"Children need guidance and sympathy

far more than instruction."

Anne Sullivan

I think this quote explains what I learned from this course as it pertains

to the best way to teach children- with the right amount of love,

sympathy, guidance, and time, children can learn anything.

"Intelligence" Testing

I have a major problem with the way children are assessed in

schools in the U.S. Personally, I test terribly. My whole life I could study and study

and never get a good test grade, especially if it was math or science related. Tell me

to write a paper or paint a picture, and I would do fine. It really frustrated me 

and my teachers. When I went to high school, I chose a smaller school

that gave you credit for every area of school. When it came to math, if I went

to the teacher for help, or did extra credit, she factored that into my final grade.

I know I am not the only one out there like this.

The other factor I have a hard time with is sort of what we have been studying.

I was raised by my single, divorced mother; because of court orders

I spent weekends all over the place, 

including bars and restaurants until early in the morning (this was

NOT with my mother). I think she did an amazing job raising me

considering our readings this week, I think my sister and I defied the odds

and percentages our book gave us. 

Anyway, in high school I was very upset by the fact that other children who

always seemed to get honors, or excel in other areas were from 2 parent 

households, didn't have to spend weekends with other people, or spend nights out.

Based off all of this, I think children should be assessed in wider variety of areas

besides the basic math, english, multiple choice, large rooms filled with children

taking tests all day. Children learn differently, they learn some subjects better

than others, and I think there are other factors that should be more important 

to our society than math, english, and science; things that may better

children as a whole, and maybe create higher scores in those areas, things like

art, music, physical education, and social interaction.

I feel like I am always hearing about how much better children are testing

in areas like Norway and Finland, so I looked into their assessments. I found

a website that specifically says, 

"The perspective is to be holistic which means assessment of different areas of 

development - the prerequisites concerning academic skills as well as the pupil’s 

developmental level in emotional and social areas."

(http://www.european-agency.org)

 Even in the areas of special education, children are assessed in group

settings to observe their social interactions as well as their 

academic skills. As of 2009, when this piece was updated, the Ministry 

of Social and Health Affaires and the Ministry of Education were trying

to plan a uniform test to catch any risk factors or learning difficulties before

children enter school at the age of 5.

 I know in the U.S. many children

are entering school at the age of 2, and so we are catching symptoms

or signs of learning difficulties earlier, I wonder how often we are 

quick to judge, or misinterpreting, slow development that may catch up. 

I also wonder how the fact that children seem to be starting school later

in different countries could play a part in higher testing levels. 

Maybe we are adding unnecessary stress to children at a young

age by placing some in such strong academic programs. 

Resource: European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education. (2009, August 25). Innovative assessment tools and methods. Retrieved from http://www.european-agency.org)

Violence in Childhood

    My mother -in -law experienced violence through most of her childhood and teenage years. Her father was a police officer, a gambler, and an alcoholic. Any money he earned was spent on gambling and drinking, and when he hit his wife or his children, the police would never do anything because they were friends with him. She does not talk about if often, but she has mentioned a few instances when she was a teenager. She was the oldest of four, two brothers and a sister. The brothers eventually followed in their father's footsteps and my mother-in-law tried her best to protect her sister and mother from the violence, once getting hit so hard blocking her mother that she flew across the room. The minute she was able to work, she did, to get out of the house. That was really the only way any of them could cope with the situation. After doing some research, there is a greater risk for a male partner in a relationship (with a drinking problem and a "blue collar" job) to partake in intimate partner violence than for a woman in the same situation (Cunradi, Ames, Duke, 2011).

    I chose to look into Mexico because in doing one of my previous blogs, I remember seeing that there was an increase in alcohol use and violence in Mexico and South American countries in recent years. I found an article, although it's over 10 years old, about some studies that were conducted to see why there was such a connection between alcoholism and violence in Mexican families. This article talked about the oncoming economic issues and religious beliefs, as well as lack of jobs adding stress to families (Natura, Tiburcio, Villatoro, 1997). More recently, E. Mot has discussed the problems with drugs as being the biggest issue with violence in the communities, not just the homes. The community will go more to the people dealing with drugs before the police, because the those are the people that can offer more help. If someone needs protection for their child, they will go to the gangs or drug lords. At the same time, if the drug lords come to someone and offer them money for a service, the economic stress may cause the person to take them up on the service (personal communication, July 22, 2011). One of the main effects of the violence in Mexico is the infant and child mortality rate. Then there are many illnesses and injuries that cause children to suffer physical as well as mental developmental delays. It seems from what I've read, they are still trying to figure out how to solve all of these many problems.

