In Rethinking Early Childhood Education the author talks about the gender stereotypes children are exposed to and believe. It is true that in many if not most toy stores toys are obviously designated for the male and felmale role, not too many genger neutral toys can be found. What is worse is that not all of these gender specific toys are sending children the right message. What really stuck out to me was the Barbie scale of 110 pounds. Do little girls really need to start worrying about weight issues so early in life? It may seem harmless but recently I met a young girl who was in second grade and she constantly made negative remarks about her weight. Sometiems she did not even want to eat and would just sit there clearly sad and hungry. When playing with her barbies she once told me, “I wish I looked like this, she is so pretty.” I had to tell her that she was beautiful too and real so she was more special.
Children have many ideas about the world and how things work but not all their ideas are even close to accurate. They observe and begin forming their view of the world. If they can be taught that yes boys and girls are different but both are equally competent then hopefully the children will grow up having a more open mind.
Since it is not likely that the toy companies are going to change the way they make toys we need to make a conscious effort to include both genders in all activities and create encounters where genger role stereotypes can be broken. For instance, woodworking centers are great for involving all the children and everyone can see that carpentry is for girls as well. Boys can also be encouraged to take care of the babies or wash the dishes. These are more realistic scenareos for many of the children who will grow up and have children rather than shoot imaginary bad guys.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
How can a place be so greatly valued?
In Rethinking Early Childhood Education the author spoke so vividly of her appreciation for a sense of place. This kind of thinking goes along with the saying of stopping to smell the roses. Our world is filled with so many beautiful features of nature that are often over looked and under appreciated. Children can become fascinated by these things in nature on their own but with an adult’s guidance and knowledge they could learn so much more. For example, a child may see a ladybug on a leaf and run to tell the teacher. The teacher can either say something like, “That’s nice” or can take this interest and turn it into a learning experience. If the teacher does not take that opportunity to teach the children on something that they are interested in then the interest may fade and a learning opportunity would be missed.
There are many benefits for appreciating our natural environment. The author mentions that by caring and appreciating for even one place can cause a person to find the beauty in another simple feat of nature. For instance, if a child enjoys going to the beach and playing in the water they can come across feelings of happiness that they may not find in other places. Their passion for the ocean may cause them to keep the surrounding environment free from things such as cans and plastic bags (often found at the beach). Later they may go to a waterfall or river and feel a similar happiness as the beach and may want to also take the same kind of care of that place as well.
In the classroom there are so many different types of lesson plans and many of them do involve nature, but how great would it be to be able to introduce a passion and eye for the simple beauties in nature. There are many resources out in our earth such as leaves, sticks, and sand that can all be used in the classroom. One idea would be to have a garden with the children. They would be able to practice science with growing seeds, commitments and responsibility from taking care of the plants, cooking skills with preparing edible plants, sensory from smelling the earth and the greenery, healthy eating habits from eating the seeds, fruits and vegetables and self-confidence from growing something that can be enjoyed by everyone.
In the New Possibilities book the author talked about the class being a valued place for the women in it. It was in the class where many of them had a chance to broaden their view on the world. It was difficult for many of them outside of the classroom but in the classroom was their chance to learn to hopefully better their lives.
Another thing that caught my attention was the mention that bookwork and tests do not necessarily prove that a person is qualified to work with children. A person’s temperament and personality plays a large role in the kind of teacher they are going to be. It was suggested by one of the students in the author’s class that things such as observations with actual children should be required beyond bookwork. I agree that just because a person passes a college class does not mean that they are ready to become a teacher. There are some people who are smart but I know that I would not want them teaching or being a part of my children’s class. There is so much more to being a teacher than people realize.
There are many benefits for appreciating our natural environment. The author mentions that by caring and appreciating for even one place can cause a person to find the beauty in another simple feat of nature. For instance, if a child enjoys going to the beach and playing in the water they can come across feelings of happiness that they may not find in other places. Their passion for the ocean may cause them to keep the surrounding environment free from things such as cans and plastic bags (often found at the beach). Later they may go to a waterfall or river and feel a similar happiness as the beach and may want to also take the same kind of care of that place as well.
In the classroom there are so many different types of lesson plans and many of them do involve nature, but how great would it be to be able to introduce a passion and eye for the simple beauties in nature. There are many resources out in our earth such as leaves, sticks, and sand that can all be used in the classroom. One idea would be to have a garden with the children. They would be able to practice science with growing seeds, commitments and responsibility from taking care of the plants, cooking skills with preparing edible plants, sensory from smelling the earth and the greenery, healthy eating habits from eating the seeds, fruits and vegetables and self-confidence from growing something that can be enjoyed by everyone.
