Thursday, May 31, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thoughts
Quotes
“Everything in me was called on to teach!”
Louise Derman Sparks,professor (Laureate, Inc.,n.d.).
This is my favorite quote from the interview, The passion for early childhood Education. I believe that it is just the most beautiful thing a teacher could feel and say.
I completely identify with Renatta M. Cooper, Program Specialist, when she said: “What keeps me engaged is that we’re not there yet; we’ve got a long way to learn. Until we achieve these goals, I’ll keep going” (Laureate, Inc.,n.d.).
I feel that I have a long way to go, too, and that my journey has just begun.
When asked about her primary goal of the Tools of the Mind program, Dr. Bodrova said:
" Our intention was to teach children and change the way they are acting but now we’re changing the way teachers are acting, and we are seeing the very nice by-products: teachers are becoming less stressed out and happy teachers” (The Science network, 2010).
Excerpts
This excerpt is from the article: Developing Self-Regulation in Kindergarten: Can We Keep All the Crickets in the Basket? By:Elena Bodrova and Deborah J. Leong (2008):
Addressing gaps in knowledge and skills alone cannot guarantee success in learning for all children; we must also address the development of self-regulation as the underlying skill that makes learning possible. Kindergarten classrooms present an important opportunity to influence self-regulation in young children. In fact, for many children, school becomes the first and only place where they can learn to regulate themselves. Thus, instruction in self-regulation in the early years deserves the same, if not more, attention as the instruction in academic subjects.(p.2)
I would like to share another excerpt from the article Early Childhood Inclusion. In defining early childhood inclusion,in which Dr. Virginia Buysse was the lead writer:
The desired results of inclusive experiences for children with and without disabilities and their families include a sense of belonging and membership, positive social relationships and friendships, and development and learning to reach their full potential. The defining features of inclusion that can be used to identify high quality early childhood programs and services are access, participation, and supports.(p.2)
References
Bodrova,E., & Leong, D. (2008). Developing self-regulation in kindergarten: can we keep all the crickets in the basket?. Young Children, 63(2),
56-58. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200803/BTJ_Primary_Interest.pdf
Bodrova, E., & Leong, D. (2008). Developing self-regulation in kindergarten: can we keep all the crickets in the basket?. Young Children, 63(2), 56-58. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200803/BTJ_Primary_Interest.pdf
The Science Network. (Producer). (2010). Ultimate block party and the science of educating [Video Webcast]. Retrieved from http://thesciencenetwork.org/programs/ultimate-block-party-the-arts-and-sciences-of-play/elena-bodrova
DEC/NAEYC. (2009). Early childhood inclusion: A joint position statement of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina, FPG Child
Laureate-Media, Inc. (Producer). (n.d). [Video webcast]. The passion for early childhood Education. Retrieved From:
http://www.waldenu.edu/50217.htm
Friday, May 18, 2012
My Childhood Web
I was born to wonderful parents whom I owe everything good in me. I have two sisters and one brother. They all have played a great role in my life and contributed to a beautiful childhood, in spite of the hardships and challenges.
My Mom
"Do not waste your tears..."
That's what my mother always said to me when something wordly upset me. She has always been my inspiration. She is very knowledgeable in different
fields and has imparted to us a great passion for learning. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of my mother is "sacrifice". I have witnessed mom renounce literary everything to raise us during a time of war. She has never held back. Whatever she had within her reach she has gladly given to us. She has done all that with great warmth and selflessness. I cannot remember a single moment that she snapped at me, even though she was overloaded with burdens at that time. She had to take care of three little children, nurse her husband, and make sure residues of the war don’t touch our souls. I owe her being independent and self- disciplined.Her sense of responsibility towards the community is something that has always made me proud. One of her best professional accomplishments was founding the very first school for girls in a remote town in Saudi Arabia, where she was living about 40 years ago. The parents in the neighborhood were very grateful, and some of her students are still in contact with her up till now.My mother is old enough to be my grandmother, and I think this has made her more serene; she did not fuss over little things nor put too many rules. It is because of her prudence, I have been able to sustain many challenges that I have faced in life. I hope I am able to impart to my children what she has generously instilled in me.
