- My current relationships have molded me into the person that I am today. First, my relationship with Jesus Christ has taught me who I am in Him and how to love others. It has been the foundation of my very existence. My husband with my husband began 14 years ago. We have had our ups and downs but our love is steadfast. He is the love of my life and my best friend. My relationship with his has taught me what true loyalty and commitment look like. My relationship with my mother over the years has been a rocky one, but God has mended it and we get along better than ever now. My relationship with her has taught me patience and how to accept others as they are, and that everyone is dealing with something. What I see as special characteristics of these relationships that make some partnerships are preserverance, patience, commitment, honesty, respect, and acceptance.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Reflecting on Building Relationships
Monday, June 17, 2019
Profound New Directions
·
Considering a commitment
to viewing young children holistically (i.e., a commitment to "the whole
child"), what, if anything, do you believe should be measured or assessed?
In commitment to viewing
young childr·
Considering a commitment
to viewing young children holistically (i.e., a commitment to "the whole
child"), what, if anything, do you believe should be measured or assessed?
In commitment to viewing
young children holistically, the child spiritual, emotional, developmental,
cognitive, and physical development should all be taken into consideration. The
child’s background and community/family connections should also be considered.
These are all factors that greatly contribute to a child’s wellbeing. All of
these factors and people play a huge role in who the child will become late on
in life.
·
In what ways are
school-age children assessed in other parts of the world? (Choose a country or
region of the world for which you have a personal affinity.)
In Africa, school aged
children are assessed by what they know in school as well as the family and
part of the village they come from. It plays a huge role in the opportunities
they are presented with as children until they are old enough to make their own
mark on society.
·
What additional ideas,
comments, suggestions, examples, and/or concerns related to assessing young children
would you like to share with your colleagues?
I would like to share that much of the world is based on one’s
socioeconomic status when considering the opportunities one will be afforded.en holistically, the child spiritual, emotional, developmental,
cognitive, and physical development should all be taken into consideration. The
child’s background and community/family connections should also be considered.
These are all factors that greatly contribute to a child’s wellbeing. All of
these factors and people play a huge role in who the child will become late on
in life.
·
In what ways are
school-age children assessed in other parts of the world? (Choose a country or
region of the world for which you have a personal affinity.)
In Africa, school aged
children are assessed by what they know in school as well as the family and
part of the village they come from. It plays a huge role in the opportunities
they are presented with as children until they are old enough to make their own
mark on society.
·
What additional ideas,
comments, suggestions, examples, and/or concerns related to assessing young children
would you like to share with your colleagues?
I would like to share that much of the world is based on one’s
socioeconomic status when considering the opportunities one will be afforded.
Monday, June 3, 2019
Consequences of Stress on Children's Development
The stressor that I chose was violence. I work in Child Welfare, and I find that several of the cases that cone in are due to domestic violence. Sometimes, it is so severe and the children are so traumatized, that it effects their behavior. They in turn, have become violent and lack self control. I have seen children just have a complete meltdown that was triggered by a loud noise or someone dropping their keys, etc. It is hard to work with children who are traumatized by violence, even if the violence was not directly towards them.
I would like to use a personal experience of my own as a child. My father was in the Military and we lived in Germany for 3 years. During our stay there, both my brother and I were verbally assaulted by German children. I was only about 5 and my brother was 9. I still remember thinking to myself, "How could a child have so much hatred and anger towards someone they don't even know? Who taught them this?" It was and still is very sad on their behalf.
I would like to use a personal experience of my own as a child. My father was in the Military and we lived in Germany for 3 years. During our stay there, both my brother and I were verbally assaulted by German children. I was only about 5 and my brother was 9. I still remember thinking to myself, "How could a child have so much hatred and anger towards someone they don't even know? Who taught them this?" It was and still is very sad on their behalf.
Monday, May 20, 2019
Public Health Topic
The public health topic that I chose was nutrition/malnutrition. This topic is meaningful to me in many ways. First, we live in America, where if there is a concern with a child being malnourished, it is mostly due to abuse and/or neglect.
However, in other parts of the world, Africa for example, malnutrition is a way of live due to the lack of resources available to them. In many cases the child is not the only only one who is malnourished, the entire family is. Is can be so death the death is the result.
Ways that this has impacted my work in the future is that my husband and I sponsor 2 children in Africa so that they and their families can get clean water, food, and an education. We all write to each other back and forth, and we also send then Christmas gifts. It is such a joy.