In the New Possibilities book the author talked about the class being a valued place for the women in it. It was in the class where many of them had a chance to broaden their view on the world. It was difficult for many of them outside of the classroom but in the classroom was their chance to learn to hopefully better their lives.
Another thing that caught my attention was the mention that bookwork and tests do not necessarily prove that a person is qualified to work with children. A person’s temperament and personality plays a large role in the kind of teacher they are going to be. It was suggested by one of the students in the author’s class that things such as observations with actual children should be required beyond bookwork. I agree that just because a person passes a college class does not mean that they are ready to become a teacher. There are some people who are smart but I know that I would not want them teaching or being a part of my children’s class. There is so much more to being a teacher than people realize.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Why do we try to hide things from children?
In Rethinking the school did not want to spend too much time and effort on tragedies such as death. The school was hoping that after a couple days of mostly ignoring the subject, the students would just drop it. However, this does not seem like a very healthy way to deal with the tragic emotional damage as well as fear and confusion that may be going on within the students. We often fear what is unknown to us so if death is not something that we have ever dealt with it can be very scary and confusing. Feelings are real and suppressing them or changing the subject does not acknowledge those feelings nor does it help a child deal with such feelings. I really liked how the author had a discussion with the children and provided them with opportunities to share their feelings, questions and concerns. She even saw the opportunity to have two girls facing similar tragedies to talk with each other and a friendship came out of it.
What was the purpose for the other staff wanting to ignore the subject? Maybe it is because they did not have answers or maybe they were afraid themselves. Whatever the reason, death is real and is a part of life, the more a child understands about it the better they will be able to process the situation should it ever happen to them.
Also in the Rethinking reading the author speaks about a conflict concerning the Christmas holiday. One of the things a teacher said was that they do it this way every year. Just because something is done every year does not mean that it should continue to be done. I love the idea of learning about other holidays around the world. Not only is it a study of social science, but it also broadens a child’s view of the world. Everyone has different cultures, beliefs, religions and ways of doing things. Why not learn about the ones’ relevant to the class. Children should learn to celebrate their differences and teaching children about their own and other’s cultures and build a stronger sense of self-esteem.
Perhaps we as adults need to broaden our view of the world and learn more about others cultures and ways of life so that we could share them with our students. We are supposed to be preparing children for the world. Well the world is huge and filled with diversity. If children understand this early on they are more likely to be accepting of others differences.
The New Possibilities author sums it up pretty well when she says, “Educational philosophy is always a work in progress.” Things and times are changing. Just as we must be sensitive to the diversity of each child’s family set up, we must also be sensitive to their cultural and religious diversity as well. Years ago we may have been unaware of how important it could be to discuss things such as death, AIDS and different cultural practices. However, now we know that children are people and they must deal with difficult situations. We can help them by teaching them about unfamiliar, scary subjects such as death rather than trying to hide things and pretend as though everything is okay when often it is not.
What was the purpose for the other staff wanting to ignore the subject? Maybe it is because they did not have answers or maybe they were afraid themselves. Whatever the reason, death is real and is a part of life, the more a child understands about it the better they will be able to process the situation should it ever happen to them.
Also in the Rethinking reading the author speaks about a conflict concerning the Christmas holiday. One of the things a teacher said was that they do it this way every year. Just because something is done every year does not mean that it should continue to be done. I love the idea of learning about other holidays around the world. Not only is it a study of social science, but it also broadens a child’s view of the world. Everyone has different cultures, beliefs, religions and ways of doing things. Why not learn about the ones’ relevant to the class. Children should learn to celebrate their differences and teaching children about their own and other’s cultures and build a stronger sense of self-esteem.
Perhaps we as adults need to broaden our view of the world and learn more about others cultures and ways of life so that we could share them with our students. We are supposed to be preparing children for the world. Well the world is huge and filled with diversity. If children understand this early on they are more likely to be accepting of others differences.
The New Possibilities author sums it up pretty well when she says, “Educational philosophy is always a work in progress.” Things and times are changing. Just as we must be sensitive to the diversity of each child’s family set up, we must also be sensitive to their cultural and religious diversity as well. Years ago we may have been unaware of how important it could be to discuss things such as death, AIDS and different cultural practices. However, now we know that children are people and they must deal with difficult situations. We can help them by teaching them about unfamiliar, scary subjects such as death rather than trying to hide things and pretend as though everything is okay when often it is not.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Who deserves to be included?
In the Rethinking book the author talks about a little girl named Nyla who had some disabilities. Her mother wanted to take her out of the classroon she was in because she did not think that her needs were being met. However, she changed her mind when she overheard another child telling Nyla that she was her best friend. Sometimes adults forget that children can be very accepting of new things because so much is new to them. By keeping children with disabilities or other kinds of special needs separate from typically developing children, they will not know how to deal with people who have such differences.
