My Supports

Preparing for this assignment I thought about the factors of what my supporters are. I started this process over multiple times and what I finally came up with is that my support factors are those most important in my life. 

My Motto In Life

These words hang above my bed. Every morning I remind my self of this and apply it to my day. Everyday is not promised to be the way that you want it to be. So therefore with this motto I have learned that there are things that are going to be out of my control and I have to learn how to deal with that.  

Bam Bam 

 Even though he can not talk my dog is the first "person" I see in the mornings. He supports me because I know that if I do not take care of my responsibilities that he will not be taken care of. When I am sad or stressed some how he always seems to make me situation better with a nose nudge or lick of my hand. Bam Bam is one of the most important factors in my life and without him I believe it would take away some of my dedication to succeed. 

 My Little Big Sister

Everyone has that person in there life that they call on when they have crazy ideas. Well my sister is the one I call on when I have the life changing ideas. No matter what I ever decide to do my sister always seems to give her advice and end our conversation with no matter what I do she will SUPPORT me through it. There is one thing that I always keep in mind when I make a decision, and that is in the long run is the choices that I choose to make for my life influence my sister to do great things in hers. Without my sister I feel as if my life would be lost. 

Needs No Title 

This goof right here has been one of the biggest supporters in my life. As bad as this may sound she has taught me how to write a 2 week notice and accept the fact that in the long run no matter how anyone feels about it I have to look out for myself and do what's best for me. She has no sensors and tells it like it is rather I am going to like it or not. I feel as if she was not in my life that I would not have anyone in my life who would be honest with me about things. 

Sometimes in life support can come from multiple different areas in life. Mine just so happen to be my family and those who I would trust to look out and want what's best for me in life. 

My Connections To Play

My representation of play

1. “Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Redfield Jamison (professor of psychiatry)
2. “The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things.” ~ Plato (Greek philosopher

When I was growing up, the use of play and imagination was a vital role in my family. My parents took them time to play with me when I was younger. The encouraged me to use my imagination in games such as tea party and playing with my babies. 

In today's society I believe that the dynamics have changed greatly.  As most people would agree today children are more in tune with their electronics rather than sitting down and playing and or engaging in activities that require them to use their imagination. For my own children I am going to try my hardest to give them the option of playing with games that help to increase their imagination and also giving them the opportunity or play with electronics so they are not picked on or considered an odd child. 

No matter how old you become the role of play still exists. As a child it helps to show development and as an adult it helps to encourage imagination. 

Relationship Reflection

I have realized that life would be pointless and lonely without healthy relationships to share it with.

Baby Sister, Daddy and I

My dad sister and I have always been close. From laying around the house watching (sleeping) football games to practicing driving on the right side of the road. 
My dad has always been one of my biggest supporters. When ever I felt as if I couldn't do something he was always there to help get me back on track. Having my dad as a strong back bone has shown me how important it was to stick by family and those who are close to you.

Mom and Her Twins

My mother sister and I share a lot of things. Our favorites are fashion sense and luggage and tote bags. 
My mother has always inspired me to seek for more than what was right in front of me. "Education is key, you will make it farther with an education under your belt than you will with anything else." She has instilled this into me since I could remember. With this thought in mind it has helped me get where I am today. I believe in myself and my abilities.  

Mini me and I 

My sister and I are extremely close. She is my focus to keep pushing to succeed. I want to be the best role model and I can be. Watching my sister grow up and for so many years want to walk in my foot steps has only inspired me to make sure that I stay on the right track.

Just like in most families there comes a time when you just want to branch off and do things for your self with no one looking over you. Some difficulites that I have faced is feeling pressured to be perfect for my family. I felt as if I failed at anything that it would disappoint them. I later found out that no matter what I do that my family would always love and care for me. My family would always support me.

Support is a special characteristic that make relationships strong.

My personal expierences with relationships/partnerships has only inspired me to work within this field even more. Working with children is a true passion of mine and having healthy relationships will help me to continue on as a child care provider.

Child Quote

"Every child you encounter is a divine appointment."

Wess Stafford, President, Compassion International

Testing your Intelligence

Testing your Intelligence

• Considering a commitment to viewing young children holistically (i.e., a commitment to "the whole child"), what, if anything, do you believe should be measured or assessed? Explain your reasoning.

When viewing children I believe what mostly that should be measured or assessed is the child's interaction with their teachers, peers and caregivers. The way children interact with their peers and teachers is important it shows the child's development skills. 

