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.

Natural Disaster

My island (Tobago) experienced a fatal hurricane on the 30^th September, 1963.  I was not yet born so I asked a colleague of mine to relate her experience because she was a child at that time.  She resided on the north western side of the island. She recounted that it began as a slightly rainy day so she along with her sister left for school as usual.  While at school they learned that hurricane Flora was going to strike so all schools were dismissed.  As little children, they were naïve to the impending danger so they delayed and played on their way home.  By then the wind had gained strength, they witnessed trees bowing to the strong wind and they took it lightly.

She lost her mother at the age of 6 so her dad who was a proprietor came home early and was busy securing the windows and fastening loose galvanize for the eventual onslaught. Neighbors could be heard also reinforcing their windows and roofing.  Heavy rains eventually started and she stated that they saw galvanize flying.  Eventually, there was a loll. Her dad went to the rescue of an old man who was not living too far from them but he refused to leave his home.  Then they began experiencing further effects of the hurricane, their home was not damaged because they lived behind a huge rock, she noted that you could have actually step off from the rock unto their house but neighbors were not so fortunately so they were host to two families for a period of time. 

During the ensuing days, their neighbors returned to their premises to see how they can repair their homes and at nights they return for lodging.  The old neighbor who they tried to assist house eventually caved in on him and he had to be rescued.  He was swollen and was groaning so my friend’s father took him to their home.  He died two days later.

Many persons on the island were not as fortunate as my friend because on the western end of the island, several lives were lost and many homes were totally destroyed.  My friend noted that the event brought the community closer together because there was a greater level of care and concern for each other.  Her school received supplies from other countries but it was felt that they were not seriously affected so they should not receive anything but eventually she and her sister were given a blouse and skirt each.

Public Health Issue

“Childhood obesity is a public health concern” which is growing in alarming proportions. I am observing an increasing number of obese children and I think it is very worrying because it indicates to me that our children are not developing well.  It is the recipe for heart diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure and poor blood circulation problems developing.  There are many factors contributing to such a crisis. 

• I observe that some parents are over-feeding their children.  Children are given large portions of food.  I am aware of at least four cases where each child is from a single child household. All of the children are excessively obese so it will indicate to me that some parents are allowing children to indulge in large portions in addition to regular snacking.
• There is a proliferation of fast food outlets on the island and children are becoming increasingly attached to fast food. 
• Drinks such as soft drinks contribute bad sugar to children’s diet.
•  Some children are spending too much time in front of the television and the computer as such they are not engaging in recreational activities that will allow them to burn up excessive calories.

Arkansas is one of the states in the US that has passed legislation to protect children against childhood obesity. According to Craig, Felix, Walker & Phillips (2010) childhood obesity has escalated in the United States.  Children are 3 times their weight in the last 3 years. Craig, Felix, Walker & Phillips (2010) noted “recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2003 – 2006) revealed that roughly 32% of children and adolescents with a Body Mass Index (BMI) for their age above the 85^th percentile.” Craig et al., (2010) cited Ogden et al., who used the 97^th percentile as an identifier of those with greatest body mass for their age.  They reported that 11% of US children and adolescents fit into this category.

In Arkansas emphasis has been placed on improving nutrition and physical education curriculum, positive reinforcement is being used to encourage children to eat healthy and utilize physical activity standards, they have also provided model vending polices and tool kits (Craig, et. al., 2010).

Arkansas had been a pioneer at instituting statewide “BMI screening with” report being forwarded “to parents” from “public school children in grades K through 12” (Craig et. al., 2010).  The article noted that the act has restricted students’ “access to vending machines in public elementary schools; schools must disclose vending contracts and publicly report vending revenues.”  Schools must now create policy pertaining to rules and regulation governing vending.

