Three consequences of learning about international early childhood field
Three consequences to learning about the international early childhood include:
- You learn about the similarities and differences between their educational system and ours. When you research and have conversations with others from different areas of the world you learn a lot about the system you have in place. They might have policies and practices in place that would also be effective for programs in our communities.
- Learn the challenges they experience in early childhood and how those challenges compare to ours. We can also discuss possibilities on how to solve those issues effectively.
- Adding to my list of professional contacts and colleagues is always a good idea, even when they may be many miles away. You can never have enough contacts. Somewhere in the future chances are you will need information about a certain topic and that contact from a certain organization, even overseas, will be very valualbe.
My goal for the field is to establish many international contacts and increase conversations between them and us to build rapport and professional relations. This will direct our awareness towards global issues that affect all children.
"My Connections to Play"
Two quotes:
Vygotsky - "Children use private speech in play to regulate behavior"
"Creative play is a central activity in the lives of healthy children."
Almon, K. (2002) The vital role of play in early childhood
education. Gateways, 43.
My family, especially my mom, was very supportive of play. She recognized its importance. My sister and I loved to play with our friends. She would take us to the community pool and parks and we would play all day. When we got a little older we got a trampoline and jumped on it for much of the day. We had a playroom above our garage in Tennessee and we played there for many hours even though it got very hot at times. My sister and I loved to play with dolls. My mom always said she would be my best friend and as we got older did not encourage many outside friendships. I think that hurt our social skills a little. Now we talk every once in a while, have very different lives and see each other about 2-3 times per year. Even though we are still very close and had many years of play as children, we have drifted apart. My dad was really good at playing with us also. He took us on our boat all the time and encouraged more of the rough and tumble type of play. Both my mom and taught us to be resourceful and take care of ourselves, almost to a fault.
As I attempt to write my blog assignement I feel play has changed a great deal since when we were younger. We would go all day without seeing the inside of our house and find things to play with. All three of my boys are sitting around my table asking me questions and saying they are bored. I live about 2 blocks from one of the most beautiful lakes and beaches in the country and 1 block from an elementary school playground. There are children all over this neighborhood to play with and they are asking me what they can do. Where have I gone wrong in this scenario? They have come to rely on me as their "social director" and I have probably enabled that. Play is very different. I am going to cancel cable and hide the playstation and nintendo ds's for the summer. My kids are older and possibly beyond help. I hope that young children will be pulled away from the computers, tv and other electronic devices. I hope they will be in a safe place to be able to venture out and make friends. Parents need to be more confident in their childrens ability and need to become independent players. I think sometimes parents protect their children and don't let them make mistakes at an early age.
I have included pictures of my boys below at the beach. This is what we love to do these days. This was on a spring break vacation. My youngest sons favorite toy was a palm branch he found the first day. Again, an item from nature that I didn't have to purchase that entertained him. Nice!!
My Favorites
- Scott
- Boating
- Summer in Northern Michigan
- Elk Rapids Public Schools
- Ice cream
- My horses
- My family
- Preschool children
- My 3 sons
- My 2 dogs
This is me with one of my preschoolers who has been with me 5 days a week for the past 2 years. He is moving to Ohio. It is difficult when they leave. Good news is he will be back in 2 years. He is also one of my favorites.
Tracy:
ReplyDeleteI also hope to establish contacts with other early childhood professionals around the world. It was been such a rich learning experience to hear about other systems and current issues. it has been enlightening to find the similarities and differences. There are also some wonderful organizations and people working on behalf of children and families.
LouAnn Rhodes
Tracy,
ReplyDeletethank you for your posts. Good luck in your future endeavors with international contacts. It is true you can never have enough contacts.
Terri