Save the Children

Save the Children has been working in Japan for 25 years. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Save the Children deployed emergency response teams to assess the needs of children and their families.

Save the Children’s efforts are focused on:
• Expanding child protection activities that our staff in the badly damaged city of Sendai have already initiated, with our disaster-tested Child-Friendly Spaces program as the key response;
• Providing non-food relief items to families;
• Supplying children with “back-to-school” kits of materials;
• Initiating a school-based psychosocial support program for children, their parents and other childcare providers to build resilience and coping;
• Supporting local and national groups working to help children and families recover over the longer term, with special emphasis on supporting groups addressing educational and childcare
needs; and
• Advocacy to help ensure that the needs of Japan’s children are included in emergency reparedness planning at the prefecture and national levels.

CHILDHOOD OBESITY "INVESTING IN CHILDREN'S HEALTH"

Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. Childhood obesity is particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression.

One of the best strategies to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the diet and exercise habits of your entire family. Treating and preventing childhood obesity helps protect the health of your child now and in the future.

Kids do better in school when they're well nourished. Their brains function better when they're physically active. So why don't all schools and childcare programs use these facts to their advantage? These two factors have a major impact on not only school performance but also on dollars saved — immediately in the school budget and long term in the cost of health care.

Kids who are well nourished, active and healthy are more likely to be in school and participating, which reduces the need to spend time helping kids catch up after sick days or addressing poor performance. Thus, teachers can make better use of the available time and resources.

Fewer sick days and better health also equate to savings in health care now and in the future. Consider, for example, that reducing childhood obesity now means fewer obesity-related chronic health problems in the future.

Kids need good role models, access to healthy foods and safe places to play. And many schools are rising to the challenge. The Healthier U.S. School Challenge is an initiative that recognizes schools that have created healthier environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity. Another initiative, Action for Healthier Kids, targets schools with limited resources to help them provide students with opportunities to eat right and be active at school so they're ready to learn.

Childhood Poverty In China

Poverty has many causes, some of them very basic. Some experts suggest, for instance, that the world has too many people, too few jobs, and not enough food. But such basic causes are quite intractable and not easily eradicated. In most cases, the causes and effects of poverty interact, so that what makes people poor also creates conditions that keep them poor.  Poverty has many causes, some of them very basic. Some experts suggest, for instance, that the world has too many people, too few jobs, and not enough food. But such basic causes are quite intractable and not easily eradicated. In most cases, the causes and effects of poverty interact, so that what makes people poor also creates conditions that keep them poor. 

China's vastness and diversity encompass a broad range of the problems and challenges facing small farmers and pastoralists throughout the developing world. Population pressure strains the productive capacity of the 10 per cent of the land area that is suitable for sustained cultivation. An increasing number of livestock compete for fodder on fragile rangelands.

The efforts of China's government to stimulate economic growth have focused largely on boosting the productivity of the country’s enormous rural population by adopting a series of economic reforms that have guided China’s transition from a planned to a market-oriented economy.  Despite China's strong and sustained economic growth, poverty is still persistent, especially in remote rural areas. Income inequalities between eastern and western China have broadened, and the income gap between rural and urban residents has widened considerably since the late 1970s. Urban incomes are now more than three times higher than rural incomes. China’s government is taking strong measures to correct this trend by increasing investment in rural areas, especially in infrastructure, irrigation, education and health.

References:

http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/index.php?action=countryo
http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/web/guest/country/home/tags/china

Sharing Web Resources

Georgia Head Start Association

Georgia Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide comprehensive early childhood and family development services to children from birth to five-years-old, pregnant women and families. Our programs have a long tradition of delivering comprehensive and high quality services designed to foster healthy development in low-income children and their families. Head Start agencies provide a range of individualized services in the areas of education and early childhood development; medical, dental, and mental health; nutrition; parent involvement and family support. In addition, the entire range of Head Start services is responsive and appropriate to each child's and family's developmental, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage and experience.
All Head Start and Early Head Start programs must adhere to federal Program Performance Standards. These standards, which are the most rigorous and comprehensive early childhood program standards in the country, define the services that programs are to provide to the children and families they serve and are designed to ensure that the Head Start goals and objectives are implemented successfully and that all agencies maintain the highest possible quality in the provision of Head Start services

Link to website:  http://www.georgiaheadstart.org/

Current Event that caught my attention on the website…..