However, in other parts of the world, Africa for example, malnutrition is a way of live due to the lack of resources available to them. In many cases the child is not the only only one who is malnourished, the entire family is. Is can be so death the death is the result.
Ways that this has impacted my work in the future is that my husband and I sponsor 2 children in Africa so that they and their families can get clean water, food, and an education. We all write to each other back and forth, and we also send then Christmas gifts. It is such a joy.
Friday, May 10, 2019
Childbirth In My Life and Around the World
- What are your thoughts regarding birth and its impact on child development?
I have only experienced one personal birth experience. When I was 19 years old, I gave birth to my first child, which resulted in him passing away within his first 5 minutes of life. I was told when I was 7 months pregnant that he would most likely pass away after birth due to a congenital heart defect. I was given an option to abort or continue to carry. I chose to continue to carry. I was in labor for 22 hours. He was beautiful. What I remember about the event is going under for a C-section because he was breach, and I remember waking up and the nurse handing him to me. He was already gone by the time I woke up, but I still got a chance to spend a little time with him. The nursing team prayed over us, and I handed him back over. That was a very confusing and sad time in my life, but I know that God knows what is best for me. Even in the most difficult times, we still have to trust Him. I chose this example because it is my only experience with child birth, and because I believe it will help someone see the bright side of things.
I chose to research Africa. Each year millions of babies are born in Africa. (www.unicef) I learned that many of the births end up with both or either mother or child dying due to the lack of care in some parts of Africa. However, not all Africans children die during birth. There are many successful births in Africa as well. The difference that I learned about is that there is a lack of medical care and prenatal care in Africa, resulting in the loss of life.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Professional Thanks
The two colleagues that I would like to thank are Abigail Baker and Savannah Helsbury. Both of these ladies blogs have been so encouraging to me. The creativity of their blogs are also a great touch!
Friday, April 19, 2019
Words of Inspiration and Motivation
Three ideals contained in the NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics that are meaningful to you, and explain their significance to your professional life.
- Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle
- • Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family
- Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague)
Friday, April 5, 2019
Course Resources
Some course resources that I feel would be beneficial to anyone working or seeking to get into the early childhood development field are as follows:
Early
Childhood Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation. Building an
Effective, Accountable System in Programs for Children Birth through Age 8.
(2003). National
Association for the Education of Young Children.
NAEYC. (2003) Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and
program evaluation. http://naeyc.org
NAEYC. (2009) Early childhood inclusion. Retrieved from http://naeyc.org
Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and
Families. Retrieved from http://main.zerotothree.org
FPG Child Development Institute (2006). Evidence based
practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. http:community.fpg.unc.edu
World Forum Foundation
World Organization for Early Childhood Education
http:www.omep-usnc.org
3 additional sources
Friday, March 29, 2019
Quote about passion, motivation, and wisdom
One quote about passion, motivation, and wisdom from the
professionals on the media segment from week 2 that resonated with me was by Renatta
Cooper. She stated that “Early Childhood education is a civil right because it opens
up the world to you.”
Friday, March 22, 2019
Personal Childhood Web
I dedicate my Personal Childhood Web to several people who nurtured and cared about me the most when I was a child. My childhood was good for the most part. I have seveal great memories of my childhood. I was taught alot of different things that I still practice today and try to instill into those around me such as independence, respect, love, laughter, self confidence, tenderheartedness, compassion, empathy, and honor.
The first individual that I would like to mention is my father. He was a very positive figure throughout my childhood as well as some of my adulthood. Unfortunately he passed away on March 23, 2006. His name was Tyrone. He was actually my Stepfather. He and my mother got married when I was just 3 years old. He was the only father that I knew, and he never treated me like I was not his biological daughter. He supported me in everything I did in school such as helping me with my homework, teaching me how to play the drums when I was in high school and it had become an interest of mine. My most fond memories of him are the way he would always hug me and say to me even during my adulthood "You're a good girl Nini (he called me Nini short for my middle name Melanie). "Daddy loves you!" That always made me fell better no matter what mood I was in at the time.It also made me feel loved and protected. It taught me to be tenderhearted toward others and to always let the ones that you love know that you love them.
My aunt Phyllis was a very influential person in my life as well. Everytime my parents went to her and my uncle Paul's house, all of the kids would gather around and all of the adults would hang out in the backyard or in the livingroom and play cards or listen to music and dance. My aunt Phyllis and I would always make treats and popcorn for us kids and she loved to kiss me on my forehead and say "How is my beautiful niece today?" She is a wonderful person. She taught me to think highly of myself, but think of myself as higher than others. She also instilled a strong sense of independence in me.
