“RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION”

“RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION”

Relationships are important to me because it’s a true bond with someone I trust to be myself.  Knowing that I have someone who will tell me the truth no matter what is priceless. A relationship is someone I willingly choose to have in my life. I value my trusting, loving relationship I have with my friends and family.

MY DAUGHTER RAYVEN

MY DAUGHTER  JASMYNE

One of the positive relationships I have in my life would be Lee-Ann at my church. She is such a wonderful friend to me. I met her at church volunteering in children’s ministry. We connected immediately and have remained friends for three years.  She is always positive and always smiling.  I remember we both applied for the same job at church. When she realized I applied for the job she immediately told the hiring manager to give the position to me because I was more qualified. She said such amazing things about me during her interview.  She didn’t have to, but she knew my situation and was trying to help me. I have never met someone who would think of someone else in that manner. She is such a selfless person and would give her last if someone needed it. She is truly a blessing in my life and I hope I can be half as giving as she is.

Another positive relationship in my life is my life long friends Subrina.  She is someone I met when I was 4 years old. We have been friends every since and we still talk to this day.  I believe the reason our relationship has lasted so long because she is open and honest. I can tell her anything and it won’t be repeated. We go on vacations together and we never argue over anything. I don’t think we have ever argued in our 30 plus years of knowing each other.  We have such a positive relationship because we respect and value one another.

My daughter’s Rayven and Jasmyne would be a relationship I consider to be positive. Even though I am their mother, they respect what I say. I have learned the older they get the more I have to create a different type of relationship with them.  They have taught me to be more understanding and trusting of people. As a mother I want what is best for there well-being.  They have taught me to be more open to their feelings.  They are such amazing kids and I am blessed to have them as my daughters!!

There are a few challenges to maintain such relationships I listed above. My kids for example, we talk about everything. I have to respond to some questions as a mother and they don’t like what I have to say. I have to remind them that I am their mother and not their friend.  With my life-long friend Subrina we will go a few months without talking and that is hard. I had my kids early and she just started having kids. Our vacations together are basically non-existences now. We have to find time to talk during diaper changing, naps and play dates. 

Some special characteristics of these relationships are what bonded us together. Lee-Ann is completely opposite from me.  She like cats, animals, rock music and video games. I am completely the opposite and that is why we have a special relationship. Even though we are different we still have a lot in common. She talks to me about things I would never discuss and visa versa.  My children and I have a special partnership. I can truly say they are one of a kind, now my boys on the other hand…That’s a different story. But I think my girls and I really respect one another. 

My personal experiences are a huge part of how I react today. I have learned to listen, understand and accept a person for who they are. Appling what I have learned to my childhood profession would be invaluable.  Throughout the years of my life I have learned to accept people for who they are and add to enhance their life. My personal relationships have taught me not to be bias of someone. If I did not accept people for who they are I would miss out on so many wonderful relationships I have in my life.

"My Connections to Play"

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning....They have to play with
what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they
learn in new forms of play.

--Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

Play is a major avenue for learning to manage anxiety. It gives the child a safe space
where she can experiment at will, suspending the rules and constraints of physical and
social reality. In play, the child becomes master rather than subject.... Play allows the
child to transcend passivity and to become the active doer of what happens around her.

--Alicia F. Lieberman, author, The Emotional Life --

of the Toddler

"My Connections to Play"

When I was growing up I had so many people in my life that supported play in my life. I remember going to my Aunts house every summer. When we got there she would give us $20 and told us we can buy anything in the store, but do not go over. That was my first lesson in math (money).  I use to go over my neighbor’s house and play with my best friend when I was four. Her mom would set out blocks on one end of the room.  We would have to get them and run to the other side of the room and match them accordingly; blue circles, red squares, purple hearts, etc…

I believe that learning through play is completely different now.  I think daycares are focusing more on sitting children in chairs and teaching them. I believe there is a time and place for everything. I remember interning at a daycare when I was 14, I had so much fun. We played all day long. When I interned at a daycare for my undergrad it was completely different. The children played but it wasn’t the same.  I believe that children at a younger should be able to explore through play.  This is the best way I feel a child will learn or figure things out. Schools are eliminating recess and focusing more on desk learning. How can a child use their imagination if they are being taught what to believe? When I was growing up no one told me what to believe I learned it through play.  When children play it is natural, why not include learning.  I hope when I open my daycare I will continue to allow children to learn through play.

I have such wonderful memories as a child. I remember playing all day long. My mom would ask me what did I do at school and I would tell her I played. That’s all I could remember, but when I finished kindergarten I was at a first grade level in math and reading. My children are in middle school and they would come home singing songs about preposition. They would also come home with math board games.  I believe that children going through adult hood will always learn through play. Play is in our nature, so we should embrace it and have fun while learning.

HAPPY PLAYING!!!

RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

Relationships are important to me because they help me to become the person I am meant to be in life. Relationships help keep me grounded and loved.

My children, sisters, Elementary Pastor and childhood friends are just a few positive partnership/relationships in my life.

Being able to openly communicate with my children and being honest is one of the healthiest things I’ve done in my life. My children are older and I can’t just say to them “Do as I say”. That doesn’t work anymore, I have to be able to listen to them when they are frustrated, angry and happy.  This will allow me to create and maintain my relationship with my children. 

Growing up with siblings I was more known as the quiet one.  I really didn’t know how to communicate with them and we didn’t hang out as much. Now that I’m older, I’ve learned that my two sisters’ are my rock and they will do anything for me. I’ve learned to develop a bond where we are here for one another.   

My Elementary Pastor at my church has been such an encouraged foundation for me and my children. Even though he is not my children’s Pastor, but he has created a relationship to where my children can come to him openly.  He has showed me many different ways to communicate with my children and the children at my church.  He is a constant encouragement in my ear. He always has time for me and my children for fun or one on one.