Cunradi, C.B., Ames, G.M., Duke, M. (2011). The relationship of alcohol problems to the risk for undirectional and bidirectional intimate partner violence among a sample of blue-collar couples. Violence and Victims, 26, 147-158.

Natura, G.R., Tiburcio, M.S., Villatoro, J.V. (1997). Marital violence and its relationship to excessive drinking in Mexico. Contemporary Drug Problems, 24, 787-804.

Mental Health Of Families/ Postpartum Depression

     Of all the health topics related to child development, I chose mental health because I feel it effects so many of the other categories. At the same time, it is so broad of a topic, I narrowed it down to postpartum depression. Overall, I feel the mental health of the entire family and father/ husband also greatly effect a child's health and development, but I focused in depression primarily in new mothers while doing my research.

      This topic interests me because my family has a history of mental illness, as do I. I have not had a child yet, and I am anxious/ curious/ hoping that I do not suffer from any postpartum depression or even depression while I am pregnant. I cannot imagine what it would be like to feel like that when I have a new baby that is completely dependent on my well-being. It is often noted that women who have a history of depression or mental illness may suffer from postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis. But other factors include socioeconomic status, poor relationship with a spouse or loved one, and lack of education (Doucet, Dennis, Letourneau, & Blackmore, 2009). I am lucky in that those environmental factors would not be an issue to add to my own health status. 

       I researched some postpartum facts in Lima, Peru. The article was alarming because they contribute the relationship with the "intimate partner" (Gomez-Beloz, A., Williams, M., Sanchez, S., & Lam, N., 2009) to be a large factor in the women suffering from postpartum depression. It is believed that the low economic level of many families in Peru, with added alcohol abuse and work stress, creates violence within families. Women often lose babies due to violence, and therefore live in a state of depression due to the stress of their lives (Gomeaz-Beloz, et al., 2009). 

        It may seem obvious that the mental state of those around you will effect your life, and the same thing with your children. I'm sitting here trying to think of situations I've had in the classroom. I don't know how I would ever know a parent was having a problem, unless it was very obvious. There was a child in another class where the mother admitted she was suffering from postpartum after the birth of her second child, and the extreme attachment that her older child (in our school) had towards her was something that had to be worked out. Personally, I've suggested parents have their kids stay for lunch if they seem tired; I've given moms hugs if they seem frustrated; and I've offered my help if I know there is a particular situation going on (when another parent was hospitalized I offered to watch their son after school). I want to continue doing this in the future, and maybe be on the lookout for other signs that something deeper is going on. But I don't want to jump to conclusions.

        In the future, I am going to stay committed to keeping positive people in my life, people who will not be negative towards anything going on in my life. It seems ridiculous to think, but I can think of so many people who keep negative relationships in their life just because. I'm not just talking about intimate relationships, either. 

Resources:

Doucet, S., Dennis, C.L., Letourneau, N., & Blackmore, E.. (2009). Differentiation and clinical implications of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing, 38, 269-79. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/.

Gomez-Beloz, A., Williams, M., Sanchez, S., & Lam, N. (2009). Intimate partner violence and risk for depression among postpartum women in Lima, Peru. Violence and Victims, 24, 380-398. Retrieved from  http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/.

       

To Give Birth in Cambodia

I chose to see how people in Cambodia delivered their babies and what their prenatal care was like because I have heard of many charities and organizations that are  focused on helping children there. I don't know a lot about the country in itself, but I had heard that they had a relatively high infant mortality rate, so I was curious to find out more.

After reading from the Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, I was horrified to see that the child survival rate in general is very low. This article states that this is common in countries where there has been civil war and political unrest. Some of the causes are related to education, jobs, healthcare, age of the mothers, marital status, geographic region, access to proper drinking water, and sanitation (Hong, Mishra, & Michael, 2007). It is interesting that these authors combine so many areas of study. It is similar to how we are learning about the many areas of development in early childhood, so all of these factors could very well be what is contributing to the low infant mortality rate and child survival rate.

There are many other contributing factors that could be related to the labor itself. Poor sanitation and access to clean water are just part of it, and something I know we take advantage of in the U.S. Some of these women receive no prenatal care, and even in some cases, where they deliver in hospitals, there are still risk factors. The estimated maternal mortality rate in 2000, was 437 to every 100,000 live births. The children who survive these births are more likely to not make it past age 2 and the ones who survive childhood are less likely to become educated (Koum, Hy, Tiv, Sieng, Obara, Matsui, Fujita, 2004).

