Final Blog...What I learned and where I will go from here

My international contact Eric Asbury in Dubai always shared techniques that he used in the classroom. Eric teaches 5^th grade boys so I was a little skeptical about the techniques working for me being that I work with Kindergarten students. To my surprise, some of his methods actually worked for me! Yay! I would like to share it with you all…

One of the techniques is meditation. I shared with Eric that my students usually become unfocused and off task after lunch. Since we cannot take naps, Eric suggested that I take a 10 minute period with the lights off and explain to the kids that we are meditating. Unlike schools in the US, students in Dubai have a certain time of day to pray and meditate. The meditation period has been working well for the students in my class. Another thing that Eric and I discussed is paperwork. I have never been a ‘worksheet all day’ type of teacher, but with the demands from standards and from parents (they want to see what their child is doing in class) I am sort of forced to use paper more than I’d like to. Eric suggested that I pick one day out of the week to incorporate hands on learning. My first time encouraging the hands on day was on December 19, 2013. I arranged centers in that manner for language arts and reading. I also did a whole group math assignment as we discussed numbers and sets using counting cubes. The children really enjoyed the activities. It gave them the opportunity to work together at their own pace and solve problems together. I emailed Eric to let him know how great it worked out and he was pleased that his suggestion was beneficial to me. I also shared with Eric a few strategies that he could use with his students. Since he is in a class with all males, I suggested that he take the boys outside for science and math lessons. He was able to build a lesson regarding rocks and soil and the kids enjoyed being outside searching for rocks, minerals, and so forth.

 Education in another country is not much different from here in the US. We still face common issues together (salary, learning styles of children, poverty, etc) I have learned by sharing strategies and techniques with Eric that we can help each other regardless of where we are in the world. Lastly, we come together for one common cause-the children. Just as in the US, Dubai had teachers that were passionate and some not so passionate. The field of education is changing all over the world, and it is up to educators to embrace the change or leave the field.

My goal is to stay in touch with Eric and continue sharing ideas and experiences with him. We have truly bonded over this 8 week period. I am proud to say that I have made a new friend. I also plan to continue following the Harlem Children’s Zone, as I value what they stand for and the impressive work that they are doing for the youth in Bronx, New York.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts- Part 3

My conversation with Eric Asbury in Dubai

My international contact Eric Asbury is in Dubai. During our conversation this week, I asked Eric the series of questions that we were given as a guide for our blog assignment this week. Our conversation is below…

Me: “Eric, what issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals are being discussed where you’re working?”

Eric: “Well, the biggest issue now is raising pay for the teachers who are already there. Some of them feel that they do more than what they are paid for. That’s everybody’s story, right? But, seriously, they are underpaid and then teachers from the US are brought in and it makes them feel somewhat incompetent, but at the same time we help to lessen their load as far as teaching the kids all subjects. With my help, the responsibilities are split. Back to the salary issue, some people are hired with fewer qualifications and you can tell that they are just doing it for the money. They show no passion for the profession at all. It’s sad, but true. I came to Dubai for the learning experience from a cultural stand point, and the money is good, lol. But to be honest, the kids get shorted because a lot of us (Americans) often return home after the experience, and the local teachers switch schools, sometimes before the school year is over, if they receive a more attractive salary elsewhere.

Me: Wow… I never knew that the teaching profession there was so stuck on the money issue. Don’t get me wrong, but we are all working to get paid, but when you enter the teaching profession in the US, you already know that it’s not for the money! Next question: what opportunities and requirements for professional development exist?

Eric: No professional development opportunities have been available to me since I came here. I just go with the flow because I am ready to come home!

Me: Awww… the holidays are coming up so that will be a much needed break, right? Ok…what are some of your professional goals?

Eric: Honestly, I have accomplished one of my goals by teaching here in Dubai. I have always wanted to teach in another country in order to get a feel for the culture. I want to bring back some of the culture and broaden the kids learning. Fortunately, I do have some things to bring back to the states, which is cool. Another professional goal that I had when I first started teaching was to make sure that my students received the individual help that they needed. I observed and offered my assistance in any way possible, and I continue to do so. I hold tutorials afterschool. I don’t get paid for that. I come to work early, have breakfast with the students that participate in morning tutorial and we work on their skills. Teaching is truly my passion, and I’m glad that I have been able to do it for the past 15 yrs.

