about a translator. Weather the family is fluent in English or not I will make it my business to learn greeting and other simple phrases of communication in Russian or whatever language they use other than English, The last thing that I will do is to set up a meeting where I can meet the family before the child formally begins daycare and make them fill welcome by letting them know that we are glad to have them in the center, answer any questions that they may have, get to know their expectations, and show them that their culture is respected and we look forward to getting to working as a team to make sure that their child has the best early education experience .

Weather a family is from Russia, China, or right here in the United States it is our responsibility as early childhood professionals to make sure that they feel respected, valued, and comfortable in their new environment. Just for the little bit of information that I researched for this assignment I found out how amazing and rich Russia’s culture is. I look forward to sharing this information with everyone. I think it will be exciting to plan activities supporting some of Russia’s holidays such Christmas which is celebrated on January 7 ,International Women’s Day and Cosmaunant Day which celebrates Russia’s immense contribution to space. I hope the time and effort that I spent adding Russia’s culture to the classroom will make the family feel welcome but also show other families, and the children in the class that we can all learn special things from one another.

My Heart and Heart Beat !

It took some time but I finally stumbled across a picture that shows the two most motivating people in my life, My grandmother and my son! My grandmother always motivated me to do my best and be a great mom, my son continues to inspire to me to move forward and be a Great role model for him!

Personal Childhood Web

1.) Sharon Russell- Grandmother, Mother Figure, Friend 
My grandmother practically raised me! As an adult I appreciate her more each day! I have sweet memories of her fixing my favorite foods and baking cupcakes for me to take to school for holidays.
She supplied all of my needs and with good behavior most of my wants.  My grandma was a Strong Type A Personality and while she is sweet as pie, she didn't take and non-sense. As a result I love order, I'm a hard worker and believe if you treat people with respect you get respect.  I can't thank my grandmother enough for teaching how to be the loving mother and successful woman that I am today.
2.) Rhonda Russell-Mack- Aunt, Role Model
My aunt was the person that I idealized as a child.  As a child I thought she was so cool and did everything right. She taught me how to ride a bike, drive, and even took me to get my first pedicure. My aunt received her B.S. at  Virginia Tech, M.S from Old Dominion University, and Doctorate from University of Phoenix. As a teenager I remember seeing my aunt walk across the stage to receive her diplomas and vowed that I would do the same one day. As an adult I look up to my aunt when it comes to raising my son. I remember watching my aunt interact with my cousins and always provide them with the best opportunities. To this day if I have a question about school, my son, work, or just need advice I will call my aunt.
3.)Melvin Whitten Sr.- Father
My dad was the person that I would run to if I had a problem and needed someone to talk to. He always had great advice and did not judge. My dad would throw big birthday parties  and take me put to the beach, park, and mall for special father and daughter time. As an adult I continue to rely on my dad for emotional support and for some one to just hear me vent. He is a great Grandpa and continues his legacy long walks on the beach, mall , and park with his grandson, RJ. 
4.) Rosa Whitten- Grandma, Friend
Grandma Rosa was the typical old but sweet grandma with a sweet little voice. She taught me how to cook breakfast food such as pancakes, eggs, and bacon. She always had a smile and would give her last dollar to make my brother and I happy. As an adult I reflect on my the relationship I had with my grandma because she always had a way of making me feel so special. I believe every child should have that one person where just being in their presence make you feel special.
5.) Harvey Russell- Uncle
Uncle Harvey was the motivator in my life as a child. He always had something positive to say and knew how to make you laugh. He was also the person I went to if I had a question about any thing. He had a way of answer questions in a way that will never make you forget the answer. As an adult I appreciate the laughter that he brought to my life as a child and even now as an adult.

My late Welcome

Hello Everyone! Welcome to my page. I'm slowly but surely getting the hang of Blogging! My name is Shirley Russell. I have worked in the field of Early Childhood since August 2007. I have experience working in all age groups. I have a BS degree from Virginia State University in Elementary Education. I have a 5year old son that motivates me to be the best teacher I can be and I love cooking, traveling and learning new things in my spare time. My dream is to open up my own child development center that specializes in helping families that have children with special needs. I look forward to sharing and learning new ideas through Blogging about Early Child- Development.

My favorite children book is ," Where  The Wild Things" By:  Maurice Sendak. I believe it is important for children to be able to use their creativity to access their imagination ! "Where The Wild Things  Are " shows children how to turn their play room into a magical kingdom on whatever their heart desires, all they have to do is use their imagination!

Inspiring Quotes For Teachers

 

 

Inspiring Quotes For Teachers

Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at time they accomplish this impossible task. - Haim Ginott.

The work can wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won’t wait while you do the work. - Patricia Clafford.

 

A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child. - Witcraft.