It may be challenging to have children with specific need in the class because it does pose an extra chllange but there is much to be gained. For instance, a new appreciation for life often arises when working with children who have to work harder at things that we can do on a daily basis. Being prepared and informed before working with children with disabilities is very beneficial.
If there were more training offered on how to work with certin disabiities then maybe there could be more inclusive classroomssss. Children who may have some disabilities still deserve a chance to be included and involved in a classroom with other children. All children deserve a chance to be involved.
Also in the Rethinking book it talks about children who were from migrant families and some of the language barriers that were faced. It would be easier for teachers to say that the children and their families need to able to speak fluent English before entering the program but all children deserve a chance to learn and be a part of a classroom.
The New Possibilities book talked about the struggles that many women had to face on their journey to bettering their lives. They pursuesd their dreams and pressed on even when it would have been easier to give up. Their rocky past gave them strength and experience. Their past may have been dark and filled with many unfortunate experiences but they made it past all of that and are able to provide care and love for the children in their class that they may have not receive growing up.
Even these women deserve a chance to make more of their lives. They deserve just as many opportunities as anyone if not more. No one should ever be doubted or excluded because of their differences or background. Sometimes it is those factors that can create incredible characteristics.
It may be challenging to have children with specific need in the class because it does pose an extra chllange but there is much to be gained. For instance, a new appreciation for life often arises when working with children who have to work harder at things that we can do on a daily basis. Being prepared and informed before working with children with disabilities is very beneficial.
If there were more training offered on how to work with certin disabiities then maybe there could be more inclusive classroomssss. Children who may have some disabilities still deserve a chance to be included and involved in a classroom with other children. All children deserve a chance to be involved.
Also in the Rethinking book it talks about children who were from migrant families and some of the language barriers that were faced. It would be easier for teachers to say that the children and their families need to able to speak fluent English before entering the program but all children deserve a chance to learn and be a part of a classroom.
The New Possibilities book talked about the struggles that many women had to face on their journey to bettering their lives. They pursuesd their dreams and pressed on even when it would have been easier to give up. Their rocky past gave them strength and experience. Their past may have been dark and filled with many unfortunate experiences but they made it past all of that and are able to provide care and love for the children in their class that they may have not receive growing up.
Even these women deserve a chance to make more of their lives. They deserve just as many opportunities as anyone if not more. No one should ever be doubted or excluded because of their differences or background. Sometimes it is those factors that can create incredible characteristics.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Are we teaching them what is appropriate or available?
In the book Rethinking Early Childhood Education, the author talks about her difficulty with her son not being happy in school due to his reading abilities. First of all some schools feel that it is okay to group children together into different reading level groups. Even if it is not said out loud the children will figure out who is in a higher reading group just by talking with eachother. It is not a good message to children to let them know who is “smarter” than the others even if it is unintentional. Many children may become so discouraged by the fact that they are in the “lower” reading group and may take on that “lesser” role not wanting to even try anymore. I have knew a child who did not receive as many reading stars as her classmates and she broke out into tears telling me that she was not smart. This broke my heart. This was a very discouraging thing to hear from a sweet, curious little girl. Secondly, learning starts out so fun and colorful and then turns into photocopied, often black and white picture books with meaningless stories. Reading should be enjoyable for children. The pictures should capture their attention and the story should spark their imagination. Giving our children curriculum that is not really teaching them but only sound professional is silly. Often, teachers and parents want to see results. They try to find the quickest way to teach children something and may often end up stressing out the children or giving them work that is inappropriate for them.
There was also the instance of the teacher teaching immigrant children. She felt that it was important to teach them their first language before teaching them another language. Children are very capable of learning they just need to be allowed to do it at their own pace. By first learning their native language they will become more confident and learning a new language will be easier.
Teachers need to remember that not all families are alike and there are families who cannot help their children with their homework and those children will probably not be able to get as much out of their work. I have known families where the parents were unable to help their children with their homework and their children really struggled.
There was also the instance of the teacher teaching immigrant children. She felt that it was important to teach them their first language before teaching them another language. Children are very capable of learning they just need to be allowed to do it at their own pace. By first learning their native language they will become more confident and learning a new language will be easier.
Teachers need to remember that not all families are alike and there are families who cannot help their children with their homework and those children will probably not be able to get as much out of their work. I have known families where the parents were unable to help their children with their homework and their children really struggled.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
To compute or not to compute?
In Rethinking Early Childhood education the author talks about computers and young children. There are many reasons mentioned as to why using such technology at such a young age is really not necessary or appropriate, especially when considering all the other things children could be spending their time on.
