My Connections To Play

Quotes:

"School children no longer have the freedom to explore woods and fields and find their own special places.  Physical education and recess are being eliminated: new schools are built without playgrounds.  Informal neighborhood ball games are a thing of the past, as children are herded into athletic leagues from age five on. (Almon, 2002)

"Children do not play for a reward-praise,money, or food.  They play because they like it". (Wardle, 2010)


References:  Retrieved from:

Article: Almon, K. (2002). The vital role of play in early childhood education. Gateways, 43. Retrieved from http://www.waldorflibrary.org/Journal_Articles/GW43almon.pdf

Article: Wardle, F. (n.d.). Play as curriculum. Retrieved August 1, 2010, from http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=127  

Play of Today is not the same of Play of Yesterday 
When I think of play today I don't remember the same kind of play when I was a child.  When I think of my childhood, I remember a time of playing outside with all the neighborhood kids, riding bikes, and just running around being a kid.  I remember hearing all of our mothers yelling out at all of us that it was getting dark and time to come inside.  To which all of us always replied the same response, "Just five more minutes, PLEASE".  But now things are different and I really don't think the children of today see play the same way we use to when we were kids.  I know for me personally as an educator and as a parent I have tried hard to instill these same beliefs with the children I work with, and especially even more so with my own children at home.  I want my own children to feel and experience some of the same things I did when I was a child.  And that's why me and my husband as parents have made the conscious effort to make outside time with our own children a family affair.  A time when we can enjoy the fresh air, enjoy the time outside with our children just playing and enjoying our time as a family.

http://books.google.com/books?id=b4C1KxgJn34C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Work-Importance-Fantasy-Play/dp/0226644898/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332622486&sr=1-1#reader_0226644898

RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

Relationships are important to me because without the support and guidance from the people closest to me in my life, I wouldn't be the person I am today.  There are many people in my life whose friendships I value, and respect, But there are those few people who truly stand out for me personally, and have had the greatest emotional impact throughout my life.....

My Father Mike, my true inspiration.

My parents were teenagers when I was born, they hadn't even finished High School when my mother became pregnant.  But even though it was a struggle for them, they had many supportive people in their lives that helped them in every way possible, including both sets of my Grandparents.  Even though my father was only eighteen years old when I was finally born never was there a more dedicated and loving man.  A man whose main goal and passion in life was to be the best husband and father he could be.  When most kids his age were hanging out, and trying to figure out what they were going to do with the rest of their life, my father was trying to finish High School working two part-time jobs, and trying to support a family.  And raise a family he did, and very successfully, and to this day after 43 yrs. together, three children, and eight grandchildren my parents are still happily together.  I have always felt that a good man is measured not by how much money he makes, or how many treasures he possesses, But instead by how much he truly loves his family.  And that is the true definition of my father Mike and there is nothing more valuable to him in this world then his family, his children, and especially his grandchildren.  There is nothing that he wouldn't or hasn't already done for his grandchildren.  And I truly believe that I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for this man, and to him I say thank-you Dad for always being there no matter what you are my true inspiration.


My Mother Shelia

 

  If I had to describe my mother, it would have to be the rock and the glue of our family.  My mother was only 16 yrs. old when she got pregnant with me, and 17yrs. old when she gave birth to me.   Even though I know my parents struggled a lot when they were younger, they still always had the love and support of both set of my Grandparents.  Even though my mother was a teenage parent, I never ever felt like I suffered, or was somehow disadvantage because of her age.  Like my father my mother's greatest treasure has always been her three children, and her eight Grandchildren.  When I was younger I remember asking my mother how my Grandmother reacted when she first told her she was pregnant, especially at such a young age.  My mother told me that even though my material Grandparents were very surprised, they still were very supportive, and my mother said without all the support from both set of grandparents her and my father probably wouldn't have ever have made it.  And made it they did and still together after 44 yrs., and I can honestly say my parents are very happily married, and have been a true inspiration to myself, and my brother and sister.   My mother also told me it was very difficult to loose her mother and such a young age, my Grandmother passed away when my mother was only twenty-five years old.  But the one thing that my mother said my Grandmother instilled in her at a young age was the importance of family, and how being a mother is the greatest gift in the world.  And she has always said she has tried to remember those words, and more importantly live by them as well.  For me and my sister my mother has always been a true role model, someone we can look up to as a mother, and someone who has always been there when any of us has ever needed any advice, or just someone to talk to or just listen.  I hope one day to aspire to be the kind of mother and Grandmother she has always been, and to her I say thank-you mom for being you.

My Grandmother Emma  

I always believed that I had such a special relationship with my father's mother, My grandmother Emma because I bonded with her from the moment I was born, and we shared a special bond for the rest of her life.  The reason I say that I bonded with my grandmother the minute I was born is because when my mother was in the hospital with me she caught some kind of flu.  And from the moment I was born I was isolated from her for a few weeks after I was born.  So when it was time for me to go home from the hospital I went home to my parental grandparents until my parents could take care of me.  My grandparents were very young when I was born, because my parents were still teenagers when I was born.  My grandmother was only 37 years when I was born, Which is so odd to me especially since that was almost the same age I was when I had my last child, my daughter. My grandmother and I shared a special bond and had a very close relationship all her life.  My grandmother just like my father was the kind of person that truly valued her life worth by her children, her grandchildren, and finally her great grandchildren.  She was so dedicated to all her family all her life that there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for any of them.  My grandmother was still so young  when they discovered six years ago she was in the fourth stage of advance lung cancer.  The day my grandmother passed away was one of the hardest days of my life because it was if I had not only loss my grandmother, But also my best friend.  But I knew that I had been blessed as well as the rest of my family.  And that was because never was there a woman like my grandmother, a person who loved her family so much that like my father, there wasn't anything she wouldn't do and didn't do for all of us.  I hope to one day aspire to be the kind of mother, grandmother, and great grandmother she was, But I know I will make sure her memory and legacy lives on.

My Sisters Kathy and Lisa

Kathy

Whenever anyone asks me how many sisters I have, to which I always reply, I have two sisters.  But actually I have one biological sister, and one sister-in-law.  I was eight years old when my younger sister Kathy was born, and from that day on I always took on the role of a mother.  I guess since I was so much older than her it was a natural instinct to take on that role, always looking after her and making sure she was always safe.  I have to admit our relationship when we younger wasn't always easy not only because we were so different but also because there was such an age gap.  But now I can't imagine two sisters being closer, she is my best friend.  We always stick together in difficult times, and we talk on the phone every day.  I have always been so happy that our children our all growing up together and our more like sisters and brothers instead of cousins.  And we are both as equally close to our only brother, Michael.  Which I'm sure hasn't always been so easy for him, being in between to sisters, one older, and one younger.  But it's because of our parents I know that we share a special bond that I will last a lifetime.

Lisa

I was 18 yrs. old when my brother brought home Lisa, Which who would have known then she would eventually would become my second and closest best friend and future sister-in-law.  Lisa and myself have always shared such a special bond, and that is why to this day almost twenty-five years later we still share that same bond.  My sister has always been the next person after my mother that I go to for advice, Especially when it comes to children.  Even though Lisa is younger than me she had her children before me, and she has always been such a great mother, very wise beyond her years.  Like myself she shared a special bond with my Grandmother, and I still remember when my brother brought her to meet our grandmother for the first time, she was so happy she said this is the one.  Even though my grandparents and my parents love all their grandchildren equally one of the happiest days in the world for them was the day when my oldest nephew was born.  He was the first grandchild and great grandchildren and it brought so much joy for them and for all of us.  And to this day I have to admit he is still say he is so spoiled, even at twenty years old.  So in conclusion I have to say that I have always been so blessed to have both of these strong, intelligent, and loving women in my life, and I know we will continue to have this special bond for the rest of our lives

A Note of Thanks and Support

As we near the end of our Journey together, I just wanted to take the time to say thank-you to each and everyone of you, my distinguished colleagues.  It really has been an honor to get to know all of you both professionally and personally.  I extremely enjoyed all your Blogs, as well as the support and guidance you gave me on my own Blog.  I really feel like I have gained a lot of insight from all of you both personally and professionally.  I wish you all happiness and luck in your pursuit of your Master's Degrees.  I know you all will achieve great things both inside and outside the classroom, as well as continue to strive for excellence in the Early Childhood field and be that "Voice" for every child you encounter in the future!

