Thanks

I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing their ideas with me during the course. I have learned
things about communication that I was not familar with during the course. We learned about communicating and building leadership skills. Effective communication takes time and commitment. Thanks again.

Adjourning

I think the hardest part of adjourning from a group is saying goodbye to the coworkers that you have built a close relationship with over the years. It is hard to say goodbye to those you have learned to trust and depend on. Team members that are supportive and willing to help in any way make it difficult to say bye. I think that groups that are supportive, dependable, and have clear expectations are hard to adjourn. I have found that for me, the Christian settings have been the hardest for me to leave. The people that I work with at those settings have treated me much better than the other settings I have been to. I wish I could have been part of closing rituals where people would have said "I will really miss having you around". I have only had one setting that I felt was somewhat like this. I will adjourn from my Master's colleague's by telling them I wish them the best on their school work and their new adventures to come. I am thankful for all the insights they have shared with me over the last few courses. I feel adjourning is an essential part of teamwork because it is how we can express or feelings and have closure on that part of our life.

 

References

 

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html



Conflict Strategies

I have been having a personal conflict with my husband lately. We want to have another child but disagree on the timing. He thinks that we should wait until I finish school. I want to go ahead now due to my age, risk to the child, and the time. I would be done with my schooling by the time the child came. It would be in the summer which would be better work wise too. One solution would be to try to compromise. We could come to an agreement together about the best time. We might be able to meet somewhere in the middle of both our time frames. The second solution would be to talk together about our needs. Maybe writing the needs and viewpoint down of each other would some how help us come up with a solution.

Does anyone have any solutions or suggestions that might help with this communication issue? We are not getting any where fast. We are both firm on our viewpoints.

Who I am as a Communicator

The thing that surprised me the most was the communication anxiety level. I was rated in the moderate range by those that completed the task. I also rated myself and it turned out in the moderate range as well. I have anxiety communicating with others if there are a lot of people or talking in front of people. I was surprised it was not in the higher level.
Insights about communication:
1. Communication anxiety level is considered situational. It depends on the situation as to how much anxiety I have. This impacts my professional life. It can keep me from taking on careers I am interested in or getting jobs. If I interview for a job in a large group, I will have more anxiety about the interview.
2. I am people oriented with the listening style. This impacts my personal life. I am trusting of others so it can be very hurtful on a personal level to learn that people I have made a bond with has not been truthful with me.

 

References

 

Rubin, R. B., Palmgreen, P., & Sypher, H. E. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

 

Rubin, R. B., Rubin, A. M., Graham, E. E., Perse, E. M., & Seibold, D. R. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures II: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

Communication with different groups and Cultures

I have worked with many Latino families and children when I first started teaching. It was very difficult in that some knew some English but others did not know any. There were many challenges along the way. Thankfully, I had an assistant teacher who was from the Dominican Republic and she spoke Spanish.
Three strategies I used then and now to communicate with families from different cultures:
1. Model to children by showing them what I would like them to do while telling them in English.
2. Speak to them in their language (what I know) as well as English.
3. Translate letters into their language.
4. Have a translator come to meetings with the family or have a family member to translate.

Communication and TV

Sound off: I found this assignment to be very interesting.  I chose to watch Sid the Science Kid. I decided that the people in the kitchen were Sid's family. His mom was the one cooking. His dad was the one at the table with his brother or sister.  He went to school. I figured out that the kids on the playground must be his friends. They were smiling and were happy to see him.  A lady came to the door that had children's art work on it so I figured she was the teacher. She motioned with her hands for them to wash their hands.  The next character was a nurse. She was carrying a doctor kit and had a white coat on.  Mom and dad were expressing to Sid at home to cough into his arm.  They were showing him by modeling the behavior.  They then motioned for him to wash hands by rubbing their hands together.  One of the children showed they were scared of a shot at school. They were showing they were excited by jumping up and down and raising their hand. When the child seen the shot, he frowned, and started backing away.
The sound turned on: I used the environment and communication to decide what the characters were to Sid.  The teacher was standing in front of the school door with classroom art so it was easy to decide she must be the teacher.  The parents were easy since he started out at home in his bedroom and went to the kitchen.  If I had been familiar with the show, I would have known all the characters well. I guessed all the characters right without sound. The only thing I did not guess was that the nurse was actually Sid's Grandma.  The whole tv show was about getting a flu shot to stay healthy.
I learned that I was able to figure out quite a bit about relationships and what the different characters were talking about by using their gestures and clues from the environment. Context clues or environmental print can help when deciding what is being communicated in a video without sound.
References:
SID The Science Kid: Getting a shot: You can do it!! Retrieved from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXvu3R-aYBo

 

 

Effective Communicator

A person that I know that is a good communicator is a lawyer.  He knows the English language very well.  He is always looking to improve his knowledge and use of the English language.  He can speak to someone and know the decision they will make in fifteen minutes.  I would like to model his dedication to studying and improvement to my life and communication.  Professionals should always want to improve areas of their life that they are weak in. I feel I need to improve my communication skills.

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have when working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that they will feel welcomed. I want them to feel that they can share personal information with me about themselves or their children.

A goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is that everyone will respect each other's culture, and to be able to learn from one another through interactions and sharing our experiences with one another.


I would like to thank all of my colleagues for all the information, insights, and experiences you have shared with me during the course. I feel we have learned a lot about diversity during this course together.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

The family is coming from Germany.

Five ways in which I can prepare myself to be culturally responsive:
1. Try to learn some words and phrases in German.
2. Look at books and videos about Germany
3. If I have time and resources, I could visit Germany
4. Do research on the internet about Germany.
5. Talk to someone from Germany.

I hope that having this preparation will make the child and family feel more welcomed. The child and family will feel like they are comfortable, appreciated, and that they belong.  I want them to feel at home. This will also bennefit me by giving me knowledge I can use with other families from Germany in the future. 

Personal side of Bias, Prejudice, and oppression

Memory of an bias, prejudice, and or oppression:
I was watching a kids t.v. show with my daughter who only watches programs on nick jr and Disney jr. I seen this show several times but felt it fit into this assignment. The dad is cooking on the grill outside with his men friends and tells the mom that he always knows what he is doing.

I feel that this diminished equity. I feel it diminished equity in that it was saying that men always knows what they are doing. Men know how to cook out.
Feelings brought up: I felt this was saying that men are superior to women. Men are smarter than women. Men are not seen on the same level as men.
In order to turn this into an opportunity for greater equity, I feel that the mom should have spoken up for women in return. This could have shown how women are on the same level as men.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

One example of a microaggression I remember was from a friend of mine. I spent a lot of time at her house talking to her. I also spent a lot of time with my Vietnamese friends. Our neighborhood was changing in diversity. The neighborhood at that time had Hispanics, Vietnamese, African American, and Whites living in the community. She looked out the window at one of the houses where a Vietnamese family lived, and mentioned that they needed to move back where they came from. Although we were inside her house and the neighbors could not hear her, I did. I did not like her talking about the Vietnamese family like that. I did not know that particular family that well, but I knew one of them. I also knew the Vietnamese family that lived next to me. I think I told her that they were a nice family.

My observation experiences this week made me more aware of discrimination, prejudice, and or stereotypes. I feel I am a little more aware of things that I or others might say can affect others. This week I have found myself thinking about things from more than one perspective. I try to imagine how I would feel if someone said something like that to me. I also have started trying to think of why some people do things that they do. If they still feed their child at the age of three, it is probably because of their culture. Not the view I would have had before this class.

Perspectives on diversity and culture

Culture-
Def 1. beliefs, values, and norms of a group of people or a set of people.
Def 2. The shared knowledge, experience, beliefs, and values of a particular group of people.
Def 3. Culture is a group of people brought together by common social values and interests in a geographical area.

Diversity-
Def 1. Differences among people due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, education, experience, physical appearance, etc.
Def 2. Differences between particular groups in a particular or isolated area.
Def 3. Diversity expresses itself in likeness and differences which might include education, race, and other areas.

Some aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this class were included in the answers I received. Some examples of these include values, work, and religion. Values, work, and religion are part of deep culture that we have studied. Deep culture is the part of the culture that you can not necessarily see. It is the part that you learn about by getting to know someone.

Some aspects that were omitted included surface culture, languages, and roles. Everyone has different roles that they take on within their family. Some members of the family may be the care taker, the helper, victim, etc. (Christian, L.G., 2006).

Thinking about the definitions of culture and diversity that I received, I realize that other people tend to also think that there are norms in culture and diversity. I have learned in this course that there really is not a norm. The so called norm is usually what the dominant culture has perceived to be normal. Everyone has their own ways of doing things. There is no right or wrong way.

References

Christian, L. G. (2006). Understanding families: Applying family systems theory to early childhood practice. Young Children, 61(1), 12–20. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the ProQuest Central database: http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/pqdweb?did=1042679491&sid=1&Fmt=4&clientId=70192&RQT=309&VName=PQD

 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

 

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Culture and diversity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

 

 

 



My Family Culture

The three items I would choose if I had to pick only three would be: my bible, computer, and Christian music.

I chose my computer because I use the computer a lot. I pay bills online, do my taxes, research things, read emails, play games, and do my school work online. I chose my bible because it helps me to stay focused on my faith and what God wants for my life. The bible and Christian music both help lift me up when I am down, and helps to give me strength through the day.

I would probably be torn about having to let go of some of my most valued resources. It would be difficult for me to choose but I would have to keep my bible out of the three.

Insights I gained from the assignment: The assignment made me think about what items are of the most importance to me and the daily culture that I live in. It would not be easy having to choose only three items.

When I think of research....

I have gained insights about research from taking this course. I have learned about different research methods. I have learned that research can be done in different ways. My ideas about doing research has changed. Research is like doing a science experiment. You have a certain procedure and method to follow with the research. I learned lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research. You need to consider what is the best way or method to use in your research based on what you are researching and how you plan to conduct the research. Some of the challenges I encountered with this class was understanding the textbook. I used the dictionary to help me understand the terms and the text better. My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this class. Professionals doing research spend a lot of time researching. Researchers are constantly researching, collecting, and analyzing data. I did not realize how much time and thought researchers spend on researching and the research process.
Thank you to all my colleagues for the support and ideas you have shared with me during this course. I feel we have all learned a lot during this course about research.

Research Around the World

I chose to explore the Early Childhood Australia website. I found some of the current topics to be the cost of childcare, funding programs, best practices, transitions, technology, and being culturally competent. Some of the ideas that I gained had to do with the article I looked at about transitions. The article game information about how to tell if your child is ready for school. These included: language skills, physical well-being, motor coordination skills, emotional adjustment and concentration, and independence. It also gave a list of activities parents can do with their child at home. I was glad to see it listed emotional adjustment in the list. I feel this is an area where some children still need a lot of maturing to do even after pre-k. I found the website to be a noteworthy site full of information on education in Australia. One could easily compare it with the United States or other places.
Resources
www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Research that Benefits Children and Families

Option 2.
My research study will make a positive difference to the well-being of children and families. I would choose the topic of cancer for my research topic. There are so many people now that are being diagnosed with cancer every day. People of every age are having to go through cancer treatments. I would like to imagine that my research would lead to a cure for cancer. This might include medicines, natural herbal supplements, etc., that people could take that would cure cancer 100 percent. This topic is relevant to my personal life as my dad is a cancer survivor. My grandfather had cancer as well but we did not know until he died. I can help share my experience with other families that may be dealing with family members going through cancer situations.

Personal Research Journey

I have chosen the research topic of anger and ways to calm children when they are angry or upset about something. I have chosen this topic because each year, I see more and more children that seem like they stay angry all the time. I have my own ways to help try to calm them down but would like to learn other ways and activities to help these children. I plan to take the research simulation process a step at a time. I have learned from this course so far that it is not necessary to read all of a research report. Sometimes things may look like a site may be research creditable but when looked at closely, it may not be what it appears to be. Is there any insight that my colleagues have that may help me in my research process? Any good websites on anger management for children?

Final Blog: Issues and Trends, EDUC 6162

Three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field:
1. I am more aware of issues that others face that live in other parts of the world.
2. I am even more appreciative for what I have.
3. Learning about the international field of early childhood made me reflect on my professional and personal life.

One goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations:
1. To learn all you can about different issues, culture, from around the world and apply that information to your professional and personal life.
2. To be advocates for issues that you feel passionate about.

Getting to know your international contacts part 3

I have learned three new things about issues related to international early childhood education.
"The first eight years of a child’s life are decisive for human development. Yet statistics on early childhood in Africa are appalling.

• Less than 12% of African children currently have access to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services.
• 12,000 African children die every day under conditions that could have been avoided – the equivalent of a Boeing 747 crashing every hour.
• Of the 76% of children entering primary school each year, 38% have experienced moderate or severe malnutrition impacting on their psychomotor and cognitive development" (UNESCO).

These ideas relate to my future goals of being a director of a child care center and teaching other teachers at a community college. The idea about children not having access to early childhood education can be changed if directors, teachers, and professors would be advocates for changing policies and help to advocate for new program funding. More funding of programs may allow more children to have access to education. The second idea relates to my future goals by being advocates for early childhood. Informing parents and the community about different topics that they need information on. If families are informed about services and given information they need, then they may have the help they need to better themselves. The third idea relates to my professional goals by teaching other teachers about poverty and the effects it has on people. The future teachers would be better able to understand what some of the children and families maybe going through that they work with.
References
UNESCO's "Early Childhood Care and Education" website http://unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/

Sharing Web Resources Week 6

1. I have been exploring the zero to three website. I followed an outside link under the maltreatment section. It lead me to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. The website told about different types of trauma and gave resources.
2. I researched the area of care and education under the zero to three website. Under this section, it gave childcare and told what to look for in chilcare, transition to childcare. It also mentioned care from family, friends, and neighbors. The section I explored more in depth was on school readiness interactive birth to 3. This was a tool that was designed to support children's early learning. It give age based information about how children develop four skills that are important for school readiness. These included language, litteracy skills, self confidence, and self control. This part let you choose an age group and read about how to develop school readiness skills, how parents and caregivers can nurture and support school readiness skills, and also gave videos, activities, and answered frequently asked questions.
3. I think I signed up to recieve the zero to three newsletter but have not recieved the newsletter yet.
4. The website added to my information about equity and excellence. The website mentioned under the care and education tab that all childcare arrangements can lead to high quality, individualized, responsive, stimulating experiences that occur within the context of strong relationships imbedded in every day routines. I feel that although all realtionships have the potentional to be high quality, not all realtionships are posible of high quality care. The main thing that came to my mind was in care settings that the children were being mistreated or exposed to trauma.
5. Other insights I had this week: If a child is interested and involved in an activity, the child is learning. Activities that push children to read and write words don't help their development or make them do better in school. Can make children feel like failures when they are pushed to do something they don't enjoy or that is beyond their skills.
Refernces:
www.zerotothree.org

Getting to Know your international contacts part 2

 

I watched a video from the World Forum Foundation this week called “The Leaders of Tomorrow”. This video helped give me different insights from around the world. The video talked about leaders and the qualities of a leader. Leaders need to be credible, honest, intelligent, expressive, and forward looking. The video mentioned that by the age of six, it is too late for interventions. I found this interesting. I also learned that around the world, there are many common areas of need. These areas include lack of awareness, funding, and quality teachers. These fit in with the issues of equity and excellence. In Tanzia, Nigeria, and Haiti, children are still struggling to get their basic needs met. They are dealing with malnutrition, polluted air, and water.  I also learned that in China, Korea that children are losing time to play because the focus is on the academics (World Forum Foundation, 2011). This is not any different than what we are facing in the United States.

