Cherish,
I would like to thank you for reading my blogs and posting your comments. Your comments were very insightful. I am glad to hear that we had some things in common. I wish you best of luck and I know that you will do well in your courses.
Sincerely,
Erica
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Professional Thanks to Catherine
Catherine,
I would like to thank you for commenting on my post and supporting my blogs. Your comments were encouraging and helped me socialize more. I appreciate the time that you took out of your busy schedule to review my blogs. Best of luck in the remainder of the early childhood studies program. I know that you will do well.
Sincerely,
Erica
I would like to thank you for commenting on my post and supporting my blogs. Your comments were encouraging and helped me socialize more. I appreciate the time that you took out of your busy schedule to review my blogs. Best of luck in the remainder of the early childhood studies program. I know that you will do well.
Sincerely,
Erica
Ending Quote
I am going to be brief and leave you all with this little quote.
http://www.waldenu.edu
http://www.waldenu.edu
It is easier to build strong children
than to repair broken men
~Frederick Douglas
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Assessing Children
For many years early childhood educators have been discussing problems with curriculum and teaching methods in terms of developmental appropriateness. Part of the problem for developmental appropriateness is related to the assessment of young children.
The purpose of assessing a child may be to:
I know that at the school I work at the teachers use 2 different types of assessments. One of the assessment tools is used to measure the child's social and emotional behavior. This assessment will let the educator and parent know if the child have any behavior problems. The other test is to determine if the child is developing at the appropriate age. The child can score pass, rescreen, or refer. If a child is scored a rescreen the teacher have 60 days to rescreen the child and if the child scores a rescreen again or a refer the child must be referred for special needs services. If a child score a refer from the initial test the child is automatically referred to the local public school for further evaluations for special needs services. The parent have the right to refuse the child being referred. If the parent determines that there is nothing wrong with their child and do not want them referred the parent will have to sign documentation stating he or she do not want their child referred. What happens with this child? The child will not receive services that he or she may need and when this child does transition to public school and the problem was never addressed this child could get lost in the system and fail all test. This child could end up being labeled and placed in a remedial classroom. This is why I stress to my parents the importance of getting their child assessed at an early age and to start the services before the child transition to public school. For example, I have a child in my program who was referred for his speech, the mother said that there is nothing wrong with her sons speech and refused to have him evaluated. This year the same issue came up and the little boy's speech has gotten worst. The mother still refuse to have him evaluated and she said that they told her mother the same thing about her and she speaks fine. This is not true because I have conversations with this parent often and I can barely understand what she is saying most of the time.
The part of the world I chose to research is Africa. Developing milestones can be different depending on your cultural. In many countries in Africa Western tests are used to assess children. Western test are not culturally appropriate for some African populations and cannot assess if those children are developing normally. For example, activities such as preparing breakfast or using a utensil may be frightening to a African child living in a rural area. These children are not use to using forks or knives while eating. Some of these children may have never seen a book and it would be difficult for them to pass an assessment that ask them to pick objects that match. Test being culturally sensitive have been an issue in America as well for many years. Some people believe that some test are bias and do not assess all children in the world.
Reference:
Refining the milestones: assessing child development in Africa. Retrieved from: http://blog.wellcome.ac.uk/2010/08/11/refining-the-milestones-assessing-child-development-in-africa/
http://www.waldenu.edu
The purpose of assessing a child may be to:
- determine progress of a developmental achievement
- make appropriate decisions
- diagnose a learning problem
- help in curriculum decisions
- serve as a basis for reporting to parents
- assist a child with assessing his or her own progress
I know that at the school I work at the teachers use 2 different types of assessments. One of the assessment tools is used to measure the child's social and emotional behavior. This assessment will let the educator and parent know if the child have any behavior problems. The other test is to determine if the child is developing at the appropriate age. The child can score pass, rescreen, or refer. If a child is scored a rescreen the teacher have 60 days to rescreen the child and if the child scores a rescreen again or a refer the child must be referred for special needs services. If a child score a refer from the initial test the child is automatically referred to the local public school for further evaluations for special needs services. The parent have the right to refuse the child being referred. If the parent determines that there is nothing wrong with their child and do not want them referred the parent will have to sign documentation stating he or she do not want their child referred. What happens with this child? The child will not receive services that he or she may need and when this child does transition to public school and the problem was never addressed this child could get lost in the system and fail all test. This child could end up being labeled and placed in a remedial classroom. This is why I stress to my parents the importance of getting their child assessed at an early age and to start the services before the child transition to public school. For example, I have a child in my program who was referred for his speech, the mother said that there is nothing wrong with her sons speech and refused to have him evaluated. This year the same issue came up and the little boy's speech has gotten worst. The mother still refuse to have him evaluated and she said that they told her mother the same thing about her and she speaks fine. This is not true because I have conversations with this parent often and I can barely understand what she is saying most of the time.
