My Supports

What support means to me. Support is not doing it is being, it is the comfort knowing I am not alone. The comfort that my decisions are my own as well as my mistakes and in that, I am surrounded by people and places that are forgiving and encouraging. After all we are all learners and perfection is reserved for the divine.

My personal support comes from my family and loved ones and the air I breathe. So no matter where I am if I have my family I am home, if I can be outside and feel the sun, see some green and breath deeply, again I am home.

The abbreviated version of daily support is: I awake to wagging tails of my dogs, sleep eyes and hair on end from my husband, and visits or phone calls almost daily of my children and grandchild, this is food for my soul and gives me great comfort. As I head to work my day is mostly outside no mater what the weather is, if I am inside I am surrounded by large window, this is food for my senses.

I am supported in every step I take and cannot possibly list them all. From family and friends, animals, nature, people I work with, the children and families I serve my community and in my education I am supported. Only when I support others I support myself.

The challenge I choose is being confined to a wheel chair. Because I have said I am supported by every step I take, I thought how would I survive without that step that I have interpreted as freedom. It is difficult for me not to be independent although I heavily rely on my support system. The support I would need of course would be physical, but mostly creating an environment that I could do as much for myself as possible. I would need emotional support helping me make the shift of what my new skill set is, learning how I can be useful in my community and feel a sense of purpose in my life. 

My Connection To Play

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” 
― Rachel Carson

(As a 4 or 5 year olds child to have an adult excited about rediscovering nature and be as enthusiastic as a child about the wonders and endless creative play is it for me. When that adults allows the safe space for a child to explore on their own or accompanied, is play.)

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

Tools to extend play out on the woods, scarves and buckets

In the scenario, a reflection of play as a 4 or 5 year old, I would choose to be in the woods but would want an adult in the area for the secure feeling. The items I would like to have with me are a bucket or two and many old scarves and maybe an old spoon. When it comes to constructing a fort with large sticks if my friends and I couldn’t figure out how to tie scarves to secure the sticks we would ask for help. The scarves could become capes, shelter, blankets, bandages for injuries or anything. The buckets could be stools, salad bowls, tables, the skys the limit. But for the most part I would want the adult to be there but allow dramatic play to create itself. 

As a child this experiences would be thrilling, the unknown of what will develop in our play, the independence to create and be, and the mystery and discovery of what nature reveals. This is how play was for me as a child and all the feelings come back, the love of natural spaces has stuck and the freedom has left me feeling that everything is a gift. Play now a days does not always have the gift of time as it did in my childhood, but my mothers job was at home with the children. When my children were growing up of course I was a mom, but I worked so time was more limited, nature play was very intentional and took the place of soccer practice and other organized activities.  Also the secure natural spaces are becoming fewer and fewer, if city playgrounds were converted into naturalized play spaces children would have the same feeling of being in the woods close to home. Children don't need a big space, they need time and safety to explore those natural spaces because in play "its only natural".

                                                   

Relationship Reflection

It is difficult for me to identify the positive relationships in my life, because through the years they have all become positive very important partnerships for me. 

My husband and children have been and amazing wealth of love lessons and encouragement, now that they are all adults our relationship has shifted to mutual caring and joy. As my family grows so does the love and respect.

Another powerful relationship is one with my brothers and sisters, this is my oldest sister Jamie with whom there is a special bond beyond any friendship. Now that our parents have past the evolution I see in my 7 brothers and sisters is beautiful, we are becoming the elders. Jamie and I share the spirit of the earth and yes that is a wolf by her side, we frequent a wolf rescue among other profound experiences.

My backyard. Nature is a relationship that I can not do with out, it is stunning, harsh, it moves slowly, it calms me, it breaths life into me and it inspires me. Nature keeps me flexible, challenged and I want to share this relationship with everyone I possible can. No matter what your backyard looks like nature exists in every blade of grass, rock and insect. 

My husband of 30 years. This is a relationship that no words do justice, there are challenges sometimes on a daily basis, there is growth and comfort within each year and there is support beyond my wildest dreams.

I have learned through the years that each relationship I encounter is a positive one, I know that sounds unrealistic but true. I learned the most for a coworker that was so very hard to work with, I had to let her go and the challenges continued. My co director and I did mediation with this teacher and it was a very unpleasant experience but the lessons learned still teach me to this day 10 years later. I learned nobody can ruin my day, nobody can make me feel bad, and nobody can take my power away. I am in control of how I take each experience, I cannot control the experiences, but I can choose to learn from them. This is something I realized no matter how much experience I have or how much knowledge I acquire I am always a student learning. Each day is filled with a lesson in humility which I bring to my relationships especially in my work with young children, families and colleagues.  This is not to say I do not stand up for what is the best practice for young children, my goal in life is to view different perspectives and not judge, that is a tall order and as I said before an on going lesson.

Quotes and Well Wishes

“Play, Incorporating Animistic and Magical Thinking Is Important                       

Because it:                                                                                                                                  

Fosters the healthy, creative and emotional growth of a child;                                   

Forms the best foundation for later intellectual growth.                                            

Provides a way in which children get to know the world and creates              

possibilities for different ways of responding to it.                                                      

Fosters empathy and wonder.”  

“By suggestion and example, I believe children can be helped to hear the   many voices about them. Take Time to listen and talk about the voices                                     

of the earth and what they mean-the majestic voice of thunder, the                       

winds, the sound of surf or flowing streams.”

                                                                        Rachel Carson~ “A Sense of Wonder"

 My Dear Colleagues, 

I have learned a lot from your perspectives and the experiences you have brought to this learning adventure. You are perceptive smart women with a passion for wanting the best for children and families. As pictured above my family just grew with the birth of my first grandchild four weeks ago and my passion is fueled more than ever. I wish you all the amazing experiences, challenges and joy children bring. Thank you form the worlds children.

The Swedish Education System & Assessments

The country I am so interested in is Peru, but I really could not find much about assessments there. It is a luxury for rural children to even be in school so I chose my favorite system, which is Sweden. We have had quite a few families from Sweden who chose our preschool because of the similarities, we do not push academics there is more problem solving, discovery and we spend much of our time outside. Although I must add we do more academics than the Swedish system because our children enter the American public school and would be at a big disadvantage if they were not prepared at the age of 5.

In Sweden formal school begins at 7 years old, this is when children learn to read. The school system go’s through the age of 16. Sweden has some of the highest literacy scores; the question is; is it because the early years are spent feeling safe, socializing and playing? So when children begin to learn they are excited? Or is it because they do not teach to the test? I don’t have the answer but the system works in Sweden because it is supported by the culture as a whole. Preschools are heavily subsidized so parents pay a small amount so they can go to work, but quality preschool is available to everyone. The government and the parents trust teachers for the quality care they provide. Children feel safe and stay with their caregivers for years, then are excited to learn as they develop. Often by the age of 6 or 7 in the US or UK children are already feeling failure and comparison, in Sweden as they begin to learn they don’t have any of those negative pulls.

I found a great video in three parts, below is the last part of the segment that address older children as well as preschool.

Early years education: Sweden versus the UK Part 3 (of 3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo1AJWqCIww&feature=endscreen&NR=1

As far as assessing young children I have experienced several different ways. I have done an online assessment for children in the CPP program (Colorado Preschool Program) for children who are at risk; it provides parents with a reduced tuition rate and a standard assessment using the Creative Curriculum tools.  By far my favorite are portfolios, although much more time consuming. We first do an observation, and then tailor each child’s needs to an Individual Learning Plan; we finish the end of the year with a portfolio of pictures, artwork and anecdotal notes. The teachers put a lot of work into these and they have a more holistic outcome because we include notes from our home visits and several family partnership pieces. Like the Swedish system I feel that this age should have such a focus on social and emotional development, along with that comes cognitive, language, fine and large motor development.

Violence In Young Children's Lives

I know a woman who experienced violence in her childhood, she has remember very little about her childhood until recently. She is beginning to get little snippets of memory of the age of 4 being molested by her stepfather. She has had to confirm these little memories with family members because she wasn’t sure if they were dreams. She is seeing a therapist and realizes she had lived in fear from the age of 4 until 6 or 7 when her Stepfather left, by bringing these memories back up she can heal.

I am interested in Peru since my son and his wife live there. Peru is afflicted with poverty, in 2008 45% of the total population lives in poverty, of that 60% are children ages 0-5. Now the poverty rate has dropped to 30%. Peru has the fastest growing economy; they have made great advances in keeping the infant mortality rate down by introducing more prenatal information and health services for people living in rural areas. Unfortunately there are still a high rate of chronic child malnutrition and a high incidence of family violence. Malnutrition takes its toll on children development; Peru is attempting to get as many children as possible in preschool where they will receive food and parents receive education as well as the children.

My son told me that when he visits the rural areas he feels as though he has gone back in time 100 years, there is more inequality now because some areas are doing well and other conditions have not changed.

Unicef (2008) Situation of Children in Peru, Executive Summery. Retrieved September 29, 2012 at

http://www.unicef.org/peru/spanish/Folleto_ing_correc_1.pdf

Andean Air Mail & Peruvian Times March 30 (2012). Peru’s Poverty Rate Drops to 30.8 Percent.

http://www.peruviantimes.com/30/perus-poverty-rate-drops-to-30-8-percent-inei/15436/

The Need for World Wide Immunizations

I am all for healthy living, I eat food grown in my garden, I buy organic or locally grown food, I get outside and hike, do yoga, and I am very lucky! This is why I get very frustrated with people in my situation that don't immunizing their children because it is not safe. In this country many people do immunize and we all protect those who are not. But in developing countries they are not as lucky. For example there is an amazing vacine for measles, humans are the only host for this virus, so it can be destroyed if everyone is immunized. Developing countries are riddled with very preventable deseases, but do not have the resources to immunize all their citizens. This country is now experiencing an epidemic of pertussis because groups of individuals chose not to immunize their children, putting not only their children at risk but the elderly and people with compromised immun systems. If anyone wants to donate to a world cause consider immunization for developing countries, give children a chance to survive, life is hard enough finding clean water, nutritious food and a safe home. I'll now step off my soap box!

I found some great information from Vacines for the Developing World at http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/07/vaccines-developing-world.html

And Immunize for Good (this is for Colorado, but the CDC has links to any state)

http://www.immunizeforgood.com/

Birth Experience

My birth experience of my three children were amazing. I had great prenatal care where my sister was my OB's nurse for the first two, I have a loving husband and supportive family and well nourished both with food and love. For the birth of my third son I had a nurse midwife, it was an intimate experience that only lasted 45 min. Recovery was so easy and even at a high elevation my children were all 9 lbs. 

Pictured above is my daughter ready to give birth any day now, also with a nurse midwife and she is hoping to do it naturally (In my day there were no options of drugs and inducing was not as common as it is now). She asked me to be a part of it and I am thrilled, each day I'm wondering if this is the day? Again her experience like mine has been one of beauty because of all the advantages of prenatal care, education on what affects the fetus and low stress with so much support. However my daughter had so much lab work done and ultrasounds, technology has advanced so much. She told me with her next child she will not have all the NIPD's done. No matter what the outcome is she would not terminate the pregnancy. She is in her 20's and very healthy, she will definitely have a home birth for her next pregnancy, on the contrary home births are not covered by insurance and there are not many midwives within a reasonable distance to assist in the birth. 

