Literacy

On the Zero to Three website an article regarding the literacy of low income young children drew my attention. The article states, "Many low-income children arrive at school already behind in communication and language, a disadvantage that only persists over time"(Zero to Three, 2011). The article goes on to detail how this disadvantage later on effects our economy due to low skilled workers being forced into a competitive workforce. The Zero to Three article mentions the need for reform of programs to include collaboration between all early childhood educations from Birth to a K-12 setting in addition to greater support and resources for parents. It is a challenge to see the need, know that programs exist to fulfill the need, yet due to legislation, funding, and lack of other resources the children are still being left under represented and unserved. It is such as great leap from legislation to action. I recognize a need for accountability, especially in terms of fiscal responsibility with tax payer money. I just wonder at what point children and education will be adequately represented in the national budget. 

References:
Zero to Three (2011). Early language and literacy development.
Retrieved from: http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/infant-toddler-policy-issues/positive-early-learning.html
http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/infant-toddler-policy-issues/positive-early-learning.html

International Community

I saw this quote on the CHIPS site and it really made me think, "A 1% reduction in world military spending could provide primary schooling to all the world's children. A 10% reduction could eliminate illiteracy completely for a decade. If 0.5% of world military spending were diverted to immunisation, all children could be vaccinated against preventable diseases for the next 10 years" (UNICEF, 2004).

It would be fantastic if each country could change perspectives and realize that education and literacy ensure success.

I listened to a podcast by Meridas Eka Yora from January 6, 2010 on World Forum Radio, discussing issues in Indonesia. Particularly since the Tsunami in Indonesia in 2004 poverty has stricken many young children and communities. Not only are the children suffering effects of poverty such as loss of educational opportunities, but also trauma. Many children lost parents, which has changed the family dynamic as they must come together and fill roles for younger siblings or cope with the tragedy that occurred.

As we discuss poverty, in my mind I see the comparison poverty=survival. When we think back to Maslow's hierarchy of needs our goal with young children and families surviving in poverty situations is to reach a place in life where educational attainment can become a focus, not just fulfilling basic needs. There are so many circumstances that children are placed in and they must cope and survive, but thankfully there is a field of professionals that are reaching out to all children. While the need seems so great, I am thankful to be learning with committed professionals such as all of my Walden colleagues and those around the globe to fulfill the promises to future generations.

Zero to Three

First of all I saw this picture this week and it applies to our discussion and had to share it!

I have chosen to follow the Zero to Three organization during this course. During the Foundations course I first learned of this organization and absolutely love what they do and offer the Early Childhood Education community. This week I reviewed the newsletter geared toward grandparents raising their grandchildren entitled: On Your Lap, In Your Heart. This article offers tips for grandparents in terms of raising their grandchildren successfully, sharing responsibilities with parents, as well as addressing developmental stages. Here is the link for that article:http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/grandparents/. I think this addresses diversity due to the changing family structures that are occurring nationwide as more grandparents are raising their grandchildren. Family systems are no longer composed of a mom, dad, and two children, and this article addresses that changing demographic. 

Also, I have struck out contacting resources from outside of the U.S., which is disappointing as I was really looking forward to learning more about early education internationally. I plan to continue to try and find resources on my own aside from the email addresses provided within the course.  

Establishing Contacts & Expanding Resources

Part I
So far I have contacted via email the UNICEF offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, and Angola. During my ten day break from classes I decided to cram a few books in for personal enjoyment, all of which took place in Central Africa. Due to this I decided when this assignment came up I would love to establish a contact in the region in order to learn more. Also, I contact the offices from the The Global Alliance of NAEYC in Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa. I received one email from Tamalin Harper in South Africa stating that they have been contacted already by another Walden student and felt to diversify the discussion it would be redundant to work with two students for this assignment. I plan to send a couple more emails today to various organizations in Thailand and India, and hope for a response.

Part II
I chose the Zero to Three organization for this portion of the assignment. I had not heard of this organization until beginning my Master's program, but I feel drawn to it and hope to become a part of it in the future. In Idaho there are no early intervention programs for this age group and I hope to be a part of this change in the future.