Mrs. Flutterbee

Our Mission

Kati Bee and Friends’ Mission is to create fun and memorable learning experience for children, their families and teachers. 

Mrs.  Flutterbee at our school.








                                   101 Ways To Praise Kids

 

The Belief In The Whole Child

What is Holism?

Holism comes from the Greek word "holos," which is translated to mean all or total. The word "holistic" is identified as meaning looking at something as a whole, rather than in separate parts. This approach is often linked to health, where the patient may be treated holistically, thus looking into mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

 

Looking at Children Holistically – Factors Affecting Child Development

 Looking at children from a holistic approach, requires the early years professional to take into account a wide variety of different factors, which all have an impact upon their growth and development. Key factors affecting child development, include the following:

• income
• family – nuclear, extended, lone-parent
• parental education
• access to health care, education, health promotion
• social interaction – other relationships
• immunization status
• housing
• child-rearing style, emotional tone

References:  Retrieved from:
Read more at Suite101: Holism: The Holistic Approach to Child Development | Suite101.com http://kate-le-page.suite101.com/holism-the-holistic-approach-to-child-development-a295674#ixzz1m8co2qrY


Genetic Testing In China:

 In China with the help of science and the Shanghai Biochip Corporation they have developed a new genetic DNA testing to test IQ's in children.  Parents can pay $880.00 to have their children spend five days in a summer camp that will test their abilities in various areas such as Art and Sports along with the genes from their DNA. In the hope of retrieving information on their future abilities and IQ's.  "The test is conducted by the Shanghai Biochip Corporation. Scientists claim a simple saliva swab collects as many as 10,000 cells that enable them to isolate eleven different genes. By taking a closer look at the genetic codes, they say they can extract information about a child's IQ, emotional control, focus, memory, athletic ability and more".  While I do stand by the belief in the "Whole Child", I'm not sure if I agree with this scientific notion of using DNA testing to try and measure a child's IQ and future physical abilities.  And the main reason for that is because I feel that there are so many other things that can still have an impact on a child's future development  such as personal relationships and life experiences.

References:  Retrieved from:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/08/03/china.dna.children.ability/

 

Natural Disasters- My Sister's Childhood Fears of Earthquakes

     After reviewing the stresses that were offered for this week’s Blog assignment I immediately focused on one that stood out for me in my experiences with my younger sister, and that was earthquakes.  Ever since I can remember my young sister has always been and even still is today, afraid of earthquakes.  And when I say afraid that’s saying it mildly, as a child she was actually deathly afraid of earthquakes, she would go into panic mode even at the slightest rumble or shake.  And once she got so excited then she would also become very panic,and then it was very difficult to calm her down.  You would think that a person who has lived her whole life in California, she would be use to earthquakes by now.  But yet her fear of earthquakes was always a big source of stress for my sister, and even today as an adult she still has that fear of earthquakes.   Of course it's not as extreme as it was when she was a little girl, but yet she will become panic at the slightest rumble.  In reflecting on my experiences with my sister as a young girl, I started to think about other children in other countries where they have had to deal with earthquakes of great magnitude and the devastation's that can follow as a result.