My mom taught me how to cook. Every holiday she and I would get up at about 5am and I would start the deserts while she started the rest of the dinner. She loved to stick her finger in my cake mix and sometimes put some on my nose and laugh. She is the reason that I am a good cook today.
My little brother (believe it or not) who is 9 years younger than me, especially inspired my love for children. I had to take him everywhere I went as a child, and I actually enjoyed it. He was a great kid (at times :) and he was the cutest little thing. He and I are the closest today out of all of us siblings. H e is a proud father of three boys! I am so proud of who he has grown up to be. He always comes to me for advice and he keeps me on my toes.
My grandpa was also a positive role model in my childhood. He spoiled me rotten. Everywhere he went, he made sure that I was right by his side. He passed away when I was about 7 years old, so I don't have very memories of him. I do remember that strong sense of love from him though.
These are the individuals who have made me the individual that I am today. I am grateful for each of them, and I know that my life has been a success in many areas due to the morals and senseof responsibility they instilled in me.
The first individual that I would like to mention is my father. He was a very positive figure throughout my childhood as well as some of my adulthood. Unfortunately he passed away on March 23, 2006. His name was Tyrone. He was actually my Stepfather. He and my mother got married when I was just 3 years old. He was the only father that I knew, and he never treated me like I was not his biological daughter. He supported me in everything I did in school such as helping me with my homework, teaching me how to play the drums when I was in high school and it had become an interest of mine. My most fond memories of him are the way he would always hug me and say to me even during my adulthood "You're a good girl Nini (he called me Nini short for my middle name Melanie). "Daddy loves you!" That always made me fell better no matter what mood I was in at the time.It also made me feel loved and protected. It taught me to be tenderhearted toward others and to always let the ones that you love know that you love them.
My aunt Phyllis was a very influential person in my life as well. Everytime my parents went to her and my uncle Paul's house, all of the kids would gather around and all of the adults would hang out in the backyard or in the livingroom and play cards or listen to music and dance. My aunt Phyllis and I would always make treats and popcorn for us kids and she loved to kiss me on my forehead and say "How is my beautiful niece today?" She is a wonderful person. She taught me to think highly of myself, but think of myself as higher than others. She also instilled a strong sense of independence in me.
My mom taught me how to cook. Every holiday she and I would get up at about 5am and I would start the deserts while she started the rest of the dinner. She loved to stick her finger in my cake mix and sometimes put some on my nose and laugh. She is the reason that I am a good cook today.
My little brother (believe it or not) who is 9 years younger than me, especially inspired my love for children. I had to take him everywhere I went as a child, and I actually enjoyed it. He was a great kid (at times :) and he was the cutest little thing. He and I are the closest today out of all of us siblings. H e is a proud father of three boys! I am so proud of who he has grown up to be. He always comes to me for advice and he keeps me on my toes.
My grandpa was also a positive role model in my childhood. He spoiled me rotten. Everywhere he went, he made sure that I was right by his side. He passed away when I was about 7 years old, so I don't have very memories of him. I do remember that strong sense of love from him though.
These are the individuals who have made me the individual that I am today. I am grateful for each of them, and I know that my life has been a success in many areas due to the morals and senseof responsibility they instilled in me.
I dedicate my Personal Childhood Web to several people who nurtured and cared about me the most when I was a child. My childhood was good for the most part. I have seveal great memories of my childhood. I was taught alot of different things that I still practice today and try to instill into those around me such as independence, respect, love, laughter, self confidence, tenderheartedness, compassion, empathy, and honor.
The first individual that I would like to mention is my father. He was a very positive figure throughout my childhood as well as some of my adulthood. Unfortunately he passed away on March 23, 2006. His name was Tyrone. He was actually my Stepfather. He and my mother got married when I was just 3 years old. He was the only father that I knew, and he never treated me like I was not his biological daughter. He supported me in everything I did in school such as helping me with my homework, teaching me how to play the drums when I was in high school and it had become an interest of mine. My most fond memories of him are the way he would always hug me and say to me even during my adulthood "You're a good girl Nini (he called me Nini short for my middle name Melanie). "Daddy loves you!" That always made me fell better no matter what mood I was in at the time.It also made me feel loved and protected. It taught me to be tenderhearted toward others and to always let the ones that you love know that you love them.