• In what ways are school-age children assessed in other parts of the world? (Choose a country or region of the world for which you have a personal affinity.)

In South Africa when psychologist are assessing they typically use three main categories; physical, visual, hearing and speech. Certain studies examine these children and compare their findings to different parts of the world. 

• What additional ideas, comments, suggestions, examples, and/or concerns related to assessing young children would you like to share with your colleagues?

As an educator I enjoy reading and learning about different strategies and other countries use to help educate their children. Children learn in many different ways here in America and this makes me think just how differently there methods are compared to the children in South Africa. 

References:
http://www.hpod.org/pdf/Kar-thematic_edu.pdf

Natural Disasters

Natural Disasters 

I remember I was a senior in high school and it was the first hurricane that I could remember experiencing.  Hurricane Rita hit Texas but it hit Louisiana worse. People were forced to leave their homes and even the state in order to stay safe. When I returned to school we were all shocked at the amount of students who had to be transferred to our school because they lost every thing in the storm. When I spoke with one of my friends at the time she explained that it was one of the worst experiences of her life. When she left home she had to leave behind everything that she couldn't carry in her hands or fit into her car. When she finally was able to go back home everything that she ever knew was gone. Her house and all of her belongings. She explained that the only thing that helped her get past the heart breaking experience was that she had her entire family safe and alive and unlike the material things things that she lost her irreplaceable family was with her. 

Over the years I have wanted to study and learn more about Haiti. I know that it would be a nice thought that we could do something to prevent disasters from happening around the world. The truth is somethings are out of our hands and we can't prevent certain things from happening no matter how hard we try. Haiti has experienced many natural disasters. Just like the adults in this region of the world the children are also majorly affected. Children to do understand why that are living in tents and having to share dirty water. Children do not understand why they have lost so many family members right before their eyes. It is hard to for children to understand the disaster of the world.   

Immunization

Importance of Immunizations

Immunizations are very important in this day and age. They have to be up to date and on record in order to start school. While working for a summer camp I learned that some parents do not believe in giving there children immunizations. I was told that this parent believed that the "drug" that was going to be put into her child's body would cause more harm than help. This was interesting to me because since I was a child I received my yearly shots and never thought twice about it.

In South Africa their immunizations are given not to make sure they can get into school the next year but to save their life. The mortality rate in South Africa is very high and new vaccines for the children are very important. 

Being able to research and read about how in different parts of the world something as simple as immunizations can help reduce the mortality rate is very important. Every child deserves a chance in life, and if we would all not take for granted what we have here in the U.S. and think of those across the world who do not have those luxuries.

I one day plan to travel and share my knowledge and help those who are in need. I will start to pay more attention to the luxuries that I have here in the use and will try my best to help those who are less fortunate. 

References:

 New vaccines for SA's children - SouthAfrica.info

EDUC 6160 CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World

I have a very large family so through out my life I have come across plenty of childbirths. Some were more graphic than others and some were just from outside the door listening in. The childbirth that I decided to use is the birth of my God daughter Jazmine. My cousin had a very difficult time getting pregnant and carrying her children full term for little Jazzy has been a blessing from the start. Her mother was 2 weeks overdue because of a hurricane that had hit Houston, Texas that year and Jazzy was in no rush to come out. When we finally were able to get to the hospital her mother ended up have to have a C-section. The only thing I remember is holding her mother's hand telling her to relax and the doctors hand getting lost in her stomach. Everything went so fast and once he started it took no time for little Jazzy to come into the world. To give birth to a child is definitely a life changing experience. I was able to see the look of anticipation and rejoice on a new mothers face and it is something I will never forget. Childbirth has a major impact on child development because it is the start of a long journey of teaching, helping, guiding and disciplining. 

Struggles Of Childbirth In South Africa

 Living in the U.S. the health care support that is provided but medical staff for childbirth is sometimes taken for granted. In South Africa childbirth is a struggle. This clip gives just a few examples of the struggles that they face. 

  

http://www.france24.com/en/20120320-planet-hope-south-africa-childbirth-risks-hospitals-death-women-labour-clinics-health

I have learned that complaining about the small things could be blessing to those without this opportunity or support. To be grateful for this things that are offered to me as a U.S. citizen are a privilege. I believe that the struggle just to have a healthy breathing baby in South Africa has a major impact on the child development in this area. To be able to get past the stage of leaving the hospital with your child is the first stage that these mothers have to go through. Everything else just seems to be a piece of cake once that difficult stage is passed. 

