One Down... Nine to Go! Next stop: 6160

I knew that I would be learning a lot during this course, I just didn't realize how much of it would be about myself! This course taught me to look inside myself and examine my experiences and motivations,  it reaffirmed my passion for children and taught me how better to serve them along their journey to adulthood, it opened my eyes and mind to a wealth of resources, and made me realize that even though I don't speak to congress or write letters to the president - I am still an advocate for children.
It is with mixed emotion that I look forward to the next class: excited to see what is next along my educational and professional journey and nervous about the prospect of keeping up this pace for the next 20 months! I will also miss reading discussions and posts from many of you, but I know that I still have your blogs in my reader so we won't be completely out of touch. And, who knows, our paths may cross again in the next couple of years!
(I wish I had some profound quote to end with, but...)
God Bless,

Code of Ethics

I-3C.4 – To encourage and support continual development of employees in becoming more skilled and knowledgeable practitioners.

As center director, it is my responsibility to provide opportunities and support for my staff to engage in professional development and encourage them to implement new knowledge and skills by providing a safe, supportive, responsive environment.

I-4.1 – To provide the community with high-quality early childhood care and education programs and services.

As center director, it is my responsibility to ensure that this program provides quality care and education for the children and families that we serve by staying abreast of current trends and practice; providing support for staff, families and children within my program; advocating for increase access for all children.

I-4.6 – To promote knowledge and understanding of young children and their needs. To work toward greater societal acknowledgment of children’s rights and greater social acceptance of responsibility for the well-being of all children.

As an early childhood educator in the secondary classroom, it is my responsibility to provide current and relevant information for my students that promotes an understanding for the purpose and necessity of quality care for children – not only in an educational setting but in the home so that they may interact more intentionally and appropriately with children they encounter throughout their lives.

References

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved December 11, 2010 from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

Early Childhood Resources:

To check out my lists of helpful early childhood resources click on the appropriate tabs across the top of the page.

Food for Thought: Early Childhood Educators

My Childhood Web

"Who am I?" is most definitely a relative question, a more accurately stated question is "Who have I become thus far?" As I have been reading through this weeks articles, one point stands out to me as something I tend to forget from day to day - especially when dealing with my students. We are all a product of our environment and what we bring to the table is a combination of influences and experiences throughout our lives. Our families are our first and most influential teachers and it is through those experiences that we view the world, including education.  (Woodhead, 2005) (Christian, 2006)  

I feel fortunate to have had a supportive and loving family coupled with a "small town" community and an educational system that fostered my development from the early years through grade twelve. Check out my presentation for more information on a few of the key players in my life.

(Popping out the presentation will make it be easier to read)

Garris Christian, L. (2006). Understanding families: Applying family systems theory to early childhood practice. Young Children, 61(1), 12–20.

Woodhead, M. (2005). Early childhood development: A question of rights. International Journal of Early Childhood, 37(3), 79–98.

Week 2

May I Introduce: Me!

Many years ago my mom and I started talking about taking a cruise to Alaska. Last summer, we finally did it and it was amazing!

I have a hard time taking time for myself; at least I DID before that experience, now I'm hooked!

Children's Book: HORRAY FOR DIFFENDOOFER DAY!

By Dr. Seuss, with some help from Jack Prulutsky and Lane Smith

I always hesitate to put things into a “favorites” category because my connections wax and wane as often as the moon does – if not more. On the other hand, there are a few things that I can say, with no reservation, have withstood this test of time and are still at the top of my list and Hooray for Diffendooder Day is definitely one of them! For me, this book is more than a fun children’s story – like so many of Seuss’ books are – it stresses the importance of thinking as the optimal goal of schools. Students who are taught to use their brains, problem solving and use higher order thinking skills are the ones who will succeed. For Dr. Seuss spirit day at school I even dressed as Miss Bonkers because she is “different-er than the rest” of the teachers at Diffendoofer School!

Additionally, I love this book because it was actually published 7 years AFTER Theodor Geisel’s death! His publisher knew of the manuscript and took it upon himself to have the book completed. In a way, this inspires me to be the kind of teacher whose influence continues long after I am gone.

Quote: “(I) made a difference for that one!” 

(from the starfish story by Loren Eiseley)

As much as I would love to, I am realistic enough not to think that I will become the teacher that stands out for every student who walks through my door. It has been my experience, though, that I do make a difference for some and those are the ones that keep me going. One of the things I truly enjoy about high school is watching students mature from silly freshmen to young adults walking across the field at graduation. True, some students ignore me when we pass in the hallway, but others go out of their way to greet me and affirm that I have helped them along their way. If I can just continue to make a difference for a few students each year that ripple can grow infinitely!

Not really feeling it yet.

I know we only started this adventure a few days ago, but I am already starting to feel like I have bitten off more than I can chew. Initial jitters? Lack of confidence? Scared? Whatever it is, I want all of you to know that I very much appreciate you and the support you represent! Not only is this going to be a challenge accademically but personally as well - Boundaries - Boundaries - Boundaries... I can do this (I think)!

G'day, Mate! Howdy, Ya'll! Hello, Everyone!

Are you all ready for this adventure? I'm pretty sure I am.
No matter where we all come from it is wonderful to come together for this experience through the world of early childhood. I confess, I have never actually been "around the world", but I at least know others who have and I look forward to learning about all of you as we take this trip together.
Ciao,