Words of Inspiration and Motivation

I have identified two persons for this week’s discussion :

Abigail Elliot - a pioneer in the nursery school movement in public education.  Of her Unitarian faith, Eliot said, "Religion has always been an important part of my life—a subconscious influence, as well as a conscious directive."

1926- Dr. Abigail Eliot and Patty Smith Hill found NANE-the National Association of Nursery Educators-the precursor to the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Janet Gonzolaz Mena – was very instrumental in childcare being diversified in its operations and an advocate of professional development. In the care of young children she states ,“Part of being who you are has to do with feeling your feelings, which means you'll have a wide range of emotions--not just constant sunshiny happiness.”
― Janet Gonzalez-Mena

Teaching "Diversity": A Place to Begin By Janet Gonzolaz- Mena

How can we best prepare children to meet the challenges and reap the benefits of the increasingly diverse world they will inherit? We can raise children to celebrate and value diversity and to be proud of themselves and their family traditions. We can teach children to respect and value people regardless of the color of their skin, their physical abilities, or the language they speak.

How to Begin

As our nation grows increasingly diverse, there has never been a better opportunity for us to learn to live respectfully together and benefit from one another's wisdom and experiences. But sometimes fear, uncertainty, or discomfort prevent people from talking to each other. This is especially true when it comes to the topics of race and racism, cultural differences, language and bilingualism, and the myriad questions that arise in a world where these issues have such a powerful place in children's lives. As professionals who partner with families to nurture young children, parents often regard us as a resource on a wide range of issues connected to diversity. We are in a unique position to engage in conversations that ask us to consider important questions such as;

·         What does it mean to be a parent raising a child in this diverse world?

·         What does it mean to be a young child growing up in this diverse world?

 To read more of this article by Janet Gonzolaz –Mena click on to the following link;

 http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/teaching-quotdiversityquot-place-begin

Passion, Motivation, and Wisdom

Here is a quote that really caught my attention from the first professional,     Louise Derman –Sparks, on the week 2 multimedia presentation,

“I researched how young children develop identity and attitudes and discovered that the preschool years are the most critical, the most fundamental period where in fact children are noticing who they are and noticing the attitudes and stereotypes and discomforts of positive and negative messages about their skin color, racial identity, their ethnic identity and teachers did not know they were interested in that.”

 

I did not know this information by learning of it, but inherently I knew the issue of children’s identity in early education was important.  Here again is a nugget of knowledge with which to hang my hat on to be an effective EC professional.

My Personal Childhood Web

Our assignment this week for the MSECS Foundations class is to create a space to list our childhood web of support. Now, I have to really think back to remember those outside of my immediate family! Childhood for me was.... a little while ago (I'll be 50 January 5th!!). But one amazing thing about this assignment is the timing. I lost my mom a few years ago and this activity would allow me to  pay a special tribute to her on November 17th, her birthday. 
 Happy birthday Mommy, I love you!

My Mom: Lillie Lee a very nurturing and giving person, taught me to behave like a lady, to believe and trust in God. She was the one who told me that I was beautifully and wonderfully made. She'd  say what ever I set my mind to do, I could do It! I know she is in heaven along with the other cloud of witnesses looking down and cheering me on right now! 

My Dad: Leroy Roberts was always there for me, a good provider and made sure  I did well in school. His work ethic was exemplary; I don' t recall him taking days off from work! He is now retired at 72 and still has a part time job.

My Little Brother:  Everett Roberts was more like my peer than a little brother. It's funny, I was the older sister, but my little brother taught me how to ride a bike! I was eight then and he was six!

Uncle Buddy and Aunt Maggie: supported me with their love and fun family cookouts and vacations.

My Family's Church: Dixon United Methodist: this is the place where my mother's older friend with the blue hair would constantly affirm me by saying "Oh you are such a pretty little darling!"Sunday school was fun. My mother sang in the choir and would move the people to tears with her beautiful voice. Her singing made me happy.

My Elementary School:  St James. Grades 1st-8th. If there was ever a school I would model my own early academy after, it would be this one! Every single one of the teachers nurtured  as well as pushed the students to succeed; even if they weren't in their class. The teachers cared about the students, made sure that each student was culturally literate and aware! We learned that our brown skins, no matter the hue, were beautiful, with poetry, with music, discipline, love, and lots of healthy physical activity!

My immediate family with the exception of my mom and uncle are still important in my life. My school and church has really impacted me professionally in that the special gift of learning and the way it was taught to me, I want to pass it along; a love for God, for learning, and respect for others.

I Am Somebody!

To start off,
I would like to share with you a poem I taught my kindergarteners; " I am Somebody" by Reverend Jesse Jackson.We recite it often as affirmation of who we are and what we can accomplish when we set our minds and will to do it. I also use poetry as self management mechanisms for the students if unwanted behavior occurs ( and from time to time, it does occur!) It is good to have management tools in place to remind the students to stay on task.

Now take into account this is recited loud and strong, using gestures so that any hearers and "see-ers" would know that we mean business!

I Am Somebody

I am somebody!

I am capable, and lovable, and teachable,

Therefore, I can learn!

I can do anything when I try!

I will respect myself and others.

I will be the best that I can be each day!

I will not waste time because it is too valuable,

And I am too precious and bright!

I am somebody!        

         ~ Rev. Jesse Jackson

Sown Seeds Produce a Passionate Educator!

I did not begin my teaching journey 23 years ago knowing that I loved to teach young children. Actually, at that time I was a mom with three young ones of whom I loved very much and wanted them to have the best education possible. Before marriage and family, I was studying to become a fashion buyer and designer at University of Cincinnati. I wanted to take the fashion world by storm, and oh, how I loved to shop! “Who could have a finger on the fashion pulse better than me ?”,  I thought. Love and marriage suddenly came for me; my children, four girls, quickly followed. With all of that activity, it was best for me to became a stay at home mom.

While observing the preschool class that my second daughter was in, the teacher noticed how I interacted with the other children in the classroom. She mentioned that they were looking for teacher aides and if I would be interested. The opportunity to work and be with all of my children at the same place was a Godsend. Without hesitation, I accepted the teacher aide position. Working with that wonderful teacher those many years ago , learning from her and other compassionate and dedicated teachers had opened a brand new world  for me that is both fulfilling and challenging all at the same time; teaching early learners.

I worked as an aide for a few years, and then with the educational training, I became a preschool lead teacher. I decided to complete my BA in Organizational Management with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. With awesome mentors in my life, I worked and studied hard to obtain my teaching Certification which enabled me to instruct children at the kindergarten through grade school level. A short time ago, I was attending another university to complete a Masters in Education Program. I came to realize at this stage of my life that my true  desire is to pass onto other educators that same care , concern, dedication and professionalism that those early teachers and mentors shared with me. The Walden University Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies with the administration, leadership, and management specialty strand is the perfect program to equip me for the task of training others.  I plan to use my skills acquired through MSECS courses to own and operate an early learning center and become effective at leadership as well as management. It is most important to become an advocate for working families with young children. I am always looking to perfect my teaching craft; I would like to pass along skill sets and valuable information on to others. A solid education, while gaining more technical and networking experience  through the Walden on-line program will help me accomplish that goal and so much more.