Quotes

I like this quote from Raymond Hernandez MS. Ed., Executive Director School of Early Childhood Ed, University of Southern California, "I know I can not save the world, I just have to make a difference in the community around me."  I frequently want to save every student and I can't.  I can only hope that I have somehow touched their lives in a positive way to help them.
This next quote is from Last Class Notes by Lilian G Katz at http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/pubs/katzsym/katz.pdf. "Remember that adults know more about almost everything than a small child does—except what it feels like to be that child, and how the world makes sense to him or her. Those things are the children’s expertise from which a teacher must learn—to be able to reach and teach them."  I  have always been amazed by the ideas and insights some of my students have shared.  I have learned that not making eye contact can be a sign of respect, I have also learned that some children pay attention more when they seem distracted or not looking at what I have asked them to look at.  I still laugh when I recall that one of my preschool children told my instructional assistant that "you need a young fellow".  He couldn't or wouldn't explain to us what he meant but he told her that a few times and I like to think he understood that she was lonely.

My Personal Childhood Web

This is a picture of my grandmother and me at her 80th birthday party.  My grandmother was the most influential person in my childhood.  She is the one who gave me unconditional love until she passed.  I was twelve when she died and inconsolable.  I had to repeat kindergarten because I went to so many places with her and missed much school. That didn't happen as much the 2nd time around.  Some of my favorite memories are shopping and stopping at Friendly's Ice Cream Shop with her.   She would always order a chocolate cream soda and I would have an ice cream cone. She marked my milestones by taking me to fancier restaurants as I became old enough to eat in them.  My favorite memory is going from Connecticut to Utah by car with my parents, my sisters and my Grammy.  She was a generous person and passed this value onto me.  She was a beloved teacher and influenced me to be a teacher. She also spent hours playing card games with me and I love playing card games even now. This is the only picture I have of her and me together.

Previewing my class

Ok, I have now completed two assignments and class doesn't officially start until Tues. 9/7.
The picture I have posted was taken by my husband when we were in Capital Reef National Park in Southeastern Utah June 2009.  We spent 3 glorious days exploring Capital Reef and then 1 day at Bryce Canyon.

 Favorite Book to Share with Children

A book that I share with young children is based on a song performed by Sweet Honey in the Rock.  They are a group of women who teach through song and words about tolerance, connectivity, peace, social justice and positive social change.  The song and book is called  No Mirrors in my  Nana's House.  It is written by Ysaye M Barnwell  and Synthia Saint James.  It comes with the cd. I share this book because I love the message that the child is clearly seen and reflected in her grandmother's eyes as was I in my childhood.

Book that Inspired Me to Help Children

One of the many books I read that inspires me to work with children is No Language But a Cry written by Richard D'Ambrosio.  He is a Doctor that a nun calls in to work with Laura.  She was severely burned by her parents and doesn't speak at all until he helps her.  This is a true story and Laura is able to overcome a horrible childhood and become an RN as an adult.  This book guided my decision to work with children who need some extra support to reach their potential.  I have had to learn that I can't help all the children I have taught but making a difference for some is the greatest high I have ever have.