I think that as a developing country, we need to pass laws to protect our children at schools in order to reduce childhood obesity.  We know that great results can be realized if our parents can also get on board with the measures implemented at schools.  I am familiar with the efforts at many early childhood schools which only allow children to eat healthy snacks – fruits and vegetables.  I realize that our primary schools need to get on board.  Many of our schools have tuck shops and the monies collected are used to support schools.  On the other hand, some schools have a lease arrangement with regards to their tuck shop. I believe I can advocate by writing to the local newspapers, make contributions at forums dealing with healthy development and share on a one on one basis with parents whose children may be at-risk.

Reference

Craig, R. L., Felix, H.C., Walker, J. F., & Phillips, M. M. (2010). Public Health Professionals as Policy Entrepreneurs: Arkansas’s Childhood Obesity Policy Experience. American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 100 No.11.

Childbirth Experience

The birth of my niece.  My sister was 22 years when she gave birth to her daughter.  On what should have been a regular visit to her gynecologist since she was expecting her baby in two weeks time she was given a letter to report to the General Hospital the following morning at 7.00 a.m.  She was not experiencing any pain at all. I accompanied her to the hospital. By 8.30 a.m. she was taken to the delivery room.  The doctor induced labor, however, the nurses were not very pleased because they felt that the natural birthing process should be attempted before inducing labour.  The nurses burst the water bag and my sister began experiencing contractions like every fifteen minutes which then reduced to every ten minutes followed by every five minutes.  The nurses told her if she felt as though she need to free her bowels it is a sign that she was about to give birth. She was given a small incursion to allow for the passage of the baby’s head and in a split second my niece was born.  A bouncing baby girl weighing 8lbs 2 ounces; much to the delight of the entire family. By the following day my sister and her baby were at home.  It was a very smooth process.

I chose this example because I never gave birth and it was the only one I witnessed. The birth process is a very joyous moment for families because it is the bringing forth of life and as such it is  a beautiful opportunity to nurture children’s development and ensure that they contribute meaningfully to society.

Miskito Communities in Honduras

Women generally give birth at home with a midwife, family member, or nurse with a private healthcare practice. Health center personnel rarely attend births, and few women leave their villages to give birth at hospitals or other facilities. The health clinic in Palacios is slightly better staffed and equipped than local health centers. Should the need arise for obstetric care women would need to travel for about 2 hours for emergency by motorized canoe. However, the clinic's capabilities remain limited and underused. For instance, during 218 reproductive histories, no woman reported undergoing an emergency cesarean section delivery there (Arps, 2007). Women experiencing obstructed labor and other complications are referred to regional hospitals for surgery.

In both instances the mothers received assistance in delivering the baby and there were family support. In the case of my sister, there was the doctor and trained nurses to assist her and the delivery occurred in the hospital. However, with the Miskito women their births occurred at home with the assistance of the midwife or nurse.

A Note of Thanks and Support

I personally want to thank everyone on this course for the wonderful experience we have all nurtured and maintained throughout the 8 weeks.  It has been a life changing moment for me and I will cherish all of it. Hope to interact with you in the coming year. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! All the best for the New Year! 

Ideals

The following ideals were selected from the NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics. They truly define who I am and/or who I am aspiring to become professionally.

Ethical Responsibility to Children

To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

I believe that if I am to effectively serve the people in early childhood and prove the standard of early childhood then I must possess a wealth of information. I must also stay abreast of the latest development in order to remain relevant.   Bearing in mind that many teachers are looking forward for assistance in so many areas as such I am compelled to remain current and to advocate on their behalf.

Ethical Responsibility to Families

To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.

This can only occur when as a professional I understand that working with families is an essential aspect of being an early childhood professional. I cannot do it alone. I must continue to remind myself that in order to serve families effectively I must appreciate the six characteristics of families which every early childhood professional need to familiarize himself or herself with.  Only then can I begin to break barriers and form new alliances for the enhancement of our children’s education.

Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues

To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with co-workers.

It is essential to establish intrapersonal relationships with colleagues.   I am reminded that I cannot do this work alone, there is need to build and strengthen connections.  In addition, much more is accomplished when there is team effort.  Collegiality goes a long way to increase productivity in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.