Saturday 14 December 2013

Ideals That are Meaningful to Me

Listed below are three ideals that are contained in NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics that are meaningful to me.

I-2.2- To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve. I chose this ideal as I feel that family involvement is the key to a child's success in our programs, but before you can build a partnership or have families participate in your programs, you must have mutual trust. Parents must feel that genuine trust before they will open up about their child and their family. We want to build a positive bridge between home and school as the link between educators and parents is the foundation for success. Families are the first and most powerful influence on children's early learning and development, therefore we want to make sure that we are in fact creating partnerships with them. (NAEYC 1-2.4 Code of Ethics)

I-1.3- To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. I shouldn't assume, but I feel that if you are going to work with children and help educate them to your best ability then it should be a common practice to keep knowledgeable regarding child development, staying informed and continuing with education and training. Why I chose this ideal is that I have seen too many time educators who "paint" children with same paint brush as they don't take into account or respect the unique qualities, abilities and potential of each child. Some tend to group children together as they don't know how to support a child's unique way of thinking or learning. Some educators have a difficult time adapting their teaching styles to a variety of abilities or strengths of a child. It is key to a child's success not only to be respectful but aware of each child's individuality. (NAEYC 1-1.3 Code of Ethics)

RESPONSIVE FAMILY CENTERED PRACTICES

1. We shall demonstrate our respect and appreciation for all families' beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture relative to their nurturance and support of their children toward achieving meaningful and relevant priorities and outcomes families' desire for themselves and their children. I chose this ideal form the Division of Early Childhood's Code of Ethics as once again I feel so strongly about family involvement, but it is disheartening how each week I have been finding resources that say how educators need more training with how to involve families who are culturally or linguistically diverse. How are we going to demonstrate respect for all families' beliefs, values, customs etc. if we don't know how to effectively embrace this diversity. This is why this ideal is so meaningful to me as we continuously open our programs to diverse families, but in reality don't know how to successfully incorporate everyone's rich differences. This ideal is stating that with diversity comes different beliefs, culture or language which may in fact alter their understanding of our programs therefore, this reinforces that we have to try harder to truly respect ALL families.

It was a pleasure sharing three ideals that I find meaningful which keep me inspired, focused and passionate.

Saturday 30 November 2013

There are so many informative and useful resources out there for us as professionals to keep us knowledgeable, informative and fresh. Here is a list of resources that was made available to us this week.

Here are some additional resources that I would like to share with you. A couple of these  resources are Canadian. 

New website, available for Canadian parents. Parents can find out why it's hard to find good child care, about child care options in each province and territory, general information about child care in Canada, what the best evidence says about quality, and how to improve their chances of accessing high-quality child care. I bet there is not much difference between what parents are looking for in Canada and parents in the United States. Let me know what you think??

Website: http://www.findingqualitychildcare.ca/

This is next resource is Walter Drew's new book from NAEYC, From Play to Practice: Connecting Teachers' Play to Children's Learning. I chose this book as a resource because it is so important for educators to understand the value of play. That children do not only learn from a teacher led activity, that there is so much value on open-ended play that children engage in.


The next document is one that we implement at the college that I teach at. It is called the ELECT Document, Early Learning for Every Child Today. This is a best start initiative. We tend to focus on the 6 statement of principles which starts on page 8.







Friday 22 November 2013

Inspirational Quotes from Contributors and Professionals in the ECE Field

A quote by Janet Gonzalez-Mena

"Part of being who you are has to do with feeling your feelings, which means you'll have a wide range of emotions--not just constant sunshiny happiness."- Janet Gonzalez-Mena



"The moment I decided to follow instead of lead, I discovered the joys of becoming part of a small child's world."- Janet Gonzalez-Mena



Dr. Ann Turnbull

"But our greatest hope is that it's not just the responsibility of parents and individuals with intellectual disabilities to be advocates and ambassadors but the classmates, the co-workers, the neighbors, the members of religious communities."
Resource:
"Attitudes Toward the Intellectually Disabled." Talk of the Nation, Washington DC, August 11, 2009.



A quote by Raymond Hernandez Ms. Ed.
Executive Director School of Early Childhood Education

"I think my passion comes from wanting to make a difference. Like I've said before and I admit, I truly believe that I'm not here to save the world. I am here just to make a difference in the community that I am working."-Raymond Hernandez Ms. Ed.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc., (n.d.). The passion for early childhood.


A quote by Sandy Escobido 
Deputy Field Director, Los Angeles Preschool Advocacy Initiative

"We as professionals in the Early Childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child's life for the better." -Sandy Escobido
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc., (n.d.). The passion for early childhood.


Thursday 14 November 2013

My Personal Childhood Web

I identified 4 different groups of people in my life who have surrounded me with a supporting, loving and nurturing environment throughout the years from when I was little to now….. a little older!!!

                My mom                                                                                   My dad
Both my parents have had such a big impact on the paths I have taken that have led me to who I am today. They have always trusted my decisions…whether good or bad. If it was a wrong decision, it was never, “I told you so!” but rather, “What did you learn?” My fondest memories of my family is being at our cottage. We bought our cottage when I was 4 and we spent every week-end and every summer up at the lake. We swam, had camp fires where we sang silly songs, played games and just took time to enjoy one another. I was always close to both my parents, but extra close to my dad. He never showed his love with kisses, but “wet willies” was how he expressed his love. I wouldn’t trade all those wet yucky ears for anything! My parents have guided me in the many different paths that have come my way. My dad passed away 15 years ago and there isn’t a moment that I still don’t think of him or wish that I could just get one more “wet willie”. Even though he wasn’t there to walk me down the aisle or witness the birth of my 2 children, I know that he was looking down with such love and joy.  I still seek his advice or approval daily as I know that he is still guiding me with everything that I do. That may seem weird to some, but have you ever watched, “The Long Island Medium”? I never miss it and I truly believe that even though I can’t physically see my dad, that he is there with a smile as I know that he is proud of who I have become. 


My grandparents

My grandparents were a big part of my life. Every Sunday night was a big dinner at my grandparent’s house where we all gathered together at the table sharing great food and then playing with my cousins. There was a great feeling of community where everyone had a sense of belonging. My grandparents always made me feel special. I was always greeted with the biggest kisses and the squishiest of hugs. Every time my grandfather would kiss me he would say, “You are sooooo beautiful!” He was so genuine that I truly believed him. I remember that I use to have these great sleepovers at their house. They lived on the water and I always remember getting up and feeding the ducks with my grandmother. They were very special and I always cherished their genuine love they had for me.

                                                                My siblings

 What can you say about siblings???? I am the youngest of four children. My sister is 8 years older than I am, so when I was 10 she was already married.  We are close now, but when I was young and playing Barbies, she was kissing boys!! Although, I do remember her making clothes for all of my Barbies! She is more than a sister to me now.  She is also my friend who I share things with. She is also very close to my children and my children adore her as well.  I also have 2 older brothers….what can I say about brothers?  Jane Austen said, “What strange creatures brothers are!”  If you have some, you will know what I am talking about. They teased me, bugged me and would scare me daily!!! I honestly think that is a job of a brother. Even with all the teasing, they always watched out for me, especially at school. I am especially close to one of my brothers today…even after all that teasing. Our children are the same ages and we do a lot together with our families.

                                                                My friends

I was very lucky and still am to be surrounded by a diverse group of friends who have brought out the best in me and me in them. Friends offer you a different type of support. You can trust them; you share the same interests and you are there for one another. I am still friends with a girl I have known since I was 7 years old. I cherish her friendship.


I can honestly say that all of the people who care or cared about me have made me a better, daughter, sister, friend, mother and wife. Their encouragement to foster my strengths and work on my needs has made me who I am. I still look for their encouragement. When I hesitated about applying to Walden due to my lack of confidence, they all encouraged me and said that I could do it and guess what? I am!!!

Saturday 9 November 2013

A True Work of Art!

