2 quotes about working with children

"It's not about you.  You gotta take your ego out of it and think about what's best for this child.  You care about them enough to help them transition to what comes next and what's best for them."
 -Renatta M. Cooper-

"I had a built in passion that it was important to make a real contribution to the world"
-Louise Derman-Sparks-

“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

How would you define passion?

Would you agree with one of these definitions for passion or create your own?

• The energy that comes from bringing more of YOU into what you do.
• Strong emotions: when clear and rational thinking becomes overwhelmed by intense emotions.
• Happiness: pursuing things that make us happy in the moment.
• Loss of control: surrendering ourselves to our passions.
• Strong emotions that motivate us to move beyond our comfort zone and achieve the potential that resides within us.
• Something that provides us with focus and direction, especially when it grows as we discover how much potential there really is.
• Perserverance
• An overwhelming urge to engage and act.
• Utilizes a significant sacrifice to progress.

(taken from Edge Perspectives with John Hagel: Pursuing Passion) 

Passion...

"When you're aligned with what energizes you ... it's like having both feet solidly planted on the floor and your center of gravity low.  You don't have to worry about somebody knocking you off balance because it doesn't take a special energy to simply be who you are."  Curt Rosengren

"In a learning society everyone will need to become, and remain, committed to learning."  

Peter Johnston, Paula Costello 

In their article, Program Quality and Early Childhood Inclusion,Virginia Buysse and Heidi L. Hollingsworth note that high quality early childhood education is linked to developmental outcomes in children that will set them on a path for success in school.

 

There is now substantial research evidence to suggest a causal link between program quality and developmental outcomes in young children enrolled in early education programs. Among the general population of young children who participate in early education programs,high-quality early care and education offer a strong foundation for school readiness across key domains of learning and set the stage for future school success.

Topics in Early Childhood

Special Education

Volume XX Number X

Month XXXX xx-xx

© 2009 Hammill Institute on

Disabilities

 http://life.comm.fsu.edu/LIFEArticles/PD/Topics_ProgramQuality.pdf

"Curriculum today goes beyond process to address both what to teach (the content to belearned) and when, with attention to the important sequences of development and

learning, and on discipline-based knowledge about how abilities build on prior learning."  Sue Bredekamp 

Article: Staying True to our Principles. Educating Young Children http://www.ecta.org.au/_dbase_upl/Spring206EYC_SueArticle.pdf

Not reading after third grade; hold back or move on?

" for the kids who aren't reading at the end of third grade, your responsibility is to intervene and individualize in strategic ways not to flunk or hold kids back in third grade but to set up systematic, individualized intervention." Sue Bredekamp

Reading starts with nurturing

"If the first three years of life are deprived in terms of stimulation and interaction with warm, nurturing human beings, it's going to be real tough for the child to acquire the depth and breadth of verbal language needed to build reading abilities." Sue Bredekamp

The power of family love

"From our families we learn skills that enable us to function in larger and more formal settings, such as school and the workplace. Family experiences also shape our expectations of how the larger world will interact with us." Linda Garris Christian

I am grateful for my family, the one I was born and raised in as well as my husband and children! Each person has played a role in helping me to shape who I am today and how I interact with others. It is through them that I offer credit to my successes.

I am reminded of a great hymn which states:
"Each life that touches ours for good 
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deed of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory.
bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise they goodness, Lord, above.
  Karen Lynn Davidson 1985

My family members are also my friends. They have touched my life in positive ways. They have helped me to feel loved and valued. It is through their influences that I am on a path to greatness and I am able to pass that love on to others.

Childhood Journey: Somebody's got to be crazy about that kid

Childhood Journey: Somebody's got to be crazy about that kid: "...in order to develop normally, a child requires progressively more complex joint activity with one or more adults who have an...

Somebody's got to be crazy about that kid

"...in order to develop normally, a child requires progressively more complex joint activity with one or more adults who have an irrational emotional relationship with the child. Somebody’s got to be crazy about that kid. That’s number one. First, last, and always." from a distinguished developmental psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner.