My Dad
When I was five years old, my father had a stroke that resulted in his paralysis. That compelled him to stay at home and for me, he was a full-time dad. He was a very compassionate person, and I remember him as being emotional and very sensitive. Probably it was due to his condition, he easily cried when he missed someone, or when someone he loved was hurt. He expressed his feelings quite openly and used to shower us with hugs and kisses whenever he had a chance. Even though he was in an unfortunate situation, he had great faith; and managed to subdue his trial by being extremely patient. He had an adorable sense of humor and always had the funniest stories to tell. He taught us how to respect others and be compassionate to those who need help. He was the kindest person I have ever known. He used to say that everything happens for a reason, and he conferred on me how to welcome new happenings and submit to fate in a positive attitude; to see the full half of the cup.
My Eldest Sister
My sister is older than me by 18 years. After she was born, my mother was told that she was not able to get pregnant again. Then a miracle happened! Wafa was like a young version of a mother to me. Because mom could not leave dad alone, she undertook the responsibility of driving me to afterschool activities, friends, parties, shopping, etc…She was always willing to participate in my ventures; she helped me with school projects, made me costumes for masquerade balls, and even sewed my wedding dress. My sister is an artist, she is extremely talented, has a great sense of humor, loves life, and fully dwells in its pleasures. For a while, I tried to follow her comportment, but as I grew older I realized that we were not alike in personality. I was very different in terms of resolve, composure, and moderation. She loves to go to loud places, I cherish tranquility, she is very daring and adventurous, and I am very loyal to tradition and culture. She used to tell me that I was too “serious” for my age, and she was right. During my teenage years, she got a divorce and moved back in with us; I had great empathy towards her and went out of my way to be there for her. I had high tolerance for her intense enthusiasm, and greatly indulged her whims and wishes. I have been her advocate at times of stress, as she has been a creative companion and cheerful friend.
My Brother
Ihab was my body guard. When I was a young girl; he made sure that I was safe, especially when the fighting escalated during the war. Although he was only two years older than me, he used to come to the rescue; once he dragged me from my bed when snipers targeted my room and bullets were flying all over. He once carried me 3 blocks to get me to a hospital after I was injured by a car bomb. When we stayed in the shelter, we used to play board games together, and I have great memories with him. I always remember him as being surrounded by people. It has always been very easy for him to make friends; he is very cheerful, easy going, and a great listener. He takes after my father in storytelling; and it is always exciting to be around him. He has always had tenacity and a strong sense of justice; he takes honorable stands in life, and sticks to his principles. He is very reliable, and he is always ready to help. What I always loved about my brother is that he never gives up.
fields and has imparted to us a great passion for learning. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of my mother is "sacrifice". I have witnessed mom renounce literary everything to raise us during a time of war. She has never held back. Whatever she had within her reach she has gladly given to us. She has done all that with great warmth and selflessness. I cannot remember a single moment that she snapped at me, even though she was overloaded with burdens at that time. She had to take care of three little children, nurse her husband, and make sure residues of the war don’t touch our souls. I owe her being independent and self- disciplined.Her sense of responsibility towards the community is something that has always made me proud. One of her best professional accomplishments was founding the very first school for girls in a remote town in Saudi Arabia, where she was living about 40 years ago. The parents in the neighborhood were very grateful, and some of her students are still in contact with her up till now.My mother is old enough to be my grandmother, and I think this has made her more serene; she did not fuss over little things nor put too many rules. It is because of her prudence, I have been able to sustain many challenges that I have faced in life. I hope I am able to impart to my children what she has generously instilled in me.
