Research that Benefits Children and Families – Uplifting Story

Option 1

All-day early childhood programs are considered more beneficial than half-day programs. We are quite aware that sometimes there is a hesitancy to immerse first timers to a whole day program or it is a matter of convenience to expose preschoolers to half-day programs but we may need to give it a second thought.

Cryan, Sheehan, Wiechel, & Bandy-Hedden (1992) conducted a two phase study that examined the effects of half-day and all-day kindergarten programs on children's academic and behavioral success in school in the 1990s. In the first place, data were collected on 8,290 children from 27 school districts; the second phase included nearly 6,000 children. The researchers found that participation in all-day kindergarten was related positively to subsequent school performance. Children who attended all-day kindergarten scored higher on standardized tests, had fewer grade retention's, and had fewer Chapter 1 placements.  Hough and Bryde (1996) looked at student achievement data for 511 children enrolled in half-day and all-day kindergarten programs in 25 classrooms. Children in the all-day programs scored higher on the achievement test than those in half-day programs on every item tested.

Cryan et al. (1992) asked teachers to rate both programs on 14 dimensions of classroom behaviors.  According to the researcher a clear relationship emerged between the kindergarten schedule and children’s behavior.  Children in all day programs were rated higher on 9 of the 14 dimensions. No significant differences exist on the other 5 dimension.

Teachers and parents whose children were enrolled in all-day programs believed that these programs adequately prepare children for first grade ( Hough & Bryde, 1996; Elicker & Mathur, 1997; Housden & Kam, 1992; Towers, 1991).  Preference also exist for all day programs because they are more relaxed, more time is available for children to engage in creative activities and more opportunities for children to develop their passion (Elicker & Mathur, 1997).

Researchers also found that all-day kindergarten teachers utilized small group instruction more frequently than teachers employed in half-day programs.  Hough & Bryde also found more individualized instruction in all-day programs when compared to half day programs.

This is vital information to parents who are considering enrolling their children into an early childhood program as well as parents who have already enrolled their children and may need to reconsider the benefits of the program in which their children are enrolled.  It is also useful for all persons desirous of providing early childhood services.  The research allows persons to assess the programs from the basis of research data and make the best option based on the data presented.  It also allowed me to reflect on what existed in our country when our Government in its effort to ensure that as many children as possible attend secondary school utilized a half day shift system in the Junior Secondary Schools.  The children who attended these schools were negatively labeled.  They were associated with serious discipline problems and poor performance. After years of appeal by citizens for attention to be paid to these children successive governments have phased out that system so all children are now attending whole day schools.

 Reference

     Clark, P. (2001).  Recent Research on All-Day Kindergarten . Eric Digest

http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED453982.pdf

Personal Research Journey

As I work with Early Childhood Centers, assisting teachers with the curriculum I am in a position to observe a wide variety of curriculum related issues whether they constitute part of the overt curriculum or the hidden curriculum.  I am always concern about the emotional development of the children because it varies on a continuum.  In recent times, my interest in children’s emotional development peaked when a teacher brought to my attention a child who displayed some extreme behaviors at one of our centers such as pelting his shoes across the class when spoken to, refuses to carry out the teacher’s instruction and if he is engaged in any paper related activity and he is provided with some scaffolding by the teacher, at times he destroys the paper.

I felt this case warranted some attention.  I am aware that others exist even though they may not be as severe as this case.  However, these children’s development is of paramount importance.  The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2004) noted that emotional development commences early in a child’s life, it plays a critical role in the brain architecture which has tremendous impact on life chances.  This therefore implies that adequate accommodation must be made to cater for children’s emotional development similar to what is done for the other developmental areas.  Nissen and Hawkins (2010) indicated that many young children experience challenges developing the emotional and behavioral strategies to succeed in school.  Children who are able to foster positive emotional development are able to form positive social relationships and self confidence with are necessary for fostering healthy development.

My chosen topic for the simulation is: Ways to Foster Healthy Emotional Development in Young Children. The home and the school provide enormous opportunities for children to acquire emotional competence and it is clear that children spend the greater part of their waking moments at school so the school holds tremendous opportunities for assisting young children to acquire emotional competence.  Hansen & Zambo (2007) cited Hirsh-Oasej & Gikubjiffm (2003); Siegel (1999) who stated that if early childhood education increases its focus on academic attainment; opportunities to assist children develop emotionally will be a forgone conclusion.  

It is one thing to select a topic but it takes skill to carefully choose data to substantiate the position one will like to take in the research process.  I know I am equally concern about the other areas especially the methods section but I have no definite ideas as to how I will approach it.  This process requires us taking small steps in order to achieve the overall goal.  Colleagues, do you have any advice or insight that can assist me with my chosen topic?