This is a picture that my daughter painted when she was 5 years old. When I look at the picture I always say, "Wow, she made this!!" My daughter was and still is fascinated with frogs. She has a frog room and when we spend the summer at the cottage, the frogs become her best friends. I find that when something is relevant and meaningful to children it can be represented in their art work. They create in much more detail and put more work into their drawings when it means something to them. Have you ever asked a child to just paint a picture? If you have, they may make a few strokes with paint brushes, but if a child really likes something and you ask them to represent what they like with the paint, you will be amazed at what they will create. When there is meaning they to can show their own passion through representation.

Books and more books! How do I choose?

 There is no better feeling than reading books to children. That is one specific thing that I miss now that I no longer work with young children. Reading with children is such an intimate time. Think about what is happening when you read to children. Reading helps to build bonds and sharing an experience where a child has your undivided attention. I found it very hard to identify my favorite book as I have so many. I have my own collection of over 100 children's books.  I love the diversity of books; funny books, classic books like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" from Eric Carle, and interactive books where children can sing along or get involved with what is going to happen next. Some of you may have heard of Robert Munsch. He is a very popular Canadian children's author.His books are funny and silly and children really get involved in the topics he brings to his readers. He is also well known in the United States as well. I enjoy reading his books to children as the books allow you as a reader to get immersed in the story and lets you use your voice tone to keep the listeners engaged. I listed four books that I really like to read, but I could have included more!!





Friday 8 November 2013

Quotes That Inspire Me!

A friend of mine shared this quote with me and it has stuck ever since and I wanted to share it with you! The author is unknown.

"The most precious jewels you'll ever have around your neck are the arms of children."

We would be fibbing if we didn't say that we didn't like a piece of jewelry to dress  up an outfit, but I would go without the sparkles if I had to choose between a shiny necklace or hug around my neck! I teach adults every day and they don't tend to give out hugs like the toddler or preschool children I use to work with. Thank goodness, my two school age children still provide me with the jewelry I need...well that is along as it isn't at school!!


This is me at six years old!

This is me a very long time ago when I was six  years old at my cottage with my cat, "Patches". Everyone says how my daughter is my mini me and this picture looks exactly like her! Both my children have motivated and inspired me to be a better person and that in life we need to take time to laugh together. We try and have at least one belly laugh a day as it keeps us healthy and happy.

I remember what it was like being a young school-age child and how my family had such a positive impact on who I have become. I have always had so much support in everything that I have done. Maybe that's when all this started for me! I understood at a young age that if being surrounded by people who loved, respected and supported me and how it impacted my life in such a positive way, I realized that I could do the same for others.

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Oh Canada Eh!! My name is Stephanie Ray and I am from Ottawa, Ontario Canada. We all don’t actually say, “Eh”!! I am considered an international student even though it doesn't seem so international! I am currently a part-time professor at Algonquin College in Ottawa teaching many different courses in the Early Childhood Education program. I began my career in Early Childhood working in a variety of programs and with diverse age groups, toddlers being one the age groups I really enjoy.  I love listening to their language blossom each day, watching their sense of self grow along with their curiosity and count how many times they actually say the word, “No”. I have had lots of opportunities to work with many different educators who share my passion and some who do not have the same passion. I wanted to take this passion and turn it into something positive that could hopefully make a difference. This is when I changed my career path from children to adults. We all have had teachers who have crossed our paths who have been unforgettable for different reasons. Some reasons being negative and some who have made a difference and made us feel good about ourselves. I wanted the chance to teach my students how to be one of those “unforgettable” educators. To become educators who make a difference and make a positive impact on children’s development.  I bring my humor, experience and stories to class to help them learn effectively. Many of my students share with me how much they enjoy coming to class and how I make learning fun. I hope that I am one of their teachers who are “unforgettable” as well.

I am very excited and nervous to begin this new journey. I have my experiences to share which is one of my strengths.  I am not savvy in the technology department and that is what I feel will be one of my challenges. I never give up, so I will figure things out (it just may take me longer)!! I am also a wife, a mom of two school children and a puppy!! Learning how to manage and divide my time will be a task that I will have to learn to divide and conquer.

I look forward to hearing from all of you and finding out about your strengths and challenges. Maybe we will find out that we have many similarities and learn from each other’s strengths.