When I Think of Child Development

When I Think of Child Development

Pausing to listen to an airplane in the sky, stooping to watch a ladybug on a plant, sitting on a rock to watch the waves crash over the quayside-children have their own agendas and timescales.  As they find out more about their world and their place in it; they work hard not to let adults hurry them.  We need to hear their voices.

Cathy Nutbrown

I chose this quote basically because young children are naturally curious and naturally motivated to learn all about the hows and whys of the world.  They should be provided with stimulating environments that allow them opportunities for supportive social interaction where they can play.  When children play, they are able to explore, evaluate and learn.  Toys should also be used to encourage young children to explore their physical world and to play with others.  We have to also remember that children will be watching us and others around them. They will in turn learn from the actions and choices they observe.  Parents, teachers, and caregivers should engage in play with young children that involves different outcomes.

Hello Carlos

It has been a pleasure sharing information with you throughout this class.  It is good to get ideas and point of views from others regarding early childhood.  Each and every person has their own opinion about how children should be raised in order to progress, learn, and grow.  I value your opinion because I can gain a better understanding of what young children need in all developmental domains.  By using different approaches to learning it enables us to better help the child.  The early years of a child's life are very important for his or her health and development.   Parents, health professionals, educators, and others can work together as partners to help children grow up to reach their full potential.  Healthy development means that children of all abilities, including those with special health care needs, are able to grow up where their social, emotional and educational needs are met.  Having a safe and loving home and spending time with family―playing, singing, reading, and talking―are very important. Proper nutrition, exercise, and rest also can make a big difference.  I appreciate all of your input in these areas and I know that this will be of help to me in the future.  I wish you the best of luck in furthering your education. 

Hello Laure
It has been a great experience being introduced to a web of information regarding young children throughout this educational journey.  I have learned many different things that I will be able to take with me while teaching young children.  I have learned about many different areas including different types of technology tools that will enable me to increase my own knowledge of how to teach children better.  I think that it is very important for young children to begin their development process in an environment in which they can prosper, learn, grow, play, and have fun all at the same time.  I value our opinions tremendously and will look forward to incorporating this very knowledgeable information within my classroom environment.  I wish you the best of luck on your journey while continuing your education. 

Testing for Intelligence

 

                                                      Testing for Intelligence

Progressive educators are concerned with helping children become not only good learners but also good people.  Assessment allow teachers and parent  to get an idea of where children are socially, and academically and allow them to be placed in classes where they can reach their full potential.  When considering a commitment to viewing young children holistically, we should consider a child’s physical health.    A child’s physical well-being plays a major role in a child’s ability to learn.   In order for a child to become and remain physically healthy, they require the basics such as food, shelter, sleep, exercise, immunizations, and a healthy living environment.   Children should be encouraged to play and interact with other children.  Children should be praised and encouraged because when they receive attention, it builds their self-confidence and self-esteem.  A child’s physical well-being is actually a cornerstone for all components of school readiness.  Children’s physical well-being frames their learning to opportunities and will either expand them or limit them.  A child’s physical well-being can also affect the ability actively engage physically in the intended or unintended learning opportunities.  Many other parts of the world are much like ours.  In Jerusalem children are assessed at the end of key stages.  Schools in Jerusalem use standardized test just as we do in the United States.  At the end of stage 1 they will be assessed by their teacher, end of stage 2 they will be assessed through national tests, end of state 3 will assessed by their teacher in all subjects, and the end of stage 4 is their actual overall results which are published at they complete 11^th grade.  Not all children do well in standardized testing environments, therefore observations and work samples should be done in order to make sure that students are placed in appropriate classes.