Earthquakes in China:

     I still remember the Earthquake in China back in 2008, and the serious devastation's that it created for all the people, including the children.  "On the afternoon of May 12, 2008, a 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit Sichuan Province, a mountainous region in Western China, killing about 70,000 people and leaving over 18,000 missing. Over 15 million people lived in the affected area, including almost 4 million in the city of Chengdu".  I think the reason I also remembered that earthquake of 2008 so clearly is because at the time my In-laws were traveling on vacation and they were in China at the time of the earthquake.  We were so scared back here at home, But thankfully at the time the earthquake hit China they were not close by, so they were safe.  But I remember how both me and my husband were feeling at the time, not knowing if they were safe, how helpless we felt.  I could only imagine how frightened all the people of China were, as well as their families that were here in the U.S.  At the time I also recalled my sister's fear of earthquakes when she was young, so I could imagine how terrified the children of China must have been right at that minute.  I also thought about how many of them might have been trapped, or worse have already lost their lives.  "The Chinese government has refused to release the number of students who died or their names. But one official report soon after the earthquake estimated that up to 10,000 students died in the collapse of 7,000 classrooms and dormitory rooms". 
     In conclusion after everything had occurred in China, I than thought about how do people, especially young children deal with the stress as well as recover from such a devastation  And I suppose the only way to accomplish this is to just move on no matter how difficult that might be, as well as to try hard to learn what you can from this kind of disaster in the event that it would ever happen again.


Dealing with Earthquake Fear

Objective:
- Students will recognize and articulate their fears about
earthquakes.
- Students will learn earthquake facts and myths, and see what
things can happen during an earthquake.
- Students will formulate earthquake plans and decide how to deal
with their fears.
Procedure:
1. Begin a discussion about earthquakes.
2. Have students write down some of their fears about earthquakes.
3. Compile a list of the most common fears and hand out a copy of the
list to the class.
4. Have the students do on-line research about each fear. They should
try and find out:
      1. If the fearful thing or event can actually happen during a
          quake.
      2. Ways to help calm that fear and increase safety
5. Once the students have handed in their research open up another
discussion about earthquakes and see if they are less fearful.  What fears do they still have? Are these fears irrational or justified?  Are these fears irrational or justified?
6. Discuss earthquake safety and make an earthquake plan.



Reference:
http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/news/science/topics/earthquakes/sichuan_province_china/index.html

Resources:
USGS Earthquakes for Kids & Grown-ups!
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/
SCEC Electronic Encyclopedia of Earthquakes
http://www.earthquake.info/
Earthquake Myths
http://www.scec.org/education/public/allmyths.html#codes
FEMA: Earthquakes for Kids
http://www.fema.gov/kids/quake.htm
Earthquake Preparedness
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/prepare.html

Breastfeeding A Personal Choice

I chose breastfeeding as my topic because it has always been a somewhat controversial subject for myself personally.  Even though I completely agree with all the apparent benefits in regards to breastfeeding,  I also believe it is a personal choice, and no one should ever feel pressured by anyone just because they choose not to breastfeed their children.  For me personally I chose not to breastfeed either one of my children, and I don't feel like I lost any bonding time with them because I chose not to breastfeed.  And beside the apparent health benefits I think the main argument for breastfeeding is because of the bonding element, and I would never take that away from any mother, But I still feel I was also able to bond with my son and my daughter just as well as any women who did choose to breastfeed.  And after my first child was born, my son who was premature, I was told by one nurse in particular that I should feel guilty because I didn't want to nurse him,  Especially because he was premature.  She then proceeded to lecture me all the benefits of breastfeeding, and how if I don't nurse him then my son will get sick a lot more than babies who are breastfeed.  Of course needless to say I did put her in her place, and tell her that this is a personal preference, and I really resent anyone telling me I was being self fish or should feel guilty because I didn't want to do something I wasn't comfortable doing in the first place.  To which she immediately began to change her attitude and  apologized, simply stating she was considering what was best for my son's health and overall well-being.  Just at this point one of the other nurses who I had a discussion with in regards to this very subject just the day before, walked in and joined in on our conversation.  She reassured me that I would bond with my baby just fine whether or not I choose to breastfeed him, and contrary to popular belief breastfeed babies do still get sick just as much, or in some cases even more than bottle fed babies.  Whether that was actually true or not, or if she really did believe that, the most important thing was that she was sensitive to my feelings.   And as a new mother for the first time needless to say I was worried, apprehensive, and even a little scared, because after all I did just give birth to a premature baby.  So I think one important thing to remember is that breastfeeding might not always be a choice for some women in other countries,  But it is here in the U.S, and no woman or mother should never feel pressured or guilty or even some what less of a good mother just because breastfeeding is not one option we choose for our child or children.  "Some women choose to bottle feed for a variety of reasons, and many of them report they're made to feel guilty about it.  The "guilt" issue is one that lactation advocates know well.  "Guilt has been the excuse for not talking about breastfeeding for years", Lawerence says.  "The obstetrician would say, "I don't want to talk to mothers about breastfeeding because I don't want them to feel guilty".  But every woman deserves to make an informed decision and she can't do that unless she knows the facts.  If she should choose formula feeding for whatever reason she may have, then that is her informed decision".