The part of the world I chose to research is Africa. Developing milestones can be different depending on your cultural. In many countries in Africa Western tests are used to assess children. Western test are not culturally appropriate for some African populations and cannot assess if those children are developing normally. For example, activities such as preparing breakfast or using a utensil may be frightening to a African child living in a rural area. These children are not use to using forks or knives while eating. Some of these children may have never seen a book and it would be difficult for them to pass an assessment that ask them to pick objects that match. Test being culturally sensitive have been an issue in America as well for many years. Some people believe that some test are bias and do not assess all children in the world.
Reference:
Refining the milestones: assessing child development in Africa. Retrieved from: http://blog.wellcome.ac.uk/2010/08/11/refining-the-milestones-assessing-child-development-in-africa/
http://www.waldenu.edu
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Consequences of Stress on My Childhood Development
During my childhood I experienced much stress. I was not raised in a lavish community and my parents were not rich. My mom has a high school education and my father has only a 5th grade education. I do not come from a well-educated family. My parents did the best with what they had and they made sure that all of us did not miss out on the opportunity to the best education. We all graduated from high school and some even college. Whether it was occupational or professional all 5 of my parents children have a degree. To get where we are today we had to deal with life stress. We grew up in poverty and violence. We had food on our table, a roof over our had, and clothes on our back but it did not come easy for my parents. Many of friends did not know that some of my clothes came from the second hand stores and stores like Walmart or Target. My mom had to get what she could afford. Many of friends never knew my mom had to go stand in the free cheese line, when the government would pass out free cheese and butter. There was violence in my neighborhood, but not like it is today. There were incidents when there was shooting on my block and my neighbors were killed. I was ready to move and I did not want to live in that area anymore. I remember begging my mom and dad to move to a different neighborhood because I was scared to walk out the front door. I learned to pray and I prayed everyday. We finally moved when I was in high school and I was very excited and grateful. Life is not easy and even though one may have access to more money or come from a well-educated family does not mean they do not have stress either. I know some people that may have had everything they wanted and they were very unhappy. Their parents may have not gotten along or there may have been drugs involved with the family as well. I know my friends use to do things to get their parents attention, such as drugs or some form of bodily harm. It is sad that children have to have any stress, a child life should be stress free and easy.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Child Development and Public Health
The public health topic I chose was immunizations. Immunizations are an important part of a child's well-being. I chose this topic because I just completed a training on immunizations and after I was trained I was able to do a workshop on the importance of immunizations with the clients I serve. I was amazed to find out that many did not know the truth of the importance of vaccinations or immunizations. Immunizations are safe and will protect children against several communicable diseases. Many children may still contract these communicable diseases, but the severity of the disease will not occur if the child has received their vaccinations. Many people have the misconception that the vaccines will protect a child from getting the communicable disease, this is not true. The severity such as loosing a body part or dying from these diseases are least likely if the child is vaccinated. According to the CDC, immunizations is a way of creating to certain diseases by using small amounts of a killed or weakened microorganisms that cause the particular disease. Another belief that people have about vaccines is that they will get the disease. That is not true, even though they are injecting the virus or disease in you that does not mean that you will get it. In the 1990's there was an epidemic of measles. Many children were contracting measles and dying. The Center for Disease Control decided to come up with a vaccine that would help protect children from getting this disease or from having sever reactions to this disease. I remember my school received a letter stating that all children must receive this measles immunization. As a child I did not know what was going, but many Americans were panicking and wanted the government to fix this problem. Today traveling outside of the country is very frequent and the CDC has developed vaccines that are an epidemic in other countries, to control the spread of the virus or disease in the United States. Other countries such as Nigeria does not vaccinate their children. Barely 10 percent of their children receive their routine vaccinations. Limited resources for health services has put these children at risk. There is said to be a polio outbreak in Nigeria because of the scare of the polio vaccine or it is no longer available.