Me: That is awesome Eric!!!  What are some of your professional hopes, dreams and challenges?

Eric: One of my dreams is to coach high school basketball. Since my degree is in early childhood, I will have to take a few classes in order to be certified to teach high school. Challenges? Well I can tell you that reaching every child is a challenge that I face both here and the US. I have to come to the realization that I can’t save them all, but… there’s always a but! I guess that’s it for now. Hopefully I can continue on with my extended services to help the kids out. Who knows? Maybe one day I can open up my own school for boys. Our youth is troubled, but the males need so much help and positive attention that it’s scary.

Me: Thank you Eric! We shall chat again, same time next week, ok? Take care and safe travels as you return home for the holidays!

I have enjoyed this time with Eric. He and I plan to keep in touch because I would like to know if he decides to continue teaching abroad.

Update on The Harlem Children's Zone

The Harlem Children's Zone

I decided to click on a link on the site that discusses the results of the organization. I was impressed! This organization is building a great future of children into society. I have posted a few of the results of some of their program and their results…

Baby College

• In fiscal year 2010, Baby College graduated 407 individuals
• 86% of Baby College parents who read to their children less than 5 times a week at pre-test, improved their frequency
• 92.5% of respondents said they had learned a lot from the classes

Harlem Gems

• Of the 190 four-year-olds that entered the Harlem Gems in the 2009-2010 school year, 16.5% had a school readiness classification of delayed or very delayed. By the end of the year, there were no students classified as "very delayed" and the percentage of "advanced" had gone from 21.3% to 41.6%, with another 6.8% at "very advanced," up from 2.1%. 99.5% of students attained a school readiness classification of average or above.

Promise Academy

• 100% of third graders at Promise Academies I and II tested at or above grade level on the math exam, outperforming their peers in New York State, New York City, District 5, and black and white students throughout the state
• Over 98% of Promise Academy II's students scored at or above grade level on the math exam, outperforming their counterparts in New York State, New York City and District 5, as well as black and white students in New York State
• In English and Language Arts (ELA), over 93% of Promise Academy I third graders tested at or above grade level, outperforming New York State, New York City and District 5 peers, as well as black and white students in New York State
• Over 84% of Promise Academy II's students scored at or above grade level in ELA, outperforming on average their counterparts in New York State, New York City and District 5, as well as black students in New York City
• In 2008, 93% of Promise Academy High School ninth graders passed the statewide Algebra Regents exam.

This organization has really helped a community that once struggled with issues of affordable child care and access to quality child care. It is a very active part of the community. They also provide after school services as well. The organization is making sure that the children are well prepared as they continue their education, from baby college, to preschool and pre-k, all the way to primary school. I am pleased with the work that they are doing to make sure they reach the children of their community in a positive and inspirational way!

Update on International Contact- EDUC 6162

After speaking to my contact Eric in Dubai, I was informed that the inequity that he feels that the children face is proper funding to support all children, not just those who are privileged. Eric stated that it is very important for parents to enroll their children in a school that received an outstanding or good rating. Most of the schools in these categories are private schools. Because parents are anxious to get their children in these schools, the schools have become overcrowded. There are waiting lists. One parent has a child who is in nursery right now, and she placed her 20 month old on a waiting list for one of the primary schools that received a rating of outstanding. This is really a big deal. It is unfortunate that all children are not afforded this type of luxury and are forced to attend our version of public school. Children that attend these schools are automatically placed on an academic pedestal and receive more opportunities for advancement when it comes to college placement and even sports.

The officials are now planning to build more schools in order to reduce the capacity of children in higher seeking facilities. A nursery school has opened a class for one primary grade because of the overflow of the waiting list. By 2024, there should be more schools and more room for adequate placement. Also, one particular school on the outstanding list usually enrolls children in the area automatically. They have been unable to accommodate even those who are to be rightfully enrolled. What I do like about the situation is that there is at least one school in each area that adheres to the rollover program for children. It is good that those children have an opportunity to attend a school with a good or outstanding rating.

Update on The Harlem Children's Zone organization

The Harlem Children’s Zone

www.hcz.org

The Harlem Children’s zone is an organization that is based in Harlem, New York. This organization has grown in many ways. The particular section that caught my attention is the baby college program. This program was adapted in 2000. They are well aware of the critical time of the first few years of life. This workshop is available for parents who have children within the 3 year old age range. This program is of interest to me because it serves children at a very critical time. Being that I am a kindergarten teacher, by the time the children get to me, some of them are still in need of basic learning and development skills. These skills can be reinforced in the early years. However, if parents aren’t aware of what is expected, the children will lack those imperative skills. The baby college provides parents with valuable information for their children.

I think it is a wonderful idea that all the parents who give birth at the neighborhood hospitals have the option to attend the baby college, free of charge. It is wonderful that it is an effort provided for the up and coming Harlem community. The Harlem community has re-vamped from being mainly a poverty stricken area. Even with the renovations and upward move to becoming a middle class area, there are still areas that are poverty stricken. The Harlem Children’s Zone can be credited for serving those who are poverty stricken or middle class. While viewing the site, I did not find any information that I deemed controversial. However, I thought it was relevant to my profession that 100 percent of the Harlem Gems(pre-schoolers) were pre-k ready. I was awed by this because it is so important for children to get the fundamental schooling needed which enhances school readiness. I am always amazed by the number of children entering Kindergarten that don’t colors, shapes, or  the alphabet.

The Harlem Children’s Zone is a non-profit organization that basically runs on donations and approved funding. I feel that the organization has proven to economists and others the importance of education, being with 0-3 year olds or for 3^rd graders(who by the had 83% either on or exceeding on the statewide math exam) I believe that receiving funding from outside sources and donations is not a problem considering that the organizations has made strides with the youth and the community.

My International Contacts

I was able to chat back and forth with Eric Asbury, an American teacher teaching in Dubai. Eric and I initially met via email contact. Due to his email account being checked periodically by his superior, he felt it would be safer to friend eachother on Facebook, and send messages. We introduced ourselves and from that point I asked Eric to tell me one thing that he misses about our culture, education wise. He explained to me that there is a total of 3 teachers in the classroom. That's a big difference from schools here, unless you are special education teacher.   He is the only American. He teaches 5th grade boys. One thing that he misses is the bond he is quickly able to make with the kids here. In Dubai, it's strictly teacher-student.
Eric also stated that when he is alone with the kids, which is rare, the children use profanity towards him. He has told his superiors about this behavior, and they support him, which is good. This week I asked him about the poverty/homeless demographic at his school. He informed me that the children in his class appear to be well taken care of. He asked one of his team members about the poverty rate, and he was told that poverty and homelessness is a sheltered issue in their area of Dubai.
Being able to converse with Eric once a week has been quite interesting. He is adapting to the culture in Dubai. I'm sure it was kind of hard, but he was intrigued by the experience. I have learned that education is not taken lightly there. The school also incorporates their muslim faith and traditions into the learning segment, which is why there are so many teachers in the room because Eric is not allowed to teach that. I look forward to our next conversation. Stay Tuned!

The Harlem Children's Zone Organization

The organization that I chose to sign up to is The Harlem Zone. In this week's newsletter, which was my first one, the organization was praising their president Geoffrey Canada. Geoffrey Canada received the National Freedom Award. Since 1991, the award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the battlw for civil and human rights, and who have helped create opportunity for the disenfranchised both in the US and around the world. The organization is focused on the bettering the youth of today. The program also offers a baby college. The baby college is a nine week program for expectant parents and parents with a child up to three years old. I think this is a good idea. The workshops promote reading to children and verbal discipline over corporal punishment. The organization focuses on a variety of issues in the early childhood setting. Their objective is to build a safety net woven so tightly that children cannot slip through. What a wonderful objective/focus! Some of their porgrams include:

THE THREE YEAR OLD JOURNEY

The Three-Year-Old Journey works with parents of children who have won the HCZ Promise Academy charter school lottery. Held on Saturdays over several months, it teaches parents about their child's development, building language skills and parenting skills.