Reference:   Zuniga, Marielena.  The Breastfeeding Battle  Retrieved from:
http://www.soroptimist.org/articles/article_breastfeeding.html

Breast is Best

"For most newborns, good nutrition starts with mother's milk.  Colostrum, a thick, high-calorie fluid, is secreted by a woman's breasts for about the first three days following the birth of her child.  After that, the breasts begin to produce milk, the ideal infant food (see Table 5..4) . Compared with cow's milk, human milk is sterile, at body temperature, with iron, vitamins, and other nutrients for brain and body".

Reference:   

Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

Benefits of breastfeeding – For baby

Right mixture: Breast milk has the exact combination of fats, protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes required at various stages of growth of the new born. Breast milk has properties to enhance nervous system development too. Breast milk is easily digestible. 
Immunity: Breast milk increases a child’s resistance to infections. Macrophages that occupy 80% of the cells in breast milk kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Hence, babies who are breast-fed have fewer ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections.
Perfect infant nutrition: Breast milk enhances the nervous system development and increases IQ, 8 points higher compared to babies who were not breast-fed.
Reduced instance of SIDS: The risks of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in breastfed babies are reduced.
Meets demands of growth: Breast milk is constantly changing in its composition to meet the changing needs of the growing baby.
Better dental health: Breast-fed children have better overall dental health (due to unique sucking action required while breastfeeding).
Reduces risks of breast cancer: Breast-fed adult daughters are at lower risk of developing breast cancers.
Protection against Intestinal disorder: Breast-feeding helps babies avoid developing chrohn’s disease later in life.

Breastfeeding benefits – For mother

• Breastfeeding is an emotionally rewarding and relaxing experience to mother and baby. 

• Women who breastfeed have lower incidence of breast cancer.

• A perfect natural way to bond intimately with the newborn. 

• Mothers tend to lose the extra pounds gained during pregnancy as nursing uses up extra calories.

• The uterus contracts back to its original size after having been stretched during pregnancy. 

• It delays return of monthly periods.

Reference:  Retrieved from:  TargetWoman - Portal for Women Benefits from Breastfeeding
 http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/benefits-breastfeeding.html

Breastfeeding in Japan: 

After some research I discovered some interesting facts in regards to breastfeeding in Japan.  It seems that traditionally women gave birth at home were encouraged to immediately breastfeed their babies, and start by using the method of breast massage.  It is believed that breast massaging can help with the production of the mother's milk.  "Massaging your breasts will clear the milk ducts and get the milk flowing more freely which will help empty the breasts and therefore trigger higher milk production".  I also discovered that Japan was one of the first developed countries to establish a hospital that was geared toward expecting mothers,  "Traditionally, Japanese women gave birth at home and breastfed with the help of breast message. Weaning was often late, with breastfeeding in rare cases continuing until early adolescence. After World War II Western medicine was taken to Japan and the women began giving birth in hospitals, where the baby was usually taken to the nursery and fed formula. In 1974 a new breastfeeding promotional campaign by the government helped to boost the awareness of its benefits and its prevalence has sharply increased. Japan became the first developed country to have a baby-friendly hospital and as of 2006 has another 24 such facilities".



References:  Retrieved from:

http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/breast-massage.html

 http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/breastfeeding/history-of-breastfeeding.html