My connections to play

"Whoever wants to understand much, must play much." Gottfried Benn



When I think back to my childhood, the toys that I recall playing with the most are my dolls and kitchen utensils. I love to  act mummy and daddy prepare the food to my doll or act teacher to teach my doll. I also like to rubber band skipping with my friends during my  outdoor play time.

Play is very different from today then my childhood.  Children rather stay in the house and play video games rather than play outside and use their imagination. Some of mothers tell me that their children love Ipad's game very much and Ipad is the favorite toy  for their children.  It is hard for them to pretend and create games and things by themselves. 

It is important for children to play daily.  They can learn so many things as they play.

Relationship Reflection

Relationship is a connection, association, or involvement, it can also be defined as connection between persons by blood or marriage (Dictionary.com)
My husband is my soul mate. He  prays for me all the time and support me. We grow together in our marriage.
My mom is my best friend. We are like sisters. She has always been there for me and believed in me. She has encourage me and supported me go through many hard times. She show me the example of life long learner and inspired me.
My best girlfriends are Wendy, Anna, Crystal, and Lisa, We spend our spare time together and share our laughs and tears. 

week 8

I love this quote. It reminds me that each child is unique and develop at their own pace, and shine in his/her own way.  As educators we have met a lot of children in various ways when it comes to classroom activities or outdoor or they mix up with their peers. Personally it makes me to have more patience in dealing with the  children and appreciate the differences they have.

        

I would like to take this time to that thank everyone that had the time to read and share their thoughts about the blogs.  As well, I would like to  thank all of you for all the support and encouragement that you have given me the past 8 week.

Testing for Intelligence?

I believe that the purpose of learning is help the children be well rounded adults and get ready to take their rightful place in the future and the testing is a way to measure children how much they learnt and their weakness and strengthens, at the same time, it also measure teachers effectiveness (Kelly, 2014). We know that we are unique and learn in different ways. When we think about testing a child holistically, the multiple intelligence, which is the idea that human intelligence is compromised of a varied set of abilities rather than a single, all encompassing one, should get involved (Berger, 2014).I think the test should take into account various aspects such as their learning styles, the age of the child, and even if they are under a disability.

Most countries use testing for tracking and for selecting students for admission into academic secondary schools or universities. In China, the students face a highly competitive and stressful examination. College admissions in China are based solely on national higher education Entrance Examination, Gaokao, which fall on 7, 8 and 9 June of each year. It is academically motivated Chinese teenagers spend 8-10 hours a day for three years in preparation. Senior High School in China has one purpose: test prep. There is no curriculum outside of the test, which tests math, English, Chinese, as well as a chosen subject like chemistry or political correctness. There is not any life outside of the test. Sadly to be said that the test prep actually starts from the elementary school. It is usually heard parents or teachers said that if you don't study hard how you can success in Gaokao and go to university so that have a good future, when the children in elementary school. Under this examination system, it causes some of the students who are good at having high scores and poor in ability to do things. Chinese Education Government has noticed the issue. They reform, however it doesn't work well so far(Rotberg, 2006).

 References
Berger, K. S. (2012).  The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY: Worth
Kelly, M . (2014). The Purpose of Tests. Retrieved from http://712educators.about.com/od/assessments/tp/The-Purpose-Of-Tests.htm
Rotberg, I. (2006). Assessment Around the World.  Educational Leadership 64(3) pp. 58-63

Breastfeeding

I chose breastfeed as my topic for this week. Because I have read many articles about the benefit of breastfeeding before I gave birth to my son. I also made a decision to breastfeed him. 

The best nutrition starts with breast milk (Berger, 2014). Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients, which is a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat, they need for healthy growth and development. It is more easily digested than infant formula. According to WHO,Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.Breast milk help baby fight off viruses and bacteria, lowers baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. In addition, babies who are breast fed exclusively  for the first 6 months have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea(WH, 2014). 

After reading the articles about breastfeeding in China. I am surprised that China's rates of breastfeeding are among the  world's lowest. According to UNICEF China, only about 28% of  Chinese infants younger than 6 month have exclusively breastfeeding. Compare to the global average of about 40% are lower.Study show that many Chinese workplaces give new mothers no way to nurse. Urban mothers usually get no more than four months of maternity leave. Women from the countryside who move to the city to work leave babies with grandparents who have no choice but to use powdered formula. The advertisement from formula companies encourage people think the baby formula was more nutritious and will help baby become stronger and smarter. Many hospital failed to encourage to breastfeeding. However health workers and the government are trying to revive the practice(Tang, 2013).

Reference:

Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY.  Worth Publishers.

Tang, D. (2013). China battles breast-feeding rates among the world’s lowest amid tainted formula scares.

Retrieved from

 http://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2013/08/09/china_battles_breastfeeding_rates_among_the_worlds_lowest_amid_tainted_formula_scares.html

Womens Health (2014) Breastfeeding. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-benefits.php

Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World - childbirth in Netherlands

The Netherlands is the highest rate of home births in the world. 30 percent of all births take place at home . They believe that child birth is a natural, physical process, not a medical condition.  Doctors only intervene in high-risk cases or if complications arise during delivery. Dutch women decide whether they want a home or hospital delivery and  more than half of the women at my midwife's practice deliver at home. If a mother gives birth early in the day without complications at hospital, she and the baby may go home in as little as two hours. 

