My Personal Childhood Web

In each of our lives we have people who support, nurture, love, and ultimately shape the people we become. As early childhood professionals it is important to reflect on who is in  or micro-system and how they influenced our values and beliefs so that we can enhance the lives of the children we work with.

My mom- My childhood was far from ideal, but my mom loved me unconditionally and allowed me to express myself how I needed to. My mom was a silent support system and was always there if and when I needed her.

My Siblings- I am the youngest of four and my sibling were often given the task of watching me and helping me accomplish whatever small task I needed to accomplish.

My mom's best friend- My mom's best friend was a preschool director and probably one of the most influential people in my life. I spent a lot of time interacting with and watching her, she wanted the best for me and my siblings and supported my mom in what she needed as a single parent.

This is just a small set of the many people in my life growing up whose daily interactions with me influenced my development and gave me a strong foundation in how I life my life.

Everyday Discoveries

 During my day I often find myself wondering down to the infant classroom and spending time with the infants. One of the reasons I love spending time in there and why I was drawn to working with infants and toddlers was because you see new discoveries daily. Earlier this week during one of my visits I was watching one of the 15 month old enrolled in our infant program sitting and working with a puzzle. Each time he put piece in the spot he would clap. As I watched him I thought about how often we overlook these everyday discoveries because we are too busy to notice. This child was demonstrating a strong sense of self and recognition of his own accomplishments. I moved near him and we he clapped I simply said "You did it, you found another piece", after I engaged him he would look at me and clap each time, so a strong relationship with adults was being demonstrated. He moved around the room to find more puzzles and pieces and brought them back to where I was sitting to complete the puzzle.
This simple story shows how important it is to take time and observe what children are doing before we interrupt and respond.

Chilldren's Books

I love children's literature, there is something about selecting just the right book to help guide a childhood through a difficult time or a book that will spark an idea or conversation. Over the years I have had several books that are my favorite and it is usually because it is of great interest to the current group of children. I also am always drawn to the book Parts by Ted Arnold. This simple book is s great story about growing up and the changes that happen to us like our teeth falling out and peeling skin. As adults we tend to take for granted that children will understand the changes that happen to them and forget to explain what is happening to them.

There have been several quotes that I have heard or read that have inspired me in my teaching career. As a program director that statement has been important to me as I guide and plan for training the staff as been...

"Children who engage in rich conversations with responsive adults become reflective thinkers.  Conversation brings deeper meaning to life as children seek to contemplate and understand their world.  Conversation is the comprehension connection." Ketch

As adults in the classroom we have a responsibility to facilitate conversations with children that not only stimulate them to think and communicate on a deeper level, but conversations that challenge us to dig deeper and answer the questions that the children ask of us.