"With resilience, children can triumph over trauma; without it, trauma (adversity) triumphs." - Edith H. Grotberg Ph.D.


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


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


"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


"A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils."
- Ever Garrison


"What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child."
- George Bernard Shaw




I personally want to thank all of those who showed me support during this semester. I appreciate all of the comments on the blog as well as on the discussion panel. I would especially like to thank Lindsey and Sharon for their kind words and support on my blog. Thank you ladies and I look forward to working with you in the near future.

I know that this week does not require a post for our blog but in light of what is going on around the world I world truly like to send prayers out to those families who are being affected by these tragedy. God Bless all of the children that lost their lives today in Connecticut and in China. Please keep them in your hearts and prayers this holiday season as we celebrate with our loved ones for there are some who will be saying their good-byes our this time of year.

Robin C. Miller

Week 6

Testing For Intelligence

               Personally, I do not believe that giving children any type of IQ or aptitude test truly assess a child’s knowledge. Some children are just not great test takers and could do better if they were given other methods to take a test other than written. Teachers and administrators that make up the tests need to understand that not every child learns the same. Every single child is “labeled” as an individual for “individual” reasons. No one child is like one another. Testing children to see how smart they are at this age level is very stressful not only, to the children but also, to the parents and teachers. Pennsylvania teachers and administrators are so fearful of failing the PSSA’s or other testing that all they do is teach materials based on the test. What exactly is that teaching the children?

 

               In Japan, their schooling is similar to ours. Japanese schools follow the old US model, with elementary schools (shogakko) covering grades 1 through 6, junior high schools (chugakko) covering grades 7, 8 and 9, and high schools (kotogakko) covering grades 10, 11 and 12. Education in Japan is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15

Curriculum and assessment

In elementary and junior high schools, the curriculum is divided into three major categories. In elementary schools, the standard curriculum includes Japanese language, social studies, mathematics (mainly arithmetic), science, life environment studies, music, arts and handicrafts, homemaking, and physical education. In addition there is a program of moral education, including attention to health and safety, self-discipline, public manners and courtesy and environmental awareness. There are also programs of special activities, which include ceremonies, cultural performances and sports. In elementary schools, science is introduced in grade 3, and teaching is organized into a number of topics that typically cover 10 to 14 lessons of 45 to 50 minutes each. For example, a unit on ‘Levers’ might have the objectives that students learn: the names of the parts of a lever what happens when the load, the fulcrum or the effort is moved what needs to happen for the lever to balance The content of a topic is typically designed to last less than the time allocated, so that the timetable allows time for students to take a short test, and for teachers to take any necessary remedial action with the whole class before moving on. These tests typically combine open and closed items and focus on the ‘big ideas’ in the topic. For the ‘Levers’ unit above, for example, students might be shown four pictorial descriptions and asked which would be the easiest to lift. The marks for these tests, and for homework assignments, may feed into the term grade, which is generally reported on a three-point scale, but this is a decision that is made by the school, rather than the prefecture or the ministry of education.

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

Robin C. Miller

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

            I am going to focus on five out of the eleven stressors that many children come in contact with on a daily basis. Those five stressors are poverty, hunger, noise, chaos, and violence. Working with children for a little over eight years I have come across plenty of children who had to suffer through some of these unfortunate circumstances. I work with low-income families and children so they have seen their fair share of poverty and hunger. Many children in low-income families do not have enough food or money to get by on. These families rely on the assistance of the state to help them provide for their families. Sometimes, that is still not enough. I believe that all child care centers and schools should provide free meals to the children as well as offering assistance with school supplies and uniforms. Many schools have set this kind of assistance into place already but, there are still many schools that put a price on the meals they serve or do not serve meals at all and the children have to bring their own food. I think that any institution that is based on a child’s education and well-being should assist their students and their families as much as they can so the parents can gain that relationship and trust with the school knowing that someone has there back and best interest at heart.

 

             I had recently watched a documentary on Sean Penn who is helping Haiti rebuild. Many people have a mindset of, “out site, out of mind.” Well Haiti still needs help and Sean Penn has gone above and beyond the line of duty to help. He has donated a little over 3 million dollars of his own money to help the rebuilding process that included: medicine, school supplies, food, shelter, and much much more. Watching the documentary he pointed out how many of the families are still suffering severely. Haitian homes are still destroyed and families are living in homemade camps. These camps are filled with an overflowing amount of people where the men outnumber the women. At night the women have to stay awake to make sure that men don’t sneak into their tents to rape them. The sexual violence there is overwhelming and more and more women are becoming pregnant and increasing the amount of population and poverty. These make shift towns are suffering from poverty, hunger, noise, chaos, and violence. Can you imagine what it is doing to the children and the effects it has on them? I was so saddened by this story but, it is the everyday life and the reality of the families that live in Haiti. Please keep them in your prayers my fellow colleagues.

