"Children must be taught how to think, not what to think"
Margaret Mead

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Final Blog Assignment~ Issues and Trends in the Early Childhood Field (EDUC - 6162 - 1)


When learning about the overall early childhood educational impact here in the U.S. and then around the world it’s the general consensus that we need to advocate, educate, and encourage not just in our hometowns, but around the world the importance of the early childhood years. One goal I believe that we can support each other throughout the world in early childhood is the issue of poverty. It is here, whether behind closed doors or broadly out in the open. Together we can work to fight the issue of poverty starting in our hometown and spreading out over the world.
Through my research in this class I have gained a better understanding of the consequences of poverty and how greatly it affects families and the children in the early childhood years. As I continue to advocate for children and their families I will continue to educate myself with resources for families who live in poverty. Through my own personal experiences I will be able to remember that poverty, even when not visible to the eye, can still be a large issue in a family environment.
Also while I continued my research internationally I found that poverty can be such a grand issue that policy makers and the communities will put early childhood education aside because they feel it is not a priority. It is sad that children are taken out of school to make money for their starving families and are missing out on important milestones. 0-8 years of age is the most vital in the development of a human being and it has a role in the future of our society.
I was disappointed to not have actual communication with another educator internationally, however I learned a great deal from the other resources and from my colleagues. I would like to thank everyone for sharing such valuable information and continuing to interact with myself and one another to continue the momentum of education. Starting from within utero a child’s brain is actively developing. Once a child is born it is dependent upon parents, caregivers, and educators to continue to stimulate and educate.

6 comments:

  1. Samantha I enjoyed your post. I think it's a shame that education is placed on the back burner. I know that education is important and that I believe that education would solve some of the issues that many face together.

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  2. Samantha, I understand how you feel about speaking with international colleagues. I can only imagine how busy people are working with children. I have been speaking with a close friend who works in Ghana and another program in Central New York. She is extremely busy and sometimes these conversations get put on the back burner. Thank you for all your information.

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  3. Children that are raised in early childhood learn a lot sooner when starting school; therefore it is imperative to communicate well with children as they learn and grow. I agree in order to gained a better understanding of the consequences of poverty teacher have communicate effectively and not expressed their frustration of families from different cultures.

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  4. Hi Samantha,
    It was great to be on this journey with you. Thank you for sharing many of your insights on issues and trends in early childhood. The journey as advocates has now intesified especially against poverty and ensuring that our most vulnerable get access to quality early childhood education.

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  5. I enjoy your post. I have learned a lot in this class too. It open my eyes to a lot of things especially how view issues through other lens. I want to thank You for sharing . I have learnt a lot from colleagues as well as resources and World Forum.

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  6. Samantha,
    I enjoyed reading your posts throughout the course. It is saddening to believe the education and early childhood is placed on the back burner because of poverty issues.
    Megan

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