I am thankful to have many supports in my life. First and foremost, my husband and children are the most important supports I have. Without these supports, my life would be very different and difficult. My family supports me emotionally, physically, and mentally. I depend on them as they depend on me. My husband is a major support because of the way he supports me. Emotionally, he provides support by listening to my "ups" and "downs" of my day. Physically, mentally, and emotionally I count on him to be a part of our children's lives. He also provides support by being responsible for our finances and the upkeep of our house. My children provide support to me everyday by believing in me and loving me. My parents and in-laws support me by being a part of our lives. I look to them when needing advice about my life or my children's lives. I also count on them to watch the kids when we need someone. My friends provide support by listening to me and giving advice. I count on them to be there when I need them, no matter how big or small the need is. My friends provide me with the social support that I enjoy. In my job, I have many people that provide me with support. My boss provides support by answering any questions I have and giving advice when needed. My co-workers provide support by listening and giving advice when needed. My support system is very important to me. Without them, my life would be much harder, as I would have to depend on myself to support my needs.
If I were to ever lose my job, I would rely on the many supports I have, starting with my husband and children. While I may need more financial support because of the loss of income, I would also need emotional support to help me get through this stage in my life. I would look to my husband, friends, and family for encouragement to find more opportunities for employment. I would also look to my support system as resources and connections to possible job opportunities. I would need support from my parents and in-laws to help provide care for my children as I was looking for potential employment. If these support systems were not in my life during this difficult time, it would be a struggle to have the emotional strength to get through this, but also the financial support to get through that time of unemployment. Without these supports, it would be much more difficult and take much longer to get through situations like losing your job.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
My Connections to Play
Children's Quotes
Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.
O. Fred Donaldson
Contemporary American martial arts master
Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.
Abraham Maslow
American psychologist
1908–1970
As a child, my play was supported by my family, cousins, and friends. My family would create opportunities for me to play with other kids that were in my life. The type of play was not necessarily created for me, however, the opportunity to explore my environment was. Play for me, as a child, involved playing outdoors, helping my dad outside, playing house and kitchen, and helping my mom around the house. When playing with other kids, we built forts outside in the woods and in the barn. We spent a lot of time on the swing set and riding bikes. Looking back, I remember just loving to be around other kids and having fun.
I feel there are many similarities and differences in the way play is today, compared to when I was a child. One similarity I see, is how kids enjoy play. Children use their imaginations and are very creative when involved in play. Young children continue to be involved in dramatic play such as playing house, kitchen, or school. I also see how children enjoy playing with one another. One of the biggest differences in play that I notice is the amount of time children spend outdoors. Many children spend a lot of time indoors playing video games and watching TV. When I was younger, spending time in front of the TV was not an option. Because it was not part of my everyday routine, I never expected it or missed it. Another difference in play that I see is the amount of toys children have. Because of all the toys, children are less likely to use their imaginations and be creative. One example of this, is instead of building a fort with their parents or friends, they are bought for them. I hope children are given the opportunity to enjoy being a child. Looking back at my childhood, some of the happiest times I remember, is playing outdoors with my sister and cousins and being a kid.
We don't often think about the impact play has on individuals as adults. It is true, adults don't often engage in play like children do. However, play gives us the foundation that molds us to who we become. Many life long lessons are learned, as children, while we are involved in the many different kinds of play.
Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.
O. Fred Donaldson
Contemporary American martial arts master
Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.
Abraham Maslow
American psychologist
1908–1970
 | ||
As a child, my play was supported by my family, cousins, and friends. My family would create opportunities for me to play with other kids that were in my life. The type of play was not necessarily created for me, however, the opportunity to explore my environment was. Play for me, as a child, involved playing outdoors, helping my dad outside, playing house and kitchen, and helping my mom around the house. When playing with other kids, we built forts outside in the woods and in the barn. We spent a lot of time on the swing set and riding bikes. Looking back, I remember just loving to be around other kids and having fun.
I feel there are many similarities and differences in the way play is today, compared to when I was a child. One similarity I see, is how kids enjoy play. Children use their imaginations and are very creative when involved in play. Young children continue to be involved in dramatic play such as playing house, kitchen, or school. I also see how children enjoy playing with one another. One of the biggest differences in play that I notice is the amount of time children spend outdoors. Many children spend a lot of time indoors playing video games and watching TV. When I was younger, spending time in front of the TV was not an option. Because it was not part of my everyday routine, I never expected it or missed it. Another difference in play that I see is the amount of toys children have. Because of all the toys, children are less likely to use their imaginations and be creative. One example of this, is instead of building a fort with their parents or friends, they are bought for them. I hope children are given the opportunity to enjoy being a child. Looking back at my childhood, some of the happiest times I remember, is playing outdoors with my sister and cousins and being a kid.