I chose Peru to investigate prenatal experiences because my son and his wife live there (she is Peruvian). I found out that Peru has an astonishingly high maternal mortality rate, in every 100,000 births 185 mother's die. Peru's health minister is trying to entice women to have their babies in clinic's or hospitals, saying that they now allow vertical births which is healthier for the mother and child. Although this is true, many of the rural women having children at home do not summons a midwife unless something is wrong. These women are malnourished and have no prenatal care, it would be more affective to educate women families and providing midwives with education on prenatal care and  how to treat shock, equipping them with life saving anti hemorrhaging medication. The alternative is for a woman to hike 5 miles during labor to a clinic, and with other children at home that is not a possibility. This has really opened my eyes to the advantages I've had in my experience, thinking this is a typical occurrence, how lucky I have been! 

Many Thanks for a New Beginning!

                                                         Dear Colleagues and friends,

Thank you for guiding me through my new adventure of attaining my goals and pursuing my passion! 

Dr. Kien you have been so patient with my struggle with APA style cover page and citing, your input and encouragement has been so valuable and I have learned so much from you.
I glanced over my blog and the comments made, and I must thank you all. As I look at the first post, we were all so excited to have figured out the blogs. I feel supported in my love of nature and passing that along to any child, teacher and parent that will listen. I have gained some great additional resources, been inspired by quotes and am awe struck by all the individual experiences that brought you to Walden and this new beginning in our professional life. My best to all and I look forward to more blogging!

Elisa I'm sure you can relate to the round bellies in the picture, since it wasn't long since you were there. Pictured is my daughter (& grand baby) and two little girls wanting to be just like their teacher, at my little non profit environmental preschool. (It's not really mine, but its been my baby for the last 20 years, its my youngest child.)                                                          My heart felt thanks and love to all.

Code of Ethics

Each one of these speaks to me in different areas, the "over all" section are code of ethics to live by.

Child & Family

To listen to families, acknowledge and build upon their strengths and competencies, and learn from families as we support them in their task of nurturing children. (NAEYC)

To ensure that each child’s culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program. (NAEYC)

Professionalism

We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and using new evidence based information to improve our practices while also responding openly to the suggestions of others. (DEC)

Co-Workers

When we have concerns about the professional behavior of a co-worker, we shall first let that person know of our concern in a way that shows respect for personal dignity and for the diversity to be found among staff members, and then attempt to resolve the matter collegially and in a confidential manner. (NAEYC)

Over all

To work through education, research, and advocacy toward an environmentally safe world in which all children receive health care, food, and shelter; are nurtured; and live free from violence in their home and their communities. (NAEYC)

We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture. (DEC)

Early Childhood Resources

Position Statements and Influential Practices

NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap

·  NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf

·  NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf

·  NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf

·  NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf

·  NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf

·  Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller

·  FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf

 Global Support for Children's Rights and Well-Being

·       Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf

Early Childhood Organizations Websites

National Association for the Education of Young Children   http://www.naeyc.org

The Division for Early Childhood  http://www.dec-sped.org

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families   http://www.zerotothree.org

WESTED   http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home

Society for Research in Child Development http://www.srcd.org         Newsletter: http://www.srcd.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=238&Itemid=543 

Harvard Education Letter   http://www.hepg.org

FPG Child Development Institute  http://www.fpg.unc.edu

Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference
http://www.acf.hhs.gov

HighScope  http://www.highscope.org

Children's Defense Fund  http://www.childrensdefense.org

Center for Child Care Workforce  http://www.ccw.org

Newsletter: http://www.ccw.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=78&Itemid=72 

Council for Exceptional Children http://www.cec.sped.org

Institute for Women's Policy Research http://www.iwpr.org

National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress

National Child Care Association http://www.nccanet.org

National Institute for Early Education Research http://nieer.org

Pre[K]Now http://www.preknow.org

Voices for America's Children http://www.voices.org

The Erikson Institute http://www.erikson.edu

World Forum Foundation http://worldforumfoundation.org

World Organization for Early Childhood Education http://www.omep-usnc.org

Association for Childhood Education International http://acei.org

Evidence Based Practices Websites

The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center http://nectac.org/topics/evbased/evbased.asp