On Target for Reading

"On Target for Reading" is a read aloud program that encourages everyone to read aloud to children. The goal is to promote reading to Georgia preschool children. Our target is to read 500,000 books during the eight month program from September 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011.
Everyone from Head Start, Child Care Centers, Family Child Care Programs, Pre-K Centers, parents, staff, grandparents, community volunteers and older children are invited to read aloud books to children then log the information into the GHSA web site at http://georgiaheadstart.org/survey/.

Help Georgia preschool children get "On Target for Reading" by reading aloud to our children! This program is sponsored by the Georgia Head Start Association with funding provided by Target Company Childhood Reading Grant.

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

I have not been able to make contact with any Early Childhood Professional outside the United States.  My goal was to contact a professional from Africa.  I really thought this would be an easy assignment, however it is very challenging.  I am going to make a visit to Fort Valley State University and speak with the International Student department to see if I can get some assistance.

“My Support”

“My Support”

QUOTE:  “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life."
- Richard Bach

I am a single parent and my main source of supports comes from my Mother and Stepfather.   They provide support to me and my children in so many ways.  I could not imagine not having my parents in my life to help raise my children.  I am the only child and I am the mother of 2 children.  My job is located about 45 minutes away from home and It can be challenging trying to take off from work to attend school function and to be at home when the school bus drop my kids off in the afternoon.  I am fortunate to have such a wonderful mother that can fill the void whenever I am absent.  She ASSISTS with getting my kids off the school bus and assisting with homework or afterschool activities.  My stepfather is a certified Mechanic and saves me money by performing all repairs on my vehicle and keeping my vehicle up to par.

Together (mother, Stepfather and I) are a team and our motto is “we stick together like glue…No Matter what happens…We are a team…striving to for excellence”

POEM

Little Eyes  
 

   There are little eyes upon you 
   And they're watching night and day. 
   There are little ears that quickly 
   Take in every word you say. 
   There are little hands all eager 
   To do anything you do; 
   And a little girl who's dreaming 
   Of the day she'll be like you. 
   You're the little angel's idol; 
   You're the wisest of the wise. 
   In her little mind about you 
   No suspicions ever rise. 
   She believes in you devoutly, 
   Holds all you say and do; 
   She will say and do, in your way 
   When she's grown up just like you. 
   There's a wide-eyed little girl 
   Who believes you're always right; 
   And her eyes are always open, 
   And she watches day and night. 
   You are setting an example 
   Every day in all you do; 
   For the little girl who's waiting 
   To grow up to be like you. 
   Author unknown

"MY CONNECTIONS TO PLAY"

Quotes:

""Children Learn By Doing, and Play Is Their Work""

Author: Unknown

“Kids go where there is excitement. They stay where there is love”

Author:  Zig Ziglar

Memories of my childhood play time……

My playtime as a child was spent with my aunts and uncles.  I was the only child.  I remember participating in pretend play and Dramatic play. I would dress up like my mom by putting on her high heel shoes and lipstick.   I would also pretend to have a tea party with my dolls and other stuffed animals. My uncles and aunt would pretend to be whatever I wanted them to be.  I remember I would love for my uncle to pretend he was a horse (down on his hands and knees), I would get on his back and enjoy the fun.

Play today is different from the play in which you engaged as a child:

Children of this generation do not get to engage in pretend play as I did as a child.  There are too many electronic games and children are confined to the couch, sitting down in front of a television.  As a child, most of my time was spent outside with family and friends playing “hide and go seek” hopscotch, playing baseball, etc….

 

QUOTES about Child Development.....

"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."
- Maria Montessori

"In early childhood you may lay the foundation of poverty or riches, industry of idleness, good or evil, by the habits to which you train your children. Teach them right habits then, and their future life is safe.”
- Lydia Sigourney

"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.
- Dr. Hiam Ginnot

"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows."
- Sydney J. Harris


"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.
- Henry Adams


"Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man."
- Rabindranath Tagore

Testing for Intelligence?

A Successful Kindergarten Model in Hungary

In Hungary early childhood education and care (ECEC) is split system-wise into childcare (from childbirth to 3 years of age) and early childhood education (from 3 to 6/7 years of age). While the emphasis of the programs available for all young children and their families has converged substantially over the years in Hungary, the division into these age groups is longstanding. The present study gives a short overview of early education and care of children 3-7 years which is the first stage of public education (kindergarten). In addition to the analysis of policy and services, several facets of the system like structure, funding, budget, administrative and legal regulations, staffing, program content and implementation are discussed.
Hungarian kindergarten-education has a very good reputation world-wide and is the subject of study by many professionals from foreign countries.