We don't often think about the impact play has on individuals as adults. It is true, adults don't often engage in play like children do. However, play gives us the foundation that molds us to who we become. Many life long lessons are learned, as children, while we are involved in the many different kinds of play.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Access to Healthy Water
It is baffling to see how many parts of the world are affected by water shortages. We take for granted the access to healthy water that is available to us. As safe drinking water is a basic need, it is difficult to imagine there being a lack of water or lack of access to safe water for many countries around the world.
Africa is the second driest continent in the world, after Australia, and millions of Africans still suffer from water shortages throughout the year. Fourteen countries in Africa are already experiencing water stress. Almost half of the population (778 million in 1997) suffers from one of the six major water-related diseases. Every day, 650 people die from diarrhea in Africa, mainly children under five years of age.
Key facts about children and the lack of water
1. Over three million children in the Horn of Africa are currently affected by water shortages.
2. Diarrhea diseases are responsible for filling more than half the world’s hospital beds. Each child in a developing country suffers an average of 10 attacks of diarrhea before the age of 5.
3. The average distance walked to collect water in Africa and Asia is 6km.
4. Worldwide, approximately 443 million school days are lost annually due to diarrhea disease.
5. Only half of schools in developing countries have access to water and sanitation facilities.
Access to healthy water is a global issue that affects many people throughout the world. As water is one of the most basic human needs for survival, it is essential that this issue continues to be addressed. When you see issues like this, it helps me to be more aware of the serious issues that can not only affect someones health, but also their development.
Resources:
Save the Children. (Jan. 2011). The Impact on Children of Water Shortages. Retrieved from http://images.savethechildren.it/IT/f/img_pubblicazioni/img85_b.pdf
The Water Project. (2010). Global Water Shortage: Water Scarcity & How to Help. Retrieved from http://thewaterproject.org/water_scaricity.asp
Africa is the second driest continent in the world, after Australia, and millions of Africans still suffer from water shortages throughout the year. Fourteen countries in Africa are already experiencing water stress. Almost half of the population (778 million in 1997) suffers from one of the six major water-related diseases. Every day, 650 people die from diarrhea in Africa, mainly children under five years of age.
Key facts about children and the lack of water
1. Over three million children in the Horn of Africa are currently affected by water shortages.
2. Diarrhea diseases are responsible for filling more than half the world’s hospital beds. Each child in a developing country suffers an average of 10 attacks of diarrhea before the age of 5.
3. The average distance walked to collect water in Africa and Asia is 6km.
4. Worldwide, approximately 443 million school days are lost annually due to diarrhea disease.
5. Only half of schools in developing countries have access to water and sanitation facilities.
Access to healthy water is a global issue that affects many people throughout the world. As water is one of the most basic human needs for survival, it is essential that this issue continues to be addressed. When you see issues like this, it helps me to be more aware of the serious issues that can not only affect someones health, but also their development.
Resources:
Save the Children. (Jan. 2011). The Impact on Children of Water Shortages. Retrieved from http://images.savethechildren.it/IT/f/img_pubblicazioni/img85_b.pdf
The Water Project. (2010). Global Water Shortage: Water Scarcity & How to Help. Retrieved from http://thewaterproject.org/water_scaricity.asp
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Children's Quotes
We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. Stacia Tauscher
While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about. Angela Schwindt
Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music.
William Stafford
While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about. Angela Schwindt
Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music.
William Stafford
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Testing for Intelligence
Assessing the mind of a child is a difficult, if not impossible task. There are so many factors that impact the learning and development of an individual, and each individual is so unique that it is extremely difficult to find an assessment that will measure all with the same precision. While we can use the information from the assessments to compare what one child can do on an assessment compared to her peers, the difference in learning styles from this individual compared to the "norm" may be very different. So, do these results really tell us what this child can or cannot do, or does is simply tell us that this child needs to do it differently? In order to understand a child in a holistic approach, we need to look at all aspects of a child including intelligence, achievement, and social-emotional. It would also be necessary to look into the medical history of a child along with their environment. Even with this full battery of assessments, we may still not understand the true ability of a child. However, we will get a good understanding of how the child performs compared to where society expects the "norm" to perform.
