Final Blog Post-International Resoures

I have learned a lot about from the UNSECO throughout the duration of this course. Three big things that I have learned about this organization is that they are committed to advancing Early Childhood Education around the world, they partner with other organizations to help children and families in need, and they working to better understand science to help provide a better future for our current and future generations. I think this is a great organization to use to find information on Early Childhood Education and plan to use this website for future research.
One goal I have for the future is to expand my international resources to learn more about education around the world. I think it is important to understand how all of the countries around the world view education and we can all work together to help provide children with a brighter educational future. I plan on finding more websites like this one to continue my quest for knowledge of early childhood education in hopes of becoming a better educator for my current and future students.

Getting to know your international contacts-Part 3

I have not gotten a response back from the emails I sent to my international contacts. I am hoping to have a response soon. I chose to explore the UNESCO's website to explore the information they have provided a little further. There are so many topics on the website to explore. The three main topics that caught my attention were about access to early childhood, access quality education, and equity in early childhood education. 

Access to an early childhood program is vital to the success of children in their education. It is very important for children to be able to receive education and have train professionals to teach them. Children are learning necessary social skills to interact with other people and society as they continue to learn and grow. It is important for children to have people in their life that take the time to care about their education and learning. There are free programs for underprivileged families that allow these children to receive an early learning experience.

It is important for children to have high quality programs. Children need to have their developmental needs for learning met in order to be prepared for the next stage of learning in their life. It is also crucial that programs be monitored for quality to ensure the learning environment is safe and secure for children. Children need to be allowed to play and learn through their play. It is important for quality programs to recognize children's needs and do their best to fulfill them.

There should also be equity in early childhood programs. Children should receive fair and equal treatment regardless of socioeconomic status, race, cultural beliefs, etc. It is important for children to have their needs met and to be treated as individuals. Children need to be taught using the holistic approach to have all of their developmental stages taken into account. Teachers need to work with families to help provide the best education possible for students.

Sharing Web Resources: UNICEF

   The UNICEF organization does a lot of work around the world with children and their families. I have found a lot of new information on the UNICEF website. I found out about more of their partnerships with other organizations to help children get access to quality education. One of the organizations I found was the Center for Education Innovations. This organization works with UNICEF and other organizations to help give more access to education for people living in poverty. They work to improve the educational and health experiences for the children.
   I also learned more about the topics for this week through exploring these websites. They offer information on access to education and the challenges that are faced. In many families they may not be able to afford a good early learning experience and organizations like UNICEF and the Center for Education Innovations offer more services and assistance to these families. It is very important for children to receive quality education beginning at a young age because their little minds are developing so fast and need to be filled with knowledge.
   The information provided on these websites reminds me of the importance of working to prepare children for their future. I was reminded of how important it is for people to work together to help benefit the children. It is very hard to see so many children go lacking the necessary health and education that is essential for their growth. I think that programs like UNICEF and Center for Education Innovations bring hope to children and their families for a brighter future.
                                               

Getting to Know your International Contacts- Part 2

I have yet to get a response from my emails to the contacts at the UNICEF-Argentina. I am still interested in researching the country of Argentina and hope to get a response before the end of the course. For the assignment this week I chose to research Harvard's Center on Developing Children. I found their website to have a lot of interesting information. I researched the Global Children's Initiative and found that they do a lot of work for children throughout the world.

I found out that the Global Children's Initiative does a lot of work in the Early Childhood field and also other areas such as health care and disease prevention. I found out they have a lot of videos on their website that has a wealth of knowledge. This organization also partners with the UNICEF in some of their work. I found out they are working with UNICEF in Zambia to help children with their developmental skills. They are also working with China to help assess the mental health needs of the children their and helping to provide services. Another project they are working on is in Chile to help improve the early learning programs for the children there. They have many other projects going on in other countries such as Canada, Sierra Leone, and Brazil to name a few.