My Dad
When I was five years old, my father had a stroke that resulted in his paralysis. That compelled him to stay at home and for me, he was a full-time dad. He was a very compassionate person, and I remember him as being emotional and very sensitive. Probably it was due to his condition, he easily cried when he missed someone, or when someone he loved was hurt. He expressed his feelings quite openly and used to shower us with hugs and kisses whenever he had a chance. Even though he was in an unfortunate situation, he had great faith; and managed to subdue his trial by being extremely patient. He had an adorable sense of humor and always had the funniest stories to tell. He taught us how to respect others and be compassionate to those who need help. He was the kindest person I have ever known. He used to say that everything happens for a reason, and he conferred on me how to welcome new happenings and submit to fate in a positive attitude; to see the full half of the cup.
My Eldest Sister
My sister is older than me by 18 years. After she was born, my mother was told that she was not able to get pregnant again. Then a miracle happened! Wafa was like a young version of a mother to me. Because mom could not leave dad alone, she undertook the responsibility of driving me to afterschool activities, friends, parties, shopping, etc…She was always willing to participate in my ventures; she helped me with school projects, made me costumes for masquerade balls, and even sewed my wedding dress. My sister is an artist, she is extremely talented, has a great sense of humor, loves life, and fully dwells in its pleasures. For a while, I tried to follow her comportment, but as I grew older I realized that we were not alike in personality. I was very different in terms of resolve, composure, and moderation. She loves to go to loud places, I cherish tranquility, she is very daring and adventurous, and I am very loyal to tradition and culture. She used to tell me that I was too “serious” for my age, and she was right. During my teenage years, she got a divorce and moved back in with us; I had great empathy towards her and went out of my way to be there for her. I had high tolerance for her intense enthusiasm, and greatly indulged her whims and wishes. I have been her advocate at times of stress, as she has been a creative companion and cheerful friend.
My Brother
Ihab was my body guard. When I was a young girl; he made sure that I was safe, especially when the fighting escalated during the war. Although he was only two years older than me, he used to come to the rescue; once he dragged me from my bed when snipers targeted my room and bullets were flying all over. He once carried me 3 blocks to get me to a hospital after I was injured by a car bomb. When we stayed in the shelter, we used to play board games together, and I have great memories with him. I always remember him as being surrounded by people. It has always been very easy for him to make friends; he is very cheerful, easy going, and a great listener. He takes after my father in storytelling; and it is always exciting to be around him. He has always had tenacity and a strong sense of justice; he takes honorable stands in life, and sticks to his principles. He is very reliable, and he is always ready to help. What I always loved about my brother is that he never gives up.
My little sister
Rola is five years younger than me. She is an extremely loving person and very compassionate towards others. When she was very little, I helped mom take care of her. I used to read her stories and put on shows to make her laugh. She was a well-mannered child, and I do not remember a time when she bugged or annoyed me like little siblings usually do. Although I did not spend a lot of time when I was a teenager with her, I always worried about her and I remember praying to God every day that mom and dad will live long enough to see her graduate. (I think this stems from the the fact they were older than the rest of our friends’ parents) When I was about to write this post, I called to ask her how she perceived me as a child and how would she describe me in a few words; her answer was: advisor, listener, and hashoura (nosy)! I suppose I was nosy when it came to her; she was my little sister, whom I felt obligated to help and protect. She also said something that touched me; she said: “Cares about everyone but herself” I was so surprised to hear her say this, because this is exactly what I wanted to write about her!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Dinosaurs
I was very excited to see what my students drew last week. Our theme was "Dinosaurs", and I had discussed with them the reasons why the dinosaurs disappeared; I had mentioned four possible reasons: The Cold climate, the comet, the mammals, and the volcano. I encouraged them to tell me which reason was the most convincing to them. When I asked them to draw the reason they vote for, Lama (Age 4 1/2) drew the volcano, and Leila (Age 5 ) drew the cold. Here are their drawings:
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Too Loud Lily
Too Loud Lily is the first book I’d like to share, not because it is my favorite, but because it is one of the most useful ones I have read to my students. A couple of years ago, I had an extremely loud student, Dina, who was always annoying her classmates with her high-pitched voice; I had tried every single idea that occurred to me in order to help her learn how to use her “inside voice” in class. Then I came across this book, which basically tells the story about Lily Hippo who did everything too loudly, and disturbed her classmates. Lily was devastated. A Drama teacher one day arrived and found Lily just the right spot for her to use her “gift” and shine in front of her classmates. While reading the story, the students repeated what everyone kept telling Lily throughout the story: “Not Too Loud Lily!” and they laughed really hard at what Lily Hippo was getting herself into. I stressed on the part where Lily was so happy to find that there was actually a place for her to be loud and charming. Later, I used the phrase: “Not Too Loud Lily”, whenever someone in class was being very loud, everyone would remember Lily, laugh a bit, and then keep it down. Even Dina eventually used the phrase herself when her classmates were being loud!