 

Link: http://www.eonline.com/news/364503/sean-penn-opens-up-on-rebuilding-haiti-and-living-in-a-plywood-shack

Mental Health of Parents

Robin C. Miller

Mental Health of Mothers, Fathers, and Families in General

            Good mental stability in both mother and father play an important key factor in a child’s proper development. Depression is one of the major mental illnesses that have a great effect on a parent’s ability to properly care for their child. Post-partum depression is an illness that many women suffer from after having a baby. Depression is also one of the most undetected illnesses for a doctor to diagnose. That’s why it is important for doctors to ask questions and check on new mothers or fathers to get a better understanding of their emotional wellness to care for their child. Children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development can be affected from the loss of attachment and care from parents if depression continues.

I chose this topic because one of my family members suffered from post-partum depression and I have seen how the effects trickled down to their children. It is a very serious issue that should involve help from not only a doctor but from other members of the family.

 

According to, the World Health Organization Regional office for Europe, “The foundations of good mental health are laid during pregnancy infancy and childhood. Abstaining from alcohol, substance use and smoking during pregnancy promotes a healthy start in life. Protection from childhood neglect and negative life events promotes mental impact of economic crises on mental health. Good mental health allows for cognitive and emotional flexibility, which are the basis for social skills and resilience in the face of stress. This mental capital is vitally important for the healthy functioning of families, communities and society.”

 

Source: Impact of economic crises on mental health. (unknown). Retrieved from                                                                                    http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/134999/e94837.pdf

 

Birthing Experience

Robin C. Miller

My Birthing Experience

            My personal birthing experience was over 11 years ago in the year 2001. My first child was born by the name of Marquis. He is my love, my pride and joy, and my world. The experience of his birth was priceless. I remember my family being right in my corner. As soon as I felt the contractions I immediately told my family and they were in a hurry to take me to the hospital but for some reason I wanted to take my time. I took the time to prepare myself hygienically and had the urge to wash a load of clothes before I went to the hospital. I think I was trying to ease my anticipation and fear of deliver by trying to occupy my time. I can remember the pain and how quick the birth was. I went to the hospital around 12:30 and gave birth around 3:43pm. I loved every minute of it. The experience was priceless and I will be doing the process again by the middle of June.

 

Birthing Experience in Holland

In the United States we have the option to choose from seeing a gynecologist, using a midwife, or a doula. In Holland soon to be mothers do not see obstetricians they are taken care of by a midwife. The soon to be mom has the option to deliver at home or at the hospital but, the majority of Holland women deliver at home (Schalken, 2012) . In fact, pregnant women “are required to pick up a kraapakeet which includes all of the medical supplies necessary for a home birth” (Schalken, 2012). The midwife does all the pre-natal check-ups in home and decides when the approximate time to deliver is. Unlike the United States, Holland has a really strict system when it comes to anesthesia if the mom to be decides to do a hospital birth. It is up to the anesthesiologist not only, to decide if pain killers are needed or not but also, if its “convenient” to the anesthesiologists schedule. Holland’s maternity care system is very different than the United States. In the United States for a normal vaginal delivery women stay in the hospital for two whole days after delivery and 4 days if you had a cesarean section. In Holland if you have a normal delivery mom and the baby can go home after two hours if everything is fine and the visiting nurse would do home visits for seven days to provide proper medical care to mom and the baby. Their system is different from here in the United States but they seem to be very concerned and provided a lot of care before, during, and after deliver to both mom and the baby.

 

Source: Schalken, L. (2012). Birth customs around the world. Retrieved from

            http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/vaginal/birth-customs-around-the-world/

 

Note of Gratitude!!

Note of Gratitude

 

 

 I would like to thank all of my fellow colleagues in Group 2 that help to inspire my professional goal when I complete Walden University. I would like to send a special thank to Annie, Dr. Denise, Druesilla, and Sharon for the kind words of encouragement and support  to my blog and discussion posts. Your input and comments were professional and insightful. I had a wonderful time working with the entire group. I grew as a person, a teacher, and an Early Childhood Professional. I pray for success and good endeavors for the entire group. Thank you for all your time, patience, and educational input during the past 8 weeks.

 

**** To those who will be effected by Hurricane Sandy, like myself, you will be in my prayers. Please stay safe, be prepared, and take pre-caution. Have a blessed weekend and keep in touch.



