A Professional Thanks!!!

I must say this has been a great start towards our quest to graduation.  Honestly, I was nervous coming into this online experience, but working with you all made me realize I am not in it alone.  I really appreciate all the feedback and encouraging words from all and I wish everyone the best of luck as we move forward.  Lets continue to encourage each other and collaborate as much as we can to make things easier and exciting.  Always remember,  Each one, Teach one.

Code of Ethics

I-1.3—To recognize and respect the unique qualities,

abilities, and potential of each child.

I-1.10—To ensure that each child’s culture, language,
ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and

valued in the program.

-1.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base of early
childhood care and education and to stay informed

through continuing education and training.

The reason I chose these three conducts is because I feel they are very important for a successful program to be ran.  As professional educators it is important to understand the uniqueness and difference in every child's ability.  Each child is going to be different and as educators we must respect their qualities to ensure further success.  With that being said each child will come from different backgrounds so as professional educators we have to make it as comfortable as possible so they can want to educate themselves.  I want the best for each and every child that comes my way so I need to be knowledgeable about the early childhood field and take pride in remaining well-versed through continuing learning and preparation. 

Course Resources

The Early Childhood field has great resources for families, children and even professionals in the field to view and learn about.  Through my college experience I have had tons of valuable resources to view to.  Here are three resources that I have found to be interesting.

• http://www.makinglearningfun.com/index.html.  This is a great site that can be used by teachers, children, or parents.  Has cool activities and plenty of themes to help jump start an idea.
• http://www.naccp.org/.  This is the National Association of Child Care Professionals.  They provide valuable programs and resources for professionals who are out to lead our young children as well as other professionals.
• http://www.pbs.org/parents/.  Good source for parents, teachers and kids.  I recommend this site to all that is in the Early Childhood field.  

Quotes from Early Childhood Professionals

"The complete sentence is the battering ram that knocks down the door to college."
~Doug Lemov~

"Teaching is a performance profession."  It's a profession that requires practice.
~Doug Lemov~

"Without Great Teachers, Nothing Else Matters"
~Doug Lemov~

"In the good years, work very hard to win everything that's possibly winnable.  In the bad years, work just as hard to keep your losses to a minimum.  There are good times, and there are bad times.  But you have to stay in the game.
~Edward Zigler~

"They are our partners in this learning enterprise, and we have a special responsibility to use this knowledge-not to fill up journals, but to make the lives of these children better."
~Edward Zigler~

Personal Childhood Web

My mother- Is a very strong-hearted woman who has overcame a lot in her life.  She was never able to bless me and my siblings with the greater things in life but she has influenced my life by simply teaching me how to be a responsible man.  I learned how to cook and wash clothes at an early age so I was able to help out around the house while she worked overtime.  My mother made me feel special by coming to my ball games even when I knew she was dead tired from working.  I could look up in the stands and see that smile on her face which made me elevate my level of play even more.  To this day she still works hard and offers to help me with anything I need and tells me not to struggle where I am at.  Let her know if I need anything and she will provide. 

My father- Has always been there for me since I was born even though he and my mother were never together.  He kept me out of trouble by introducing to me sports at an early age.  I could always count on my father to be at every little league, middle school, high school and even college game.  He has been an inspiration in my life and has always been the person I looked up to and wanted to be like, my hero I would call him.  My father was known for being a great athlete and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.  Every day we would go out and throw the baseball, hit in the cages, and even lift weights.  He always told me “Son if you want to be a great athlete, it starts in the classroom and getting your grades done!”  That was enough said for me so I can say he has encouraged me to get my studies done so I can have the opportunity to play sports.      

My grandmother- My Mema has always treated me great.  I am actually known in the family as the “Golden Child” to my Grandmother.  I am the only one in the family who can sit in her recliner chair when she is still in the living room.  My Mema has always been there for me.  As I got older, my mother and I did not see eye to eye on some things and my Grandmother opened her door to me with no questions asked.  She would always have breakfast for me in the morning and a great dinner in the evening.  Christmas is really our big bonding time.  We put up decorations and listen to the Jackson 5 Christmas songs and talk about past Christmas moments.  I can always look for my Mema to be there for me at any occasion and for that I feel so special in her heart.  

My aunt- She was the one who inspired me to become a teacher.  My Aunt Trina has really showed lots of love in my life as well.  She is also a teacher so I could always go to her on advice and help as far as different ideas to use.  She has always come to my ball games and supported me like a second mother figure.  I can count on her to be there for me when I need it.   

My stepmother- I do not even call her my stepmother because she has been around since I was a youngster.  She is always there for me and when asked by others how many kids she has, I am included.  I have a sister and a brother from her and it makes me feel so special and loved knowing even though I am not her actual son, I am treated like it.  My mother is very supportive and also believes in me highly.  I am the oldest of my sibling from my dad side and my stepmother trusts me to guide her children to the right ways of life.  To this day whatever I need from my stepmother she will provide for me. 

A very exciting day of my life! College graduation! But many more to come

Title of a Children's Book I Love

Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Patterson

This is one of my all-time favorite books.  I could read this story over and over again.  If you have not yet read this book I recommend it to you.  Truly a great book.