Promising Practices Network http://promisingpractices.net

Child & Family WebGuide http://cfw.tufts.edu

Foundation For Child Development http://fcd-us.org

Professional Journals

1.     YC Young Children

2.     Childhood

3.     Journal of Child & Family Studies

4.     Child Study Journal

5.     Multicultural Education

6.     Early Childhood Education Journal

7.     Journal of Early Childhood Research

8.     International Journal of Early Childhood

9.     Early Childhood Research Quarterly

10.   Developmental Psychology

11.   Social Studies

12.   Maternal & Child Health Journal

13.  International Journal of Early Years Education

Pod Cast

Bam Radio: Body Mind & Child-Preparing your child’s body and mind for life

http://www.bamradionetwork.com

Books

Mind in the Making: The seven essential life skills every child needs By Ellen Galinsky

Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How our children really learn by Roberta Michnick Gdinkoff, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Dian Eyer

http://www.allianceforchildhood.org/play_resources

Quotes With Children In Mind

“Education for all the people.”

                                                                        ~Lyndon B Johnson

“The question is not “What can children do?” Rather, it is “What should children do that best serves their development and learning in the long term.”

                                                                        ~Lilian Katz

“My passion is to make sure all children are taught in environments and in ways that truly nurture their ability to grow and develop.”

                                                                        ~Louise Derman Sparks

“I’m not here to save the world, I’m here to make a difference in my community.”

                                                                        ~Raymond Hernandez

“We must be the voice of the voiceless.”

                                                                        ~Marian Wright Edelman

Personal Childhood Web

Being the youngest of 8, "just you and me time" was precious.

#1 Mom, she was at the other end of my continuous talk of how my day went. She listened and was the soft comfort that made me feel like an only child. She gave me the gift of playing outside, true freedom.

#2 Dad, had boundaries and lessons at every turn, but he made me feel safe. His Catholic faith and his Italian culture were so important to him; it made me feel a part of the culture I never physically experienced. 

#3 Grandma Porter, she looked at me (all my siblings too) through rose-colored glasses, never seeing imperfections. At grandma's house the rules were relaxed, she taught me how to play her organ, most of all she had the gift of time.

#4 Uncle Jimmy, although I only saw him about once a year, and could hardly keep track of all the aunts a uncles and cousins. Uncle Jimmy stood out, he noticed me and always sought me out from the masses to play cards or sit outside and talk. 

To this day the gift of the outdoor space is the most profound experience that directed both my personal and professional life. My family went on numerous camping and fishing trips; my Mom and I would grab our sketchbooks and find a soft rock (a large rock shaped perfectly to our bodies so it felt soft). In a family meeting my Dad asked if we kids would be willing to give up our allowance for a year to help the family buy a little piece of mountain property. My parents showed me the love of nature, and this made me feel such stewardship for what we all still feel is our sanitary.     

Children Learn What They Are Exposed To

Children learn early from us, if we fear a spider so do they. If we love snakes so do they.

 Choose your words and actions carefully.

    Thanks Mom and Dad!

My Favorite Children's Book

"Everybody Needs A Rock" by Byrd Baylor with pictures by Peter Parnall

I love this because it has 10 simple rules to picking that special rock. I've done this with my pre-k classroom in so many different ways. We all went our sperate ways and collected our rocks, if the kids want they can tell us why they chose it other wise it's kept our little secret. We compare sizes, textures, colors and we've bathed them to name a few activities. In the illustrations there are animals in the rock pictures, that's another direction for more outdoor adventures. What's great about this is there are rocks everywhere, so if you only have a parking lot, that works. What a great way to get kids outside to look closely and befriend a rock!