Whenever I read this story to my students, I encourage them to think about places they think it is useful to be loud, and I prompt my loudest students to take part in the discussions.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Art in Kindergarten
Art enables children to identify the real things around them. They like to use their senses as they burrow their way through their childhood. They love to smell and taste, even if things were not edible! But most of all, they like to touch; and what more than art can help them celebrate their sense of touch. To help my students express themselves freely in the classroom and beyond, I abide by the following rules:
• Never hold the children’s hand while he or she is painting;
Guiding a child throughout the art process is as if we are saying: “You cannot do it by yourself!”, or “You are going to mess it up if I let go.” I try to choose projects that give children a chance to be in control and actually decide what goes where, so I exclude pre designed artwork that needs the children to paint inside a pattern without thinking. Instead I talk to them about what we are going to do, ask them a few questions to trigger their imagination, and hand them a brush!
• Do not limit the child to one kind of media to complete an art work;
I always put many different types of material and spread them on the table. In this way, the children choose the one they are most comfortable with. They might even use more than one, which always turns out to be more interesting!
• Do not praise the child’s work without discussing what you see;
When describing the work of a child, art or otherwise, I use words that make sense to him or her. Choosing words like nice, pretty¸ etc often belittles the child’s accomplishment. So I try to make comments like: “I see a duck, where is it going. “, or “Is that a tree, I wonder what kind of tree it is?” This usually prompts them to think about new things to add to their drawing and even turn it into a story. Of course some children will submit a blank paper or maybe even a set of meaningless scribbles, but eventually, and with patience and encouragement rather than praise, it will enable them to grow.
Tip: Let the children wear old mommy’s t-shirts or smocks if available. We do not need to be distracted by worrying about them messing their outfits.
• Never hold the children’s hand while he or she is painting;
Guiding a child throughout the art process is as if we are saying: “You cannot do it by yourself!”, or “You are going to mess it up if I let go.” I try to choose projects that give children a chance to be in control and actually decide what goes where, so I exclude pre designed artwork that needs the children to paint inside a pattern without thinking. Instead I talk to them about what we are going to do, ask them a few questions to trigger their imagination, and hand them a brush!
• Do not limit the child to one kind of media to complete an art work;
I always put many different types of material and spread them on the table. In this way, the children choose the one they are most comfortable with. They might even use more than one, which always turns out to be more interesting!
• Do not praise the child’s work without discussing what you see;
When describing the work of a child, art or otherwise, I use words that make sense to him or her. Choosing words like nice, pretty¸ etc often belittles the child’s accomplishment. So I try to make comments like: “I see a duck, where is it going. “, or “Is that a tree, I wonder what kind of tree it is?” This usually prompts them to think about new things to add to their drawing and even turn it into a story. Of course some children will submit a blank paper or maybe even a set of meaningless scribbles, but eventually, and with patience and encouragement rather than praise, it will enable them to grow.
Tip: Let the children wear old mommy’s t-shirts or smocks if available. We do not need to be distracted by worrying about them messing their outfits.
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