  There is nothing like having your childhood friends still in your life as an adult. This group of people, I have created relationships that I will always maintain and we will continue to grow daily. Having friends that I have known for thirty-three years of my life is priceless. This group of friends will tell you how it is and will not sugar coat anything. Some things you may not want to hear but you need to hear. We have created a relationship of love, positive enforcement and communication that is much needed in my life.

Some of the challenges I face to maintaining these relationships are being able to hear things that I don’t want to hear. I have learned throughout the years that my friends, family and loved ones will tell me things that can only make me stronger in life. 

A special characteristic I see in each relationship I have created in my life is honesty. If you can’t be yourself around your group of people you’ve allowed in your circle/life, then you’re really being the person God meant for you to be.

Working in the childhood profession and my experience with relationship/partnerships go hand and hand. If you are up front with the parents and communicate with them and children will allow you to let them know what you expect up front. Listening to others who are able to help you help others are priceless. I believe working in the early childhood profession is one of the best rewarding jobs ever. I believe that you have to be open to change and realize that we can’t do this on our own.

THANK YOU!!

I would like to say thank you to Mary Loreman, Amy Owens, Shaquitla Laster, Candace Kirchner and to the rest of classmates in EDUC 6161.  You have all been an inspiration to me. I have learned from each and every one of you. Reading your blogs I have gained knowledge and insight in the early childhood field. So I would like to say THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!

Hope to see you all in a few days.   :)

Vennetta Henderson

A Quote and a Prayer!!

Your children will see what you're all about by
what you live rather than what you say." Wayne Dyer

Pray For Your Children
		At times, as a parent, I can feel so useless and so overwhelmed because so much is being thrown in my kids' direction! But I have realized that I don't have to experience those feelings. I can feel an inner peace, calm and strength by drawing on one source of power: prayer! I pray for my children. I pray about lots of things. I pray that they will accept Jesus into their hearts and devote their lives to serving Him. I pray for their future spouses - that they are being raised by loving parents in Godly homes, and that they will be taught how to treat my children as their husband or wife someday. I pray for their friendships and for their hearts' concerns. Let me tell you, nothing gives my heart more joy or peace than to know that my children are daily in God's hands! You can pray for your children anywhere and at any time. Pray for them in the shower, while driving, kneeling by your bedside or actually WITH your child at bedtime. I also have note cards that I rotate on our bathroom mirror. They contain a scripture verse related to what character quality my husband and I pray will grow in our children's hearts, souls and lives on a daily basis. We have cards for responsibility, hospitality, generosity, compassion, humility, contentment, humility, contentment and more. There are so many influences trying to affect and direct the growth of our children's lives. I want to equip them with as much as I can. What better tool is there than prayer? These little ones (and big ones as the case may be) are precious treasures. Take the time today to invest in their hearts and souls for a lifetime by praying for them. There is no greater testimony of your love.   Author: Dionna Sanchez http://www.EmphasisOnMoms.com

Testing for Intelligence

I believe young children holistically should be measured or assessed.  With that said; we need to figure out how to accurately create an appropriate system of measurement.  If you decide to measure a child on any aspect, I believe you should take into consideration their background, culture, language, and experience.  “Assessment procedures should therefore indicate which of the strategies and resources available and judged appropriate have been employed to help each individual child.” (Katz)  If not accurately assessed or measured some students will rank higher and lower than others students in certain areas.

In South Korea they have created a culturally non-biased assessment specifically designed for international schools.  In order to do this they meet weekly with the students and parents to discuss their concerns academically and personally.  The teachers then have a discussion with a panel of specialist in each area and use this information for assessments.  In Busan the classrooms are a lot smaller so the teachers can create an appropriate curriculum for each student.  “The diagnostic reports enable teachers to monitor group and individual performance, tailor individual student learning programms and provide information for reporting to parents.” (International school of,  2008).  This type of assessment is used until the children reach high school.

I believe South Korea has the appropriate way to assess children. I believe you should take every aspect of a child when learning.  Assessments should be culturally or academically appropriate for each student.  I pray one day the United States will adopt this type of assessment. 

References:

Katz, L. (n.d.). A developmental approach to assessment of young children. Retrieved from http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content4/assess.development.html

International school of busan, a world-wide family school. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.isbusan.org/php/content-28p17a1b2.htm

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

When I was 6 years old, I remember I woke up late for school. I didn’t have enough time to make my lunch and decided to go without food for the whole day.  By 10 am I realized how hungry I was and that’s all I could think about.  I didn’t want to tell the teacher I didn’t have money or food. I was embarrassed to say anything or ask my friends for part of their lunch. I went through the lunch line and asked the lunch lady for a lunch and I would pay her back tomorrow. (I didn’t have any money to give her but I said anything to get something to eat).  To my surprise she told me no and I had to “starve” the whole day. I wanted to cry, my stomach was growling and I made myself have a headache worrying about not eating.  I know they have change the process when kids are without food. At my children's school they will supply a child with at least a sandwhich and something to drink. 

When I think about the situation I went through and how I was “starving” all day. This does not compare the children in Haiti. In 2008 Port-au-Prince were having Riots due to the cost of food was raising and not enough supply for everyone.  Since families could not support their families they turned to looting.  One person is not going to be able to fix the whole problem but one person can make a difference in someone’s life and help create a more peaceful life for them.  “The U.S.-backed president has pledged to build up Haitian agriculture and make the country more self-sufficient.”  (Miller, 2008) I we can help them become more self-sufficient, when a crises arise again. they will be able to at least sustain.

Reference:

Miller, M. (04, 12 2008). Food shortages herald "new era of hunger". CBS World News, Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/12/world/main4011253.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody