Testing for Intelligence

I believe that every child is unique.  Children have different abilities, needs, and skills.  As a result, teachers need to rely on authentic assessments to determine the best way to teach children.  This includes assessing the child's macro and micro environments. The ecosystem of a child's life includes different influences and people who help shape the child's life.  Therefore, these people play a major role in development.  This is why I strongly support parent-teacher relationships.  Furthermore, I do not believe that standardized tests can accurately identify an individual's child's intelligence.  Factors such as culture and environment affect how a child develops, therefore, children have different and multiple intelligences. 

In China, education is more vigorous and children either fail or pass.  This commitment to education produces highly educated students that speak multiple languages and do well in school. Also, "Chinese students attend classes five or six days a week from early morning (about 7am) to early evening (4pm or later)" (Chinese culture, 2011) . Although I do not think that this system would translate very quickly in the American education system, I do believe that children will benefit from a greater focus on education.  Children need to be pushed at their own pace, and it is necessary for children to learn; therefore, the holistic approach is the best approach.

References
http://chineseculture.about.com/od/thechineselanguage/a/Introduction-To-Education-In-China.htm

Poverty

I experienced povery growing up in a poor community. This caused problems in my education and my interaction with others.  I was always concerned about the quality of my clothes and things that I had.  As a result, I was self conscious.  I know that I had poor performance in some classes due to the stress of poverty.  Therefore, poverty can be a stressor to children.

Poverty is a worldwide issue.  There are children in every country who are exposed to poverty.  There are many organizations that are fighting poverty around the world. "CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty" (Care.org, 2012).


http://www.care.org/

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a term used when new born infants die with little explanation of their death.  SIDS is often called crib death because children die in their cribs in the night.  As a result, parents have to carefully monitor children and get regular checkups.  This can help to prevent crib death.  The cause of SIDS is unknown.  However, prevention strategies include ensuring that the baby sleeps on his or her back and monitoring the child during the night.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002533/

Birthing Experience

Giving birth to my son was the most beautiful and painful experience of my life.  I was attached to my son in the womb, and when he was born, I became more attached. The pain was worth seeing his face for the first time.  During the pregnancy, I had some complications.  However, I made sure to get adequate treatment and to stay healthy. 

Mortality in infants is fairly low in the United States.  However, in countries like Africa, infant mortality is very high.  It is expected that due to economic issues, the mortality rate will increase by 50,000 in Africa.  A poor economy leads to less health care and poor prenatal care. Therefore, I attribute the mortality rate in the United States to health care and prenatal care.

References
http://blogs.worldbank.org/africacan/infant-mortality-rates-in-africa-will-increase-by-30000-50000-girls-will-fare-worse

My Supports

Family

My primary support comes from family.  My family provides financial and social support.  As a result, I can rely on my family to help me make it through the rough times.  I rely on family support during most of my crises and difficult times

Coworkers

My coworkers provide support at work when I have problems with my job or when I need assistance.  My coworkers provide professional assistance and help me to work through issues related to teaching or the work environment.  I work with these people on a daily basis, therefore, they are part of my professional newtwork and support system

Friends

My friends provide support for me when I need someone to talk to.  As a result, my friends provide social support and spiritual support.  Furthermore, I have two friends that I can rely on for guidance when I have problems in my personal life.

My Connections to Play

Play is an important part of the learning process because children naturally like to play. 

Physical activity is a benefit of play.  Children develop both physically and mentally when they learn to play games and interact with each other.

Quote #1

“Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities.”  Stuart Brown, MD

Contemporary American psychiatrist

Quote # 2

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.

Diane Ackerman

Contemporary American author

Play in education has changed.  The emphasis on recess and play has been downplayed and reduced in education.  This makes it possible for students to learn in new and exciting ways.  I used to love recess because it allowed me to have fun in school.  Also, I enjoyed the creative activities in the class.  As a result, I try to create creative activities in my own class room.  Therefore, I would love to see more play in education.

Relationship Reflection

Family and Friends

Family and friends make up my personal network.  My relationship with these people is based on love and trust. They also provide social support.  I can rely on family and friends to support me when I have problems and when I need hlep.  They also provide financial and other forms of support that help me to stay in school.

Teachers
Teachers provide academic support. This relationship is based on academic goals and professional development.  I rely on my teachers to provide feeback and guidance.

Peers and Proffessionals
I have relationships with my peers and other professionals.  These relationships are based on mutual goals and respect.