I reviewed the Harvard University’s website this week. I started by looking at the different programs that the organization was involved in. I reviewed the information on the Good Start Project in Santiago, Chile. The program focused on language development, health topics, and socioemotional areas of development. I then found an article that I found very interesting information. The article was accessible under the Zambian early childhood project. The Zambian project focuses on anti-malaria initiative. I learned that Malaria still does not have a cure. I knew years ago that there was not a cure but I thought there would be by now. In Zambia, the leading cause of death is Malaria. HIV is the other cause of death in Zambia. The country of Zambia determines if a child is healthy by whether or not their growth is stunted. “Where you are at age 6, before you enter school, predicts so many things in your life, and yet we have no way of comparing one country to another” (Gunther Fink, 2011).

References

Harvard University’s Global Children’s Initiative. (2014). Creating a new measure of child development. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/faculty_and_staff/faculty/faculty_spotlights/faculty_spotlight_fink/

World Forum Foundation. (2011). The leaders of tomorrow. http://worldforumfoundation.org/media-and-resources/wofo-tv/

 

 

Sharing Web Resources

I chose to look at the area of brain and development on the zero to three website. I then chose to look at the topic of challenging behaviors. Teaching in a classroom of 16 four year olds, all the children have different personalities. This year I ended up with a difficult group that is full of many different challenging behaviors. They have made progress, but they still have a long way to go socially yet. I read a journal article about aggression.

A controversial topic in the article that I read about aggression talked about spanking. Spanking is a controversial topic. Some people believe that children learn from spankings and others are against spanking. The article I read was against spanking. " Avoid spanking.  Think about the very real disadvantages of physical punishment for your child. Children often arouse anger in adults when they provoke, tease, behave stubbornly, or attack others. If your practice is to hit or physically punish your child in some other way for such behavior, you need to think very carefully about what he learns from that" (Zero to Three, 2012).

Economists, neuroscientists, and politicians support the early childhood field. In the website under the policy section, it mentioned that "Given growing awareness about the needs of very young children stemming from neuroscience and child development research, child welfare agencies have a long way to go in aligning policies and practices to ensure that the unique needs of infants and toddlers are met" (Zero to three, 2012). This shows that neuroscientists does research in the early childhood field. I would also say that they help with grants, form policy, and provide resources by browsing the topics under the policy section.

I gained new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field from reading about aggression in children. I learned that aggression is a part of healthy development in children. The second year is when a child becomes aware of being angry and can behave intentionally.

References

Zero to Three. (2012). Changing the course for infants and toddlers: A survey of state child welfare policies and initiatives. Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/policy/changing-the-course-for-infants-and-toddlers.html

Zero to Three. (2012). Helping young children channel their aggression. Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/social-emotional-development/helping-young-children-channel-their-aggression.html

Getting to Know Your International Contacts Part 1

I had trouble getting the links to work for the World Forum Podcasts and the Childhood Poverty website. I chose to do the alternative assignment because I have not received any responses to any contacts I have sent. I chose to view a video from the World Forum website on poverty. I also listened to a podcast from Global Fund for Children.

The video I watched was Poverty and Children by Sakeena Yacoobi. Sakeena Yacoobi works with the World Forum Organization. She works with the children and families in a refugee camp in Afghanistan. The program provides services for the families that will enable them to be more knowledgeable about their life and help them make better choices for their families. She mentioned providing the services under tents, with each tent having a different service. These include health care, education, life skills, etc. She mentioned that families in Afghanistan had no electricity, water, limited work and schools. I learned the extent that some families will go to just to provide food for the family. I knew poverty was bad but I never thought about families going to the extent of the family that she mentioned. She told of a family that sold their child for 2 bags of wheat so that the rest of the family could eat. This really hit hard about the reality of some families in poverty.