Curricular Control and Content

Detailed guidelines for the operation of kindergarten programs exist in the National Core Program for Kindergarten Education. School-based program for children aged 3-7 includes basic skills development, pre-reading, drawing, singing and school preparation. Children are assessed by the kindergarten teachers throughout the school year. As from September 2004, the revised Act on Public education stipulates that all pupils must be assessed in written, individual analysis. Kindergartens are staffed by kindergarten pedagogues who are required to have a tertiary degree of at least 2500 hours, of which 30% is of a practical nature including observations of kindergarten practice, individual and group sessions, and practical courses. They are helped by kindergarten assistants who provide support to the kindergarten pedagogues in the operation of the kindergarten class. Classes are therefore organized into groups with two pedagogues, and the support of an assistant/cleaner. The assistants do not have to have a secondary education and are able, but not required, to take a specialist examination. Currently some 80% of kindergarten teachers have a tertiary degree and a total of 97% have specialized training.

Stress on Children’s Development

Neglect is a passive form of abuse in which the perpetrator is responsible to provide care for a victim who is unable to care for oneself, but fails to provide adequate care to meet the victim's needs, thereby resulting in the victim's demise.

My godson (John) is 8 years old.  His mother (Mary Ann) recently started dating this guy (Earl) and they spend a lot of time together. John have communicated to me that his mother doesn’t spend time with him as she did before she started dating Earl.  I observed the situation and discover that John is telling the truth.  John’s mother is always going away on the weekend with Earl.  Mary Ann never incorporates John with any activities that she and Earl are doing.  John feels as if he is not love by his mother and he feels as if Earl doesn’t like him.  John reaches out to me for love.  Whenever my kids and I go out to eat dinner and to the movies, I always invite John to come along.  John spends a lot of time at my house.  He hates being at home with his mother, especially when Earl is there. John’s mother is my friend and I don’t know how to approach her without making her upset. John is very stressed from the situation.  His grades are dropping and his self esteem is very low.  I spend a lot of time with him by helping him with his homework, talking to him about his friends and encourage him to do his best in life.

BREASTFEEDING IN INDONESIA

A new law has been passed that stipulates all babies should be exclusive breastfed for the first six months of life in Indonesia.  Women are provided with three months of paid maternity leave.  The new law detailed steps on how companies must provide faculties for nursing mother to breastfeed as well as to pump and store their breast milk.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/charity-news/archive/2010/11/indonesia-introduces-breastfeeding-law

Childbirth––In Your Life and Around the World

A PERSONAL BIRTHING EXPERIENCE

I remember when I gave birth to my first child.  I was 21 years old and I was single.  My family was very supportive, especially my mother.  I was taught by the best on how to be a great mother. My mother was there with me from the 1^st contraction through the delivery of my daughter.  I had my daughter  natural without any pain medicine. When my daughter was placed on my stomach, I looked at my baby and tears begin to form.  I was very happy and knew with the help of my mother, my daughter would receive the proper care.  I consider the birth to be successful.  I learned a lot from the child birth class and from my mother and grandmother.  I chose this birth because it was very special to me especially with it being my first experience.  I think it is extremely important to receive proper prenatal care and moral support from your family to make the delivery good.

The difference of birth between the United States and The Netherlands

United States (American)	Netherlands (Dutch)
Expected mother see an Obstetrician  once a month for the 1st and 2nd trimester and once every week in the 3rd trimester	Expected Moms will only see a doctor if there are complication.
Births are delivered at the hospital by a midwife or doctor	Most births are delivered at home by a midwife.  Expected mothers are required to pick up a kraampakket that include all of the medical supplies necessary for home birth.
Expected mother can go to the hospital whenever they need to .	Expected mothers must get approval by the midwife before going to the hospital for labor and delivery.
Epidural are given if requested by the mother at anytime	Epidurals are given if it's convenient for the anesthesiologist schedule.  Natural birth is the vast majority of Dutch women.
Infants will remain in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.	Infants can go home within 2 hours after delivery if there are no complications.
A nurse  will be available by phone  if needed to answer any questions	A nurse will go to the home to provide medical care, clean the home, cook and provide parenting skills.

CODE of ETHICS

CODE of ETHICS (NAEYC and DEC codes)

“Never harm children”

Children are our future and as educator we must protect the children from any harm.  It is important to ensure the safety of all children.

“We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curriculum and learning environments to facilitate young children’s development and learning.”

It is important to have a relationship with the children and their families.  This can be done by having PACT (Parent and Child Time). As an educator, I will create activities and games for parent and children to do while they are home.  Home visits will also be conducted weekly to check on the child’s progress and to provide assistant to the parent if they need helpful ideas such as: 

·         How to help with homework.