In China, government promote the hospital birth. We think that it is saver for the both mother and baby. I never thought that give birth at home. All the prenatal examines have done by the doctors at hospital and mostly covered by healthy insurance. If a mother gives girth with out complications at hospital, at least stay 2 days in the hospital.

Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World - my personal experience

I would like to share my personal birth experience one year ago.  It  was a long process for me. I went in labor at 11:00 pm and delivered on next day 2:20 pm. Doctor suggested me to have c-section during childbirth. My  husband and I both think natural childbearing is better for our baby and my midwife also said I still can do it. After I tried my best with my midwife guiding and injection of Oxycontin, my baby was born.  At that moment, I felt so relax and pleasure. Everything is worth.

I've read article about the advantage of natural childbirth compare with c-section for a baby. That's why I persisted. 

Thank you ..

I can't believe that my first class is almost done. I have a wonderful time with all of you. I thank you for supporting my learning and encouraging me . I expanded my understanding and refreshed myself in past 8 weeks. I  hope to see your all again in future class. 

Code of Ethic

Section I
Ethical responsibilities to Children
I-1.8 - 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.
I totally agree that It show that each child has equal right.It also guide us to care about those who with disabilities.
Section II
Ethical responsibilities to Family
I-2.8- To help family members enhance their understanding of their children and support the continuing development of their skills as parents.
I always think working with parents is very important role of a teacher. This statement show that we have responsibilities enhance and support family members. 
Section III
Ethical Responsibilities to colleagues
I-3A.2- To share resources with co-worker, collaborating to ensure that the best possible early childhood care and education program is provided.
We need to work as a team to collaborating and sharing resources from each so that we can learn from each other and become part of our professional development. As well as we could provide the best possible early childhood program. 

In addition, I check my country code of ethical conduct. I find that it more focus on the ethical responsibilities to Children in a school environment. It does not mentioned the rest parts such as family, community and social.

Additional Resources

5 Love Languages of Children 
Chapman,G., & Campbell, R. (2012). 5 Love Languages of Children( New Edition). Moody Publishers 

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids Will Talk
Faber, A., & Mazlishi, E. (2007). How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids Will Talk. Beijing:Central Compilation & Translation press  

An Elephant and Piggie Book

By Mo Williem

Course Resources

Part 1: 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, from http://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, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://community.fpg.unc.edu/sites/community.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/FPG_Snapshot_N33_EvidenceBasedPractice_09-2006.pdf
• Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42-53.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Part 2: 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
• Websites:
• • World Forum Foundation
    http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
    This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the media segment on this webpage
  • World Organization for Early Childhood Education
    http://www.omep-usnc.org/
    Read about OMEP's mission.
  • Association for Childhood Education International
    http://acei.org/
    Click on "Mission/Vision" and "Guiding Principles and Beliefs" and read these statements.

Part 3: Selected Early Childhood Organizations

• 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.htm
• Harvard Education Letter
  http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
• FPG Child Development Institute
  http://www.fpg.unc.edu/
• Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference
  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
• HighScope
  http://www.highscope.org/
• Children's Defense Fund
  http://www.childrensdefense.org/
• Center for Child Care Workforce
  http://www.ccw.org/
• 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.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067
• Voices for America's Children
  http://www.voices.org/
• The Erikson Institute
  http://www.erikson.edu/

Part 4: Selected Professional Journals 

• YC Young Children
• Childhood
• Journal of Child & Family Studies
• Child Study Journal
• Multicultural Education
• Early Childhood Education Journal
• Journal of Early Childhood Research
• International Journal of Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Research Quarterly
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Studies
• Maternal & Child Health Journal
• International Journal of Early Years Education

Quotes from Educational Professionals whom I watched in week 2

My passion comes from wanting to make a difference. -- Raymond Hernandez 

We are professionals in early childhood field have the opportunity to shape the child's life for the better. -- Sandy Escobedo

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

Rather than “delivering” education, we are most likely to help children by “providing” experiences known to be beneficial to young children. -- Dr. Lilian Katz

Developmentally appropriate practices are ways of teaching that vary for or adapt to the age and experience of the individual learner. So fundamentally the definition has not changed. Instead, it has been expanded to include the fact that not only do you have to consider children as individuals, but you also have to consider children as members of groups with their own cultural identities. -- Dr Susan Bredekamp

My Childhood web

No, David! by David Shannon One of My Favorite Children's book

 The children enjoyed this book very much，especially the part of "no" things were done by the little David. You would see the question mark on their face when they first time saw the ending.  

There was a little boy asked me why mom gave David a hug. He did a lot of bad things. He is not a good boy.

However,the best part of this book is the wonderful ending.It shows acceptance and the unconditional love. It remind me that I need to accept both side, good and bad of a child and to show love when they did something wrong. The love makes the world go around.

A meaningful quote about children to me

Train up a child in the way he should go,And even when he is old he will not depart from it. -- Proverbs 22:6 ASV