Quote



"I continue to believe that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams!" David Vitter

Assessment

Assessment is something that needs to be done in our schools, but I think that the way it is done needs to be changed. Not all children learn the same way. Likewise, not all children come from the same kind of family environments. As a result, children are different emotionally. Assessments should look at the whole child instead of just certain parts.

In China, assessments are done differently than they are done her in the United States. China assessments focus on the whole child, including academic growth, student learning styles, emotional health, values, fine arts, and confidence. In the United States, accountability assessments focus on the academic areas of reading, mathematics, writing, and science. China uses both formative and summative assessment. The US focuses mainly on summative. China uses an approach in which the child evaluates self, the teacher evaluates the child, and the teacher evaluates self.

References

Retrieved from http://www.pearsonassessment.com

Racism

This week I have chosen to blog about racism. Growing up in the Deep South, I have always known that racism existed. I grew up in a relatively small town in Mississippi that is predominantly African American. There was a "Black" side of town and a "White" side. The school district was and still is mostly Black with the exception of a small Latino population that has moved to the town. The White in my people who live in my hometown go to a private school. I often wondered why this was the case when I was a child. I would always hear people say that the White children didn't want to go to school with us. I was always taught that everybody was created equal. Therefore, I just couldn't understand why they didn't want to go to school with us or why we weren't welcome to go to school with them. My first real encounter with racism was when I was in the 9th grade. I was sitting in the car waiting on my brother to get done playing football. An elderly White lady walked through the parking lot with her husband. She said, "The niggers have taken over." I was so shocked because I had never heard anyone use that word except for on television. My parents had always taught me about the history behind that word. I sat in the car and began to cry. When my mom came to the car, she wanted to know what was wrong with me. I sobbed as I told her what had just happened. I wanted to know why that lady hated me when she didn't even know who I was. I took her comment very personally. It was something that haunted for me for a very long time. I still think about it although that it happened almost 15 years ago. That lady changed my life that night without even knowing it. I was determined to prove that I belonged here just like anybody else. I shouldn't have had to do that. I learned to always be mindful of what I say. Words are more powerful than we may think. I long for the day when we can treat each other with dignity and respect because we are all apart of the human race.

A few weeks ago there was a riot that broke out at the University of Mississippi(Ole Miss). This riot occurred after the election of President Obama. Students burned signs of the president and acted in a very disrespectful manner. I found this to be heartbreaking. When I watched the news, it looked like a scene from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. I found it hard to believe that this kind of hatred still exists in 2012. This happened on the campus of an institution of higher learning. It is sad that people feel like this, but it is especially sad to see young people behaving in such a manner. I can't but think that they had to be taught this racism and hatred towards other human beings. A few years ago, the Ku Klux Klan marched in my hometown. I feel that Mississippi is a place that has changed some, but we have a long way to go. Racism definitely still exists here. I know that children are affected by racism everyday. One way that children are affected by racism is in the schools here in Mississippi. The districts with the most money are predominantly White. The poorest districts are predominantly Black. My husband teaches in one of the poorest school districts in our states. He often tells me about how his students feel inferior to the children who live and go to school in better districts because their facilities are nowhere near as good. In this situation, racism and poverty go hand in hand. My husband says that he goes in everyday trying to inspire his students and let them know that they are just as good as anyone else. Racism can definitely have an impact on the cognitive, biosocial, and psychosocial development.

BREASTFEEDING

I have chosen to do some research on breastfeeding. I chose this particular topic because it is something that I wish that I had done. After the birth of my son, I was in so much pain from the c-section. I couldn't even stand, and the thought of walking made me cry. As a result of the pain, my son was cared for by my husband and other family members. I thought that I wouldn't be able to breastfeed. It was something that I had always wanted to do because of the benefits to both my son and myself. My son was bottle fed during our stay at the hospital. When we came home, I decided to give it a try. He wouldn't latch on, and I eventually gave up. After the birth of my daughter, I was determined to breastfeed. I kept asking the nurses for help, but no one ever came. My doctor arrived the next day, and demanded that someone help me. We tried over the next three days, but my daughter just wouldn't latch on. I suffered from severe postpartum depression, and everything just seemed to get the best of me. Not breastfeeding either of my kids has turned out to be one of my biggest regrets. I often wonder if my son would have Autism if I had breast fed him. I guess I'll never know. I'm just not sure that I had the proper support system needed for breastfeeding.