My aunt had access to wonderful medical care, some of the best in the country- living near Johns Hopkins; she had clean facilities, prenatal care, a husband who stood by her and encouraged her; a family who supported her and sat with her while she was on bed rest; and family who helped her after she had her son. It seems to be a sad cycle in Cambodia that will not stop unless there is better access to medical care, let alone proper sanitation and clean water.

It is fascinating to see how doctors and other professionals performing these studies look at some of the same developmental factors we are learning about. They are looking at individuals as well as the society as a whole, and looking at how these birthing conditions are affecting the country.

Resources:

Hong, R., Mishra, V., & Michael, J. (2007). Economic disparity and child survival in Cambodia. Asia-          Pacific Journal of Public Health, 35, 37-44. doi:10.1177/10105395070190020701.

Koum, K., Hy, S., Tiv, S., Sieng, T., Obara, H., Matsui, M., Fujita, N. (2004). Characteristics of antepartum and intrapartum eclampsia in the National Maternal and Child Health Center in Cambodia. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 30, 74-79. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/.

The Birth of My Cousin Bryan... at 23 weeks

      I have not had any children of my own, and although I have known many people who have, one experience sticks out in my head the most. Even though I was much younger at the time, I remember it very clearly and knowing what I know now, I cannot imagine a parent having to live through this.
   

My aunt found out she was pregnant in December. She started spotting

shortly thereafter. She was diagnosed with partial placenta previa. 

She was told that it could correct itself, which it did. 

She still continued to experience spotting. Her doctor would put her

on bedrest periodically: she would have to stay home from work

(she worked at a hospital) for a week, but then she 

would be allowed to go back.

One day in May, at 20 weeks, she was at work, and when she went to 

the bathroom, she was bleeding. She went right to

the labor and delivery unit where they examined her and saw

her baby's head coming through the birth canal, but her 

water had not broken yet. He was coming out.

My aunt went right into surgery. They performed a procedure

that none of the doctors had performed at the time and was very risky. 

They gave my aunt an epidural, and slowly inserted a balloon,

while slowly inflating it, to push the baby back into her. If the 

balloon pushed too hard, and broke her water, he would come out. 

The doctors sutured her up, and had her lay and hope that he

would stay inside longer.

On May 26th, at about 23 weeks, my aunt said she had

felt contractions all night, but was afraid to tell anyone. When nurses came

in to check on her, the sheets were drenched in blood. The baby was coming

out and the sutures were breaking. The doctor came in, said they were going

to cut the sutures, and that when they did, he was going to come right out.

They cut, and nothing happened. They handed my aunt and 

uncle funeral pamphlets, how to bury your baby, what to do next.

They were told he would live a few minutes, if at all, that all

they could do would be to wait for him to die. My aunt and uncle talked,

and my uncle made up his mind that this was not going to happen. 

The hospital staff called areas hospitals, all of which said to abort the baby,

let the baby come out and see what happens, but yet he still

wasn't coming.

A hospital literally next door said they would send an ambulance over,

it took 45 minutes. The doctors told my aunt to hold her legs 

together as tight as she could, that's all they could do.

After "flying" to the other hospital (where they didn't realize it

was an emergency situation, they thought it was just a transfer), 

they took her to labor and delivery, did an episiotomy, and he

came right out, at 1 pound, 10.8 ounces. He went down

to 1 pound, 3 ounces, later that day.

He was due September 15th, born May 27th, at almost 24 weeks.

His skin was transparent, his eyes were closed, his ears were little nubs,

they infused surfactant into him, he was on oxygen, he lived in the 

NICU for 5 months.

But... he was completely formed, they performed 2 sonograms of his brain

every day and there was never anything wrong. There were some scarier

days than others in the NICU, but now......

(he's the one on the left)

he's a 20 year old football player, in his sophomore year of college. 

I chose this experience because it stuck with me, everything about it: his birth, my aunt's and uncle's amazing relationship that endured such a hardship, and that how when I look at him now, I forget what his first few months of life were like. I remember being so scared, of everyone being so tense, and being afraid to ask too many questions. I was afraid to even look at him. After our readings this week, I cannot believe there is not one thing wrong with him, let alone the fact that he survived. Yet it still makes me think of how others take advantage of their children's healthy development, or the carelessness of others while they are pregnant. It turns out my aunt had an incompetent cervix, her cervix was too weak to hold the baby. I don't know much about it, but my other aunt had a milder form of it, so I suppose it was something (or is something) in our genes. But my mom had 9 pound babies that were born past their due dates. It just makes me think about how every person is different, every pregnancy is different, and a combination of so many things can effect the development of a baby.

