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)!