Examining Codes of Ethics

Examining Codes of Ethics

• I-1.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

This ideal is significant to my professional life because I know that I can never learn enough about the early childhood field and will continue to train so that I can help train and encourage the children that I come encounter with.

• I-1.3—To recognize and respect the unique qualities,abilities, and potential of each child.

Working and studying within the early childhood field I have learned that every child is different and I have learned how important it is to accept a child just as they are and learn to adapt.

• I-1.12—To work with families to provide a safe and smooth transition as children and families move from one program to the next. 

The family is one of the child's biggest support groups. When trying to make a difference in a child's life I have learned that being that support factor and showing them that you will work and help them along their journey no matter where it takes them.

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

In Slyvia Chard's book "The Project Approach:Making Curriculum Come Alive" (Book1) a quote that stood out to me was:

"Young children are inquisitive. They ask questions, wonder about things, and like to investigate interesting phenomena in their world."

In Marcy Whitebook's article "Center For The Study Of Child Care Employment; Working For Worthy Wages" a segment that I believe is very important with in the child care world was:

"There is a growing consensus that in order to improve the quality of child care services in the United States, the child care workforce must be better compensated, through the use of public dollars and other sources."

While watching the media presentation "The Passion for Early Childhood" it just made me love this field even more than I already do. To be able to hear about professionals who love and care for the field. What gave them the drive to want to become a part of this field. I enjoyed all of the stories that each professionals offered but there was one professional that I closely related to the most. Renatta M. Cooper the Program Specialist Office of Child Care LA County Chief Administrative Office stated that there were challenges and things that she learned each year from her families and staff. "I had no idea how to support a family through this but I knew I needed to learn. I learned a lot from that case.I learned its not all about you. You have to take your ego out of it and think about what best for this child and you care enough about them to let the transistion to whats next and what comes next and what's best and I think that's really important and I would have not have known that if I wouldn't have lived it." Working with children on a day to day basis I know the challenges that can one can come across. 

I love the challenge of this field and wouldn't change it for the world!!!!

Personal Childhood Web

Maggie Risher- Grandmother

She has always been supportive in every decision that I make for my future. I spent most of my time with my grandmother growing up. No matter what I was doing my grandmother was always by my side encouraged me to try my hardest at everything I put my heart to. Till this day I call my grandmother for her impute and blessing on my choices. 

Belinda Williams- Aunt 

My Aunt is a Alumni of the University of North Texas. She influenced me to attend and get my degree and make something of myself just as she did. My Aunt has always been supportive of me and my choices. When I was in Elementary school my Aunt me to stay with her in her dorm. It was one of my best experiences with her. My aunt always made sure to check on me and my growth throughout the years. She showed me love and nurturing by never giving up on me and giving me the best advise she could with what I was trying to accomplish. 

Paris Risher- Sister

My sister is five years younger than me and has been more of a motivation than a supporter. All my life I have tried to make sure that I set a positive example for her. Just as much as I wanted to make something of myself I wanted her to the same. She has a lot of potential and I know that at any time if I slacked up that I would be a good example for her. My sister still encourages me to go on and achieve my goals and now I am helping to support her through college and achieve her own goals. 

James Risher- Daddy

My dad isn't a man of many words but he has been one of my biggest supporters. All he has ever wanted was to see his daughters succeed. I could be a basket weaver and as long as I was the best at it my dad would be proud. When I was younger my dad made sure to attend every basketball game and every dance recital. My dad made it his goal to be there for me when ever I needed him no matter what it was. My dad has always been a big encouragement to my life. He has supported me through two graduations (money and emotional) and is looking forward to supporting me through a third. 

Silva Risher-Mother

Through every tear argument and fight my mom has been there for me through it all. 13 years of back and forth dance basketball and drill team practice. My mom was always there. Even though I did not go the route of the goals that she wanted me to achieve she has always still been very supportive with my choices. Every parent wants their child to have a better future than they have had and my mom has made sure that this was accomplished. My mom is very loving and nurturing and will always make sure to give you the best advise even when it is not always wanted to to be heard. 

Week 2 blog assignments

Famous Children's Quote

"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them." Lady Bird Johnson 

Title of favorite children's book

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

I love this book because my grandfather read it to me every night for 10 years until he passed. It is a really soft bed time story that always put me at ease. 

My God-daughter and I at my Great Grandparents 93 and 94 birthday!!!! She didn't want to smile for the camera. 

I am excited about getting started with this program. I have already learned a few things that I didn't know and I am sure there is more where this came from!