Thoughts of Inspiration

             When there is an opportunity to operate in a career which brings joy to a life, passion is a part

of the process. Pioneers who have paved the way for many in varying fields are able to offer words which inspire. In the field of early childhood studies many times the children and their families provide that excitement. For the following contributors a yearning to help children and families was the driving force. Now the passion can not only be seen in their works but also in their words...

First there is the following contributor.

Louise Derman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus at Pacific Oak College in California explained it best, as she pointed out we may find ourselves unexpectedly in this area of work. However, working in early childhood brings passion that leads to joy and is rewarding (Laureate Education.,2012).

Then there is the doctor who helped me with my own children.

"When we strengthen families, we ultimately strengthen the community. Our goal is that parents everywhere work with supportive providers, feel confident in their parenting role, and form strong, resilient attachments with their children. To help achieve this, providers must be responsive to parents, knowledgeable about child development, and eager to see every parent succeed."

                                                                                                                        (Brazelton, 2013)

References

Brazelton, T. B. (2013). Our Vision. Retrieved from Brazelton Touchpoints Center: http://www.brazeltontouchpoints.org

Laureate Education, I. (2012). The Passion for Early Childhood [Video webcast]. (Laureate Education, Inc.) Retrieved September 2013, from Foundations of early childhood studies: https://class.walden.edu

 

My Personal Childhood Web

My web consists of a large very close family. All members support me greatly praying joy and peace into my life as well. To single out members of my family, I must include those who have had great influence, as well as, those who have great influence I  must begin with:

1.      Reverend L.R. Thompson- Maternal Grandfather. My mother and father divorced when I was quite young. My grandfather became my main father figure. I looked to him for protection and guidance. He was a Baptist Pastor, with an artistry for telling the stories of the bible, as well as our family history.

2.      Shirley – Mother: My mother has always been my strongest support system in the family. Being a single parent, she felt the need to turn up a notch in the parenting arena. She made sure I really never “wanted” for anything. Thus I am a bit spoiled, I look at the world through rose colored glasses. By the statement “Rose colored glasses”, I expect everyone in the world to be of a good nature. This outlook has often gotten the best of me. Being a strong female, she felt the need to raise me the same. Instilling in me the idea that women do not need a man to survive. Women can do just about anything a man can do. I have recently come to realize. Though women can do all, women should not do all.

3.      Aunt Georgia- Very close maternal friend: My Aunt cared about me before I was born. She along with my mother were sources of strength. My Aunt always offered the listening ear. She was my mother in another house.

4.      Janice- sister: Janice is my sister we share the same father (different mothers). Janice is my go to person. She taught me those things my mom couldn’t bring herself to teach. I learned about birth control from my sister. Janice carries out the roll of “big sis.” To the fullest.  Janice supported me by being my secret keeper.

My most memorable moment or lesson is from my mother: Boys always needed to call before coming to see me. My mother taught me, you must demand respect for yourself.

   A Child’s Imagination…..

Whether through the reading of books, telling of stories, singing of songs, or active play a child’s imagination prepares them for life. Using all of the vehicles mentioned children re-enact scenarios they have observed at home. In my 16 plus years of teaching, I have observed these re-enactments take place on a daily basis. The way mom talks on the phone while doing the dishes. The re-enacting of daddy going to more than one job. Like sponges children watch and soak in what they see as the way life should play out. Then with their imaginations they re-create their interpretations of what they have observed.

The child’s imagination is a very serious arena. As adults we must understand the complexities of the child’s imagination. As I shared with the father of one of my students after observing the child at play this area is serious. There should be importance placed on what children are exposed to or as sponges allowed to soak into their imaginations. A child observes someone being shot on one channel. The same child turns to another channel as sees the person who was previously shot doing a commercial. In the imagination of a child it is not fatal for someone to be shot with a gun.

The child’s imagination is also an arena of unlimited possibilities that include excitement and growth experiences. An imagination can be a pure fertile ground of good benefits. In an article placed in Reader’s Digest, some of the areas a child’s imagination benefits them are listed as; Developing social skills, Building self-confidence, Practicing language skills, and Working out fears (5 Benefits of Encouraging Your Child's Imagination, 2013).

          Through playing and pretending a child can navigate through a variety of ideas in
coping and handling situations. An adult can be on hand to ask those questions that will bring
deeper thoughts of unlimited possibilities.

These children took connecting blocks, made a “T” shape and called them cell phones. They then proceeded to call each other.

The artist of this painting named it “Rainbows”. She always paints rainbows. When asked why she stated, “When there is a rainbow you can paint whatever you want a flower, a cow, or goose.”

This group was simply having a meal they prepared. During the preparation they were able to voice their dislikes, and dictate who would perform each task

Imaginative play not only teaches problem solving skills, but also possibilities.

Reference

         5 Benefits of Encouraging Your Child's Imagination. (2013, September 13). Retrieved 2013, from Reader's Digest: www.rd.com/advice/parenting

 

     

Teaching the art of imagining....

   
         Dr. Seuss is the king in my opinion of getting children to see what for some would be impossible to envision. Upon the pages in books such as Green Eggs and Ham the art of pretending comes alive. As I read this book to my class utilizing the various rhythmic cadences' the faces beam with excitement in the room. Children give deep thought deciding what situation would bring them to a willingness to try such a dish. If only many adults were so willing to try something new.
          As a follow-up to the book we enjoy an actual meal of green scrambled eggs and ham.