This was an excerpt I shared in my last class and I just wanted to post it again because I think it is so beautiful; especially the last line...
~ON CHILDREN~
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.....
Excerpt from Kahlil Gibran
Friday, October 25, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
Quote
I just wanted to share this quote....as a member of the Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma, I thought this was neat.
"Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children."
--Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux chief
"Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children."
--Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux chief
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Assessment
The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation.
--Ray L. Wilbur, third president of Stanford University
--Ray L. Wilbur, third president of Stanford University
Saturday, September 28, 2013
I have decided to share a very sad story about a family member. I won't discuss my relationship to this person, their name, or go into great detail for privacy.This individual experienced a very sudden loss; when at the age of 10 their father committed suicide. The events leading up to this were also very terrible. This individual witnessed fights, drinking, and was the victim of verbal and physical abuse.
This individual is now 16 years old and in many ways is thriving. He is a good student, member of the swim team, has a job (recently named employee of the month), and is very caring. But I do see behavior that can only be directly related to what he went through. He is terrified of being away from his mother. He has severe anxiety, trouble sleeping, and his digestive system is often in distress when he is upset or sometimes for no specific reason at all. He often feels like he has to take care of everyone and everything. And he is often bullied at school about his situation.
According the CDC, surviving the loss of loved one to suicide is a risk factor for suicide.This worries me a great deal. But I feel this person is strong and with love and support he will be just fine. The Alliance of Hope writes, "it is important to know that people can and do survive loss by suicide. They are forever altered and may never stop missing their loved ones, but they do survive and go on to lead meaningful and contributory lives." This organization also discusses PTSD in survivors. Below is a list of symptoms that a survivor with PTSD could exhibit on a severe/lasting level:
• Distressing recollections of the death
• Distressing dreams about the event
• A feeling of reliving the experience
• Feeling numb
• Feeling emotionally detached from other people
• Always feeling "on guard"
• Difficulty working
• Difficulty in social situations
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Irritability or outbursts of anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hyper-vigilance
SUICIDE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD
"Throughout the last decade of the twentieth century, Lithuania had the highest suicide rates in Europe among both men and women aged 25–64 years. The rates increased from 1986 until 1995, but later there was a slight decrease" (Tamosiuanas, 2006).
In my research, I found that economic status and location (rural living) were a factor. I was not able to find any information regarding statistics on the effects on children.This may because of the typical age range.
Tamosiunas, A. (2006). BMC Public Health.Trends in suicide in a Lithuanian urban population over the period 1984–2003. Retrieved from http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/6/184
This individual is now 16 years old and in many ways is thriving. He is a good student, member of the swim team, has a job (recently named employee of the month), and is very caring. But I do see behavior that can only be directly related to what he went through. He is terrified of being away from his mother. He has severe anxiety, trouble sleeping, and his digestive system is often in distress when he is upset or sometimes for no specific reason at all. He often feels like he has to take care of everyone and everything. And he is often bullied at school about his situation.
According the CDC, surviving the loss of loved one to suicide is a risk factor for suicide.This worries me a great deal. But I feel this person is strong and with love and support he will be just fine. The Alliance of Hope writes, "it is important to know that people can and do survive loss by suicide. They are forever altered and may never stop missing their loved ones, but they do survive and go on to lead meaningful and contributory lives." This organization also discusses PTSD in survivors. Below is a list of symptoms that a survivor with PTSD could exhibit on a severe/lasting level:
• Distressing recollections of the death
• Distressing dreams about the event
• A feeling of reliving the experience
• Feeling numb
• Feeling emotionally detached from other people
• Always feeling "on guard"
• Difficulty working
• Difficulty in social situations
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Irritability or outbursts of anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hyper-vigilance
SUICIDE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD
"Throughout the last decade of the twentieth century, Lithuania had the highest suicide rates in Europe among both men and women aged 25–64 years. The rates increased from 1986 until 1995, but later there was a slight decrease" (Tamosiuanas, 2006).
In my research, I found that economic status and location (rural living) were a factor. I was not able to find any information regarding statistics on the effects on children.This may because of the typical age range.
Tamosiunas, A. (2006). BMC Public Health.Trends in suicide in a Lithuanian urban population over the period 1984–2003. Retrieved from http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/6/184
Saturday, September 14, 2013
SIDS
According to the CDC (2013), Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden death of an infant less than 1 year of age
that cannot be explained after a thorough investigation is conducted,
including a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and
review of the clinical history.Unfortunately, I chose to discuss this issue because in 2001 my sister-in-law's first born passed away at just 8 months old in this manner.
This puzzling and devastating occurrence takes the lives of thousands of infants every year. "In 2010, 2,063 deaths were reported as SIDS, 918 as cause unknown, and 629 as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed" (CDC, 2013). It leaves parents not only dealing with the devastating loss but with many unanswered questions. What causes this sudden loss? The Mayo Clinic (2013) lists physical and environmental factors as contributing factors to SIDS: low birth weight, brain abnormalities, respiratory infection, sleep position (side and stomach), sleeping surface, and co-sleeping.
"Since 1983, the rate of SIDS has fallen by over 50%" (American SIDS Institute, 2009). Several campaigns have contributed to this decrease, one of them being the "Safe to Sleep," campaign formally known as "Back to Sleep." What does SIDS look like on an international level?
"SIDS data were obtained for 13 of 17 countries queried (Table 1). For most of these countries, there has been a striking decrease in the SIDS rate from 1990 to the most recent year available (2005 for all but Canada, for which 2004 data are the most recent). These decreases range from 40% in Argentina to 83% in Ireland. The highest SIDS rates in 1990 (≥2.0 in 1000 live births) were in Ireland, New Zealand, and Scotland. More recently, the highest SIDS rates (≥0.5 in 1000 live births) were in New Zealand and the United States. The lowest rates (≤ 0.2 in 1000) were in Japan and the Netherlands. Since 2000, the SIDS rates in most of the countries have declined minimally" (Pediatrics, 2013).
This issue is very difficult to talk about. When my sister-in-law had her second child doctors had her wear a monitor for the first year of her life and when I got pregnant we purchased a similar monitor. This monitor would sound an alarm if the child stopped moving or breathing for a certain length of time.The passing of my husband's niece had made us all extremely nervous and scared. To this day it is very difficult for him to talk about. I was a little nervous bringing it up, when I asked if I could discuss it on my blog. I think all of the topics that were given to us this week as an option for discussion will have an impact on my future work. I am learning about advocacy and what I can do to contribute. I hope that through the incorporation of my performance art and education that I will be able to make a difference.
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/SIDS/
This puzzling and devastating occurrence takes the lives of thousands of infants every year. "In 2010, 2,063 deaths were reported as SIDS, 918 as cause unknown, and 629 as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed" (CDC, 2013). It leaves parents not only dealing with the devastating loss but with many unanswered questions. What causes this sudden loss? The Mayo Clinic (2013) lists physical and environmental factors as contributing factors to SIDS: low birth weight, brain abnormalities, respiratory infection, sleep position (side and stomach), sleeping surface, and co-sleeping.
"Since 1983, the rate of SIDS has fallen by over 50%" (American SIDS Institute, 2009). Several campaigns have contributed to this decrease, one of them being the "Safe to Sleep," campaign formally known as "Back to Sleep." What does SIDS look like on an international level?
"SIDS data were obtained for 13 of 17 countries queried (Table 1). For most of these countries, there has been a striking decrease in the SIDS rate from 1990 to the most recent year available (2005 for all but Canada, for which 2004 data are the most recent). These decreases range from 40% in Argentina to 83% in Ireland. The highest SIDS rates in 1990 (≥2.0 in 1000 live births) were in Ireland, New Zealand, and Scotland. More recently, the highest SIDS rates (≥0.5 in 1000 live births) were in New Zealand and the United States. The lowest rates (≤ 0.2 in 1000) were in Japan and the Netherlands. Since 2000, the SIDS rates in most of the countries have declined minimally" (Pediatrics, 2013).
