Sunday, May 15, 2011
Relationship Reflection
The relationships I have in my life are important to me. They have contributed to the person I am today. I have 5 siblings. I value the relationship I have with each one of them. Our father became ill 3 weeks ago and is in the hospital. The positive relationship my siblings and I have has been beneficial during this time. We have all been able to come together and take on the responsibility of caring for our dad. I am the youngest. My oldest sister and I are his financial caretakers. She and I have similar fiscal ideas. My other sister is a great communicator. She has been extremely helpful communicating with my dad's insurance company, doctors, and medicare. My three brothers have stepped up also. They are in constant contact with the nurses and doctors as well as taking care of my father's physical needs (bathing, shaving, etc...). We all have maintained constant contact with one another even before our father became ill. We never really email to communicate. We still call each other and have long chats about current situations and things we remember growing up. One reason why we all get along so well is because of our mothers. My older four siblings are by my father's first wife. My mother, father, and his first wife always made it clear that even though we have different mothers' we still need to respect them, their house rules, and get along because at the end of the day the kids are siblings and we are going to need to each in the future. All my life, I remember hearing this message and that positive message still resonates with all of us today. Even though everything is not always perfect in a blended family, if the parents can put their differences aside for the children, it will benefit the children and the adults they will become in the long run.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Any Day Now
I am on my way to the hospital to have my baby girl. Wish me luck. Hope to update everyone this week and have pictures ready :)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Birthing Experience
Eight years ago I gave birth to my son Allen. I had to have a c-section because my son was breech. I had a wonderful doctor, Dr. Faizon. His bedside manner was the key to getting me through this experience. My husband was in the AirForce and he was stationed overseas during my whole pregnancy. He was allowed to return to the states for 30 days. He arrived at the hospital 3 hours before our son was born. I remember my husband coming into the hospital room minutes after I was given an epidural. I told him that he missed out on all of the fun. When I was a teenager, I had my appendix removed. My appendix surgery was more painful than my c-section. The previous surgery prepared me for my post-pardom recovery. I believe that my positive attitude throughout my pregnancy and wonderful doctor impacted my child's birth and development. My son Allen has a wonderful personality and he was a wonderful baby. When he was a baby, he rarely cried unless he was wet or hungry. He was always happy and smiling. Now that I am due to give birth in a few days, I remembered to have a positive attitude throughout this pregnancy. I would love for my daughter to have the same disposition as her older brother.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thanks from Amanda
I would like to thank everyone who has read my blog and/or made comments about my blog posts. I appreciate your insight. I work in a school where I am the only Early Childhood Teacher. It has been nice being able to communicate with others who are just as passionate about Early Childhood education as I am. Good luck in your future classes and endeavors. Remember that if you want happiness for a lifetime, help the next generation.
Amanda
Amanda
Code of Ethics
The NAEYC has three code of ethics policies that impact my professional life:
I.1.7
To use assessment information to understand and support children's development and learning, to support instruction, and to identify children who may need additional services.
I.2.4
To listen to families, acknowledge and build upon their strength and competencies, and learn from families as we support them in their task of nurturing children.
I.2.8
To help family members understanding of their children and support the continuing development of their skills as parents.
These policies are significant to my professional life because I perform these duties at work on a daily basis. I enjoy being a teacher but I love being a parent advocate. I love being able to encourage parents to learn more about their child's education and facilitate and participate in their child's future.
I.1.7
To use assessment information to understand and support children's development and learning, to support instruction, and to identify children who may need additional services.
I.2.4
To listen to families, acknowledge and build upon their strength and competencies, and learn from families as we support them in their task of nurturing children.
I.2.8
To help family members understanding of their children and support the continuing development of their skills as parents.
These policies are significant to my professional life because I perform these duties at work on a daily basis. I enjoy being a teacher but I love being a parent advocate. I love being able to encourage parents to learn more about their child's education and facilitate and participate in their child's future.
Early Childhood Resources
http://www.naeyc.org/
http://www.dec-sped.org/
http://www.zerotothree.org/
http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/main/about.cfm
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
http://www.highscope.org/
http://www.childrensdefense.org/
http://www.ccw.org/
http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm
http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/
http://www.nccanet.org/
http://nieer.org/
http://www.preknow.org/
http://www.voices.org/
http://www.erikson.edu/
3 Additional Resources
Scholastic
http://www.scholastic.com/
StarFall
http://www.starfall.com/
Preschool/Pre-K worksheets
http://www.tlsbooks.com-kindergartenworksheets.htm/
Words of Inspiration and Motivation
Preschool years are the most critical. The passion I have now is just as great as when I started teaching. I still have the passion to create a safe and just word for children.
Louise Derman Sparks
Professor Emeritus
Pacific Oak College, CA
Parents dont make mistakes because they dont care, they make mistakes because they care so deeply.
T.Berry Brazelton
Louise Derman Sparks
Professor Emeritus
Pacific Oak College, CA
Parents dont make mistakes because they dont care, they make mistakes because they care so deeply.
T.Berry Brazelton
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
My Personal Childhood Web
My Maternal Grandmother
I always admired my grandmother's beauty and confidence. She always carried herself in a "lady like manner" that influences the way I am today. My grandmother had a funny sense of humor. She would always say, "never leave the house until you are ready to take a picture." Basically she meant to always make sure you feel beautiful before you leave the house and go out into public. She also would say a lady needs wake up every morning and tell themselves they look and feel beautiful. A woman should never wait for a man to tell her that. I have always lived by this motto. I wake up every morning and affirm myself the same way my grandmother did. Even on my bad days, I still do this. Its a good way for me to start my day.
My Brother, Brian
My brother Brian was responsible for picking me up from school when I was in elementary school. My brother was very nuturing to me. He would help me with my homework and watch cartoons with me. He would also play board games with me and he taught me how to play Uno. My brother is 7 years older than me and he and I have always had a close relationship because of the way he took care of me afterschool while our parents were at work. He contines to call and check on me at least once a week.
My Sister, Michelle
My sister Michelle and I look alike and we are similar in many ways. She is 14 years older than I am so I always idolized her and looked up to her. My sister showed me how to dress appropriately during my teenage years. She taught me how to write a resume so I could get a job. She taught me how to walk in high heels. My sister made me feel like a woman even though I was an emerging teenager.
My Aunt, Wendy
During my teenage years, my aunt was my confidant. I could talk to her and confide in her. My mother and I did not get along while I was a teenage so it was nice to have an adult that I could talk to who would not judge or belittle my teenage thoughts and feelings. I always appreciate her understanding and I could cry and express my feelings. Now that I am adult, I appreciate that I can still talk to her and I know that her love and support will always be there.
My High School Marketing Teacher, Mrs. Smith
Mrs. Smith taught Marketing and Fashion Merchandising in high school. I loved her classes. She also had an afterschool girls mentoring group. In the mentoring group, she taught self-esteem and self-evaluation techniques. She took the mentoring group on a trip to New York City for 3 days. She also taught us how to sew and make clothes and jewelry. Mrs. Smith's influence was very important to me during high school. I was not allowed to play sports so it was nice to be a part of a positive afterschool program. I was able to interact with other girls in school who I would not have normally associated with during the school day. Mrs. Smith wrote several letters of recommendation on my behalf for college. She kepted in contact with me after I graduated from high school. She and I still communicate and I have been out of high school for 15 years.
I always admired my grandmother's beauty and confidence. She always carried herself in a "lady like manner" that influences the way I am today. My grandmother had a funny sense of humor. She would always say, "never leave the house until you are ready to take a picture." Basically she meant to always make sure you feel beautiful before you leave the house and go out into public. She also would say a lady needs wake up every morning and tell themselves they look and feel beautiful. A woman should never wait for a man to tell her that. I have always lived by this motto. I wake up every morning and affirm myself the same way my grandmother did. Even on my bad days, I still do this. Its a good way for me to start my day.
My Brother, Brian
My brother Brian was responsible for picking me up from school when I was in elementary school. My brother was very nuturing to me. He would help me with my homework and watch cartoons with me. He would also play board games with me and he taught me how to play Uno. My brother is 7 years older than me and he and I have always had a close relationship because of the way he took care of me afterschool while our parents were at work. He contines to call and check on me at least once a week.
My Sister, Michelle
My sister Michelle and I look alike and we are similar in many ways. She is 14 years older than I am so I always idolized her and looked up to her. My sister showed me how to dress appropriately during my teenage years. She taught me how to write a resume so I could get a job. She taught me how to walk in high heels. My sister made me feel like a woman even though I was an emerging teenager.
My Aunt, Wendy
During my teenage years, my aunt was my confidant. I could talk to her and confide in her. My mother and I did not get along while I was a teenage so it was nice to have an adult that I could talk to who would not judge or belittle my teenage thoughts and feelings. I always appreciate her understanding and I could cry and express my feelings. Now that I am adult, I appreciate that I can still talk to her and I know that her love and support will always be there.
My High School Marketing Teacher, Mrs. Smith
Mrs. Smith taught Marketing and Fashion Merchandising in high school. I loved her classes. She also had an afterschool girls mentoring group. In the mentoring group, she taught self-esteem and self-evaluation techniques. She took the mentoring group on a trip to New York City for 3 days. She also taught us how to sew and make clothes and jewelry. Mrs. Smith's influence was very important to me during high school. I was not allowed to play sports so it was nice to be a part of a positive afterschool program. I was able to interact with other girls in school who I would not have normally associated with during the school day. Mrs. Smith wrote several letters of recommendation on my behalf for college. She kepted in contact with me after I graduated from high school. She and I still communicate and I have been out of high school for 15 years.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
My favorite children's book
My favorite children's book is Dandelion by Don Freeman. I love this story because it is about being yourself around your friends and they will always love you.
Quotes about children and families
"I am in the business of seed planting, not tree trimming. I am here to build you up, not tear you down."
"If you want happiness for a lifetime, help the next generation."
"Knowledge is like cool water to the thiristy."
"If you want happiness for a lifetime, help the next generation."
"Knowledge is like cool water to the thiristy."
Early Childhood Transition
This week, I was approached by my principal to possibly teach first grade next school year. I have taught Pre-K on and off for almost 10 years. I dont mind making the transition to teaching first grade. If you have any transition tips, please pass them along.
Amanda
Amanda
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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