The Podcast I listened to was Philanthropy by Victoria Dunning. Victoria is the vice president for programs at the Global Fund for Children. I learned from the podcast about what the program does. The program provides financial grants to community based organizations  that can become international organizations. She mentioned that children need to succeed: learning, safe place, healthy mind and body, enterprise (life and workplace skills). I have also learned about the education that some parents give their child without knowing what the school really does. The podcast mentioned children going to school to recite songs that they learn for money. They have a master that they give the money. If the master considers the money not enough, the master will beat the child. This left me wondering how parents could not know about the education they are sending their child too. Also in Bolivia and Nepal, if parents are sent to jail then the child is also sent to jail too.

References
Yacoobi, S. (2011). Poverty and Children. World Forum. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UIt2NNrK3UE
Dunning, V. (2012, June 5). Philanthropy Chat: Global fund for children. Retrieved from http://grantspace.org/Multimedia/Podcasts/Philanthropy-Chat-Global-Fund-for-Children-2012-06-05

Sharing Web Resources

Zero to three
http://www.zerotothree.org
The organization provides information for families, professionals, and policy makers on children ages birth to three years of age. 

I chose the current issue of national paid family and medical leave insurance program. The article discussed the benefits to having paid medical leave.

"Time at home with newborns, infants, and toddlers gives parents the time they need to breastfeed, attend well-child medical visits, and ensure that their children receive all necessary immunizations. Studies show that paid family leave yields higher rates and longer periods of breastfeeding, which reduces the rates of childhood infections.

 Parental time off facilitates the early detection of potential developmental delays at a time when problems can be most effectively addressed and interventions identified to minimize them" (Zero to three, 2013, p. 2). Family leave time would benefit workers, families, and businesses.

"Provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for their own serious illness; the serious illness of a child, parent, or spouse (including a domestic partner); the birth or adoption of a child; the injury of a family member who is in the military; or exigencies arising from a service member’s deployment" (Zero to three, 2013, p.2).

"The Need:

Public policies that promote time for parents and caregivers to care for and bond with their very young children, without jeopardizing the ability to pay for basic necessities" (Zero to three, 2013, p. 1).
I have learned that different areas provide leave to employees with pay. In Russia, I learned they allow paid leave. In the center I work at, three months can be taken but it is without pay.
References
Zero to Three. 2013. The child development case for a national paid family and medical leave insurance program: the family leave act. Retrieved from  http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/pdf/pfl-fact-sheet-final.pdf
 
 

Getting Ready Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

I researched different early childhood organizations that did global work. I went to the contact us tabs of the sites I was interested in and submitted an email to them. I have not received any emails back from either site as of yet. I do not know at this point, if I will have to choose the alternative assignment. I chose to select zero to three website to study during the course.

My Supports

I have emotional supports, practical supports, and physical supports. My husband provides emotional support to me. He is there to help me do things around the house. He helps me with our two year old daughter. He provides financial support by working and helping to pay our bills. If I did not have my husband, I would have to do every thing on my own. I would not have the house that I have now. I would not have my daughter. I would have to live with my parents because I would not have been able to afford to have a house of my own.

Technology is another source of support that I use everyday. I use my phone to communicate with others. I use my computer to communicate, pay bills, do my taxes, and school work. The technology that I use helps me to accomplish tasks much quicker than I would without them. I would have to find other ways to accomplish tasks without the use of my computer and phone. Some of these tasks would take much longer to complete and would cost more money.