My Supports

Each day I rely on the support of my family. As I have mentioned before I am fortunate enough to live closely to my immediate family. My husband's family also lives only five hours away and we, thankfully, have a strong bond with them as well. This form of support is immeasurable. Having people that can relieve stress, babysit, offer advice is a gift. Other supports that I have are friends. Again people that can provide advice, share experiences, and simply just be with you is imperative to being healthy as an adult. Next, I have a yoga studio and community center that I utilize for yoga classes. This support in the form of self -care is imperative to taking care of my health and in turn taking care of others. Also, I have the support of Walden University. The supportive services of my school, allow me to seamlessly move through my academic career focusing in my studies without having the pressure of finding my books for each class, ordering them, cost, and a dozen other small details that are handled for me.

If these supports were gone I would be afraid. It is hard to imagine being alone without my family and friends first of all. It would be like moving to a new place with no one around. No family, no friends, no yoga, no school. My identity would feel challenged. I would have to rely on community supportive services to reach out and find new support systems.  A church would be my first destination to re-establish the network of support I have lost.  Being in touch with caring people that can help and offering guidance is imperative to me. The biggest challenge for me is establishing an identity. I realize that my support system is also such a part of who I am. Without family and friends I struggle to define support as they are the foundation for me.

My Connections to Play

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Redfield Jamison


“Play is the highest form of research.” ~ Albert Einstein 

As a child the toys I remember playing with all the time were baby dolls, stuffed animals, and my Big Wheel trike! I still have many of my stuffed animals, they were a source of comfort and fun for many years! As the youngest child I was often excluded by my older sisters, so I was left to play on my own. I think that is why I enjoyed playing with my stuffed animals so much. They were the best playmates a child could have! 

In my opinion, parents are more guarded today in terms of play. As a child I played with the neighborhood kids and my parents called me when it was time to come in. Summer meant being outside, and winter meant being outside. Snowmen, building forts, hide and seek. We resolved problems on our own. We argued and made up, we rode bikes, and counted our mosquito bites each night like a badge of honor. Now I think children are becoming little adults to quickly. They are in close proximity to adults quite frequently or engaging with multimedia more frequently. This lack of interaction with peers, and constant inundation to media is frightening. I hope that children can continue to enjoy the little time they have to be children. Through imagination, activity, and fun they learn so much, more than watching Dora the Explorer, playing on Nick Jr.com, or exploring the newest games on their parents smartphones. 

I recognize as an adult that unstructured play with my stuffed animals and peers allowed me to learn many useful tools. I was able to practice socializing with my animals, then put into practice these tools with my peers. As an adult, I learned from the relationships I had with my peers as a child. Problem -solving, conflict management, and basic survival skills really are all tools I can attribute to play.  

Relationship Reflection

Relationship Reflections

I feel so fortunate to have so many quality relationships in my life. Having loving and supportive people in life is necessary as a social being. Not only do the people that are important to me encourage me to be the best person possible by following my dreams, supporting me when I am at a low point, or just being with me, but they also model qualities that help me to see where I want to go. 

I met my husband in high school. I have grown tremendously as a person in part because of his support. Becoming a wife and mother has inspired me to constantly learn, and without this foundational relationship I would be able to identify myself as a wife and mother, which is paramount to who I am as a person. 

The relationships with my dad and sister are also important to me and who I am as a person. Being able to have people in my life that have known me through youthful rebellion to middle aged mother is reassuring. The reciprocal nature of unconditional love associated with family across time is the essence of my relationship with my dad and sister. The relationship is multi -dimensional, being family and friends.   

Next, my best friend Gina for over 6 years is important to me. The foundation of acceptance, trust, honesty, and simply fun is what I love most about our friendship. As we have stated this week unbiased relationships based on mutual respect establish effect programs and practices. When I think of my friendship with Gina that is how I define it. 

Lastly,  my children (baby Calum is in the previous pictures also). Top row Elija (15), Kevin, Calum (1), Me. Bottom row: Amelia (5), Mya (9), and Eliot (3). My children love me without bias or condition. My part in their development and nurturing of them is a gift to both them and me. They help me to define myself, give me a sense of pride, and therefore no matter how much they take, they give me so much back in return.