Where does the motivation and passion come from?

All of these quotes stood out to me because they are a reflection of why I continue to push forward in the field of Early Childhood Education.  I want to make sure all children are in the best environment conducive to their development.  That they know their is more opportunities out there in the world and they are not limited by what they see.  I feel that the extra lengths that some educators will go through make such as positive impact on what families get out of their experiences in early childhood.  It comes from our experiences as a child and how we are passionate about what children and families get out of their experiences.  How they are able to deal with issues in their lives and still make sure their children will be okay.

Louise Derman-Sparks

".....the passion to make sure all children were taught in environments and in ways that truly nurtured their ability to grow and to develop to their fullest ability."

Raymond Hernandez

"...there is more to life than what's in their neighborhoods.  Their children can do more than just that."

Renatta Cooper, Program Specialist

  "I knew it was important for me to go out and to make those efforts to meet him because he was obviously not coming into the yard.  I had no idea how to support a family through this but I knew I needed to learn."

"The lack of family policy in this country is an issue."

 Leticia Lara

"As I think of my profession in early childhood, that passion stems from my experiences as well as from my experiences in looking at my parents, from thinking about my grandparents.  There is a lineage of helping folks in my family."

 

Sue Bredekamp

I feel this quote directly impacts what is expected from early childhood educators and how they are expected to deliver the best services to children and families.  Clear communication of expectations and best practices are essential!

"As we advocate for the practices we believe serve children best, it is particularly vital that we be clear in our own thinking and precise in our communication."

 Excerpt from Educational Perspectives "Play and School Readiness"

"For children to benefit fully from play, teachers must take their own roles seriously.  Early childhood educators cannot wander around classrooms operating on the vague assumption that children learn through play while, at the same time, lamenting the challenges to play coming from parents and administrators.  Instead, teachers must recognize play as one of the key teaching and learning contexts in early childhood classroom, must acquire skills themselves in research-based effective teaching strategies such as scaffolding language to use during play, and must incorporate play along with other more directive teaching throughout the preschool day."

Art Rolnick

Excerpt from Chapter 1 of Early Child Development from Measurement to Action 

"In our view, the case is closed on why we must invest in ECD (Early Child Development).  Now it is the time to design and implement a system that will help society realize on a large scale the extraordinary returns that a high quality ECD program have shown they can deliver."

Excerpt from The Region "Early Childhood Development: Economic Development with a High Public Return"

"The quality of life for a child and the contributions the child makes to society as an adult can be traced back to the first few years of life.  From birth until about five years old, a child undergoes tremendous growth and change."

My Personal Childhood Web

There are many family members who attributed to the way I am today! (Not in order!)

My Uncle Larry and Aunt Janice

My Cousin Stephanie

My Sister Kendra

My Aunt Shirley

And the most important to me my Grandmother Pearl

I have a very big family.  My grandmother on my mother's side had ten children! Five boys and five girls!  And my father's mother had eleven!  Even though I had all these people around me, my mother's side of the family is the closest to me. 

My Grandmother Pearl--she's the most important to me because I was always with her growing up.  I stayed with her after school, she taught me how to cook and she was always encouraging and patient with me.  I think that was because she knew I sometimes got lost in the shuffle.  I was a quiet, reserved child who often when unnoticed, and my grandmother seemed to know this without me saying a word!  That's grandma!  She still does it to this day when I talk to her, encouraging me and uplifting me when I never tell her anything is wrong.


My sister Kendra- She is the little spitfire in the family.  Says what's on her mind and doesn't take much from anyone.  Growing up I remember thinking that I wish I could be like her, say what I feel and not hold back.  She was always focused and determined to do things her way. And then she would do things her way.  She got married when I was fourteen years old and she was seventeen.  I always remembered how brave I thought she was and is.  We weren't very close growing up because she was busy with her friends (and boyfriends), but we are inseparable now!


My Aunt Shirley- My aunt was the nurturing one in the family.  Every summer we use to go to her house for about two weeks.  There would be about ten of my cousins there including her two kids.  She would always make time for us, to play games, laugh and talk.  Every time I went to stay at her house, it always felt warm and loving and I wanted to stay, but knew I couldn't.  When I would leave her house I would be so sad and she always gave us hugs and told us there would be the next time.  

My cousin Stephanie-Stephanie is my aunt Shirley's oldest daughter.  Although she is eight years younger than  me she always made me feel special and we are still very close. Growing up I would pretend that she was my own baby.  I changed her, feed her and played with her as much as I could.  I would always ask my aunt if I could do things for her.  She use to call me her favorite cousin and that always made me feel special.  She has such an easygoing personality and is always smiling, I like to feel that the interactions we had growing up as a lot to do with that.  But then again it could just be wishful thinking!


My Uncle Larry-My uncle Larry made me feel like his little girl when I was around.  I remember when I was about five, he sat me on his lap in the car and let me steer the wheel.  I felt so grown up and proud that I got to do this.  When I would go over to his house to see my cousins, he would squeeze my cheeks and ask "How's my Boobie doing?" and give me the biggest hug.  I always felt special around him.


There are many others in my life that I am blessed to know, but growing up these are the ones who stick out the most.  They continue to contribute to my life in many ways.  My grandmother and sister are always encouraging and supportive.  They encourage me to be strong and be who I am.  They also encourage me to continue my education and bring everything that I am to whatever I do.  My cousin and her mother still make me feel special when I am around them.  They make me laugh and I enjoy spending time with them even though I don't get to see them as often as I did as a kid.  I appreciate everything each and everyone in my life has ever did for me and want to thank them for contributing to me being ME!

My Favorite quote!

I didn't really have a favorite quote that stuck out to me about children so I went on a hunt.  I wanted to find something that reflected how I felt about children and I knew as soon as I heard it it would be the one.  I searched and searched.  Even though some were really good, one quote really stuck with me and reflected how I view children personally and professionally.
"I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that only a child can bring."
~Liz Armbruster
Sometimes we get so stuck in the everyday routines of life, we forget that children are the lights of the world and that they are precious gifts given to us to take care of and nurture to grow into responsible caring adults!!

Miss Tizzy

Miss Tizzy is one of my favorite books.  This book shows me the kind of teacher I wanted to be and how each child should have someone like this in their lives.  Someone patient, creative, loving and nurturing.  Miss Tizzy's character allows the children to feel safe and valued.  She gives them the opportunity to share themselves and teach them how to respect and care for others who are in need.  In return, when Miss Tizzy is ill and can no longer be there for them in the same way, they know what to do!  They send her their love through their actions!  I love the message this book sends that children need to be taught by example and given the time and the opportunity, they will learn what is important in life.  That how you treat people and the way you make them feel about themselves is what really counts.

Me and my early education journey!

I have been in early childhood education for over 10 years and I am looking forward to my blogging journey.  I am not as computer literate as I would like to be but I hope to learn a lot from this experience.  So bear with me folks as we embark on our journey together!!!