One resource I found quite useful is: Hansen, C.C; Zambo, D. (2007). Loving and Learning with Wemberly and David: Fostering Emotional Development in Early Childhood Education. Early Childhood Education Journal. Vol.34, No.4.

http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=b3aa4951-af07-4d04-a019-78831740f191%40sessionmgr15&vid=6&hid=17

Reference

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2004, Winter). Children's emotional development is built into the architecture of their brains (Working Paper No. 2). Waltham, MA: Author. Available from Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University website
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/library/reports_and_working_papers/working_papers/wp2/

           

           Hansen, C.C; Zambo, D. (2007). Loving and Learning with Wemberly and David: Fostering

Emotional Development in Early Childhood Education. Early Childhood Education Journal. Vol.34, No. 4.

Nissen, H & Hawkins, C. J. (2010) Promoting Emotional Competence in the Prechoool Classroom. Childhood Education. Vol. 86. Issue 4.

“My Supports”

Support forms a huge part of my day to day existence.  It is the buttress that props me up spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, psychologically and practically. Without support mere existence will be quite challenging especially with the addition of this program.  They serve to remind me of the many tasks we need to undertake because sometimes I can become overwhelmed by the events around me that sending time with my support comes as a breath of fresh air.  They ensure that laughter and fun are sustained in life amidst the stress we may encounter from time to time.

Family members form a huge part of my daily support.  My mother assists me in many and varied ways.  At times she assists with the cooking because it is just impossible to fulfil cooking commitments. She will always enquire how I am progressing with the course.  My father even though he is retired can be seen planting many vegetables around the home.  He cultivates to a small extent his garden located a little distance from his home so we can regularly look forward to enjoying many of the fruits and vegetables from his gardens. 

My spirituality forms a significant part of my support mechanism.  I draw much strength from my spiritual relationship with God and the support from members of my faith.  Even the church groups that I am affiliated with serve as livewires to my existence.  We keep in touch with each other and we genuinely look out for each other.

Coworkers also contribute to my daily existence.  We are a small group so we will support each other projects since we are employed in the curriculum department.  We give and receive support from each other.  We provide support in a number of areas for each other – but basically on a daily basis we are sure to give and receive emotional support.  For example, my coworkers will always ask how I am coping because they are aware of this program I am pursuing along with work and family commitments.

“We are not put on earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you.” These words encapsulate the essence of what life is and I need to keep them engraved before me as I press on into the future that holds lots of opportunities.

My Connections to Play

Quotes on Play

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

Plato

“In play a child always behaves beyond his average age, above his daily behavior. In play it is as though he were a head taller than himself.”

Lev Vygotsky

 

            When I was younger I played at home with my siblings or we played on the street with children from the neighborhood.  Our parents encouraged us to play.  We knew we had to finish our homework first before we proceeded to play.  Play at home was always met with parental support.  Mum would have stood by the kitchen door and looked at us, smiling, laughing and encouraging us as we participated.  At times, we may have felt she was bias in her comments toward a sibling, however, that did not deter us from engaging ourselves fully in the games.  Dad worked very long hours so whenever he was around and we were engaged in play he can be seen relaxing on the outdoor bench and providing encouragement to a sibling and the rest of us may indicate to him that he is assisting that sibling to win.  However, we meant no harm; we were simply having fun and expressing ourselves.  

Playing with the children in the neighborhood was always appreciated.  There were only about 4 houses in our street so we were not too many in numbers.  Many times neighborhood games were in the form of cricket, we played heartedly and our games generated a lot of laughter, togetherness and excitement.  However, there were some restriction attached to neighborhood games, we were expected at home at 6.00 p.m. We were particularly mindful about the time to get home because if we defied the time limit then some restrictions were imposed.

Play today is different from the play I engaged in as a child because family time is no longer built around play activities that I engaged in.  With the invasion of new technology, the nature of play has shifted from highly physical and endearing in nature that allowed for exertion of self to a more indoor and less exertive in nature type of play and as a result of that we are realizing that there is a rise in diabetes, obesity and hypertension.   In addition, family life has taken on new meaning with activities for children almost every day of the week, ranging from school-related activities or swimming classes, lawn tennis practice or piano classes.  As such, there is a lack of that free play I engaged in as a child.

I believe that greater emphasis needs to be placed on the outdoor play because it holds tremendous lifestyle benefits.  It is interesting to know that the camaraderie and bonding that took place when I was a child is so absent today even among siblings.  I think the school can assist in this regard by ensuring that physical education actually takes place at least on a weekly basis.  I know for the kindergarten, in our country, they should be exposed to physical education daily. 