I think this website is a great website to explore to learn more about their goals and the work they are doing to enhance the lives of children and families around the world. There was a link to subscribe to newsletters from them and I signed up to receive updates from them. They offer information on trainings, activities to get students involved, and information on the different projects they have going on around the world. I am looking forward to learning more about this organization and the work they are doing around the world.


Reference

Center on the Developing Child: Harvard University. (2015). Global Children’s Initiative. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/

Sharing Web Resources

As I continue to research the UNESCO, I am learning more about how important their work in the field of education is. The UNESCO partners with countries all around the world to help children and families in need. I am also learning they sponsor educational trainings around the world on topics such as teacher ethics, science trainings, health, and many others. They are really focused on putting an end to poverty and focus on the field of education.  I have also found out that helping to recruit and keep teachers is another part of their work.

I did not realize how far reaching their impact was so this was interesting to me. After reading more about poverty and the effects it has on people, I found the work this organization is doing to be great. We need more organizations to help put an end to poverty. It is really sad to see how many lives are affected around the world. I think the partnerships the UNESCO had with other organizations is great and beneficial to the cause of helping people in need. I also learned they partner with government agencies around the world. 

UNESCO does a lot of work in the field of early childhood education. They work with preschool all the way up. I found out they are really focused on working with the whole child. I think this is great because holistic teaching is really important. I think in order to teach effectively, we must meet the social, emotional, cognitive, etc needs of a child. I am looking forward to reading more into the work of the UNESCO because they have so much information to offer. 

Getting to Know International Contacts- Part 1

  I chose to research poverty and education in Argentina and have been trying to get in contact with someone through the Unicef Organization to no avail. I chose to research the Unicef website and others to find out more information about the educational system in Argentina and the effects of poverty in this country. Poverty, as described by Unicef (2015), is basically whether a child or person is being deprived of rights like education, nutrition, health services, harmful situations, etc. Children living in poverty can cause them to become sick, not be able to get health care, make low grades due to non attendance or due to poor concentration from lack of good nutrition. In Argentina children do face problems with poverty.
   Children in Argentina have a higher fatality rate from walking to school. The children there that are living in poverty have problems with malnutrition, health problems, lack of proper health care. I also found out their are higher rates of dropping out of school. After reading information about the problems they face, I see that it is similar to the problems children here in America face. Poverty is a worldwide problem. I am hoping to reach someone in Argentina soon in order to have an International contact to communicate back and forth with and gain a better understanding of Argentina.

References:
Unicef (2014). 2014 Regional Analysis Report. Retrieved July 18, 2015, from http://www.unicef.org/about/annualreport/files/LACRO_AR_2014.pdf

Sharing Resources- UNESCO

I have been learning a lot about the UNESCO. They do a lot of work around the world. They have many partnerships in countries around the world. There is so much information to learn from the website. I am learning more about their work in the early childhood eduction field since this is the area I teach in. I am interested in this organization because I they seem very focused on the development of children and they also focus on science and culture. I think more science and culture are two very important aspects that need to be focused on. I am looking forward to learning more about this organization as I continue to research their work.

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

Part 1:
I was interested in learning more about Argentina and their education practices. I sent an email to them through their Unicef website. I am looking forward to finding out more about education in their country and getting an international contact. I think this is a great opportunity to learn more information on how teachers in another country think about diversity, teaching practices, and other valuable information they can share.

Part 2:
I chose to focus on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizaion (UNESCO). I think website has a lot of great information and I am looking forward to finding out more information from it. I chose it because I have used a lot of the other resources in past classes and would like to explore a new resource.

Daily Supports

   I am very fortunate to have a big support system in my life. I am very thankful to have the support of Jeremy and my two children. My family has always stood behind me and believed in me. I am thankful for their support. I have friends that shown support of me and my accomplishments. I am also thankful for the support of my colleagues who offer support. 

   Support is very important at times. Sometimes you need the motivation that can be offered by a friend or colleague. I honestly do not know where I would be without the support of the people in my life that have believed in me when I did not believe in myself. I would not know what to do if I did not have the people in my life to support and believe in me. I think that I am very fortunate to come from a big family and have the support of the people I love most in this life.