 

 

"Young children experience their world as an environment of relationships, and these relationships affect virtually all aspects of their development – intellectual, social, emotional, physical, behavioral, and moral. The quality and stability of a child’s human relationships in the early years lay the foundation for a wide range of later developmental outcomes that really matter – self-confidence and sound mental health, motivation to learn, achievement in school and later in life, the ability to control aggressive impulses and resolve conflicts in non-violent ways, knowing the difference between right and wrong, having the capacity to develop and sustain casual friendships and intimate relationships, and ultimately to be a successful parent oneself." National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2004). Young children develop in an environment of relationships

For all those who were crazy about me as a child, thank you for contributing to who I am today!

Childhood Web Grandma

My grandmas were great ladies!

My Granny is the one in the wheel chair, although this is not how I remember her. My memories of my granny seemed to always be surrounded by water. I remember her laying on her raft in our swimming pool in the backyard for what seemed like forever just tanning. I was amazed someone could change colors like that :)  

Granny also had a boat she would take us out on often. She taught me that it was ok to try hard things, and when you don't succeed, you just keep trying or you find another way. When we would go skiing on the boat, Granny really wanted to water ski with just one ski. She tried and tried to get up starting on one ski, but never could do it. She would start getting up and fall back down, over and over again. Eventually she found another way; she would either start on two skis and have the driver of the boat take her near the cove where she would kick one off and one of the kids on the side would swim after it, or she would start at the edge of the water/sand area where she was already standing and have the boat take off. Once she got up though, she would ski for long time. I loved the different faces she would make as the water splashed up in her face.  She would bring lots of Shasta soda for us to drink and warn us to stay away from her Fresca. My Granny was also great at playing cards and we spent many past times playing card games. She valued the importance of time together as a family and showed us that it doesn't take much to have fun and be together.

My Grandma Helen is the grandma whose name and legacy I carry. She is my mother's mom and an inspiration to me. I didn't have the opportunity to spend much time with her when I was a child, but I heard her many stories. One thing I remember as a child is being told often "your grandma was a great dancer." She spent many years as a ballroom dance instructor and showed that when you do something you love, you will always hold that dear to your heart. She was an inspiration to me to keep dancing and I have followed in her paths as I taught some dance classes together with my mother.

Grandma Helen has another legacy she shares with the family. I heard stories as a young girl about the hard life my grandmother had when she grew up. She was in Germany during World War II and was raised in an orphanage by the nuns from age 4-14. Then she went to work for other people, tending their farms and other housework. She had many trials and a hard life. There are always times that we go through during childhood that we think are difficult, but when I remember the stories of my grandmother, it helps me to persevere and  know that I can get through these times.

My grandmothers left lasting impressions for me to follow. They taught me to value my family and the times I have with them and to stick to my dreams, never taking for granted all that I have been blessed with in my life.

Childhood Web My Sisters

It was fun having three sisters growing up, two older and one younger.

Swimming was always a great time in our own backyard in Modesto, California.

 (My brother in the background)

April was the oldest sister. She was like the "little mom". She always seemed to be looking after us. I remember thinking she was so organized and had everything in her life all planned out. She got really high grades in school and I wanted to be like that.

When I was younger I took baton lessons. April would help me twirl my baton and teach me different tricks. She was also the first that I remember wearing the high heel tap shoes. She wore them with pride and I really wanted to advance to those high heels. She was a great dancer! She taught me patience and a love for caring and serving for others.

This photo shows my sister-in-law Stephanie. I spent lots of time at her house with her kids and my best friend, Jamie; also her sister. She would take us shopping and play games with us. She seemed to really enjoy our company and treated us like adults. I remember being able to go on vacation with her a few times. She seemed to always be laughing at something.



Jen was the second oldest sister. To me she always seemed to be having fun. She had lots of friends and always had something exciting to do. She was adventurous and full of confidence about herself. She inspired me to take drum lessons and to try new things. She was willing to take me and my friend places like the beach or the movies. I remember one time she had taken just me to go see a movie.  Shortly into the movie, she realized that it was not really an appropriate show. She leaned over to me and said she thought we should leave. She didn't ask for her money back, and when we walked out, she thanked me for not getting mad that we left and bought me a cookie from the nearby shop before getting in the car. She was an inspiration to me that we should always stand up for our values.

 Melissa was my younger sister and the one I would say I spent the most time with. She seemed to do and say the silliest things. While there was quite an age gap between us, there were still things that we enjoyed together. We liked the same kind of music and enjoyed playing games together. Melissa joined Mom and I and my brothers as we were clog dancing. She was what we called "a ham" in front of others. She loved to smile and show off with our brother and everyone thought they were so adorable. I also had the opportunity to coach Melissa's soccer team and watch her persevere when so many other people told her she couldn't do it.

All of my sisters have been an inspiration to me in different ways. They have helped to shape who I am by showing me character traits that I have tried to develop in myself. I love them all and am grateful to have them in my life!

Mom and Dad

If I had to sum up Mom and Dad, I would use the words sacrifice and support!
Sure all parents probably make sacrifices for their kids, but my parents seemed to sacrifice tons for us kids to make sure that we had a childhood that would build who we were.  First of all, who is crazy enough to have 8 kids? Then, who is crazy enough to have 8 kids and insure that all of them participate in extra-curricular activities? AND who can keep their schedules straight to not only pay for these activities on a very limited budget but to drive us all around?  That was my parents. I was the fifth of eight kids, but there were many times that I felt it was all about me! They were a great support and spent time with me to make me feel special.

Some of their sacrifices and support gave me these great experiences:

From the time I learned to walk, I was kicking around a soccer ball.  As soon as I was old enough to play on a team, I played every season every year.  All eight kids playing on soccer teams really made some fun experiences!

I also learned to dance from a very young age, and stayed in dance my whole life.  This last photo you can see me in the purple shirt with my mom on my right and my best friend Jamie on my left. When I reached my teenage years we came across a dance called clogging. Finally, mom and I could learn together and dance side by side. My best friend joined us and my younger siblings joined us. Many happy memories stem from the clogging trips we took together. One of the greatest rewards of this sacrifice from my parents is the ability that mom and I still have to dance together. We have been able to run a dance studio together and travel to different places dancing.

When I was in junior high my parents encouraged me to become a cheerleader. Not my first pick of things, but one of my mom's dreams that was fulfilled through me. Although there were many times I was quite embarrassed to wear a cheerleader outfit to school, I learned a lot about myself and grew in new ways. I had to develop confidence in myself and learn to step outside of my comfort zone.

My parents encouraged and supported my love for rabbits. They helped me to build my rabbit cages and taught me to properly care for them. They were patient in my struggles, helped me through the losses, and even provided solutions to keep the hunting dogs away. Rabbits were a great friend to me.

Frequent fishing trips were also a large part of my childhood. We spent many weekends and early mornings and late nights fishing. This was anything from small ponds to large lakes, from fishing along the sides or on a boat. Some how, dad just has the nack for finding the right spots so we can get the fish. Dad and Mom are also great cooks, and I loved to go back and eat the fish.

When I was older and they realized I really wasn't cheerleader material, they let me join the football team (powder puff that it).

And when I was in the crazy adolescent years, they were supportive of my outrageous endeavors. When I came home with a car I allowed my friends help me paint (TWICE!) they didn't flip out but let me be who I was (or as far as I can remember).

Now these were really parents who were made sacrifices to provide experiences for me to grow and supported the things I really enjoyed.

Who says you shouldn't play with your food?

First time with spaghetti squash.  Sure I ate my portion, but then I played with the rest.  That's really cool.  Never had that before.  I gotta bring this to school and put it in a sensory box. 

I can just imagine the ooey gooey pieces slipping through little fingers.  I wonder how many kids have ever had spaghetti squash.  How come I've never seen this in all the sites? Has anyone ever tried it before?

