Relationship Reflection

Relationships/partnerships are important because everyone gets to benefit something out of the deal. Sometimes you can form a strong bond, and sometimes its just a learning process for some. What I mean by learning process, if you and an individual disagree on a topic, you learn what their beliefs/opinions are. Forming relationships are also just a form of how humans communicate. We communicate by giving feedback and listening, so their is always something new to learn. You can learn what is relevant, and also how others feel about certain things taken place in society. In the school system it is important that teachers form relationships with families because of the importance of entailing the child's progress, behavior, etc. Teachers also have to send home weekly notes informing the parents of what their child/children are learning. We as teachers should encourage tparent involvement as much as possible, but of course their are some that won't participate with school activities. I communicate with my parents, associates, and other relatives on a daily basis. Also forming a postive relationship with co-workers is important. For one reason is to get to know each other background, likes/dislikes, etc. Out of all the relationships formed, each one has one charactersistic in common, you get to know where eachother stand on certain issues/topics.

PROFESSIONAL:

• Get to learn about different educational standpoints over the world
• Research many different groups/organizations in the EC field
• Intake some of the info to staff meetings, etc

PERSONAL:

• Exchange voluntary information about each other (schooling, work, etc)
• Stay current with new inventions in the field
• Learn how many different cultures operate

Goal is to research, research, research!! We as educators need to intake all of the information we can to help these children learn.

Getting to Know My International Contacts pt III

At this point, I have not heard anything new from my international contacts. I have been trying to establish a connection, but as of now nothing has come up. The Step by Step program of Haiti is one of few that I would like to gain more information from. Dominique Hudicourt has emailed me once describing the programs many uses. As far as information goes from the Belorussian community, the parents are still involved and they are continually gathering details to expand the program. As I continue my early childhood journey, I will continue to keep in touch with these individuals to see what progress has been made, etc.

Sharing Web Sources

Some links that I have explored is the National Association of Education for Young Children. (NAEYC) This website is full of helpful information to Early Childhood professionals. When I was in college,  there wasn't a single class that I took, that this wasn't mentioned. This website provides all the necessary components needed for classroom set up, procedures, evaluations, etc. Another website I visited was the National Institute of Head Start. Since this is what I want to do, I plan on becoming an head start teacher at one of the local centers. I am one step of the way, but just need to complete my masters which I am currently seeking. It is very competitive in the area in which I live. Hopefully I will soon become a teacher and complete another one of my goals.

Getting to Know My International Contacts PART II

These past few weeks, I have not heard anything from my international contacts. I do look forward to hearing from other people and their ideas concerning early childhood education. I have been web searching and looking through educational magazines to give me insights on new happenings in early childcare. I'm sure the European international contacts have some interesting advice to share. By the way, the equity topic was quite interesting. There were a few things that I did not know but as of now I do. I chose the policy recommendation, who can teach in the early childhood field. This policy caught my attention because there are so many uncertified staff in the public school systems. I do not think this is fair because I have a Bachelor's degree and cannot find work anywhere. But headstart has buckled down on who can teach. Here in Mississippi, all staff are required to obtain a Bacherlor's degree. But of course, the assistants can only have an associates.

Sharing Web Resources

I chose an international website to view/study. At first, I was in contact with a European native, but as of now, I have a hard time staying in touch. From viewing the website, the information was very much different. The teachers/administrators viewed things very differently from the United States. They do not administer tests as frequently as we do. They do not consider testing a must do. Reason being is because they are busy teaching the basic things instead of the more advanced things. I understand the concept in a way, but I also believ that they should see where the children stand academic wise. They may have a slow learner, if they continue with their routine, how would they know the student is a slow learner? Economists support the early childhood field by trying to lend out funds to several schools to advance their education, bring in new equipment, etc.

URL LINK

WWW.EDUCATIONWORLD.COM

Establishing Professional Contacts

This week, I've been communicating with two educators outside of the United States. One of whom is from Europe, and the other who is from Haiti. The European Belorussian Parents and Teachers League was developed for parents and teachers to come together and learn new things concerning education. Parents can stay involved and participate in several events throughout the school term. I find this very beneficial because a big problem here in the United States is the lack of parent involvement. Some parents are too busy working or either just too lazy to come out and support their child's education. The Step by Step program in Haiti conducted by Dominique Hudicourt is also a wise choice. This program monitors children individual movements, etc.