Upon researching other parts of the world, and assessments used, I found a website by the University of New South Whales. This website is set up for schools from 20 different countries to use their assessment tools in each of the core areas of Math, English, Science, Writing, Spelling, and Computer Skills. This site then offers to report all of the assessment data for each of the different schools to use in determining how their students are doing compared to other students in each of the other countries. This is very similar to what we do in the United States when we compare what we do in our state compared to what other states do. However, all of these countries are using the exact same assessments while each state tends to have their own standardized tests.
While many parts of the world are using different assessment tools to "understand" the mind of a child, each of these tools are simply used to compare individual children compared to society's "norm". These assessment tools are useful and important in order for us to see the abilities of children, and, maybe more importantly, the growth of a child. However, these tools do not necessarily help us to understand the mind of a child, regardless of what part of the world you live in.
Resource:
UNSW Global. The University of New South Wales. Retrieved from http://etc.unsw.edu.au/about_icas
Upon researching other parts of the world, and assessments used, I found a website by the University of New South Whales. This website is set up for schools from 20 different countries to use their assessment tools in each of the core areas of Math, English, Science, Writing, Spelling, and Computer Skills. This site then offers to report all of the assessment data for each of the different schools to use in determining how their students are doing compared to other students in each of the other countries. This is very similar to what we do in the United States when we compare what we do in our state compared to what other states do. However, all of these countries are using the exact same assessments while each state tends to have their own standardized tests.
While many parts of the world are using different assessment tools to "understand" the mind of a child, each of these tools are simply used to compare individual children compared to society's "norm". These assessment tools are useful and important in order for us to see the abilities of children, and, maybe more importantly, the growth of a child. However, these tools do not necessarily help us to understand the mind of a child, regardless of what part of the world you live in.
Resource:
UNSW Global. The University of New South Wales. Retrieved from http://etc.unsw.edu.au/about_icas
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Consequences of Stress on Children's Development
I am not able to recall knowing someone well enough from my childhood who had major stressors in their lives. However, I do work with a number of families who have and are experiencing poverty. Sadly, many families are struggling with not having enough money for bills, food, and other necessities. One family in particular, brings home one income to provide for all six family members. As their income is based on minimum wage, they do not bring enough money home to support them. This family relies on food stamps and cash grants to pay for their food and bills. They will also use their local food pantry when supplies run low. As a home visitor it is my responsibility to support this family by making them aware of all the community resources in their area. This past summer their entire roof was leaking and they had mold in between their walls. As they knew the importance of getting their roof fixed, they were not able to afford it. Getting their roof fixed was the means to survival for this family. After asking other community members, I found a roofing company that was involved in a church. This roofing business partnered with their church and provided this family with a new roof as part of their community service. Everything seems to be hard for this family. Poverty does not only involve not having enough, but it can affect your health as well. The parents are struggling with depression and trying to keep their marriage together. The children are also effected. They don't have to worry about how they are going to get enough money, but they are forced to listen to mom and dad fighting and how their parents are too depressed to play with them. Poverty affects families in all areas of their life.
I chose to research Zambia, which is a country in Africa. This country's population is approximately 12.9 million. English is the official language in Zambia, however the main local language is Nyanja, especially in Lusaka. Life expectency is about 39 years and the infant mortality rate is 101 per 1,000 births. Tuition in Zambia is free until age 7 and most children drop out at this age once tuition needs to be paid. About two-thirds of Zambians live in poverty. HIV/AIDS is the nation's greatest challenge, as approximately 14.3% are affected by this disease. Approximately, 120,000 children in Zambia are affected by HIV/Aids. HIV/Aids is this countries biggest stressor. Many attempts have been made in Zambia to make awareness about HIV. Campaigns, anti-aid clubs, awareness on television, radio and press are all involved in bringing awareness to the people in Zambia. There are still many misconceptions about HIV/Aids in Zambia. About two-thirds of young people in Zambia are not able to correctly identify ways this disease spreads. As treatment for HIV/Aids is necessary, it is essential that Zambia continues to receive support and funding for the treatment and prevention of this disease.
Each stressor that a person faces, greatly impacts their life. In order to overcome these stressors, people need to have supports in place. Without the proper support, people may never overcome these difficulties. As each person or family experiences stressors their education, development, and health may be effected.