According to the World Health Organization, breastfeeding is absolutely crucial in the first six months of life and should be continued until age two. Most of the women in India start weaning their babies between four and six months. Malnutrition kills one out of three infants in India. sixty-six percent of these deaths occur within the first year of life. Breast milk contains nutrients that are vital during the first few months of life. Experts believe that breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development in children. It prevents the chances of chronic diseases as well infections. In India, very few infants are breastfed within the first hour after giving birth.

My Personal Birthing Experience

    On April 18, 2010, I was able to experience the birth of my son via a cesarean section. The surgery was not scheduled. After many hours of screaming and hollering, my doctor came in the the room and informed me that I would have a C-section because I had developed an infection. I became extremely nervous. I had wanted to experience a vaginal birth so badly. I was immediately prepared for the surgery. Thankfully, I barely felt the needle being inserted into my spine for the anesthesia. However, within a few minutes, I was shaking uncontrollably. The anesthesiologist told me that I was having "epidural shakes." Everything seemed to happen so quickly. I heard my doctor say that the procedure was beginning.I couldn't see what was going on. Fortunately, I couldn't feel much of anything either. In a few minutes, I heard the sweetest voice that I have ever heard in my entire life. I had previously had a miscarriage, so this was like music to my ears. The nurse brought my son around so that I could see him. He was beautiful. My husband stood beside me. He was so proud. They took my baby across the OR to be weighed, and they said that he was 8 pounds even. Yes, he was a big one. I remember thinking how blessed we were to have him in our lives.

    I chose this particular birthing event because it was my first birthing experience. I was so afraid because I really didn't know what to expect. I guess it was just the fear of the unknown. Things were a lot more calm the second time around. I feel that the birthing process is so important when it comes to child development. So many things can go wrong that can affect a child then or later in life. I am thankful that I had two good experiences with child birth. I realize that this is not the case for everybody.

Birthing Experience in Ghana 

    In Ghana, I found that things are somewhat similar to the birthing process in the US, but some things are different. Most of the women remain quiet during their time in labor. I found this to be interesting because I was screaming from the time that I felt the first contraction. A Ghanaian midwife is present during most deliveries. In Ghana, women can be found lying on their left sides because it is believed that any other position will cause harm to the baby. I found this to be interesting. I don't think I was on my sides at all during my entire labor. I just stayed on my back.The women are given pitocin to speed up the delivery process. I was also given pitocin during labor. I enjoyed learning about the birthing experience in Ghana.

NAEYC and DEC Codes of Ethics

1.To provide the community with high quality early childhood care and education programs and services

   2. We shall not deny family members access to their child's classroom or program setting unless access is denied by the court order or other legal restriction

   3. We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of their lives

The first code of ethics is of importance to me because it should be the goal of every person in the ECE field. All early childhood programs should be of the highest quality in order to make sure that children are getting the necessary tools to be successful now and later. This is an area in which my state (MS) really needs to improve. I want to be a part of that improvement. The next two that I chose are of importance to me because I am the mother of an Autistic child. I want to always have access to my children's classroom, especially my son's because of his disability. It is comforting to know that educators should serve as advocates for those children with disabilities. I want support from my son's teacher. I want to know that he/she has his best interest at heart just like his family does.



Additional Resources

Additional Resources

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

NICHCY---National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

President Lyndon Baines Johnson

ECE Resources

Early Childhood Educational Resources

NAEYC---National Association for the Education of Young Children

The Division for Early Childhood

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families

FPG Child Development Institute

UNICEF---United Nations Children Fund

World Forum Foundation

World Organization for early Childhood Education

Association for Childhood Education International

WestED

Children's Defense Fund

Council for Exceptional Children

Institute for Women's Policy Research

National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education

National Child Care Association

National Institute for Early Education Research

Pre[K] Now

The Erikson Institute

Voices for America's Children

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

Quotes Part 2

"I had a built in passion that ut was important to make a real contribution in the world and to fix all of the injustices that eisted in the world. i wanted to do that through teaching." Louise Derman-Sparks

"I truly believe that I'm not here to save the world. I'm here to make a difference." Raymond Hernandez

Quotes

"Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity."  President Lyndon Baines Johnson

"Until justice is blind to color,until education is unaware of race, until opportunity is unconcerned with the color of men's skins, emancipation will be a proclamation, but not a fact." President Lyndon Baines Johnson

"Special Olympics athletes are spokepersons for freedom itself- they ask for the freedom to live, the freedom to belong, the freedom to contribute, the freedom to have a chance. And, of all the values that unite and inspire us to seek a better world, no value holds a higher place than the value of freedom." Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver

"You are the stars and  the world is watching you. By your presence you send a message to every village, every city, every nation. A message of hope. A message of victory. The right to play on any playing field? You have earned it. The right to study in any school? You have earned it. The right to hold a job? You have earned it. The right to be anyone's neighbor? You have earned it." Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver

 

Personal Childhood Web

Personal Childhood Web

Elaine Mackey(Mom)---My mom is my hero. She is the strongest person I know. My parents divorced when I was 7. My mother created the most loving and nurturing environment for me and my brother. One of my fondest memories is when she would always have something cold to drink waiting on me when I would wake from a nap. She always made me feel special. My mom is now my best friend. She is also the best grandmother(Noney) to my children. She continues to be such a major influence in my life. She has taught me so many valuable life lessons. I hope that I am making her proud.

Dwight Lucket(Dad)---My dad is such an amzing and smart man! He is currently the superintendent of the school district here where I live. I am so proud of him. He always stressed that education is so important. He told me that I could achieve my goals if I worked hard. I've always been a "Daddy's Girl." My Dad nicknamed me "Sugar Wugar." He still calls me that today. We have such a special bond that I will always admire. He continues to motivate me to be all that I can be. My favorite memory with my dad is when he would ask me to walk on his back when I was little. I thought that that was the coolest thing. I didn't realize that he wanted me to do that because his back was hurting! Regardless, we both enjoyed it! :)

Alease Lloyd(Grammy)---My Grammy was such a caring person. She had endured the death of her mother by the time that she was four years old. She was separated from her brother who was her only sibling. She was raised by her great aunt. By the time my Grammy was 20, she had already had four children. She would have 4 more, but one daughter died shortly after birth.Yes, my grandmother's life was full of heartache and struggle, but she made the most of her short time here on earth. She died in 1996 at the age of 55. She was strict, but loving. Whenever I was sick, my mom would have to take me to my Grammy's house. She was the only person who made me feel better. Grammy was very sick before she died. She had started wearing diapers. I remember helping her to the restroom to get her changed. A very independent woman had become very much dependent. It made her sad to have to depend on others, but I didn't mind because  remembered how much she had done for me. Almost 16 years later, I still miss her just as much as I did when she first died. I will always love her. She taught me to treasure life and make the most of it!

Harold Lloyd(Granddad)---My Granddad is an extraordinnary man. He is a US Navy veteran. He was also a POW. Like my dad, my granfather also stressed the importance of an education. He always says, "They can take out of your pocket, but they can't take it out of your head." He loves to read, and you can often find him sitting in the rocking chair at the nursing home reading. Granddad taught me so much growing up. He would make me recite the capitals of all 50 states. If I messed up, I would have to start over. We would do this every evening after I got home from school. Everyone knows that I'm his favorite grandchild. That makes me feel extra special. At 86, my Granddad has lived a long time. I am blessed to still have him here, and I'm still learning from him!

Kathleen "Mama Mack" Mackey(Godmother)---Mama Mack was a very special person in my life. She was so sweet and generous. I would often stay at her house when I was sick, and my mom had to go to work. She would always fix her famous squash, and we would watch "Young and the Restless" together. She nicknamed me "Pudding." Mama Mack also went to my church. I would sneak away from my mom to find Mama Mack. I knew that she would let me stretch out on the pew and take a nap. Mama Mack always wore the prettiest and fanciest clothes and hats. I love to look through her closet. She inspired my taste in clothes. She was such a beautiful woman. Sadly, Mama mack died in 2003 when I was a freshman in college. I miss her dearly, but she lives inside of me!

My Personal Childhood Web

I LOVE many children's books!!! My favorite one is entitled Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. My mom read this to me when I was little, and I now read it to my children. It is a book about a mother and her son. The mother rocks her son to sleep every night, and tells him that she'll love him forever. She tells him that he will be her baby as long as she lives. She does this until he becomes a man and gets his own family. The mother becomes elderly and the son rocks her while telling her that he'll love her forever. At the end of the book, the mother dies. I just love this book so much because it reminds me of my childhood. It is the story of a mother's never ending love for her child. My children are my inspiration and motivation. This book just reminds me of how special a mother's love is. The love between a parent and a child is the true definition of unconditional love!

"Children remind us to treasure the smallest of gifts, even in the most difficult times." Allen Klein

Introduction

My name is Amber Wells. I am new to blogging. I am a stay home mom of a 2 year old and a 7 month old. They are my world! I am very excited about pursuing my Master's degree in early Childhood Studies. It's such a wondeful feeling to be able to become more knowlegeable in the field in an effort to help my own children as well as many other children. Our little ones are precious gifts, and they are depending on us to guide them in the right direction.