The End of My First Class

This week is the last week of my first class in my master's program. I can't believe it's over already! Using this blog as a tool to write down my thoughts and ideas has been really helpful. I really enjoyed reading everyone else's blogs, too. It's amazing to see how different, and how similar, so many people are, and to learn from all of them. I want to take a moment to thank anyone and everyone who has come to my blog to read whatever I posted. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed yours!

<3 KATIE

Code of Ethics

This week I was interested to find the Code of Ethics from the NAEYC and DEC in our resource readings.  I felt all fo them stated important purposes in the categories they represented. In choosing some that were meaningful to me, I found I always came to the ones that focused on the responsibilities to children. While I agree with the ideals of the other areas, I guess I just feel that the ones that meet the needs of the children spoke to me the most. Here are some examples of the ideals I found meaningful and why:

#1- 1.1.2: 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. 

The "of each child" is the part the was most meaningful to me because

I feel that as a teacher, I really strive to know each and every child

and meet his/her needs specifically. I base my lessons

on the children I have in my class that year. I don't do the 

same things every year the same way because every child

learns differently. I try my hardest not to ever compare, even to siblings; and 

I always want each child to feel

important and special.

#2-1.1.3: To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, 

and potential of each child.

As much as one child wears me out on a given day, I always

try and find the positive qualities in them. I think it is important

to respect their individual qualities, because they are so innocent

and NEW. They are new, young, little people that we are 

shaping to be the person they are meant to be, and I want to

foster those qualities that they come to me with.

#3-1.1.4: To appreciate the vulnerability of children

and their dependence on adults.

There are so many people I see, parents, teachers, caregivers, that 

get frustrated over children needing them; and it drives me crazy.

This ideal seems to simple and basic, but it is so important

that people realize that children do need adults, positive- 

influencing adults.

And then there are two ideals that I did find meaningful to me from other categories. One from Responsibilities to Parents:

#4-1.2.3: To welcome all family members and encourage them 

to participate in the program.

Including families is so important because everyone needs to be 

on the same page in regards to children's education. Not only 

that, but it shows a sense of togetherness to the children,

and I think children respond well to that.

And then I chose one ideal from the Responsibilities to Employers:

#5-1-3B.1: To assist the program in providing the highest

quality of service.

Helping and encouraging my program is a strong value

I try to uphold. Most of our decisions come from board

members of our school's church, but I try to make a difference

where and when I can. And then everyday I try and be 

the best teacher I can be so that parents know

their children are in good care.

Some Resources I Found....

I added some links to sites I thought would be helpful to my Resources section.

Inspirational Quotes
        This site has some quotes about children and learning from various educators and speakers.  They are fun to read, so check it out!

Eunice Kennedy Shriver
         I was very touched after reading about Shriver's mission, so I added her site for inspiration and motivation.

Special Olympics
         Shriver's Special Olympics has been an amazing opportunity for children with special needs and for those who volunteer. I have volunteered at my local Special Olympics and it was an amazing experience! If you would like to volunteer or learn more information, this site will give you all the information you need to know.

Learning Resources Section

I have added a "Learning Resources" section to the side of my blog. Please feel free to browse these sites for further information on early childhood!

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

Here are some quotes I find inspirational from the past week's assignments....

"The Chicago Special Olympics prove a very fundamental fact...

 the fact that exceptional 

children- children with mental retardation-

can be exceptional athletes, the fact that through sports they can realize their potential

for growth."

~Eunice Kennedy Shriver, in her Opening Ceremony speech at the first 

Special Olympics Games, in Chicago, 1968

(Floortime) "... creates the whole basis for security, trust, 

and self-worth that a child will need from here on."

~Stanley Greenspan

On overcoming learning difficulties, there are 2 things:

"One, that kids have different learning styles that are real and need to be

paid attention to. And two, that people have an enormous capacity to use their 

strengths to compensate for any areas of vulnerability."

~Stanley Greenspan

Motivation...

"We as professionals in the early childhood field have 

an opportunity to shape a child's life for the better."

~Sandy Escobido

Not exactly motivational, but a quote I like and something to think about...

"What do I do so naturally, that perhaps seems natural to me

but challenging to others, what's in my heart?"

~Leticia Lara, on why she has passion for the early childhood field

My Personal Childhood Web

The People Who Have Cared About and Influenced Me in My Life

My Mom, Kathy, is one of my biggest role models. She has been through so

much and has always stayed strong. She has always been there for me

and is also one of my best friends. I could always go to her and tell her

anything and I knew, and still know, that she will never judge me.

