Assessing The Right Way!

Many of schools get caught up with making sure the students can pass a standardized test and leave the creativity of a student behind. As educators, we need to rethink our intelligence. This includes understand the student’s ability and capability. Students should be assessed but using different learning styles to fit their need. Learning styles is a way a person perceives information educational using one or more methods. For instance, learning through auditory, visual, kinetics or tactile methods is a way to help children understand. You could use oral assessment for verbal learners, and for visual students use symbol such as graphic organizers. As educators, you have to accept each child learns differently, and we must adapt. For assessment, another convenient tool would be to incorporate examples from the child's environment. When you can bring good exterior experiences to the students, they seem more interest in what they are learning and understand. I think you can reach students with different muti-intelligence is to use more variety of assessments.

In South Africa, School Age children take an assessment in informal assessment such as observing oral, practical and written activities that the learner does independently. Also, formal assessment is a written test. All assessment is suiting the different learning styles and ability levels of all learners. The form(s) of assessment should also be grade and age-appropriate.

In addition, assessing young children should meet the student’s needs, not what the teacher’s manual tells us what to do.

Department: Basic Education Republic of South Africa (2011) Retrieved November 20,2011, from http://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/CurriculumStatements/tabid/166/Default.aspx

R.M. Felder and R. Brent, "Understanding Student Differences." J. Engr. Education, 94(1), 57-72 (2005). An    exploration of differences in student learning styles, approaches to learning (deep, surface, and strategic), and levels of intellectual development, with recommended teaching practices to address all three categories

Poverty.....

“Poverty is the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions.”( Britannica, 2011)

With the many changes to our economy, the US is seeing a lot of poverty stricken families. I work in an Early Head Start program where we serve low-income families. I have the opportunity work with a variety of cultures that are in poverty. One family in particular I worked with was extremely poverty stricken. They were a family of 5 and with 3 children under the age of 4. The mother struggled to maintain the living environment while the father looked for work in another state. The living condition was in a mobile home that needed to condemn from the lack of repaired needed, no heat, unsafe and clearly unlivable for the family. It is a rental, and the slum lord did not care about the living condition as long as he was getting the money. The mother had to find ways to keep her family safe and warm. She would have all kids sleep in their clothes at night with a space heater. For safety, she would put the dresser against the door and pray that no one would hurt them. The mother would very sad a lot because she came to this country for a better life and everything was not what she thought it was. Her children would see her cry a lot and she missed her husband. The children seem very happy at times, but I observed the children being sad when the mother would cry. At the ages of the children, they could sense something was different, especially with the father not there. The children medical needs where not being met because they were living in poverty. The mother did not take them to the doctor because she was not concern with that because of everything she was dealing. As being a part of the program, we worked with this family to better the situation. We connected the mother with resources in the community that could help her, and made a referral to the doctor for medical service. We connected the father to job resources where he was able to get a job and move the family. Also, we have a license mental health specialist on staff that was able to talk with a parent on improve their emotional health. Once the family moved, they happier and the children seem to be progressing developmentally. The mother was back working with her children. The children seem more responsive to the mother and happy that the father was there every day. This was such a success story for our program. From helping the family become self-sufficient, the child’s development had improved.

The poverty rate in Mexico is the #1 stressor. I’ve learned the children in Mexico are experiences the same stressor as the US. For kids, poor health from poverty meant affliction for life. The children were severely sick at an early age due to lack of medical treatment. Many common diseases cause the children death in Mexico. From poverty, I believe the children developmental domains become delayed. Having access to the basic needs such as food, safe shelter, and medical treatment will foster the development; along with the family being emotionally stable. What is being done to minimize poverty is creating a Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs. CCTs consists in cash rewards in exchange for investments in education, health or food. It should help fight child malnutrition and nurture social capital. The conditions can then vary from sending a child to school to looking for a job in order to receive that money.