   While going to undergraduate school, I was fortunate enough to have my Mom and my Mema to keep my two children. I am so grateful for all they did to enable my to obtain my degree. If I had not had this support it would have made it a lot harder and more expensive to get through school. As I work toward this degree, I still have the support of Jeremy, my kids, family, and friends. I am truly blessed to have the supports I have in my life.

My Connections to Play

When I think about play, I think that it's importance has been lost by some.  These are some great quotes to get you thinking about the importance of play.
  

   Children learn so many things from playing and apply the knowledge that we teach them on a daily basis. An example that comes to mind is students will come to me and say "Look Ms. Beck, I made an octagon or a triangle". This shows me they are learning and applying what they are learning in their world of play. I also see children pretending to read to each other, teach each other the letters, etc.
In my younger days we play outside for hours. I have a younger brother and we would play hide and go seek, tag, ride our bicycles, swing, build forts, etc. The essential items for my childhood were the great outdoors, my bicycle, swing set, and imagination.
    

Relationship Reflection

 When I think of a relationship, I think of being connected to someone or something. I think these relationships can play a significant role in how we live our lives. Relationships are an important part of a person's life. There are many reasons that people make an impact on our lives. We can have relationships with our children, parents, grandparents, pets, friends, students, etc. 
I can think of so many people and relationships that mean a lot to me. The older I get the more meaningful the relationships I have with people are. I have learned in life that people with come and go. Some people are meant to stay in your life and some are not.
I would have to say the relationships between my two children, Jaleigh and Joshua are the two most meaningful relationships I have. The love I have for them is immeasurable. They fill my heart with so much happiness and joy. I am so thankful to have been blessed with these two precious children.

                               

                                                                     

My relationship with Jeremy is very important to me. He has taught me about true love and how true love can endure all things. He is the love of my life and the father of my two precious children. I am so thankful to have him in my life. 

Jeremy and I

My relationship with my family would be the next most important relationship. They have stood by me through thick and thin. They are always there for me when I need them. They mean the world to me. 

 

These are just some of the relationships that I have had and still have. There are many people that have an effect on my life and have an important role in my life. I think it it important to maintain these relationships and to never take anyone for granted. These relationships help us to work with others in our work environment. As educators it is important to help instill healthy social skills and relationship building skills in our students.  It will help them to develop relationships and maintain healthy relationships in their own lives.

Quote about Children

This is so true. It is very important to teach children to make the right choices from an early age. Children are like little sponges and they absorb everything good or bad. As educators, we must help to prepare young children for their future education to be scaffolded upon. It is important to model positive behavior, because children are the future leaders of this country and the world. 

Testing Intelligience

     I think that in today's society people are quick to point out differences and compare children to one another. How do we test intelligence? I think that the holistic approach is the best way to assess children. I believe it is necessary to take into account the social, emotional, physical, and psychological development. These are important factors that play into standardized testing. The testing results are used to identify strengths and weaknesses.

     England and Steffy (2001) talk about standardized testing and the effects it can have on students and teachers. I did my student teaching in a 5th grade classroom and there was so much focus on the CRCT. Most of the time I spent student teaching, I was helping to prepare the students in for the test. I saw the fear, anxiety, and worry among the students as it got closer to testing time. I think the test are great, but they is so much focus on the test. I agree children should be tested, but some children get anxious taking test that have so much at stake. Here in Georgia the students can be held back by failing the test in certain grades. My son is in 3rd grade and he has been stressing for two weeks about the Georgia Milestone test he is going to take this week.

     The country I chose to research was China. I wanted to learn more about the ways they assess their students. In China they have testing prep schools. According to Larmer (2014), the students in China can spend 16 hours a day preparing for the tests. It is know as a "cram factory" Larmer (2014). They have a very long day of working on memorization for the test. I think this is good and bad. These people have so much pressure and spend so much time preparing for the test. The good thing is the students are learning, but I think 16 hours a day is way too long to be preparing for tests. Its like working 2 eight hour shifts.