·         How to discipline my child.

·         Implementing a daily reading program (read aloud activities)

“Be open to new ideas and be willing to learn from the suggestions of others”

I will always be open to new ideas.   The world is rapidly changing for the better.  It is good to be traditional but it will be great to acquire new skills.



Early Childhood Resources

Early Childhood Resources

Website:  http://www.dltk-kids.com/

Title:  DLTK’s “Sites Growing Together”

DLTK is a website that features children crafts, coloring pages and more including projects for the holidays, educational themes and some or our children favorite cartoon characters.

Website:  http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/ect/

Title:  Scholastic:  Early Childhood Today

·         Behavior and Development

·         Community

·         Leadership

·         School-Home Connection

·         Activities

·         Curriculum Areas

·         Tips and Strategies

Book:  Beginning and Beyond:  Foundations in Early Childhood Education

Authors:  Ann Miles Gordon and Kathryn Williams Brown

Synopsis:

Current and prospective teacher and caregivers will greatly value Beginnings & Beyond for it’s well organized and dynamic approach to teaching the fundamentals of early childhood education and the skills necessary to succeed in meeting the needs of young children.

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

Quotes by “Jean Piaget”

“The principle goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done - men who are creative, inventive and discoverers”

“It is with children that we have the best chance of studying the development of logical knowledge, mathematical knowledge, physical knowledge, and so forth.”

Quotes by “Louise Deman-Spart

“Always wanted to be a Teacher”

“To make a real contribution to the world….to fix all the injustice of the world thought teaching”.

My Childhood Web

Tamakio’s Childhood Web

I have a very lovable family.  I was the first grandchild and I had so much support from my mother, grandmother, aunts and uncles.  I was the only child in the family for four years.  Each family member provided moral support and love to me as a child and as an adult.

My mother (Mary) was a single parent and provided the love and support for a father and a mother.  She was a strong determine woman who inspired me to have faith and to know that all things are possible as long as you put your heart, mind and soul to it.

 My grandmother (Lilla) taught me how to pray and to always put GOD first in my life.  She provided support to me to ensure that I had everything I needed. I remember as a child pretending to be like her.  I would put on her high heel shoes and get one of her purse and pretend to be my grandmother.

 My aunt (Venia) was like a mother to me.  She would be my caregiver while my mother and grandmother were working.  She would cook me meals and play games with me.  My first game was “hide and seek “and it was so entertaining.  She would help me with my homework and ensured that I had a complete understanding of it.  I thought she was very mean but as I grew older I realized that it was out of love that she wanted me to be successful.

My aunt (Essie) was also like a mother to me.  She went into the military and I didn’t get to see her as often.  I would talk with her over the phone and maybe once or twice out of the year she would come home to visit.  She would send me items such as dolls, coats and a pair of brown boots that I fell completely in love with.  I loved the boots so much that I would go to sleep with them on.

My uncle (Fred) was like a father to me.  He would spend lots of time with me.  He introduced me to music and his favorite artist was Michael Jackson.  We would ride in his car and listen to Michael Jackson over and over again.  He would ensure that my hair was groomed by braiding my hair neatly.

Today, as an adult my family continues to provide support to me.  My family has grown since my childhood but the love did not change for me.  We are very close and have contact with each other all the time by phone, email, family gathering or just because.

"My Family"

Montessori Education: "The Pink Tower"

Purpose: Build blocks of graduated 3 dimensional sizes in order to understand sequence and order.

Presentation: Spread a mat or rug on the floor,Dr. Montessori used a green carpet in her first school. Carefully scatter the cubes over the mat. Build a tower starting with the largest cube. Choose slowly and with deliberation.

Grasp each cube with one hand to get the muscular impression of the size. Build the tower from largest to smallest. The child will probably not be able to do this with the largest cube with one hand, it is fine to use both hands.However,  the other cubes should be able to be grasped this way.
(Again the connection- the hand is visually measuring the cubes for the mind to process)
Exercise: The child builds the tower after the demonstration.
Using the 3 period lesson introduce the concept of large and small, large, larger, largest, small, smaller, smallest. Also, if your child is ready, you can count the numbers 1 through 10 starting with the smallest cube (1) to the largest cube (10). The concrete difference between 1 and 10 is the first step in understanding addition. Later, when you teach your child to count backwards, use the tower again. Count backwards from 10 as the largest cube down to the smallest cube (1). This visual aid is invaluable to understanding subtraction.

FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

By Eric Carle

Children Learn What They Live

Children Learn What They LiveBy Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte