Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

Blog week 3

This week I tried to complete my email my contact; I am still waiting for her to respond, hopefully she will. I found that the website CHIP was very helpful to me. The Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Center is a collaborative research and policy programmer which involves Save the Children, the Chronic Poverty Research Centre (CPRC) and partners in China, India, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia. The one thing that stuck out to me one this website was a very interesting quote which stated “Today’s poor children are all too often tomorrow's poor parents. Poverty can be passed on from generation to generation affecting the long-term health, wellbeing and productivity of families and of society as a whole.” This statement is so true. I have seen this very thing happen in the community I live; to be honest it happens/ is happening every day. The interview with Dr. Grace was very informative to me. I could relate too many of the issues/topics she was talking about; it felt like she was hitting home. She said when living in poverty it sucks the life out of you. That statement was not only a sting but a light bulb also went off in my head because it brought back memories of my childhood. Even though I never lived in poverty, my closest friends did. I can remember my best friend telling me stories about her mother always being tired and not waiting to do anything after working. For this reason my best friend tried to help out as much as she could with her younger siblings. Her mother worked hard every day for her and her brother and sisters to have a better life today. She didn’t want them to suffer, but to be better than she was. When we were little we didn’t know what poverty was, but now my best friends other is relaxing comfortably. Her hard work paid off and her children are now successful and helping her out. Dr. Grace of confirmed that poverty has a bigger effect on those who are in poverty between birth to eight years of age. This is a very critical time for children. It is not only important that they get a solid foundation in education but health as well. I believe one reason that my best friend and her sibling made it was simply because she had positive relationships with loving and caring adults.

Resources
“The Effects of Poverty on the Early Childhood Community”
 http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/

My Supports

One of my main support systems I use on a daily basis is exercise. Physical activity has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. I started off swimming and ice skating; later I started to compete with swimming and ice skating and added tennis into the mix.  I have always been an active person, and I realize that when I exercise, it takes away a lot of tension and stress I may feel.  While I am exercising, everything else goes out the window.   I love to work-out with friends, so every chance I get I drag a friend or two along. Recently my friends and I got involved in pole workouts, which are very interesting. We like to have fun while exercising, and these pole classes do just that. They have zumba and pilates as well as cardio.  

Another main support system I use on a daily basis is my brother. My older brother and ‘I have establish this incredible relationship over the last few years. When I need and ear to listen, or simply want to go out and have fun, my brother is who I can count on. I admire him for his ambitions and what he has accomplished in life. I love the way he take life on step at a time, and lives it to the fullest. One thing my brother and I share is the love for photography. We grew up taking a lot of pictures, and I believe as adults we still love to do so as well as be in them. We love to capture those moments some might think are small. My brothers’ girlfriend and I are very close as well. I look up to here as an older sister, being that I have no real sister! We have created a strong bond, and I cannot wait to see where it takes us.

The next support system is the relationship my best girl-friends. I surround myself with people who have the same goals as I do in life. We all strive to be ambitious young leaders in our chosen career.  I love these girls with my heart. I am able to talk to them about any and every thing from the weird to relationships to politics.  These girls have always supported me, and gave me strength along the way. We all met in college, and formed long lasting bonds. When I am with them, I can truly be myself and not worry about them judging me. We have been there for each other with highs and lows including graduation, relationships, birthday days and more! 

 The last support system is my co-workers! Even though I recently met my co-workers in the last year, we have created loving caring relationships as well. I have never met a better group of people I love to work with. WE share our ideas and teaching secrets all the time. When I need that extra push to get through the day, I know I can rely on my assistant and co-workers!

Along with the unconditional love and support of my family, which I do not see every day, these are my support systems that get me through my days and weeks. They bring me joy, and through them I have learned so much about myself!!!

Shana's Connection with play

Play quotes from childhood:

-          “Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it, life just does not taste as good”

-          “ You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation

My friends and I played with Barbie dolls all the time for hours at a time. I have a special collection of some at my home on the shelf.  We were able to dress them up, do their hair, give them pets, wash them etc....The things you can do with Barbie are endless.

Riding bikes for me was a stress reliever. I would ride around the neighborhood with my mom and dad when I was not with my friends. I learned how to do special tricks, and it was great exercise! I always felt free while riding

As a child my parents always incorporated play into my day to day life, especially on the weekends. During the week days, I always had my time to go out and play with other children in the neighborhood. Usually we took turns going to different houses, playing games (dramatic play) such as school, house, and dance studio. We would use items around the house to add to our imaginary skits lol. In my play room at my house I had a kitchen set, so we would play house, one person be the mother, father and children.  My friends and I never sat in front of the television, we were able to go outside explore, run…. simply being active.  My parents also kept me active into sports. I loved to bike ride, ice skate, and play tennis, but I especially loved to swim!

I think play has changed from over the years. I believe that now days the media has taken over play. Instead of children going outside being active, they are simply laying around watching television or playing video games. Parents are not encouraging anymore when it comes to their children being active with play, and they let their children do whatever keeps them quiet.  As a child, I only had a certain time frame to sit watching a screen.

Play is important thought out life.  To me play brings out the best in people and it takes them right back to their childhood. Play brightens and brings thrill to someone’s life, instead of the same boring thing.  It is important to play as adults so you remember the simple things that matter most. Live life to your fullest potential and have fun doing it!

 

Relationship Reflection

When thinking about relationships, the most important relationship I have is one with my family. I cherish the bond I have with my mom, dad, and brother.  My family has always supported me 100% with everything I have decided to do in life. My father and I have been close since I was a little girl, and yes I can say that I was and still am "daddy’s little girl".  He has always told me the truth no matter how bad it could be.  My mother and I have grown a lot. Growing up we butted-heads quite a few times, but now I realize why lol. I enjoy going out on our mother-daughter dates, and simply spending time with her. Even today my parent and I do not always see eye-to-eye, but I know they always want the best for me. I love talking to each one daily just to see what they are doing, how their day is going what is going on. Each year we take family trips to a different part of the world. Last year we went to Canada.  My family gets together all the time and celebrates most holidays with memories and laughter and cherishes each other while we still can.

The next relationship I cherish is the one I have with me brother. I love my brother more than anything. Growing up we had the average big brother litter sister relationship. When he left for college is when we really started bonding. So i guess you can say as we grew older, we grew closer and had more understanding. To this day is very protective, and carefully watches my moves lol. When I need and ear to listen, or simply want to go out and have fun, my brother is who I can count on. I admire him for his ambitions and what he has accomplished in life. I love they way he take life on step at a time, and lives it to the fullest. One thing my brother and I share is the love for photography. We grew up taking a lot of pictures, and I believe as adults we still love to do so as well as be in them. We love to capture those moments some might think are small. My brother girlfriend and I are very close as well. At first I was the protective little sister, but now we have created a bond like no other. We share a lot of the same interest such as cooking, shopping, and reading, not to mention we are a part of the same sorority!

I next relationship is cherish is one with my best girl-friends. I surround myself with people who have the same goals as I do in life. We all strive to be ambitious young leaders in our chosen career.  I love these girls with my heart. I am able to talk to them about any and every thing from the weird to relationships to politics.  These girls have always supported me, and gave me strength along the way. We all met in college, and formed long lasting bonds. When I am with them, I can truly be myself and not worry about them judging me. We have been there for each other with highs and lows including graduation, relationships, birthday days and more!

The last relationship i cherish is the one I have my best friend Zay. We have literally been with each other since we were 3 years old. We went to the same preschool, elementary, middle and high school. We separated when we went to college and I felt as though I was losing a sister. We have been through so much together within the last 18 years; it amazes me how close we are. We supported each other through family illness, relationships, and educational issues and so on. We have created so many memories, that when we get together we always look back at the past and laugh. When I am down she knows how to cheer me up, and vice-versa.  I am so lucky to have someone like her in my life, she is literally the sister I never had. I am excited to continue our life journey with each other and share in our weddings, graduations, and even the birth of our children-when we decide to have children.

I think the most important thing in establishing true lifelong relationships is being true to yourself. I believe this goes for whatever you decided to do in life. As long as you are honest with yourself, everything will fall in place!

Relationship

Reflection

HELLO EVERYONE!!!! I want to take this time to say THANK YOU  !! It has been and amazing eight weeks, which flew by to fast!!!!!! It has been my pleasure to read your blogs, and share in your experiences!! I have learned so much about myslef as a person and professional, as well as my early childhood field!!! I wish you guys the best in your future classes, and hopefully we can share and work with each other in the future!!!! BEST WISHES

Examining Code of Ethics

Exploring the Code of Ethics

We shall honor and respect the rights, knowledge, and skills of the multidisciplinary colleagues with whom we work recognizing their unique contributions to children, families, and the field of early childhood special education.” (DEC, 2000)

*We must works as a team in our profession as professionals to meet the needs of our children. Respecting each other’s unique qualities, their opinions, and their work. Learn and Build from our colleagues, because each person offers a different view of situations.

#6 We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children’s development and learning.
*Each child is different so as a professional you should build different relationships with each child and their family. No child has the same background or learning situation. You should love, care and support each child.

“We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child.” (DEC, 2000)

“To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.” (NAEYC, 2005).

*Children have earned the right to be treated as individuals and to be respected. We should treat each child equally, respecting their unique and qualities.