Robin C. Miller         

NAEYC and DEC Codes of Ethical Conduct

All of the codes in The NAEYC and The DEC Code of Ethics are equally important. I have found these specific three that stick out for me personally.

 

The DEC CODE OF ETHICS – Professional and Interpersonal Behavior

1.     We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child.

I find this code particularly important to the employees of the early childhood field. I have had many experiences were employees will talk amongst each other, while working around children, about the details of the development of a certain child and what they can and cannot do. Employees must understand that children’s information is strictly confidential and should not be shared with anyone besides the parents, and the director unless told otherwise.

 

The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct – Ethical Responsibilities to Families

P-2.14 – In cases where family member are in conflict with one another, we shall work openly, sharing our observations of the child, to help all parties involved make informed decisions. We shall refrain from becoming an advocate for one party.

I have seen plenty of times where a professional would cater more towards one party than another because of the gender of the family member. Each member involved in the child’s life that plays an important KEY role has the same rights to know what’s going on in the child’s life in school as long as it does not cross the confidentiality rule.

 

The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct – Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues

                        I-3A.4 – To accord co-workers due recognition of professional achievement.

It takes a lot of concentration, dedication, and hard work to complete a training, certificate, or degree. A little acknowledgement from co-workers and employers goes a long way. If the person put out the time to gain more knowledge to help improve him or herself recognition should be due to that person especially if it helps advance a facility, their teaching, or others around them.

Good evening,

Fellow colleagues and followers, I have listed my Educational Resources within the layout of my blog towards the bottom. I hope you find my additional resources very helpful. Thank you.

"Words of Inspirtation and Motivation"

Abigail Eliot's Quote

"The most important thing is to enjoy children, to love them, be fair and just with them. If you do that, they're pretty likely to come out all right,"  Eliot, 1984

 

T. Berry Brazelton’s Quote

 

"I think the more stressed parents are, the more they need modeling opportunities, to model on somebody who knows how to handle a baby, to talk to a baby, to play with a baby. [Then] a parent feels, hey, I know what I'm doing. We're seeing that she really has the passion, she just needs the support to bring it back to the surface."
- T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

 "Every time you give a parent a sense of success or of empowerment, you're offering it to the baby indirectly. Because every time a parent looks at that baby and says 'Oh, you're so wonderful,' that baby just bursts with feeling good about themselves."
- T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

 “Families need families. Parents need to be parented. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are back in fashion because they are necessary. Stresses on many families are out of proportion to anything two parents can handle.”
- T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

The Toddler's Creed

The Toddler's Creed was composed by T. Berry Brazelton

 

 

 

Quotes from the media clip

 

 

“It was like the most joyful experience, where I felt that everything in me was being called on to teach and also it was very rewarding. It just made me feel whole.”- Lousie Derman-Sparks

“I learned it’s not all about you. You gotta take your ego out of it and think about what’s best for this child. And you care about them enough to help them transition to what’s next- what comes next and what’s best.” -Renatta M. Cooper

Personal Childhood Web

 

 

  

1. Ollie (Step-Father) -

My Step-father raised me since I was 4 years old. He provided all my basic needs and necessities. He cared and loved me and made sure that I felt special by telling me how smart and beautiful I was. He encouraged me to go to school to continue my education so that I can live a happy and successful life. He would always tell me as a child that, "Education is key, and you don't want to be locked out, do you?" It always made me laugh! Of course, my response would always be, "No!

My father is still a very important part of my life and continues to make me feels special by showing how proud he is of me by telling everyone that I graduated college and is now in a Master's program. His support has been overwhelming. His kind and encouraging words helped me to through the many struggles I face on a daily basis. He has become my mentor and personal counselor.

2. Linda (Mother) -

My mother was more of the nurturer. She provided love, care, and concern. She took care of all of my emotional needs and made sure that she spent adequate time with me so that I felt loved, wanted, and needed. My mother always made it a point to tell me that she wanted me to be better than her in life. She wanted me to have a better education, a better job, and a better life style.

Now as an adult, my mother and I don't always see eye to eye but, one thing is for sure, she always tells me that she is proud of me and what I have accomplished thus far.

3. Heather (Older Sister) -

My sister and I were always close. In fact, in high school she made it a point to tell all of our friends that we were twins and till this very day, some of them think we really are. We are only one year apart and yes we do look alike, and we definitely do get on each other's nerves but, that's what family is for. Families get on each other’s nerves and help push each other forward in life. She has always been someone that I looked up to for guidance.

4. Jason (Only Brother) -

My brother and I are very close, almost inseparable. He has been a part of my support system for a very long time. He is such a comedian and I love that about him. No matter what I am sad or down about he will make it a point to always have me smiling. I call him my little "Jim Carrey." He was always a person that I was able to open up and communicate with about anything.

