Relationships and partnerships are important because people can learn from each other and help each other. This is also good for your social web to have a support system that you know about. I have positive relationships with several people that are inspirations, mentors, role models and those that are reaching the same goals as myself. I have a group of friends that live in Mobile, AL. We all met through a mutual friend. We connected from the moment we met and found that we all have something in common. We are all single mothers and working towards the same goals. In this relationship, we continuously support each other and give encouraging words when they're needed. We share our achievements, our let downs and our kid stories. They have helped me grow and believe in myself to become a good mother. Friends are hard to come by, especially those that you can trust.
My mom and I have a good relationship. We work together in making sure my kids are picked up from school and are cared for while I work. She is a big help when it comes to my kids especially since I'm a single parent. We don't always see eye to eye but she's always there for me and my kids. We can cook together and she gives me tips on how to get around in the kitchen. She is open to my ideas and gives her opinion and vice versa.
My grandmother had one of the most important relationships to me. She was in my life from the time I was born until her death. She told stories about her growing up. She was my personal cook and was willing to scrap up change just to buy me a soda. I enjoyed our conversations and her advice. We could talk about anything. She prayed for me often and with me even more. She didn't have a lot to give me in life and making decisions but she was my number one supporter in everything that I did. If she couldn't make it to something, she would always call to see how it went. She taught me on e important thing and that was to love everybody no matter how they treat you.
My last important relationship/partnership is the one I have with my daycare provider. She is the absolute best. She has her own home daycare and both of my kids have been under her care. She is great a what she does and she loves it. We have built a partnership based on my kids development and growth and a relationship from love. She has helped me look for jobs and find different ways to get my children to learn things. I love her so much. She has helped me in so many ways in understanding child development. She is also my inspiration to become a teacher. She is more concerned about quality instead of quantity. Not only does she have a relationship with me, but she has one with all of her parents. She said it's not about the money, it's about building relationships and teaching the children what they need to know to be successful in school.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Breast on Demand
This week I chose to talk about breastfeeding. I chose this topic because it is something I have experienced with my babies. I breast fed both of babies for the first months after birth. I would have kept going but my job and the time to pump and feed didn't go according to plan. I admit I was skeptical at first, but once I got into the habit of doing it. I enjoyed every minute of it. My kids weren't as sick as others which means fewer doctor visits. Breastfeeding is very popular worldwide. It is sterile and rich in iron and vitamins and other nutrients needed for a growing baby. Babies that breastfeed a less likely to become sick because breast milk has antibodies that fight of viruses and other illnesses.
Breast feeding has rewards for both the mother and the baby. It allows them to have bonding time. For the mother, it reduces the risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis and a satisfying feeling of meeting the baby's needs. For the baby, reduction of illness that are common later in life such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. they will also have fewer cavities, less sids and stronger jaws. It allows babies with skin to skin contact that promotes attachment to mothers. Babies also show reduce stress levels while feeding. Breastfeeding on demand is about responding to the baby's hunger cues. It allows the baby to feed as soon as it is hungry instead of having to wait on a bottle. The breast is always at body temperature so you don't have to warm up milk and sometimes get it too hot. Breast feeding requires less of a hassle when traveling because you don't have to fix bottles or carry extra milk and find places to warm up bottles for the baby.
In other cultures breast feeding is labeled as beneficial, harmless, or harmful. In Papua New Guinea, and Gogo tribe of Tanzania, it is emphasized that women stay celibate while breastfeeding. So a mother will be torn by the decision to satisfy her husband or feed her child, however, the husband isn't expected to remain celibate during that time. One study shows of 120 cultures, 50 withheld the infant from breast in the first two days because they believe the milk was dirty. Some other cultures have no choice but to breast feed because they do not have access to formula.
Breast feeding has rewards for both the mother and the baby. It allows them to have bonding time. For the mother, it reduces the risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis and a satisfying feeling of meeting the baby's needs. For the baby, reduction of illness that are common later in life such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. they will also have fewer cavities, less sids and stronger jaws. It allows babies with skin to skin contact that promotes attachment to mothers. Babies also show reduce stress levels while feeding. Breastfeeding on demand is about responding to the baby's hunger cues. It allows the baby to feed as soon as it is hungry instead of having to wait on a bottle. The breast is always at body temperature so you don't have to warm up milk and sometimes get it too hot. Breast feeding requires less of a hassle when traveling because you don't have to fix bottles or carry extra milk and find places to warm up bottles for the baby.
In other cultures breast feeding is labeled as beneficial, harmless, or harmful. In Papua New Guinea, and Gogo tribe of Tanzania, it is emphasized that women stay celibate while breastfeeding. So a mother will be torn by the decision to satisfy her husband or feed her child, however, the husband isn't expected to remain celibate during that time. One study shows of 120 cultures, 50 withheld the infant from breast in the first two days because they believe the milk was dirty. Some other cultures have no choice but to breast feed because they do not have access to formula.
Birthing Experience
The most exciting but dreadful moment in a mother's life is giving birth. I've been through it twice and not sure if I would want to experience it again. The changes your body goes through in a matter of hours are heartbreaking. Well, to me anyway. My first child was an experience by itself. And it seems no matter how much I read about it, that wasn't enough. I was in labor for 12 hours and it was the the longest 12 hours I've ever encountered. However, I was surrounded by family and good friends. After my son was delivered, all of my emotions changed. I just wanted him away from me. I didn't want to look at him or touch him. I was still in shock that a baby had come from me. It was a very painful experience.