      Here in America, the students are assessed, but they do not have to spend 16 hours a day in school. I think China and America have similar ideologies. Both countries are extra focused on test prep. I have noticed a lot about the the testing being a teacher. Even in Headstart, children are tested for their abilities and put into different categories based on the criterion base. The results and statistical information of their scores is put into a spread sheet to see if they are developing properly. As a teacher, I think testing is important, but their intelligence should not be assessed only by testing.




References:
Larmer, B. (2015, January 3). Inside a Chinese Test-Prep Factory. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/04/magazine/inside-a-chinese-test-prep-factory.html?_r=0



Steffy, B., & English, F. (n.d.). Google Books. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=6g4InO8-QZIC&oi=fnd&pg=PR5&dq=testing intelligence of children high stakes testing&ots=CyKBtnNAFh&sig=ylrLf62FPHFFpjC_8JcMzB7ut54#v=onepage&q=testing intelligence of children high stakes testing&f=false

Poverty-Seen Around the World

Poverty is a topic that comes to mind. I personally did not grow up in poverty, but I teach for Headstart, and many of the children that come through our program are living in poverty. Poverty as described by Merrium-Webster, is the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions (Webster 2015). I see many of my students lacking what society would think of as the socially acceptable things. Headstart provides these students with access to two free meals a day and a snack. They also provide other access to assistance that may be available through agencies in the community. 
The country I chose to research was Indonesia. Indonesia has a high poverty rate. According to the information I read, people are trying to get by on $1-2 per day. Indonesia's per capita rate is around $3,000 per year according to (J.C. 2011). This is hard to fathom. In Indonesia they do not have the same access to clean water and good nutrition that we have hear. There are no programs like Headstart to help their underprivileged families receive good nutrition and free education. 
Indonesia is not the only country that has this problem. There are people all around the world and here in the USA that are living in poverty. It is a global problem. There has got to be some way to help these families. I think if we each pay it forward a little at the time we can make changes and help the world the best we can. As educators, it is our duty to do the best we can to inspire others to make a change. Together we can make a difference.


References:
To make a million people unpoor. (2011, August 3). J.C.
Retrieved March 28, 2015, from http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2011/08/indonesias-poverty-line

Merriam Webster
Retrieved March 28, 2015, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poverty

Mental Health of father, mothers, and caregivers

It is important for caregivers of children to have a strong mental capability. The impact of the mental capacity of the caregivers can have damaging effects on the children in the caretakers hands. Children need to feel they are cared for and appreciated by the people that are closest to them. It is important for children to have a sense of love, affection, appreciation, nurturing, etc. I believe that children that come from such environments are more apt to reciprocate these feelings and their offspring are more likely to grow and thrive better than those who don't  receive these kinds of interactions.

In many cases children who come from families that suffer from mental illness, they are more likely to exhibit these same behaviors. The children that come from families with long lines of mental illness are more likely to have mental illness themselves. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness in order to help people receive the help they need to cope with these symptoms.

There are many cases where mental illnesses are genetically passed from one generation to the next. In order to help control the seriousness of these mental illnesses it is important to provide early diagnosis and help to provide treatment as necessary. I think we can help people with mental illnesses with proper diagnosis and management of symptoms.

I chose to research Australia and their occurrence of mental illness in parents and caregivers. According to (American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 2007), children that come from from homes were depression and anxiety tend to have these same behaviors. About 21% to 23% children are living in households where at least one parent has a mental illness (Maybery, Reupert, Patrick, Goodyear & Crase, 2005). This makes it hard on the child because they learn to cope with their problems the same way their parents do.

From reading the information I have learned that mental illness can have serious effects on families. I think it is very important to help educate families and children on the importance of mental health and offer referrals to others services when possible.

References:

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, (2007) Vol. 77, No. 3, 362–36