“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.

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.