My maternal grandfather, Carl, is like a father to me. He has always been

there for me and always given me the best advice. If I was not with my 

mother growing up, I was with my grandparents. He's 89, and I still

go to him for advice!

   My mom and grandather                    

My maternal grandmother, Roberta, was practically another mother to me. She

is my other role model. She was very sick toward the end of her life,

but she was so strong. She was a phenomenal mother and grandmother,

and I strive to be like her in my classroom. Every child felt special

when they were with her, she made every person feel like the most 

important person in the world.

My husband, Shane, who was also my high school boyfriend, has always been

there for me. He's always been very supportive in everything I do. Growing up

with him, he was my best friend and I could trust him with anything. As an adult, 

I feel I am more trusting because of him. He has a very "why not?" attitude when

trying new things. He said that when I asked his opinion on

going back to school!

My husband and I a long, long time ago, before we were married

My aunts and uncles on my mother's side were all like parents to me. So 

many of my early childhood memories involve one of them. My uncle

always took us outside, and we'd swing or play some type of sport; my aunt Sue

always had little craft projects for us to do, and she'd make us breakfast on 

vacations; my aunt Jan and uncle Danny would take us out for ice cream, or to the

aquarium or zoo; my aunt Linda always had the best house for sleepovers, and her

children were my age, so I loved spending time with my cousins! They continue

to impact my life because I take a little piece of them with me everywhere I go.

Every memory is something I want to share with someone else, whether it's cooking 

a meal, taking someone to the zoo, or pushing a child in a swing.

Children and Adults

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." ~ Frederick Douglass

I get frustrated with adults sometimes and I feel like sending them back to preschool. Common sense is learned in preschool, and all the basics for functioning with other people in the world- manners and being kind, even when it's hard to be. I feel like even if you sent them back, like this quote says, it would be harder for an adult to get why they are there than it would be for a child who is learning it brand new.

Children's Books

     I have a very hard time thinking about my favorite children's books. I could read to children all day if I could- and there have been some rainy days where I have. There are the books that bring back a feeling of comfort from my own childhood, there are the books I appreciate as a teacher and/or an artist, and there are the books that I love to see the children I teach have an amazing reaction to.

Books from My Own Childhood
      Little Red Riding Hood, different versions of it, remind me of snuggling up with my grandmother, and being absolutely terrified, but being so comforted knowing my grandmother was right there- and that she was not eaten by any wolf.
     The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear, by Don and Audrey Wood, appeals to all 3 categories. I loved looking at the pictures when I was little and I loved that I could read along once we read it so many times. I love it now, still because of the pictures, I think they're phenomenal from an artist's perspective- your eyes just move around the page. And I love reading it to the children in my class, they get such a kick out of it, they love when I change the tone of my voice, and now they can read along, too, because we've read it so often.

Books I Appreciate as an Adult
    Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. As a teacher, I love this book because of: rhyming, repetition (reading memorization), and learning a lesson (to try new things). As an artist, I love Dr. Seuss. I think he did amazing things for children's books and illustration.
     The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats, I love because of the simplicity and innocence of being a child. Sometimes I think too many lessons are thrown at children, and I believe that the most important lessons of being a child are learned through simple stories like this.

Books I Love to Read to Children
    How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss. I don't know if it's because children aren't read this story anymore, or that once they hit 3, they really understand it, but every year I read this book, I have a child: a. cling to me, b. yell at the Grinch, c. cry, and d. smile from year to ear by the end of story. I think I cry, too, because I get such a strong reaction from children to this book, even those kids that are a little harder to reach emotionally. I just love it, and it puts me in such a good mood.
   Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. I feel like this is the ultimate lesson in imagination. I feel like the book takes children on a journey into the imagination and allows them to believe that they can make believe anything they want. Again, the picture are gorgeous.

Anyway, I could go on and on. Books are so important to children and adults. The more I think about this, the harder it is to pick a favorite!

All ME

      So...... my name is Katie. I graduated from college 5 years ago with a BS in Art, concentration in Art History and Studio Art. I studied everything from Renaissance painting and cathedrals to early American furniture, from Latin American artists to Pop Art. I painted, photographed, sculpted, fired, torched, knitted, crocheted, and drew until I was sneezing charcoal! I still love it all and try to work on things every once in awhile, but it's hard when there is so much you love to do! 
     I am going back to school to pursue my love of teaching. Everyone in my family is in the education field. My mom even owns her own daycare. I am trying my hardest to incorporate my love of art into my teaching. I am both excited and nervous to start back to school, but I'm getting lots of support from my family and my new classmates. I look forward to working and learning from all these new people in my life!