Resource:
U.S. Department of State. (2010, September). Background Note: Zambia. Retrieved from
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2359.htm
I chose to research Zambia, which is a country in Africa. This country's population is approximately 12.9 million. English is the official language in Zambia, however the main local language is Nyanja, especially in Lusaka. Life expectency is about 39 years and the infant mortality rate is 101 per 1,000 births. Tuition in Zambia is free until age 7 and most children drop out at this age once tuition needs to be paid. About two-thirds of Zambians live in poverty. HIV/AIDS is the nation's greatest challenge, as approximately 14.3% are affected by this disease. Approximately, 120,000 children in Zambia are affected by HIV/Aids. HIV/Aids is this countries biggest stressor. Many attempts have been made in Zambia to make awareness about HIV. Campaigns, anti-aid clubs, awareness on television, radio and press are all involved in bringing awareness to the people in Zambia. There are still many misconceptions about HIV/Aids in Zambia. About two-thirds of young people in Zambia are not able to correctly identify ways this disease spreads. As treatment for HIV/Aids is necessary, it is essential that Zambia continues to receive support and funding for the treatment and prevention of this disease.
Each stressor that a person faces, greatly impacts their life. In order to overcome these stressors, people need to have supports in place. Without the proper support, people may never overcome these difficulties. As each person or family experiences stressors their education, development, and health may be effected.
Resource:
U.S. Department of State. (2010, September). Background Note: Zambia. Retrieved from
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2359.htm
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Child Development and Public Health
I chose to write about nutrition and malnutrition. As all of the public health issues are essential in every child's development, I find that nutrition and malnutrition is widespread around the world and deeply effects each and every one of us. It is incredibly sad to learn of all the communities that are affected by malnutrition and their outcomes.
Malnutrition is very apparent in the country of Benin. Benin's population is about 9 million people and some 50 languages. More than one in three Beninese children under the age of five show signs of chronic malnutrition. Most families harvest crops for both income and consumption and feed their children whatever crops are available. In most situations, the reason for malnutrition is the lack of food that is available. In Benin however, a nurse who works at a Health Clinic in Benin, stated that there is not a shortage of food but, rather, mothers don't use the right ingredients, which makes the main cause of malnutrition "ignorance." This information was very insightful. I, too, always thought that malnutrition was caused by lack of food. In this country unequal power between men and women is also one of the causes of child malnutrition. Men often buy the meat and eat their share first and leave whatever is left over for the women and children. Myths about food also add to the problem of malnutrition.
UNICEF is working with Benin's Ministry of Health to prevent child illnesses related to malnutrition. After learning more about Benin and the cause of malnutrition, many of these children's lives can be saved by providing education on proper nutrition to their families. It is important that all families, even the ones that are not suffering from malnutrition, are being educated on the importance of nutrition and the impact it has on their child's development. Being a professional in the early childhood field it is my passion to advocate for young children and their families and educate them on all public health issues.
Resource: UNICEF (2010, April). Engaging Communities to Prevent Malnutrition in Benin. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/benin_53329.html
Malnutrition is very apparent in the country of Benin. Benin's population is about 9 million people and some 50 languages. More than one in three Beninese children under the age of five show signs of chronic malnutrition. Most families harvest crops for both income and consumption and feed their children whatever crops are available. In most situations, the reason for malnutrition is the lack of food that is available. In Benin however, a nurse who works at a Health Clinic in Benin, stated that there is not a shortage of food but, rather, mothers don't use the right ingredients, which makes the main cause of malnutrition "ignorance." This information was very insightful. I, too, always thought that malnutrition was caused by lack of food. In this country unequal power between men and women is also one of the causes of child malnutrition. Men often buy the meat and eat their share first and leave whatever is left over for the women and children. Myths about food also add to the problem of malnutrition.
UNICEF is working with Benin's Ministry of Health to prevent child illnesses related to malnutrition. After learning more about Benin and the cause of malnutrition, many of these children's lives can be saved by providing education on proper nutrition to their families. It is important that all families, even the ones that are not suffering from malnutrition, are being educated on the importance of nutrition and the impact it has on their child's development. Being a professional in the early childhood field it is my passion to advocate for young children and their families and educate them on all public health issues.
Resource: UNICEF (2010, April). Engaging Communities to Prevent Malnutrition in Benin. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/benin_53329.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)