Argentina child assessment

The U.S. National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) is a national evaluation carried out every two years among students in the fourth, eighth and twelfth grades. It tests student performance in math, reading, science, writing, civics, economics, geography, and U.S. history. This is Argentina new reform to dramatically improve the quality of the education children receive. Argentina policymakers are also monitoring the performance of schools and teachers, improving teacher training, expanding access to early childhood development programs, and ensuring that curricula taught in schools prepare students for the future.

Reference

Argentina’s New National Goal.(2013).Americas Quarterly.Retrieved from http://www.americasquarterly.org/argentinas-new-national-goal-four-steps-to-improve-student-performance

Holistic View

The purpose of assessment of young children is to gather information that will aid in making important decisions regarding developmental and educational needs of children. I personally don’t think the best way to gather this information is via standardized tests. I think this information can be gathered by observation. Observing children involved in “Active Play” is one way to observe biosocial, cognitive and psychosocial development in children. The act of playing will allow the observation of physical strength. Observing children play and interact with others will provide insight on what a child is thinking, language development and how they relate positively or negatively to others.

Natural Disaster-Japan Tsunami

Natural disasters can be traumatic experience for children. Natural disasters are hurricane, earthquake or tsunami. The effects on a child can be long lasting and distressing. The loss of a home or community will rob a child of his/her sense of security and normalcy. Children look to their parents and immediate caregivers for guidance on how to manage their reactions to a natural disaster. Schools can help play an important role in this process by providing a stable, familiar environment. This helps children return to normal activities and routines and provide an opportunity to turn a scary event into a learning experience. “Immediate response efforts should emphasize teaching effective coping strategies, fostering supportive relationships, and helping children understand the disaster event” (NASP Resources).
The Child Fund International is assisting with fundraising efforts to assist families and children in Japan that were affected by the tsunami in Japan. Psychosocial support will be provided by Child Fund also to prevent children who suffered the disaster from some of the negative long-term effects. “Children who have been caught up in disasters can develop behavioral and mental health problems unless they receive counseling at an early stage”. If left untreated, their experiences can have an adverse effect on their lives as adults” (Guardian News). This organization works to” help children strengthen their ability to cope and remain resilient in the face of these traumatic events” (Child Fund International).

Reference

Child Fund International. (2013). Children in Japan Need Our Help Now. Retrieved from http://www.childfund.org/JapanTsunamiEmergency.aspx

Guardian News. (2013). Japan earthquake: 100,000 children displaced. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/15/japan-earthquake-children-displaced-charity

NASP Resources. Responding to Natural Disasters: Helping Children and Families: Information for School Crisis Teams. Retrieved from http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/naturaldisaster_teams_ho.aspx

Paternal Absence-Stress on Child Development

As a child, I grew up in a single parent household. Up until the age of 8 I would see my father one weekend out of the month. The visits became fewer and fewer as I grew older. I remember maybe seeing him once every few months and then there came a time where I only heard from him on holidays and my birthday. In my teenage years I remember not hearing from my dad on a few birthdays. As I grew older and became more aware of his absence I became more aware of the stress and difficulties my mom faced providing for my younger brother and I. I began to participate less in activities in school, at 16 I got a job so I could help and contribute to the house.I was able to cope without my father being in the home by developing a close relationship with my uncle(Uncle Shorty mentioned earlier in the blog). My cognitive and psychosocial development was affected my this stressor. My self-esteem(feeling unloved) was poor and I’ve always struggled with trust. For a long time I was passive and did not express my feelings (in general). This story does have a happy ending,at the age of 18, my dad re-entered my life and I am glad to say that I was able to forgive and have a good relationship with him today.

Observation of Infants and Toddlers 0-2

This is 3 moth old Mykenzie Williams. I had the pleasure of observing this sweet baby this week.

Nutrition in Haiti

“As many as 31.7 % of children are affected by chronic malnutrition. Surveys show that half of pregnant women and two thirds of children under five are affected by anemia. Some 72 per cent of children aged 6–12 in rural areas suffer from iodine deficiency”(World Food Programme).The Children Nutrition Program of Haiti, Inc. (CNP) is “a non-denominational, faith-based organization who’s mission is to improve the health and development of Haitian children, particularly those suffering from malnutrition”(CNP). This organization has malnutrition rehabilitation programs, outpatient therapeutic food programs and supplemental food programs to assist Haiti with this issue.

References

World Food Programme.(2013).Haiti.Retrieved March 15,2013 from http://www.wfp.org/countries/Haiti/Operations

Children Nutrition Program of Haiti.(2013). Raising a healthy generation of Haitian children. Retrieved March 15, 2013 from http://cnphaiti.org/index.php

The Importance of Nutrition

Nutrition is a very important part of development. I relate closely to this topic because I have seen how poor nutrition has affected the lives of one of my parents. I have also witnessed how good nutrition has positively changed and made my parents health. Children who eat properly are more attentive in school, physically fit, and a great deal of energy than those who do not eat healthy meals. Providing good nutritional choices during childhood can strengthen lifelong eating habits and help kids grow up to their full potential. A healthy and nutritious meal includes a variety of foods. Children should balance the food they eat with physical activity, choose a diet with plenty of grains, fruits, and veggies and avoid foods with too much added sugar and foods high in salt. Also, it is best to avoid large amounts of fast food, caffeine, juice, and soda.

References

Pediasure.(2013). Kids Nutrition Basics. Retrieved March 15, 2013 from http://pediasure.com/kid-nutrition/kid-nutrition

Birth in Philippines

Click to access filipino-preg-prof.pdf

The above website gives information on the birthing process in the Philippines. This site provided a lot of information on pregnancy and the birth process. During pregnancy, some Filipina women avoid getting black foods to avoid giving birth to a child a dark toned skin. Some Filipina women believe if they keep themselves tidy and beautiful this it will influence the beauty of their child.

In the Philippines, they give birth at home or birthing center. The most common position is lying down or squatting position. It is believed that putting squash leaves on the abdomen can help facilitate labor. They also believe drinking coconut water helps with facilitating labor as well.

References
Pregnancy and Birth. (2013).Cultural Dimensions of pregnancy, birth and prenatal care Retrieved March 7, 2013, from http://www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural/health_workers/filipino-preg-prof.pdf

Birth Experience

This is a photo of me and my god-daughter Kayla. I chose her birth as my birthing experience because she was the first baby I witnessed enter the world. I was 21 at the time of her birth. Her mom was in labor for 16 hours. I was with her the entire time. I remember it not seeming like it took 16 hours(however I was not the one in labor).I remember the nurse being so nice. She was so willing and patient to help my friend through her first birthing experience.I watched my friend go from smiling, to frowning, to crying throughout her labor. This experience made me excited about one day having this experience. This experience reminds me of how nurturing relationships can impact a child’s development.

Note of Thanks and Support

To my colleagues in the Foundation of Early Childhood course I’d like to extend to each of you my best wishes as you take the next step toward obtaining your Masters in Early Childhood Studies. I have learned so much from so many of you. You have encouraged and inspired me in many ways. Let us all continue to strive to set the example for children and help them to become the best they can be.