Mandy's Early Childhood Education Blog

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Inspiration & Motivation

I found some quotes this week that made me think. Although at first glance Lilian Katz quote seems funny, she is hits the nail on the head with it. She is referring to how we need to help children learn from their experiences, as opposed to giving out worksheets and adopted structured curriculums that limit children’s capability and love of learning. All of these quotes taken from early childhood education professionals demonstrate how important children and the foundation they receive are. Not only is this important to the development of the child, but also to society as a whole.

“Curriculum is not delivered. Milk is delivered.” –Lilian Katz

“Parenting is a relationship with a history” – Stanley Greenspan

“It made me feel whole, it made me feel creative”- Louise Derman-Sparks

“ I see early childhood education …as a civil rights issue…a childhood leaves you ready for optimal life experiences.”-Renatta M. Cooper

Reference:

Empowered By Play, (2011, June 19). Words of wisdom from Dr. Lilian Katz. Retrieved

from http://www.empoweredbyplay.org/2011/06/words-of-wisdom-from-dr-lilian-katz/.

Miller, G. (1989). Giving children a chance: The case for more effective national

policies. Lanham: University Press of America.

2 comments:

N RuttMarch 24, 2012 at 6:00 PM
I really enjoyed reading your selections. The Lilian Katz quote made me laugh.Education can be messy and at times overwhelming. It is to be experianced not consumed. Thank you for sharing!
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AnonymousMarch 25, 2012 at 4:52 PM
As I was watching the presentation and reding your quote, it reminded me how I disagreed Renatta Cooper about childhood being a civil rights issue. I could not help feeling that her passion and motivation in the field may have been overshadowing the other issues with children I felt more pressing. I simply did not agree, but others might, which is perfectly acceptable too. I am interested in getting more involved and deeper into this statement in another course or later on in this class. However, I also quoted Louise Derman-Sparks because I did agree with her and really felt her passion in her speech.
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My Dad

My dad has always been the strongest influence in my life. Despite a difficult childhood growing up, he has always done the best he could with what he had. As a child I always felt protected and loved by my dad. When I was a child by trade my dad was a baker. My fondest memories are when he would wake my sisters and I up at 3 in the morning to go to work with him in the summer. We would make fresh donuts and cookies with him, and then fall asleep on the giant flour sacks!My dad has faced tremendous health problems, yet continues to love his family and show support for his children.

Some more of my favorite people!

Mom- My mom has demonstrated support for me throughout the years for being understanding when I am not understandable, showing support when I myself am not being supportive, and showing forgiveness when I have not been quick to forgive. In essence, being a mom!

Jeremy (The best brother-in-law)- I am the youngest in my family, therefore, I have been blessed by having my brother in law be such a part of my life from early on. Jeremy is the brother I never had. Jeremy has been non-judgmental and supportive throughout the trials and tribulations of life. I could not ask for a more caring and kind person to be a support system to me. Throughout my teen years and early twenties I counted on his guidance and understanding. Now as a seasoned adult, not much has changed!

Becky- My family moved often, and we never lived near our extended family. This really created a small support system for my sisters and I growing up, which could be why we are so close now. As we finally settled down one of my friend's mother's become like a second mom to me. She has always shown me unconditional love and support. As a teenager trying to be headstrong, she never wavered in showing me how much she cared. She always believed in my abilities, and was a positive inspiration to me.