My aunt Phyllis was a very influential person in my life as well. Everytime my parents went to her and my uncle Paul's house, all of the kids would gather around and all of the adults would hang out in the backyard or in the livingroom and play cards or listen to music and dance. My aunt Phyllis and I would always make treats and popcorn for us kids and she loved to kiss me on my forehead and say "How is my beautiful niece today?" She is a wonderful person. She taught me to think highly of myself, but think of myself as higher than others. She also instilled a strong sense of independence in me.
My mom taught me how to cook. Every holiday she and I would get up at about 5am and I would start the deserts while she started the rest of the dinner. She loved to stick her finger in my cake mix and sometimes put some on my nose and laugh. She is the reason that I am a good cook today.
My little brother (believe it or not) who is 9 years younger than me, especially inspired my love for children. I had to take him everywhere I went as a child, and I actually enjoyed it. He was a great kid (at times :) and he was the cutest little thing. He and I are the closest today out of all of us siblings. H e is a proud father of three boys! I am so proud of who he has grown up to be. He always comes to me for advice and he keeps me on my toes.
My grandpa was also a positive role model in my childhood. He spoiled me rotten. Everywhere he went, he made sure that I was right by his side. He passed away when I was about 7 years old, so I don't have very memories of him. I do remember that strong sense of love from him though.
These are the individuals who have made me the individual that I am today. I am grateful for each of them, and I know that my life has been a success in many areas due to the morals and senseof responsibility they instilled in me.
The first individual that I would like to mention is my father. He was a very positive figure throughout my childhood as well as some of my adulthood. Unfortunately he passed away on March 23, 2006. His name was Tyrone. He was actually my Stepfather. He and my mother got married when I was just 3 years old. He was the only father that I knew, and he never treated me like I was not his biological daughter. He supported me in everything I did in school such as helping me with my homework, teaching me how to play the drums when I was in high school and it had become an interest of mine. My most fond memories of him are the way he would always hug me and say to me even during my adulthood "You're a good girl Nini (he called me Nini short for my middle name Melanie). "Daddy loves you!" That always made me fell better no matter what mood I was in at the time.It also made me feel loved and protected. It taught me to be tenderhearted toward others and to always let the ones that you love know that you love them.
My aunt Phyllis was a very influential person in my life as well. Everytime my parents went to her and my uncle Paul's house, all of the kids would gather around and all of the adults would hang out in the backyard or in the livingroom and play cards or listen to music and dance. My aunt Phyllis and I would always make treats and popcorn for us kids and she loved to kiss me on my forehead and say "How is my beautiful niece today?" She is a wonderful person. She taught me to think highly of myself, but think of myself as higher than others. She also instilled a strong sense of independence in me.
My mom taught me how to cook. Every holiday she and I would get up at about 5am and I would start the deserts while she started the rest of the dinner. She loved to stick her finger in my cake mix and sometimes put some on my nose and laugh. She is the reason that I am a good cook today.
My little brother (believe it or not) who is 9 years younger than me, especially inspired my love for children. I had to take him everywhere I went as a child, and I actually enjoyed it. He was a great kid (at times :) and he was the cutest little thing. He and I are the closest today out of all of us siblings. H e is a proud father of three boys! I am so proud of who he has grown up to be. He always comes to me for advice and he keeps me on my toes.
My grandpa was also a positive role model in my childhood. He spoiled me rotten. Everywhere he went, he made sure that I was right by his side. He passed away when I was about 7 years old, so I don't have very memories of him. I do remember that strong sense of love from him though.
These are the individuals who have made me the individual that I am today. I am grateful for each of them, and I know that my life has been a success in many areas due to the morals and senseof responsibility they instilled in me.
Personal Childhood Web
Personal Childhood Web
I dedicate my Personal Childhood Web to several people who nurtured and cared about me the most when I was a child. My childhood was good for the most part. I have seveal great memories of my childhood. I was taught alot of different things that I still practice today and try to instill into those around me such as independence, respect, love, laughter, self confidence, tenderheartedness, compassion, empathy, and honor.
The first individual that I would like to mention is my father. He was a very positive figure throughout my childhood as well as some of my adulthood. Unfortunately he passed away on March 23, 2006. His name was Tyrone. He was actually my Stepfather. He and my mother got married when I was just 3 years old. He was the only father that I knew, and he never treated me like I was not his biological daughter. He supported me in everything I did in school such as helping me with my homework, teaching me how to play the drums when I was in high school and it had become an interest of mine. My most fond memories of him are the way he would always hug me and say to me even during my adulthood "You're a good girl Nini (he called me Nini short for my middle name Melanie). "Daddy loves you!" That always made me fell better no matter what mood I was in at the time.It also made me feel loved and protected. It taught me to be tenderhearted toward others and to always let the ones that you love know that you love them.
My aunt Phyllis was a very influential person in my life as well. Everytime my parents went to her and my uncle Paul's house, all of the kids would gather around and all of the adults would hang out in the backyard or in the livingroom and play cards or listen to music and dance. My aunt Phyllis and I would always make treats and popcorn for us kids and she loved to kiss me on my forehead and say "How is my beautiful niece today?" She is a wonderful person. She taught me to think highly of myself, but think of myself as higher than others. She also instilled a strong sense of independence in me.
My mom taught me how to cook. Every holiday she and I would get up at about 5am and I would start the deserts while she started the rest of the dinner. She loved to stick her finger in my cake mix and sometimes put some on my nose and laugh. She is the reason that I am a good cook today.
My little brother (believe it or not) who is 9 years younger than me, especially inspired my love for children. I had to take him everywhere I went as a child, and I actually enjoyed it. He was a great kid (at times :) and he was the cutest little thing. He and I are the closest today out of all of us siblings. H e is a proud father of three boys! I am so proud of who he has grown up to be. He always comes to me for advice and he keeps me on my toes.
My grandpa was also a positive role model in my childhood. He spoiled me rotten. Everywhere he went, he made sure that I was right by his side. He passed away when I was about 7 years old, so I don't have very memories of him. I do remember that strong sense of love from him though.
These are the individuals who have made me the individual that I am today. I am grateful for each of them, and I know that my life has been a success in many areas due to the morals and senseof responsibility they instilled in me.
The first individual that I would like to mention is my father. He was a very positive figure throughout my childhood as well as some of my adulthood. Unfortunately he passed away on March 23, 2006. His name was Tyrone. He was actually my Stepfather. He and my mother got married when I was just 3 years old. He was the only father that I knew, and he never treated me like I was not his biological daughter. He supported me in everything I did in school such as helping me with my homework, teaching me how to play the drums when I was in high school and it had become an interest of mine. My most fond memories of him are the way he would always hug me and say to me even during my adulthood "You're a good girl Nini (he called me Nini short for my middle name Melanie). "Daddy loves you!" That always made me fell better no matter what mood I was in at the time.It also made me feel loved and protected. It taught me to be tenderhearted toward others and to always let the ones that you love know that you love them.
My aunt Phyllis was a very influential person in my life as well. Everytime my parents went to her and my uncle Paul's house, all of the kids would gather around and all of the adults would hang out in the backyard or in the livingroom and play cards or listen to music and dance. My aunt Phyllis and I would always make treats and popcorn for us kids and she loved to kiss me on my forehead and say "How is my beautiful niece today?" She is a wonderful person. She taught me to think highly of myself, but think of myself as higher than others. She also instilled a strong sense of independence in me.
My mom taught me how to cook. Every holiday she and I would get up at about 5am and I would start the deserts while she started the rest of the dinner. She loved to stick her finger in my cake mix and sometimes put some on my nose and laugh. She is the reason that I am a good cook today.
My little brother (believe it or not) who is 9 years younger than me, especially inspired my love for children. I had to take him everywhere I went as a child, and I actually enjoyed it. He was a great kid (at times :) and he was the cutest little thing. He and I are the closest today out of all of us siblings. H e is a proud father of three boys! I am so proud of who he has grown up to be. He always comes to me for advice and he keeps me on my toes.
My grandpa was also a positive role model in my childhood. He spoiled me rotten. Everywhere he went, he made sure that I was right by his side. He passed away when I was about 7 years old, so I don't have very memories of him. I do remember that strong sense of love from him though.
These are the individuals who have made me the individual that I am today. I am grateful for each of them, and I know that my life has been a success in many areas due to the morals and senseof responsibility they instilled in me.
Friday, March 15, 2019
- A quote about children, childhood, families, early childhood, etc. that is especially meaningful to me, "It takes a village to raise a child." I have found this to be so true in my experience with raising children. Sometimes you just need a little help.
- The title of a children's book you love and what you love about it
- I love the children's book, "I Am Enough" by Keturah A. Bobo. I love this title and book because it teaches and encourages young African American girls to accept and love themselves as God made them because they are good enough, and no one else's thoughts or opinions matter.
- A story about a child that touched your heart is a story that I on a show, I believe it was American Idol. The girl told her story about how she just recently been diagnosed as legally blind and it was due to a tumor that the doctors found in her brain that they believed to be there her whole life. Afterwards, she sang Rise Up, and I could not stop crying. It was so beautiful.
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