This issue is very difficult to talk about. When my sister-in-law had her second child doctors had her wear a monitor for the first year of her life and when I got pregnant we purchased a similar monitor. This monitor would sound an alarm if the child stopped moving or breathing for a certain length of time.The passing of my husband's niece had made us all extremely nervous and scared. To this day it is very difficult for him to talk about. I was a little nervous bringing it up, when I asked if I could discuss it on my blog. I think all of the topics that were given to us this week as an option for discussion will have an impact on my future work. I am learning about advocacy and what I can do to contribute. I hope that through the incorporation of my performance art and education that I will be able to make a difference.
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/SIDS/
Mayo Clinic. (2013). Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): causes. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/DS00145/DSECTION=causes
Pediatrics. (2013). International trends in sudden infant death syndrome: stabilization of rates requires further action. Retrieved from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/122/3/660.full
Saturday, September 7, 2013
August 17th
I can remember every detail of the day my daughter was born. I remember what I was doing when my labor began, what was on TV, and what I ate that night. It started about 6:30pm on a Monday night and I did not go to the hospital till about 6am the next morning. My labor was pretty normal. I had no special "plan" or expectations. I just wanted a healthy baby and for all to go well. She arrived at 5:24pm and was healthy but breathing quickly. They took her away for tests and observations quickly and that rattled me a bit. I did not get to see her for hours after I gave birth, but it felt like a life time. I remember the nurse telling me that I could not walk down to the nursery till I went to the bathroom at least twice, so I immediately started chugging water and the second I had gone I shuffled my way down the long hallway to see my daughter.She was getting a little newborn bath (which she was not happy about) and that was the first time I really got to SEE her. She also developed jaundice and did not get to come home right away. I was devastated and terrified; even though this is a fairly common issue. She is now a healthy, smart, and vibrant three year old. I love reminiscing about that day and hope soon that my husband and I will have a second!
Birth
I thought that I would research the birth traditions and rituals of the Native American culture. I am Native American and thought this was the perfect opportunity to not only learn more about other birthing rituals but my own culture as well.
"The Navajo view of pregnancy is as a state of wellness and everything that the expectant mother does is for the well being of the fetus and the mother. She is to exercise and do chores but nothing heavy. She is not to be around anyone or thing that is dead or even go to funerals. A Ceremony called the Blessingway is done by a holy man. This puts the mother and baby in tune with the Holy people and causes balance. All mothers are expected to breast feed their children so that the child will not take on the nature of the animal.The umbilical cord and placenta are buried near home so the child will always return home. The placenta also was buried next to objects of the profession the parents hoped that the child would become. Sometimes it was given to the grandmother to discard. Or it could be buried in the fire of by the Hogan to ward off evil spirits. The child is introduced into the community with a baby shower and a Blessingway ceremony" (Grice, 2002).
Grice, L. (2002). Indigenous birthing rituals. Retrieved from http://www.chatham.edu/pti/curriculum/units/2002/Grice.pdf
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Colleagues
Megan @ http://www.workingwithchildreneverday.blogspot.com/
Angela @ http://www.footstepstoearlychildhood.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth @ http://toddlerslearning.blogspot.com/
Liz @ http://earlychildhoodvisionary.blogspot.com/
A note to my colleagues.....
Thank you so much for being so supportive to a new comer, offering advice, suggestions, and sharing your experiences. This first class has definitely validated my decision to begin a career as an Early Childhood professional.
Angela @ http://www.footstepstoearlychildhood.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth @ http://toddlerslearning.blogspot.com/
Liz @ http://earlychildhoodvisionary.blogspot.com/
A note to my colleagues.....
Thank you so much for being so supportive to a new comer, offering advice, suggestions, and sharing your experiences. This first class has definitely validated my decision to begin a career as an Early Childhood professional.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Ethics
My entire professional career I have held very high standards for myself and anyone involved with projects that I am heading. I have always taught dance with very strong morals and professionalism, so translating that to my new infused education career will be natural. I also think that as a mother I expect certain ethical codes to be upheld for my child, by myself and others in her life. The following codes are important to me because they reflect how I feel on many levels: as a mother and educator.