5. Lisa (Youngest Sister)-

My little sister has influenced me to become the person that I am today. She and my older sister had learning disabilities that made it difficult for them in school. I would always help my younger sister with her homework and seen first-hand at a young age how she was different. She taught me patience, love, kindness, strength, perseverance, and love. She gave it everything she had every time I would help teach her something, which sparked a fire in my heart that inspired me to be in the education Field.

Overall, my entire family mother, step-father, and siblings have all shown how proud and supportive they can be. They are all very proud of my accomplishments and continue to support me in my journey of success. They want me to be happy in whatever line of study or career field that i choose. I have a great support system

 

What Fuels My Passion

My Passion for the field of Early Childhood Education is fueled by the priceless faces and “light bulbs” that I see children get when they finally learned a concept, accomplish a goal, or get a new and fantastic idea. Those are the moments and experiences that you can’t learn from a book. I’m fueled by the parents that tell me I am doing a wonderful job. The parents that wish I could teach their children until they reach high school. Those very parents, who get sad because their child graduates from my class and has to move on, are the very same parents and children that make my passion grow stronger each and every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite's Child's Drawing

 

 

 

 

 

 

This drawing is one of my favorites. It was drawn by one of my older pre-schoolers. When I asked what he was drawing he told me, "the stars." I said, "thats fantastic, why are you drawing the stars?"

and the child said, "because Miss Robin, you said to reach for the stars and this is the one i want to reach." I almost cried when he said that. That is why this one is my most favorite drawing of all time.

What Made My Heart Melt



How A Child Touched My Heart

Early in my career, and still very new to the field of education I had my first experience of how much of an impact I had on a child's life. I was working with 16-20 students ranging from 6-15 years of age at a summer camp program. I had one child in particular that stood out from the other students and one that I would never forget. He was the first student that I experienced with a behavioral disorder. I wasn't educated in Early Childhood Education at the time so I was unfamiliar with behavioral disorders and the effects that it had on children. Still being in my early twenties I just thought that the child was disobedient. I know now that my judgment was wrong. He was a very difficult child to control and sometimes even to talk to. Every day I made it a priority to make sure that whatever it was that we were doing I was right next to him; helping and making sure he understood the activity. At times I became overwhelmed by his behavior. I tried so very hard to figure out why he would act out and how could I possibly help him. He was definitely a run for my money.

I believe that this child was a test of my profession and my career goals. He worked and tested my abilities as a teacher. Many of the other staff members sort of shunned away from him because of his behavior. I on the other hand never backed down. I always made sure that I made him feel special in some sort of way without showing favoritism in the classroom. I would assign him certain jobs in the classroom every day so that he could feel important. To my surprise all my efforts and support helped to change his behavior. This child was born to be a leader so allowing him to be in charge of a certain duty in the classroom helped to curve his actions. At the end of the summer, on the very last day of school, he and his mother gave me a great big hug and said thank you. I had never felt so good to have given a child a chance by supporting and being there for them when no one else would.  This moment made me realize that I could definitely help change a child’s life.

My Favorite Story

The Little Mouse, The Red-Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear

 

by

 

Don and Audrey Wood

 

 

This is one of my most favorite books. It is fun to read and the children find it hilarious. It can be read using so many different voices. The illustrations are phenomenal. The children get such a laugh out of the facial expressions the mouse does every time the bear is mentioned. I would personally say that it is and should be a must read for ages 2-5 years. I absolutely love it.



About Myself

My name is Robin Miller. I currently hold a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Early Childhood

Education. I am presently attending Walden University for my Masters of Science Degree in Early
Childhood Studies specializing in Administration, Leadership, and Management. I love working with
children and have been in this field as a professional for 5 years but, have been working with children for a little over 10 years. Presently, I am a Head Teacher at a child care facility in Philadelphia teaching at the pre-kindergarten level. I have been at the same site for 5 years and plan on moving forward with my career in more of an administrative way. I look forward to learning new ways to improve my teaching abilities to help our children learn and grow.

I believe that the early years are critical years and are the most crucial in instilling values and

beliefs into our young children's minds. Working together with parents and families will help in this
very important process. Yes, children are with their school family for the majority of the day but,
parents are their child's first teacher and with the collaboration of parents and teachers there is know telling what a child can learn. Working together will ensure that each child is being taught in and out of school which in turn can help with the child's growth and development. When people work together to achieve one goal, the goal seems much more attainable. I believe that all of our childrenare capable of reaching their dreams. It is up to us as educators to involve parents more to help be a part of that process.