I chose the challenge of being blind. I chose this because my grandmother was legally blind before she died. My dad has an eye disease that makes it likely that he will become blind later. I would want emotional support from family and friends. I would like practical support such as tools to make life a little easier. A walking stick and seeing eye dog would be nice tools to help me get around better. A ramp would also make things a little easier because I would not have to go up and down steps at my house. Physical support such as family helping me to do tasks around the house. I feel it would be very difficult to be blind without these physical, emotional, and practical supports. Without these supports I would have to find ways to get around by myself. I would definitely feel overwhelmed and would need to rely on my senses of hearing and touch to help me get through many tasks during the day.

My Connections to Play

Pausing to listen to an airplane in the sky, stooping to watch a ladybug on a plant, sitting on a rock to watch the waves crash over the quayside—children have their own agendas and timescales. As they find out more about their world and their place in it; they work hard not to let adults hurry them. We need to hear their voices.
Cathy Nutbrown
Contemporary British educational theorist


Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play.

Henri Matisse
French painter
 1869–1954
http://www.thestrong.org/about-play/play-quotes





I was happy if I had a bucket, shovel, dirt, and water.

My parents supported play by allowing me to play with friends in my neighborhood. The only requirement that they had was to know where I was. My Grandma supported my play by playing games with me. I always got bored easily and she would play all kinds of card and board games with me.

I feel play has changed over the years. When I was growing up, I played outside all the time. I played with friends in the yard, in my neighborhood, and in the woods. Play today is usually inside or outside and more in the yard. I wish that children today could play and be free to explore the outside community like I did as a child. Unfortunately, I feel there are too many bad things now to let children explore the community like they used to.

I played for hours in water, mud, digging holes in the woods, swinging on vines from trees,  and climbing in trees growing up. I spent time going on trails and exploring at the power plant. I wish my daughter could have the carefree play experiences I had. I feel as parents it is not safe to let children wonder out of our sight anymore. Monitored play times is the norm now.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are a give and take process in a bond that develops overtime. 
Relationships will become a partnership and lifelong bond if you treat people the right way. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Relationships have made me feel loved and encouraged.

Mom- I spend every Saturday with my mom. We go out to eat lunch, talk, and run errands together. On Sundays, we go to church together, eat lunch, and go to the grocery store together. When I do not spend time with my mom on Saturday, it does not seem like I had a Saturday.

My Brother - I visit him sometimes and he comes to see me sometimes. We like to eat together and talk. He will help me fix things in my house when he comes over. He is very good fixing some things. He has put in laminate flooring for me as well as do other things. I have helped him do some things at his house such as painting and building his building. He lives an hour and 15 minutes from my house. He recently got married.

Dad- Growing up I was daddy's girl. I would spend every Saturday morning with him. We went to yard sales, flea markets, and fishing together, and to Grandma's house. I still see him once a week when I go to my parents house.

Husband- I married my husband October 9, 2010. We met in college at UNCP in the summer of 1999. We stayed friends the whole time, although we lost contact some. He is funny and is one of the few people who can make me laugh. Even when I am crying, he can make me start laughing.
He is very sweet, kind, helpful, and has a big heart for everyone.

Daughter- Born October 18, 2011. She is now two years old. She ended up being my first year anniversary gift as my due date was 10-10-2011. I carried her one extra week. She makes me laugh and smile. I love playing with her and tickling her. 

Factors that contribute to developing my relationships: patience, helping one another, kind, faithfulness, trustworthy.

Insights I have learned over time regarding challenges to developing and maintaining relationships that I have learned from experience: It is good to reflect on your relationships and change yourself where needed. Sometimes the change is things you may want to do, need to do, and sometimes it is something you may not want to do. You can't change other people.

Special characteristics of my relationships: give and take. It takes both people working together to make the relationship work. Sometimes it is easy and sometimes it is difficult.

My relationships have been good relationships. All the relationships I have encountered have made me who I am today. I have learned a lot over the years. Stubbornness can get in the way sometimes. I can use my experience of good relationships to help others in my class. I can be supportive, loving, kind, encouraging, and a good role model to my children in my class.