GET READY FOR PRE-K

The Get Ready for Pre-K program brings in new Gems students before the start of the school year. The six-week summer session runs for extended hours during weekdays like the regular Gems program, helping children acclimate to the new schedule and readying them to start school in the fall.

HARLEM GEMS^®

Harlem Gems is an all-day pre-kindergarten program that gets children ready to enter kindergarten. Classes have a 4:1 child-to-adult ratio, teach English, Spanish and French, and run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. HCZ runs three pre-kindergarten sites, serving 200 children.

As far as diversity, the newsletter did not go into depth about it, but throughout the website it is evident that the program changes to suite the needs of the community.  I am pleased with the work the Harlem Zone is doing for their community. I look forward to the next newsletter.

Childhood Organizations for EDUC 6162

I decided to contact the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The school that I reached out to is Ajoke International School. I sent an e-mail to Mrs. Bimbo Are. I basically introduced myself and informed her that I am a student at Walden seeking correspondance regarding issues and trends that are formulated in her country. I extended thanks and my sincere grattitude for her time. I also let her know that if she or one of her colleagues is unable to correspond with me over the course of 8 weeks to kindly send me an email stating so.
The newsletter that I subscribed to comes from the website www.hcz.org which is The Harlem Children's Zone. After perusing the site  I am exited to read about all of the iniatives and trends that take place in their schools. This should be a cool and informative assignment!

My Supports- Who loves ya babe?

When I think of the word support, I automatically connect it to the word help. I feel as though the two go hand in hand. I am blessed to have a great set of siblings as well as a nurturing father. We have each other's backs. When I need emotional support, I turn to my sisters and my fiance. When I need to feel that I am doing the right thing, but I still need encouragement, I turn to my family and my best friends. Life is all about support. I don't know what I would do if I was alone! I would not be able to function without some type of help!!! On a serious note, I am a big advocate for support in the work force. If I have an idea that I think is brilliant, but my team of co-workers thinks its whack, I am not going to go forth with it without their support and expertise. I have a family at work-we fuss and fight but in the end we always have each other's back. That's how we operate in my workplace. It is a good feeling to be supported because it shows that people really care about you enough to embrace whatever it is that you need. If I didn't have my support system, I would probably be in a mental facility. Oh- support is extended with my doctors as well. Not all doctors... care. Sad, but true. I finally found a doctor that tends to my needs and breaks things down for me in a way that I can understand. I recently had a medical issue that was concerning me. I didn't have to wait to get the results via email on the patient website. My doctor called me and we talked about it as if I were sitting in her office. Who knows a doc that consults without an appointment in 2013??? (Maybe you do, but that was a first for me)
I am currently facing the challenge of should I or should I not try to have a baby. I have reviewed all of Dr. Oz's shows on childbirth and age. I have consulted with my doctor. I have consulted with my fiance'(who really wants a child) I want a child, too. I'm just so afraid of the risk factors involved. My family is on my side 100%. Not one person that I have spoken to about this has said "No... you shouldn't get pregnant." It all boils down to my level of faith in God. I will have to have a procedure done in order to carry a baby into full term. I am terrified of having surgery because of what happened to my Mom. She went in for surgery, and was never the same afterwards. *tears* But... I know that I have a ton of people in my corner rooting for me all the way. If I didn't have them, I would not be going back and forth on the issue. I truly love my support system. We work things out together!

My Connections to Play- Ready, Set, Go!!!!

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury, play is a necessity.’

–Kay Redfield Jamison

“Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it, life just doesn’t taste good.”

-Lucia Capocchione

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing. “

-Charles Shaefer

                                            

When I was a little girl, my mother had to threaten my life in order for me to come in from outside for dinner and a bath. This usually happened during my summer break. I can recall helping my mother fill up a recycled milk jug full of water every night and putting it in the freezer so that me, my friends, and siblings could have a drink of water while outside. That was not as fun as turning on the water hose and drinking the water as it shot up in the air! Our neighbors would tattle on us for doing it, but it was worth it.

