my first blog ever

The following are three ideals from National Association for the Education of Young Children and/or The Division for Early Childhood's code of ethics that are meaningful to me:      1.) To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities and potential of each child (NAEYC, 2005).       As a human being, I would hope that everyone would treat me with respect and kindness, no matter my gender, race, ethnicity, etc.  As an educator, I try to reciprocate this feeling for every child whether in my direct care or not. Every child should be treated as the special individual he or she is. Plus, a  child has something unique to offer, which everyone can learn from.  When educators allow a child to be who he or she is, I believe, a child can fully develop into a well-rounded adult.     2.) To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities ...

Position Statements and Influential Practices Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children From Birth Through Age 8 Where We Stand on Child Abuse Prevention Where We Stand on School Readiness Where We Stand on Responding to Linguistic and Cultural Diversity Early Childhood Curriculum, Assessments, and Program Evaluation: Building an Effective, Accountable System in Programs for Children Birth Through Age 8 Early Childhood Inclusion: A Summary Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families Evidence-based Practice Empowers Early Childhood Professionals and Families Knowledge-to-Action Guides Global Support for Children's Rights and Well-Being Fact Sheet: A Summary of the Rights Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child World Forum Foundation World Organization of Early Childhood Education Association for Early Education International Selected Early Childhood Organizations Na...

"We know that teachers are the key to good child care - and as long as teachers are undervalued, American children, too, will keep getting less than they deserve." -Marcy Whitebook "Do it well, finish it properly, and move on." -Eunice Kennedy Shriver "If you don't have an idea that materializes and changes a person's life, then what have you got? You have talk, research, telephone calls, meetings, but you don't have a change in the community." -Eunice Kennedy Shriver "It was the most joyful experience where I felt everything in me was being called on to teach and also it was very rewarding. It made me feel whole and creative, so it became my lifelong work in early childhood education and the passion to make sure all children were taught in environments and ways that were truly nurturing their ability to grow and develop to their fullest potential." -Louise Derman-Sparks "What a unique opportunity we ha...

      I have been fortunate to be surrounded by numerous people who have supported and cared for me throughout my life. They have truly made me feel special and loved.       First and foremost, the most influential people in my life are my parents.  My parents have always been there for me and loved me unconditionally.  They have instilled in me a kindness and respect for others and a love for cooking, which I'm most appreciative for.      Some of my fondest memories with my parents are when they would take my sister, brother and me on vacations during the summer, especially on camping trips.  I remember when we first started camping, we had a pop-up trailer that was yellow on the outside and avocado green on the inside. Then we "graduated" to tent camping in Lake Tahoe, where we would have to "hide" our food and sweet smelling items so that the bears wouldn't get them. We would go fishing, bike riding, and roast marshmall...

As I previously mentioned, my family means everything to me.  These pictures remind me of how they has impacted my life and how thankful I am to call them family.  Without their love and support, I wouldn't be the person or teacher I am today.

Growing up, my family was close knit.  Now as an adult, we are even closer. We do many things together, whether it's going on vacation, cheering on the kids at their sporting events, or just getting together for a meal.  Because of that, I feel this quote epitomizes what my family means to me.

Every year, I cannot wait to read this book with the classroom I am teaching in.  I love the responses the kids give when I ask them questions about the book such as "Do you think there really is a bear?" or "What would you do with the strawberry so that the bear doesn't get it?" Plus, I like the various activities I can do to go along with the story. David Goes to School  by David Shannon is another one of my favorite books.  I feel that when I read this book the kids can relate to David while he is in school.  I enjoy changing David's name to one of the children's name in my class.  They all get a kick out of it, laugh and can't wait to see whose name I am going to use next. tw