During this module, I was able to interact with two people that helped guide my research for my paper. The first person I interacted with was an observer from the state. She came into one of the classrooms to observe and we begin discussing how the children have change over time. She stated how children are faced with more problems today than ten years ago. She said," our children are not getting what they need early so it is having an affect on their learning." This statement alone gave me something to think about.
The next person I observed was a five year old boy. This child was able to complete tasks around the classroom but have problem with making friends or building relationships. He did not want the children to sit next to him at the table or on the rug. When the teacher tried to talk to him he never gave eye contact or a verbal reaction. I did observe him talking during his play time so his communications skills is fine.
The one thing that I was surprised about is the lack of time the teachers was giving him. He have been in the program for seven months so I think he should be interacting a little better now. The teachers should be modeling or providing activities to him him become engaged with others. I even thought about maybe he is having hearing issues but that was not the case. As a teacher and an observer this was mind bottling.
I can't believe that your state observer interacted with you! Our state observer stopped in when I was conducting my first interview and I chatted with her but she kindly asked that I not include her in any of this. She is easy to communicate with but I could understand with my topic of funding where she would not feel comfortable representing the state pre-kindergarten program for my internship but she was fully supportive of my efforts. Did the state observer offer any support to the staff of how to better model or give any examples of activities to provide this student?
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with the lady from the state because these children now are nothing like when I was in school. It seems as though veryone has an IEP and that children are not meeting academic standards and it has gotten me wondering if the teachers are holding up there end of teaching these kids or are these kids just not focused as I was when I was in school. Things like that always raise an eyebrow for me in it just keep me thinking all the time.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra, I found the comment from the state observer. I had just had a conversation with a lady at church about the importance of early childhood education and I talked about the same type of thing. I told her I feel that early childhood is so important because these children are not getting what they need and it needs to begin way down in the early years of development so they are ready for the elementary education later. We need good early childhood development professionals and learning environments
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the comment by the state observer. That is pretty much what my research paper is about. The importance of parent involvement, classroom communities and DAP guidance to early childhood mental health. If children don't get what they need in the early years they will have educational struggles all of their life. If a strong foundation is not laid it is very hard to build upon later.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good resource for your paper; a state employee who has to follow so many rules and enforce so many rules.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with her statement. Teachers or child care workers need to step up and reinforce good behaviors and literacy with our young children. Further more we need to help the parents become better at teaching their children these skills.
The statement from the state worker was dead on point. Parents don't realize the importance of Early Childhood nor do the understand the importance of Early Intervention. At my host school I was surprised of the number of IEP's they have and how some of the children are struggling with just the basics. My question to one of the teachers was "What are you doing to meet their needs and What time are you alotting for each individual child to have that one-on-one time with you?" Do you know that she couldn't answer the neither question.
ReplyDeleteHello Sandra,
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank you for allowing me to comment on your blogs. I have enjoyed reading each one of them. This was a subject that was near and dear to my heart. It is important that we continue to advocate for our children and when we see something that is not right it is important that we call attention to it. I encourage you to continue your fight for children with disabilities because the children needs our help. I enjoyed spending this time with you and my other colleagues. I have learned a lot about what we are all passionate about and what we are striving to achieve.
Hi Sandra, I just want to thank you for your posts during this class. Your information was very informative and helpful. Your gave a lot of good points. The posts that I read from you helped me to reflect on my daily work in the classroom. Best to you in your next classes.
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