Play was very important to me as a child. From kickball to dodge ball, to baseball- we made up the rules and had a great time. Sure we had arguments, cuts and scrapes from playing those games, but it was all in good fun. I also enjoyed indoor games. We played school, or monopoly, or operation or Go Fish. There was never a dull moment. My mother also gave us an Atari game for Christmas. She had to put us on a schedule in order to ensure that we continued to play outside. Now that I look back, I think the schedule was for her sanity. She was a house wife. and I'm sure that we would've gotten on her nerves if we stayed in the house all day. Besides, we were loud and rowdy when it came to play. It didn't matter if we were outside or not! :-) I loved my childhood. It was so carefree. I really enjoyed the moments when mommy came outside and played hide-and-seek, or monitored us as we ran through the sprinklers in bathing suits and swimming trunks. With all that going on, who needed a swimming pool?

I thought that once I began school, playtime was going to be over. Luckily for me it wasn’t. We worked and played in the classroom. We worked and played outside. I incorporate the same tactics in my classroom today. I work with kindergartners. It is almost impossible for me to keep my sanity if I don’t allow them playtime. Sure we work in groups doing hands on activities in centers. However, I believe that they deserve an unstructured break just as I do. We are studying rocks. For our outside time, the students took magnifying glasses from our science kit and searched for rocks. The project was a success. They even made up a game to see who could find the biggest, shiniest rocks. The person who did was simply ‘the winner’. I thought it was so cute. I just walked around observing and taking it all in. The whole time I was thinking to myself that they really listened in class and they’re applying what they’ve learned without much direction from me.

I have always been in favor of play. I believe that’s because I was given the freedom to learn and play at the same time. Kids deserve an opportunity to think for themselves without having an adult tell them what to do and how to do it. Hands on activities are an awesome asset to the classroom. It helps the children focus on what they’ve learned and apply it without having to use pencil and paper.  I hope that as I continue teaching I can stay with the Pre-K/K age group. They are the ones that have less paperwork while learning and can still enjoy the freedom of hands on engagement.

(Investigating rocks...ROCKS!)

RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

"Cherish your human connections-Your relationships with friends and family."
-Joseph Brodsky
I love this quote. It is plain, simple and to the point. It also describes how I feel about my relationships. I love my family. They are the people that I'm stuck with, so I must love them, right? On a serious note, I am the youngest of nine children. Before my mother passed away a year ago today, my parents had been married for 56 years. My family is my foundation. They are the first people that I had a relationship with. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge them in every way. Below are pictures of the people  who are important to me:

These photos have captured the important and precious people in my life. My relationship with my parents, siblings, and friends are all different. There is one common bond that keeps the realtionship wheel rolling- I love them, and they love me. We support one another. We act as counselors. doctors, and lawyers. Our main goal is to make sure that we take care of one another. show support, and give tons of love! I feel that if I didn't have these people in my life, I would be alone and miserable. I would not be able to function because they are the glue that holds me together.
                                                   When I think about the relationship that I have with these people as it relates to my career in early childhood, I think of my parents. When I come across a child who is stubborn or defiant, I think of how my mother would handle it. What would she say? What would she do? I often look back on my childhood and realize that the relationships that I have built seem to fall in the catagory of long term. I look at my parents and their marriage life. I look at my siblings and thier relationships with husbands/wives. I also look at the work ethic of my father. He gained much respect from his co-workers because of his patience, dependability and endurance. That alone gained him life-long friendships. My mother never met a stranger. She would've talked to the wall if it responded back. I gained all of these characteristics because I was surrounded by the makings of them my entire life.
                                              Being that I come from a large family, we developed partnerships by working together. (Cleaning, cooking, playing, etc.) It was our responsibility just as much as our parents to keep our family organized and on track. This teamwork also hepled me make me a team player at work. I believe there is a solution to every problem. If we just work together, the problem can be solved and we can move on. I appreciate the relationships that I have with the wonderful people in my life. Loving and knowing them makes it easier to get along with others. My family is my life. In the end, they are all that I have!

Famous quotes about children...

"Pausing to listen to an airplane in the sky, stooping to watch a ladybug on a plant, sitting on a rock to watch the waves crash over the quayside-children have their own agenda's and time scales. As they find out more about their world and their place in it; they work hard not to let adults hurry them. We need to hear their voices."
-Cathy Nutbrown

"When children pretend, they are using their imagination to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick becomes a magic wand. A sock can be a puppet. A small child can be a superhero.
-Fred Rogers

"No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship."
-James Corner

Please enjoy one of my favorite songs that can relate to the endless possibilities that children have. The song is titled "Unwritten", by Natasha Bedingfield

When a teacher comes across a student with overall great success academically, the child is often given a test to see if he or she is gifted. Being gifted is a label just as having a disability is. Children deserve to receive adequate services no matter the label.  I feel that all areas of the whole child should be assessed. Can the child comprehend an assignment and show classroom participation? Does the child sociaize well with other children? Does the child complete tasks on time? Does the child show respect for himself and others? Those are just a few things that are assessed throughout the school year in a public school. I feel these types of assessments are important because they help to mold a chind into a productive citizen. Standardized tests are also an assessment to show the progress or lack there of in students as well as teachers and school systems. Standardized testing can be good and bad. In Georgia, if you are a 3rd grader and you do not pass the reading portion of the Criteria Referenced Competency Test you are not promoted to the next grade. If you are a 5th grader and you fail reading, math or both, you are not promoted to the next grade. This test brings added pressure to the students, their parents, teachers, and the administration. In my opinion, some children should be exempt from the pressure of having to pass. Students that have english as a second language should be exempt. They are forced to take a test in english and they can barely speak english! Students that are labeled as special needs should be exempt as well. There is a child at my school that has autism. She bites, kicks, runs away, etc. I cannot imagine this child having to sit for an extended period of time. Bottom line is- SHE CAN'T! At the sam time, I feel that tests are important because educators need to know if the curriculum is working or needs to be revised.  Any issues should be detected and hopefully corrected by giving the child the help and assitance they need to succeed.

Check out the article on students in Japan! http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=1560

Stressors that affect Children

The stressor that I have been affected by is chaos. For a year, I had a student who was tossed back and forth between his mother, father and grandmother. His situation affected his work as well as his behavior. It became a very big issue in the classroom. He was six years old and on more than one occasion had loud outbursts and tantrums when things would not go his way. He often fell asleep during class time. I knew that something was going on at home because he did not act this way at the beginning of the school year. However when we returned from the holiday break, he was violent towards the other children. He would get so angry that he would stand still and scream while waving his arms. His sudden change in behavior was frightening the children and puzzled me and my team teacher. After several phone calls and written notes, we finally had a conference with the child’s grandmother. She informed us that the child’s mother and father were going through a very bad divorce, and the child had often witnessed, with his other siblings, acts of violence against his mother by his father. The situation was corrected as he became comfortable with his living arrangements with his grandmother. Unfortunately after a few weeks, his parents came for him and supposedly reconciled. The child started back having tantrums and exhibited violence towards his classmates. I got the counselor and social worker involved. Eventually, the child was permanently placed with his grandmother. By the end of the school year, his behavior improved tremendously. He was more focused on his work. He received an award for the most improved student- behaviorally and academically. This is just one example of how unstable situations in the home can cause a child to be unable to develop fully from a social perspective. Each time that his situation changed, he changed. He was unable to focus in class. He didn’t have friends because he was violent towards him. The children accepted him each time he acted out and calmed down. He was dealing with a situation that his brain could not process at a six year old level, and the only way he knew to respond was to lash out, which is a learned behavior from his home life.

Child neglect or failure by the caretaker to provide needed age-appropriate care is the most common type of reported child maltreatment in rural America. I chose to discuss child neglect in rural and or urban communities because I have family members that live in these areas, and have heard the stories of this type of treatment against children. Parents are stressed because of lack of money and resources. Often times the parents anger and stress oozes out into the children. They are sometimes presumed to be the cause of the stress; therefore they become the target of abuse by the parent. Please visit this website for more information on maltreatment in rural and urban areas in America: http://carseyinstitute.unh.edu/publications/FS-Mattingly-Childabuse.pdf

Reference:  http://carseyinstitute.unh.edu/publications/FS-Mattingly-Childabuse.pdf

Child Development and Public Health

The public health topic that I chose to discuss is immunization. The textbook defines immunization as the process of protecting a person against a disease, via antibodies. Immunization can happen naturally, when someone survives a disease, or medically, via a small dose of the virus that stimulates the production of antibodies and thus renders a person immune. (Berger, 2012, page 149) Being that I am in a public health position working at an elementary school, I feel that children need to be up to date on the immunization requirements. It amazes me that every year during registration, some parents seem oblivious to the immunization requirements. Often times they feel as if we should allow the child to be in school and they will provide the immunization paperwork at a later date. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way, and the parent or guardian has to be told that the child cannot enter school without the proper documentation.
Immunization protect children from temporary sickness, as well as serious complications including deafness, blindness, sterility, and meningitis. Wow. I had no idea that immunization can protect children from so much! As the saying goes, you learn something new every day. My personal experience with the importance of immunization came to be when I contracted chicken pox from a child in the daycare classroom that I worked in. I was eighteen years old with itchy bumps and spots all over. Needless to say, I learned the value of children having the proper immunizations from that day forth. This makes me wonder why some parents make a big deal on the first day of school if they are turned away from registering their child for school if they have no proof of immunizations. Not only is the welfare of other children at stake- the welfare of the staff is at stake as well. In my opinion, a fussy, irritable child who may or may not run a fever after shots is a small sacrifice that can possibly save his or her life from disease in the long run. As with anything, there are problems with immunizations. The biggest problem is that no effective vaccine has been found for AIDS, malaria, cholera, typhoid, and shigellosis. (Berger, 2012, page 151) All of these diseases are deadly and worldly.

I am enclosing a website which details immunization criteria all over the world. Please check it out! It is quite interesting.

http://www.iamat.org/pdf/world_immunization_chart.pdf

Week One Blog Assignment

I was sixteen years old in the delivery room with my twenty-six year old sister giving birth to my nephew. Nervous and excited, I held her hand and felt a sharp pain in my wrist because she was squeezing my hand extremely tight. My mother was holding her other hand, coaching her along. Mommy has a lot of experience with child birth. She herself gave birth naturally to nine children- four boys, five girls. The story I always hear is that I was the hardest birth. She told my father in the delivery room that she didn't think she was going to make it. Guess I fooled her, being that my birthday is April 1. The doctor and nurse began to talk to eachother, and he told my sister that it wasn't  safe for her to continue a vaginal labor being that my nephew weighed 10 pounds. A few moments later, the nurse handed the doctor a device, which sort of looked like an electric knife, and my sister was crying and emotional because she wanted to give birth naturally. Mommy calmed her down and they proceeded. 
                 I will never forget the smell. I will never forget the sound of the device. I thought they were burning my sister alive! Looking at her made me feel better because she was calm, but moaning softly. In the end, my nephew came out kicking and screaming! I jumped up and down for joy. He was beautiful. He is now a twenty-two, six foot 2 young man. But he will always be auntie's baby.
                I researched the birthing practice of Germany. In Germany, midwives are highly respected. By law, a midwife must be present at birth, and a doctor is optional. This reminds of the tales my grandmother told, as she was a midwife in south Georgia where my parents were born and raised. My grandmother was my mommy's midwife for her first two children. A doctor would make a house call only to check out the child and mother if requested. I found it interesting that the women in Germany focus on the act of giving birth more than the outcome. A Berlin resident originally from Maryland was asked if she felt like a failure for having a C-section. Giving birth by C-section is a normal practice for mothers in the U.S. 
           The government offices in Germany
 keep a list of acceptable names that parents must register. This is the law. If the parents choose an unusual name, they must provide a reasonable explanation for doing so, and it has to be approved. This is done in the best interest of the child in order to avoid potential ridicule for having a different type of name. I have mixed emotions about this. In a way I feel as though this is a helpful law/practice because I have come across some names that have me questioning why parents put children through this. I work with Kindergartners. Some of them enter without knowing how to write or spell their names. Sometimes their first names have ten plus letters. This can be quite challenging for the student and teacher. On the other hand, I feel that as a parent you should be able to name your child whatever you want. America is a free country, so have at it, right?


Reference:  http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/vaginal/birth-customs-around-the-world/?page=3