DEC (Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children), 2009
1. We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children's development and learning.
2. We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.
NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), 2005
3. To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.
DEC (Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children), 2009
1. We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children's development and learning.
2. We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.
NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), 2005
3. To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Words to Inspire
"Each of us must come to care about everyone else's children. We
must recognize that the welfare of our children is intimately linked to the welfare of all
other people's children. After all, when one of our children needs life-saving surgery,
someone else's child will perform it. If one of our children is harmed by violence, someone
else's child will be responsible for the violent act. The good life for our own children can
be secured only if a good life is also secured for all other people's children."
"Of course children benefit from positive feedback. But praise and rewards are not the only methods of reinforcement. More emphasis should be placed on appreciation - reinforcement related explicitly and directly to the content of the child's interest and efforts."
~Lilian Katz, Ph.D.
Interview with Sue Bredekamp, Ph.D. in Early Childhood Today
Q: How does the new developmentally appropriate practice statement differ from the old one?
"Developmentally appropriate practices are ways of teaching that vary for or adapt to the age and experience of the individual learner. So fundamentally the definition has not changed. Instead, it has been expanded to include the fact that not only do you have to consider children as individuals, but you also have to consider children as members of groups with their own cultural identities."
~Sue Bredekamp, Ph.D.
~ON CHILDREN~
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.....
Excerpt from Kahlil Gibran
"Of course children benefit from positive feedback. But praise and rewards are not the only methods of reinforcement. More emphasis should be placed on appreciation - reinforcement related explicitly and directly to the content of the child's interest and efforts."
~Lilian Katz, Ph.D.
Interview with Sue Bredekamp, Ph.D. in Early Childhood Today
Q: How does the new developmentally appropriate practice statement differ from the old one?
"Developmentally appropriate practices are ways of teaching that vary for or adapt to the age and experience of the individual learner. So fundamentally the definition has not changed. Instead, it has been expanded to include the fact that not only do you have to consider children as individuals, but you also have to consider children as members of groups with their own cultural identities."
~Sue Bredekamp, Ph.D.
~ON CHILDREN~
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.....
Excerpt from Kahlil Gibran
Saturday, July 13, 2013
A book to share.
At our house we do a lot of reading...books, books are everywhere! And I thought I would share a book by Brigitte Weninger and illustrated by Eve Tharlet called, A Child Is A Child. I have to be honest and say that when I first read the book it made me cry and I sort of missed the point of the story because I was so focused on the sad beginning.
Its the story of 2 tiny frogs who lose their mommy and daddy. They are found by 3 different animals, all who express that they are not able to take care of the frogs because they themselves are not frogs and frogs need to be taken care of by frogs. Then a mama mouse comes along with her baby mice and she says that she will take them! Her bottom line is simple, a child is a child and every child needs love, a home, good food, and a safe place to play. I just thinks its a great story and has a wonderful sense of community to it and how a community can come together to "raise," teach its children and keep them safe!
Darcie
Its the story of 2 tiny frogs who lose their mommy and daddy. They are found by 3 different animals, all who express that they are not able to take care of the frogs because they themselves are not frogs and frogs need to be taken care of by frogs. Then a mama mouse comes along with her baby mice and she says that she will take them! Her bottom line is simple, a child is a child and every child needs love, a home, good food, and a safe place to play. I just thinks its a great story and has a wonderful sense of community to it and how a community can come together to "raise," teach its children and keep them safe!
Darcie
Friday, July 12, 2013
Artwork
“All children are
artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” ~~ Pablo
Picasso
This is some artwork by my little one...she will turn 3 in August. I get so much joy out of watching her grow and learn everyday. She definitely is part of the inspiration for going into the field of education.I am fascinated by her willingness and curiosity.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
My very first blog...
My first blog comes at the start of my continued education for a Master's in Early Childhood Studies. I will be using this blog to share my academic experiences and personal thoughts on early childhood education. Since my background is in dance performance and pedagogy, I wanted to incorporate my dance company Soma as part of the inspiration for this blog. Its my ultimate goal to integrate the two, "dance in early childhood." I'm excited and nervous at the same time for this process. I'm new at blogging but I find the concept fascinating. I look forward to sharing my thoughts and hope you enjoy reading and feel inspired to comment!
Thanks.
Thanks.
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