On the other hand, my daughter's birth was quite pleasant. Well, that was after the medication. I now believe that my body isn't made for storing and delivering babies. Both pregnancies were very different but labor and delivery was almost the same. They were both full term babies. My son came exactly on his due date. My daughter a few days after hers. I'm thankful for the nurses and the medication because I don't think I would've made it through this experience without either of them.
As I searched around the globe for other birthing information, I found that in Africa some women die during childbirth. They die from lack of treatment to conditions such as high blood pressure, breech births, and hemorrhaging(The Guardian 2012). African women lack access to good quality health care or a trained midwife. In the remote areas they have little to no choice but to give birth at home with a mother or grandmother present. If things don't go well during delivery, they would have to walk in the middle of labor to get the help they need.
As in the Western nations, men encourage the woman to go to a health facility to avoid complications.In Africa the woman has to get permission from the man which causes a delay in seeking care. Another delay is arriving a a health care facility because they may lack transportation and the lack of staff at the facility. These things all contribute to the high mortality rates.
References
Giving birth-the most dangerous thing an African woman can do? The Guardian. March 2012. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/journalismcompetition/giving-birth-the-most-dangerous-thing-an-african-woman-can-do
On the other hand, my daughter's birth was quite pleasant. Well, that was after the medication. I now believe that my body isn't made for storing and delivering babies. Both pregnancies were very different but labor and delivery was almost the same. They were both full term babies. My son came exactly on his due date. My daughter a few days after hers. I'm thankful for the nurses and the medication because I don't think I would've made it through this experience without either of them.
As I searched around the globe for other birthing information, I found that in Africa some women die during childbirth. They die from lack of treatment to conditions such as high blood pressure, breech births, and hemorrhaging(The Guardian 2012). African women lack access to good quality health care or a trained midwife. In the remote areas they have little to no choice but to give birth at home with a mother or grandmother present. If things don't go well during delivery, they would have to walk in the middle of labor to get the help they need.
As in the Western nations, men encourage the woman to go to a health facility to avoid complications.In Africa the woman has to get permission from the man which causes a delay in seeking care. Another delay is arriving a a health care facility because they may lack transportation and the lack of staff at the facility. These things all contribute to the high mortality rates.
References
Giving birth-the most dangerous thing an African woman can do? The Guardian. March 2012. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/journalismcompetition/giving-birth-the-most-dangerous-thing-an-african-woman-can-do
Sunday, April 27, 2014
A Note of Thanks and Support
As we close out this first class to earning our Master's in ECE, I've want to thank my colleagues for their stories and inspirations in their daily lives. It has been a rough journey for me, especially trying to get used to doing school work around active one year old. I know that you all will continue to be successful in your careers and continue to be an inspiration to others.
I would like to give special recognition to Brianna Cooper http://iammorethanateacher.blogspot.com
She is very passionate about what she does in the Early childhood field. I learn a lot from your blogs and discussions. I will continue to follow you through your on this journey to become a successful professional. I hope you continue to be a great educator and advocate for children.
I would like to recognize Amanda Davis http://learningthroughlaughing.blogspot.com
She shared her views on children learning through play which I am a huge fan of playing. Keep up the good work and I wish you the best.
I would like to give special recognition to Brianna Cooper http://iammorethanateacher.blogspot.com
She is very passionate about what she does in the Early childhood field. I learn a lot from your blogs and discussions. I will continue to follow you through your on this journey to become a successful professional. I hope you continue to be a great educator and advocate for children.
I would like to recognize Amanda Davis http://learningthroughlaughing.blogspot.com
She shared her views on children learning through play which I am a huge fan of playing. Keep up the good work and I wish you the best.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Examining Code of Ethics
After reviewing the NAEYC Code of Ethics this week, there were several that seemed meaningful to me but I chose these three:
—To develop relationships of mutual trust and
—To develop relationships of mutual trust and
create partnerships with the families we serve.
-We shall strive to build individual relationships
with each child; make individualized adaptations in
teaching strategies, learning environments, and
curricula; and consult with the family so that each
child benefits from the program
—To be familiar with the knowledge base of early
childhood care and education and to stay informed
through continuing education and training.
These are important to me because we as professionals have to create a trusting relationship with the families so we can become engaged in the child's development process in and out of your care. We also must stay up to date on new research and program ideas that will help our children learn in a more effective manner. Therefore, we need to continue our education so that we can stay ahead with the newer developments.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Early Childhood Resources
Here are a few resources that are available.
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
- Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42-53.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
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.
- World Forum Foundation
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/
Additional Resources
Earlychildhood NEWS The Professional Resource for Teachers and Parents
www.earlychildhoodnews.com/
HowStuffWorks "Understanding Family Structures and Dynamics"
health.howstuffworks.com/.../understanding-family-stru...
Ho
Cognitive Development in Early Childhood Education - Everyday Life
everydaylife.globalpost.com/cognitive-development-early-childhood-ed.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Words of Inspiration and Motivation
"Children need play in order to play. Good, old-fashioned fun- with an empty box or a simple rag doll- provides something very important to later growth and development." Deborah Leong, Ph.D
"We as professionals in the early childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child's life for the better."
Sandy Escobido
"Children are still trying to figure out their identity. They are still being bombarded with positive and negative messages." Louise Derman-Sparks
"Parents don't make mistakes because they don't care, but because they care so deeply."
T. Berry Brazelton
"We as professionals in the early childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child's life for the better."
Sandy Escobido
"Children are still trying to figure out their identity. They are still being bombarded with positive and negative messages." Louise Derman-Sparks
"Parents don't make mistakes because they don't care, but because they care so deeply."
T. Berry Brazelton
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