         Play has been a valuable part of my life.  I have acquired a lot of skills from engaging in play, all of which have contributed positively to my development. As I look around our society, I see so many young children who lack basic skills and it is clear that many of them have not engaged in a wide range of play–like activities which I was exposed to and as such they are unable to cope effectively with many situations.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are very important to my existence.  Strong family relationships have molded me and allowed me to possess positive outlook on life.  These relationships have cultivated in me a culture of honoring family and family experiences which have been a huge part of my existence.  I am blessed to have both of my parents alive; some persons lost their parents at a tender age. My parents are very active as such they continue to contribute to society.  Five children emerged from the union; they have played a huge part in our development – four boys and one girl.  My brothers are all married and so we reunite for special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, at times for birthdays and other family moments. 

My brothers are close to me but my third brother – Gladwyn is considered my favorite brother.  I think his name says it all and he tells everyone that he is always glad as such he possesses that effervescent personality which becomes contagious wherever he goes. We share a beautiful connection as siblings and as such we advise each other on a wide range of issues. In the picture above, on the extreme right is my cousin, next to him my mother, then my brother Cleve who is a doctor in the U.S, and some of the family members were there for his wedding, then my brother Gladwyn followed my brother Seymour then me.

My niece Keona  is very close to me. The bond that was fostered from the moment she was a baby to this present time is very deep.  Besides being her aunt and godmother, I have also played a great part in her academic achievements.  Quite recently, I was doing something in my room and she needed my assistance so I heard her saying, “Time is of essence”.  I was most surprised because she is only 7 years.  I asked her where she got that quote from and she was quick to mention, “Auntie you always tell me time is of essence!”  I did not even recall that but it tells us how children are paying attention to what we as adults share with them.

My friend Yolanda is also very special.  I met her in 1991 when I took up my first teaching assignment.   She was very supportive to me, having entered the profession with very little experience she played a large part in mentoring me and ensuring that my experiences were quite rewarding.  Over the years, that relationship is alive and well.   I smile at times when I think of the length of time we have been friends and how we continue to keep in touch with each other and share gifts with each other.  It is amazing!

My roommate from college (Alicia) and I also share strong friendship.  We barely knew each other when we decided to share an apartment together but over time that relationship grew.  However, there were moments which created a bit of discomfort like when we had to prepare meals. Just when it was becoming a bit unbearable for me, my brother came to Trinidad so I ended up sharing an apartment with him and at the same time she got married and relocated to her in-laws’ resident.  I think that was the break needed in order to sustain that relationship.  We are great friends still and continue to communicate with each other and share family moments as well.

Two Powerful Quotes about Children and Child Development

“There is a real trade off between our teaching which points children in the right direction, and the children's own exploration which might let them get to places that they won’t get just from what a teacher told them.”

Alison Gopnik Ph.D

“Child development cannot be understood outside of a historical and cultural context.”

Smidt (2006)

I selected these quotes because I felt the experience was awesome, many valuable lessons have been learnt in such a short space of time and in order to keep some of these lessons before me as I progress, I literally need to position some of these learnings at the forefront of my mind.  I do hope you share the same.

Testing for Intelligence - Japan

Standardized tests provide valuable information for designers, researchers, the national community including educational official, teachers, parents and even students themselves. 

In my country - Trinidad and Tobago standardized testing in introduced twice to our children at the elementary level - at standard 1 and at standard 3 (grade 2).  I do not know in your system what standard 1 will equate to.  At standard 1 level children are assessed in the areas of mathematics and language arts and at the standard 3 level (grade 2) in the areas of social studies and science.  As such our schools are to some extent ranged on the basis of National Tests Scores so schools are making a concerted effort to improve students overall performance.

However, the Japanese do not utilize standardized test as a criterion for the self evaluation that Japanese schools conduct.  In Japanese public schools, elementary and lower secondary students do not take high stakes tests nor are they assigned to schools by achievement.  It is between lower and upper secondary that the pressure begins in order to secure entry into the top universities.  However, competition still exists for the most prestigious universities in order to secure the top jobs in government and industry.

This is interesting and it ought to speak to us and what we do.  Japan is a very industrialized country.  It is the only member state of the G8 from Asia, it is very populated and they are known for high life expectancy and low infant mortality.  What really can our early childhood professionals gleam from this?  I believe that we should ensure that our early childhood setting do not compromise our children’s educational achievement.  We must ensure that our settings are geared to and sustain the development of inquiry minds because that will position our children to be owners of their learning.  It will arouse and sustain their curiosity, thus awakening children’s quest for knowledge. However, our teachers must be able to facilitate the process, teachers educational development must continue, professional development sessions are necessary and regular assessment of the entire process is required - it should be assessed, feedback must be made available in a timely manner and corrective procedures institued in order to propel our children's progress. For all of the above to become reality funding is critical.

Reference

Rotberg, I. (2006). Assessment Around the World. Educational Leadership. Vol. 64. Issue 3.