Berrebi, D. (2011, July 07). Poverty in mexico: economic crises. Retrieved from http://www.poverties.org/index.html

Poverty in the United States - Britannica, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http:// Britannica.org/wiki/Poverty_in_the_United_States

“Breastfeeding...more than just good nutrition.”



I’ve been an advocate for breastfeeding for several years. I’ve became an advocate when I had an experience with a breastfeeding mom at my former job as a WIC Nutritionist. I learned that breastfeeding is the best you can give your baby, it has all the nutrients, babies are less likely to suffer for colds, flu, ear infections, and may help the mom return to normal weight. Also, I had a client that was physically disabled and obese to breastfed her baby for 12 months without formula supplement and lost 30lbs. I was so inspired to encourage all of the moms to breastfeed.
In Singapore, infants are breastfeed for at least 6 months for their life. Working mothers in Singapore nevertheless continue to breastfeed even though they are still working. Singapore is working towards make their work environment more breastfeeding friendly for the mother. This is a challenge that the US continue to make places breastfeeding friendly. I will continue to be in the family services field where I will promote breastfeeding because of the tremendous benefits. My motto is, “Breastfeeding...more than just good nutrition.”

Childbirth.....

I was a part of older sister birth of my nephew Myles. From her pregnancy, I was apart by taking my sister to the doctor and going to birthing classes with her. I would watch TV shows about the birthing process but, I still didn’t know what to expect. On August 13, 2000 my sister water broke at home, and I remember going to the hospital that morning ready to help. My sister was schedule for a vaginal birth, but due do to the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby’s neck a C-section had to be performed. Along with my brother-in-law we became a support team for my sister. I tried to make her comfortable and keep her calm. Since it was her first baby, she was a little stress and scared. Overall, the delivery went well and a health boy was born. I believe I served as Doula to my sister giving that support to her. I choice this example because being a part of my first nephew’s birth 11years ago has left an impression on me, I wanted to be there for my sister. The birth of a child has such an impact on a child’s development because the bonding starts at the beginning. For example, my nephew was surrounding with plenty of love and support, which the child’s development is influenced by the family.

In the India, their culture performs ceremonies to ensure the health of the baby and mother. For example, at birth before the umbilical cord is severed the father may touch the baby’s lips with a gold spoon or ring dipped in honey, curds, ghee. This is a ritual to ensure a long life. This is different from the U.S., but we have similarity ritual. For example, once the baby was born in my culture we pray over the infant for health and prosperity. From this comparison, I’ve learned we are very similar.


Religion in India: Hindu Rituals - Agnosticism / Atheism ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://atheism.about.com/od/hindusandhinduism/a/IndiaRituals.htm

Thank YOU!

I WISH EVERYONE LUCK ON YOUR  ENDEAVORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Codes of Ethics

(NAEYC) Section I: Ethical Responsibilities to children

 Ideas 1.1- To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

(DEC) II Professional Development and Preparation

1.       We shall continually be aware of issues challenging the field of early childhood special education and advocate for changes in laws, regulations, and policies leading to improved outcomes and services for young children with disabilities and their families.

      Significant -As professionals it is important to continue to expand our knowledge base in the field. I’m dedicated to learning so I can make an impact on the field.

(NAEYC) Section I: Ethical Responsibilities to children

Principles 1.8-We shall be familiar with the risk factors for and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, including physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse and physical, emotional, educational, medical neglect. We shall know and follow state laws and community procedures that protect children against abuse and neglect.

(DEC) III Responsive Family Practices-Enhancement of Children’s Families’ Quality of Lives

2.       We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the developmental outcomes of children and to provide services and supports in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children.

      Significant-As professionals you have to an advocate for the child and their family well-being.

   (NAEYC) Section II: Ethnical Responsibilities to families

                    Principles P-2.2- We shall inform families of program philosophy, policies, curriculum, assessment system, and personnel qualifications, and explain why we tech as we do-which should be in accordance with our ethnical responsibilities to children.

(DEC) Responsive Family Practices

3.       We shall respect, value, promote, and encourage the active participation of ALL families by engaging families in meaningful ways in the assessment and intervention processes.

      Significant - It’s important to engage the parents in the program so they can have an advocate for their child. We need to give the parent a chance to make decisions and comment when needed.

Collection of Resources

Global Support for Children’s Rights and Well-Being

World Forum Foundation
http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us

World Organization for Early Childhood Education
http://www.omep-usnc.org/
  

Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/about/

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/main/about.cfm

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//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home

Institute for Women’s Policy Research
http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm

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.preknow.org/

Voices for America’s Children
http://www.voices.org/

The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/

Professional Journals

• YC Young Children
• Childhood
• Journal of Child & Family Studies
• Child Study Journal
• Multicultural Education
• Early Childhood Education Journal
• Journal of Early Childhood Research
• International Journal of Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Research Quarterly
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Studies
• Maternal & Child Health Journal
• International Journal of Early Years Education

Additional Resources

• Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc

• Taking Sides-Educational Issues

• A Mind at a Time By, Mel Levine

 

Inspiration and Motivation

“When we strength families, we ultimately strengthen the community. Our goal is that parents everywhere work with supportive providers, feel confident in their parenting role, and form strong, resilient attachments with their children. To help achieve this, providers must be responsive to parents, knowledgeable about child development, and eager to see every parent succeed.” T. Berry Brazelton

“Attachment to a baby is a long-term process, not a single, magical moment. The opportunity for bonding at birth may be compared to falling in love—staying in love takes longer and demands more work.” T. Berry Brazelton

"Part of being who you are has to do with feeling your feelings, which means you'll have a wide range of emotions--not just constant sunshiny happiness."
Janet Gonzalez-Mena


"The moment I decided to follow instead of lead, I discovered the joys of becoming part of a small child's world."  
Janet Gonzalez-Mena

"My Passion comes from the intrinsic motivation that I have from the work that I do." 

By, 

Raymond Hernandez  

Personal Childhood Web

 

Mother- My mom is a true nurturing person who taught me how to love and care. My mom made sure I had a childhood of experiencing thing in life outside of my normal environment. My mom made me feel significant by spending time, along with making sacrifices for a better life for me.

Dad- My father taught me about being an independent person. My dad took the time to teach me about the ways of survival in the world. He made me feel special by letting me always be, “daddy little girl.”

Sisters- My two sisters have taught me how to be a professional in the world. I’m the youngest, so I had the opportunity to have "3 mothers" to watch. My sisters made me feel special by taking the time to talk and spend time with me in order to mold me into respectable woman.

Grandma-My grandmother is the epitome of a perfect wife and mother. She has instilled family tradition and values. She made me feel special by teaching me about respect and honoring our family.

Grandfather- My grandfather was the most intelligent person I knew. He always told me, having an education and God are the key to life. He made me feel special by loving me, sharing wisdom, and given me guidance, as for the other 42 grandchildren

 This tree is located at my grandparent’s house. This tree is an illustration of strength, my family values and what I’ve learned as a child. This is a part of my family history; I can visit this tree with great memory of childhood.

My Passion......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7pEQ_pUaOk&feature=player_embedded

(Please view video)

This video fuels my passion for the early childhood field.

ENJOY!

A Child’s Fight!

Child's Drawing

 I like this picture because the drawing is respresenting their creativity and expressing what they are feeling.   Also, the children  seem so engaged in what they are drawing.  The two children are using the same colors and but manage to create something different. 

The Snowy Day By, Ezra Keat

A little boy  Peter wakes up to a world of  a snowy  day. Peter jump outside to have a day full of fun in the snow. I just love the pictures and  details of this book.

Welcome

WELCOME TO ANDREA'S EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES BLOG!

"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."
- Maria Montessori