When it comes to the classroom I feel that it is more appropriate to not have a computer. They are really fun and I know many children enjoy them but it is not the best learning technique. There is so much a child will miss out on if they are simply staring straight ahead at a screen. Many children go home after school and are baby sat by the television or video games. School is where they should be coming to learn social skills, motor skills and things that cannot be taught by a computer.
There are some things that children can learn from computers but it does not mean they could not learn something equally or more importantly from their teacher, peers or themselves.
Computers are also very expensive and there are many other things that the money could be used for, that will actually end up benefiting the child with whatever it pays for. Art supplies always need to be replenished and the natural ware and tare always requires upkeep and replacement of other toys and equipment. Also if a computer gets bumped and broken it will be an expensive loss, on the other hand a toy truck can get dropped a bunch of times and will still roll on.
One thing the author did not talk about was the potential damage that staring at a screen for so long, at such a close distance, could do to a child’s eyes. Even adults should take breaks from looking at a computer screen to avoid getting dizzy or to re-adjust the eyes.
When it comes to the classroom I feel that it is more appropriate to not have a computer. They are really fun and I know many children enjoy them but it is not the best learning technique. There is so much a child will miss out on if they are simply staring straight ahead at a screen. Many children go home after school and are baby sat by the television or video games. School is where they should be coming to learn social skills, motor skills and things that cannot be taught by a computer.
There are some things that children can learn from computers but it does not mean they could not learn something equally or more importantly from their teacher, peers or themselves.
Computers are also very expensive and there are many other things that the money could be used for, that will actually end up benefiting the child with whatever it pays for. Art supplies always need to be replenished and the natural ware and tare always requires upkeep and replacement of other toys and equipment. Also if a computer gets bumped and broken it will be an expensive loss, on the other hand a toy truck can get dropped a bunch of times and will still roll on.
One thing the author did not talk about was the potential damage that staring at a screen for so long, at such a close distance, could do to a child’s eyes. Even adults should take breaks from looking at a computer screen to avoid getting dizzy or to re-adjust the eyes.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Why change the norm?
The author of the New Possibilities book shows how experience in teaching outside of her usual element actually ended up benefitting her class for the better. She was able to find a new way to teach her students that were more understandable. If she were to have stayed in her usual manner of teaching both she and her students would have probably not gained as much.
The thing that stuck out to me the most was the section on tests in the Rethinking book. I remember as a child absolutely hating the SAT tests. I always felt dumb after taking one of those tests because I felt like I knew so much but when I took my tests there were many questions that I was unable to answer. I know some kids who would just fill in random dots, not even reading the questions. Everyone learns differently so a basic test given to everyone will not accurately measure their intelligence. Another thing about the standardized tests are that they are timed. As a child I felt very pressured to answer all my questions before the time was up. I would constantly look at the clock to see how much time I had left. Whenever I or another classmate did not finish before the time there was a feeling of disappointment and discouragement.
It is not only standardized test that cause great stress to students, just about any test can do that. What is not always fair is that people remember different things so the test may not contain all the information that one child remembers, but that does not mean that the child did not learn anything. The purpose of tests is to see that the students are learning. There are other ways to find out if a student is learning. Discussions are a great way for everyone to collaborate and talk about the things that they learned or things that they found interesting. If children enjoyed school more they would probably not mind going so much.
Something to think about: How much more fun is school when there are hands on activities and interaction. As we get older it seems that school becomes a bunch of lectures, book-work, tests and quizzes. How could we make adult classes more fun?
The thing that stuck out to me the most was the section on tests in the Rethinking book. I remember as a child absolutely hating the SAT tests. I always felt dumb after taking one of those tests because I felt like I knew so much but when I took my tests there were many questions that I was unable to answer. I know some kids who would just fill in random dots, not even reading the questions. Everyone learns differently so a basic test given to everyone will not accurately measure their intelligence. Another thing about the standardized tests are that they are timed. As a child I felt very pressured to answer all my questions before the time was up. I would constantly look at the clock to see how much time I had left. Whenever I or another classmate did not finish before the time there was a feeling of disappointment and discouragement.
It is not only standardized test that cause great stress to students, just about any test can do that. What is not always fair is that people remember different things so the test may not contain all the information that one child remembers, but that does not mean that the child did not learn anything. The purpose of tests is to see that the students are learning. There are other ways to find out if a student is learning. Discussions are a great way for everyone to collaborate and talk about the things that they learned or things that they found interesting. If children enjoyed school more they would probably not mind going so much.
Something to think about: How much more fun is school when there are hands on activities and interaction. As we get older it seems that school becomes a bunch of lectures, book-work, tests and quizzes. How could we make adult classes more fun?
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