Immunizations are important to me and my future because it means that if children are not vaccinated and they contract a communicable disease it can spread to me and other adults if we were not properly vaccinated. This could also jeopardize my family if I bring this virus or disease home. A communicable disease that is prevalent now in the US is the whooping cough. The whooping cough has came back because many adults do not know they have it. It is not severe in adults as it is in infants and young children. Many people might say I have this cough I can't get rid of and continue to go to work and spread this disease. Now pregnant women are required to get a vaccine for whooping cough and any adults who are going to be around a newborn is required to get a vaccine. These vaccines are safe and can save lives. I already knew that it was important for my daughter to get vaccinated because I wanted her to be safe and healthy. Young children are more vulnerable for contracting these diseases. Even though newborns have already developed some immunization from these diseases through the mother, the level of immunization is very low and getting immunized will help boost up the level of protection.
References:
Centers for Disease Control (2013). Retrieved from www.cdc.org
PATH: Immunizaiton in Nigeria (2013). Retrieved from www.path.org
http://www.waldenu.edu
Immunizations are important to me and my future because it means that if children are not vaccinated and they contract a communicable disease it can spread to me and other adults if we were not properly vaccinated. This could also jeopardize my family if I bring this virus or disease home. A communicable disease that is prevalent now in the US is the whooping cough. The whooping cough has came back because many adults do not know they have it. It is not severe in adults as it is in infants and young children. Many people might say I have this cough I can't get rid of and continue to go to work and spread this disease. Now pregnant women are required to get a vaccine for whooping cough and any adults who are going to be around a newborn is required to get a vaccine. These vaccines are safe and can save lives. I already knew that it was important for my daughter to get vaccinated because I wanted her to be safe and healthy. Young children are more vulnerable for contracting these diseases. Even though newborns have already developed some immunization from these diseases through the mother, the level of immunization is very low and getting immunized will help boost up the level of protection.
References:
Centers for Disease Control (2013). Retrieved from www.cdc.org
PATH: Immunizaiton in Nigeria (2013). Retrieved from www.path.org
http://www.waldenu.edu
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Personal Birthing Experiences
The birthing experience I decided to discuss; is the birth of my daughter. My daughter was due on Christmas day, but my doctor wanted to go out of town for the holiday so he wanted to induce my labor. I checked in the hospital 3's days before the holiday and my baby's due date. The nurse explained to me the process and I prepared myself with the notion that I was about to be a mother in a little while. My parents and siblings wanted to be there, but since they do not get along with my daughter's father they decided to leave and come back later. When the labor pains began I screamed and hollered so loud that the nurses came to my room and asked me to stop screaming so loudly because I was scaring the other patients. I labored for about a day and a half before my daughter was born. The pain was excruciating, but the end results were worth it. The day my daughter was born the doctor came into the room to see how far I had dilated. When he checked I was only 2, so he decided to break my water bag. After he bust my bag, the doctor quickly discovered that my baby had made a bowel movement. The doctor quickly ordered a cesarean section and I was nervous. Even though I was nervous I knew that she had to come out. Laying on the operating table was very scary, but once I heard my baby cry I was really delighted. The nurse showed me my baby and she looked healthy so I was very pleased. My baby had to stay in the NICU for her hospital time. I could not have her in the room with me because I had a fever. It was a rough birthing experience and I would not trade it for nothing in the world. I
My daughter was born weighing 8 pounds and 11 ounces.
While researching birthing experiences in another country, I chose to view the birthing experience of African women. Child birthing classes were absolutely unheard of and unavailable. Women in Africa normally give birth at with or with out another person there. In some cases African women use a hand crafted birthing stool. Women in Africa is supported by the older women in their community and the assist the pregnant woman with giving birth. I found this information to be very interesting and I could not believe some of the videos I watched with the woman laying on the ground and giving birth by herself. After giving birth the woman cleaned herself up and the baby and wrapped the baby around her and went back to work.
My daughter was born weighing 8 pounds and 11 ounces.
While researching birthing experiences in another country, I chose to view the birthing experience of African women. Child birthing classes were absolutely unheard of and unavailable. Women in Africa normally give birth at with or with out another person there. In some cases African women use a hand crafted birthing stool. Women in Africa is supported by the older women in their community and the assist the pregnant woman with giving birth. I found this information to be very interesting and I could not believe some of the videos I watched with the woman laying on the ground and giving birth by herself. After giving birth the woman cleaned herself up and the baby and wrapped the baby around her and went back to work.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
A Note of Thanks and Support
I would like to thank all of my classmates who followed me on my blog and commented on my post. I truly appreciate your support and I wish everyone well in your continued education.
Best of Luck
Erica
http://www.waldenu.edu
Best of Luck
Erica
http://www.waldenu.edu
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Growing My Collection of Resources in Early Childhood Studies
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.
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
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.
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/
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 at Scholastic Teacher Store
Offers early childhood products for both teachers and young children to meet all your teaching and classroom needs. You'll find picture books, curriculum guides, literacy programs, classroom materials and more!
The National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies
What is the state of child care in our country? What is the highest ranked state child care center? What can child care resource and referral agencies do for parents looking for quality child care centers in their community? The NACCRRA Web site provides answers to these questions and more. http://www.naccrra.org/
Early Childhood Research and Practice
Offers information about child development and early education for children ages birth to eight. You'll find information regarding best practice, family involvement, and early education policy. http://www.ecrp.uiuc.edu/index.html
http://www.waldenu.edu
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.
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
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.
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/
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 at Scholastic Teacher Store
Offers early childhood products for both teachers and young children to meet all your teaching and classroom needs. You'll find picture books, curriculum guides, literacy programs, classroom materials and more!
http://shop.scholastic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/teacherstore/nav/shops/Fluency%20Professional%20Resources/4294620159
The National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies
What is the state of child care in our country? What is the highest ranked state child care center? What can child care resource and referral agencies do for parents looking for quality child care centers in their community? The NACCRRA Web site provides answers to these questions and more. http://www.naccrra.org/
Early Childhood Research and Practice
Offers information about child development and early education for children ages birth to eight. You'll find information regarding best practice, family involvement, and early education policy. http://www.ecrp.uiuc.edu/index.html
http://www.waldenu.edu
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Words of Inspiration and Motivation
Inspiration:
No person has the right to rain on your dreams ~ Marian Wright Edelman
Yesterday is not ours to recover, but ours to win or loose ~ Lyndon B Johnson
Passion:
The passion to make sure that all children were taught in environments Louise Derman-Sparks
Motivation:
Seeing how involved my parents were it made me want to be involved in education in general ~ Sandy Escobido
Wisdom:
There's more to life than just what's in your neighborhood ~ Raymond Hernandez
http://www.waldenu.edu
No person has the right to rain on your dreams ~ Marian Wright Edelman
Yesterday is not ours to recover, but ours to win or loose ~ Lyndon B Johnson
Passion:
The passion to make sure that all children were taught in environments Louise Derman-Sparks
Motivation:
Seeing how involved my parents were it made me want to be involved in education in general ~ Sandy Escobido
Wisdom:
There's more to life than just what's in your neighborhood ~ Raymond Hernandez
http://www.waldenu.edu
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Personal Childhood Web
Wow this is going to be hard to narrow my circle of love one's down to only 5 people. I have had so many people in my childhood that nurtured and cared for me and helped mold me into the woman I am today. I really appreciate them all. The 5 people who come to mind are:
Auntie Jettie ~ She has truly cared and nurtured me when I was child. I remember that she was always there no matter what. She was there for every birthday celebration I had, she was there for every school play, concert, and graduation. She was even there when I had my child. She has supported me every step of the way. I truly love her and I know that no matter what I do in life she will be there to support me.
Cousin Marcus ~ He was my best friend. We were inseparable and everyone knew it. I was able to talk to him about anything. Even if he knew I was doing wrong he was there to talk to me through it or out of it. He was my crime partner :) He helped get in and out of trouble. He gave me fashion advice, relationship advice, and he also helped me learn how to drive. I could call him anytime of the day and he would drop what he was doing to talk to me. I miss him and it has been hard letting go. He has been gone for 13 years and it still does not get any easier. He taught me about friendship and I love him for that.
Ms. Patrick ~ She was actually my 4th and 7th grade teacher. She gave me confidence to do my best in school. She encouraged me to challenge my fears and take on anything. There were favorites in the school that many liked, but she always told me that if I went up against them and lost to not allow that lost to bring me down or keep me from achieving my dreams. We talked all the time and she felt confident in my abilities that she would make me classroom leader most of the time. She taught me about trust.
Nina ~ My great grandmother taught me about my history and I love her for that. I believe that this is the reason there is a lot of violence in our communities today, besides parents aren't doing their job. I believe that all children should learn about their history. I remember a story my Nina told me about when she was the "Help". She said this house she cleaned the White lady would leave a coin out or some jewelry to see if my great grandmother was a thief. My Nina told me that she would clean up around the coin or jewelry and she never touched it. I was just amazed as to what she went through. I know that the things in the movie "The Help" was true. I appreciate all of the stories and I learned from them.
http://www.waldenu.edu
- My Mother (Catherine)
- My Godmother (Auntie Jettie)
- My Cousin (Marcus - deceased)
- My 7th Grade teacher (Ms. Patrick - deceased)
- My Great Grandmother (Nina - deceased)
Auntie Jettie ~ She has truly cared and nurtured me when I was child. I remember that she was always there no matter what. She was there for every birthday celebration I had, she was there for every school play, concert, and graduation. She was even there when I had my child. She has supported me every step of the way. I truly love her and I know that no matter what I do in life she will be there to support me.
Cousin Marcus ~ He was my best friend. We were inseparable and everyone knew it. I was able to talk to him about anything. Even if he knew I was doing wrong he was there to talk to me through it or out of it. He was my crime partner :) He helped get in and out of trouble. He gave me fashion advice, relationship advice, and he also helped me learn how to drive. I could call him anytime of the day and he would drop what he was doing to talk to me. I miss him and it has been hard letting go. He has been gone for 13 years and it still does not get any easier. He taught me about friendship and I love him for that.
Ms. Patrick ~ She was actually my 4th and 7th grade teacher. She gave me confidence to do my best in school. She encouraged me to challenge my fears and take on anything. There were favorites in the school that many liked, but she always told me that if I went up against them and lost to not allow that lost to bring me down or keep me from achieving my dreams. We talked all the time and she felt confident in my abilities that she would make me classroom leader most of the time. She taught me about trust.
Nina ~ My great grandmother taught me about my history and I love her for that. I believe that this is the reason there is a lot of violence in our communities today, besides parents aren't doing their job. I believe that all children should learn about their history. I remember a story my Nina told me about when she was the "Help". She said this house she cleaned the White lady would leave a coin out or some jewelry to see if my great grandmother was a thief. My Nina told me that she would clean up around the coin or jewelry and she never touched it. I was just amazed as to what she went through. I know that the things in the movie "The Help" was true. I appreciate all of the stories and I learned from them.
http://www.waldenu.edu
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
My Favorite Children's Book "Goodnight Moon"
"Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown
I love this book and my daughter loves this book as well. It teaches her about going to bed and saying goodnight. This book helps me teach my daughter how to wind down and get ready for bedtime.
"Goodnight room, Goodnight moon, Goodnight cow jumping over the room".
A story about little Chase that touched my heart
There was a little boy in my program named Chase. Chase was the second child of 3 children in his family. Chase and his other 2 siblings were being raised by their father. Chase seemed to be very quiet and didn't speak much. His father explained to us that he used minimal words and that he told the child's physician and the physician referred the child to a speech specialist. After coming into our program I noticed that Chase did not like to play with the other children, he always wanted to be left alone. I always made an effort to go in the classroom and speak to Chase everyday. He never spoke back, but sometimes he would wave at me. A year had passed and Chase was moved to the next room up. I went in his new classroom and I did not notice that he was in there. I was speaking to another teacher in the room and the other teacher kept trying to get my attention. When I finally turned around to acknowledge the other teacher she said "Ms. Erica you didn't hear me, I said Chase was calling your name". I said really, I walked up to Chase and I said what did you say and Chase said "Hi Erica". A tear started to roll down my face and I said you really made my day Chase, now I feel so much better. Chase smiled and gave me a hug and as I walked out the room Chase said "Bye Bye Erica". I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day :) I saw Chase dad the other day when I was going to my car and I asked how was he doing. His dad said "thank you for all that you have done for my son, his speech has improved 100% and he even made the honor roll at his new school". I said really I am so proud of him and tell him I said hello and I am very proud of him.
http://www.waldenu.edu/
http://www.waldenu.edu/
My Favorite Quote About Children
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"If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much"
~ Marian Wright Edelman
My Favorite Quote About Education
http://www.waldenu.edu/
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today" ~ Malcolm X
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today" ~ Malcolm X
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