I Love You the Purplest

A children's book I love is called I Love You the Purplest by Barbara Joosse

This book takes you through the day of a mom spending time with her two boys.  In their adventures of fishing, the boys seek to be "the best" at everything. Mom is clever, and she has an answer for each of their questions of who is the best, capturing their personalities and building them up. For instance, when they are searching for worms and wanting to know who is the best, mom responds saying one boy catches the liveliest worms and the other boy catches the juiciest worms. When rowing the boat, one boy rows the deepest and one boy rows the fastest. At the end of the story as she is tucking the boys into bed, they ask who she loves the best. Her answer completes this wonderful tale!

For those who have children who feel the need to compete with others, and the drive to be always the "best" this story is for you.  I was able to put the concept into practice one day.  I had some neighbor children, age 2,4,9,&10 over helping me to pull weeds as we cleared the garden bed to prepare to plant.  Not too far into the weed pulling, the oldest child brought me a really big weed and said, "Look, I pulled the biggest weed!"  This of course upset the younger children who ran off trying to pull really big weeds, but just didn't have the strength to do so. I challenged them in different ways. I had someone find me the smallest weed, the most colorful weed, the weed with the thinnest root, fattest or longest root, and anything else that I could think of.  By the time these four children went home, they had all been the best at finding some kind of weed.  The adventure together was just as rewarding for me!

When they finally went home and ran to tell their mom how much fun they had in pulling weeds, she questioned me as to how I can get her kids to pull weeds and she never can.  What do you think? This book is an inspiration of how to build children up and give them what they need without putting anyone else down.  It helps children to see how unique and loved they each are for their own special ways. A must read.

**Barbara Joosse is also the author of a great book called Mama, Do You Love Me **

Life

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." Angela Schwindt

Maria Montessori

"The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist." Maria Montessori

Jean Piaget

"Every time we teach a child something, we keep him from inventing it himself...That which we allow him to discover by himself...will remain with him." Jean Piaget

Oatmeal Discovery

Parent Teacher conferences are always fun! I have the opportunity to discuss with parents the great things their child is doing.  Together, we discuss practices that can be done at home and at school.  There is one conference I will never forget.

When the mom came for her three year old's conference, she brought her baby and the baby's diaper bag with her.  We held the conference outside where the children could play and the weather was pleasantly nice: cool shade and a slight breeze.  As we were talking, we didn't think much about her three year old who decided to go through the diaper bag.  Excited he went running away with something in his hand.  We both looked over just as he was ripping the top off a packet of instant oatmeal.  Another child came over to him to see what he had and he held it up high in the air.  Mom was standing up by now, ready to run across the play yard after him.  I told her I thought she should wait and see what he would do.  Slowly, he started to turn the packet of oatmeal upside down, ready to dump it all over the yard.  His mom called out for him, he turned and smiled at her as I put a hand on her arm and assured her that it was okay.  With a puzzled look, she turned back just in time to see him slowly pour the oatmeal out from the packet.

That's when the discovery happened.  The breeze reached out and grabbed that oatmeal.  It swirled in air in front of several little eyes.  All the children came running.  They giggled in awe and reached out to try to grab for little oats.  Then they danced across the play yard, chasing after little specks of oatmeal as it floated in the air.  If any piece fell to the ground, the children picked it up, held it high above their heads, and gently released, waiting for the wind to carry it away.  His Mom and I sat silently and watched.  When there was no more oatmeal to be found, the group of children that had formed ran over asking for more.  Poor Mom, she wasn't sure what to do.  She looked at me, and all I could do was smile.  She reached into the diaper bag and pulled out several more packets of oatmeal, quizzing me with a look of "Is this ok?".  As we watched the children explore the elements of wind with oatmeal, a door was opened that allowed me to teach this Mom not only the joy of learning, but the  importance of true discovery and our role as leaders to our children. 

How much learning is stopped before it ever had a chance to begin?