Thursday, January 30, 2014

Quotes from Early Childhood Professionals

Throughout my EDUC-Foundations class we have come across many different professionals who have great ideas about the profession of early childhood. Here are a few quotes to think about from those professionals:

"The highest-stakes test of all is our ability to help children realize their full potential." - Samuel J. Meisels

"I suggest that there are three areas where changes are critical in order to create 'learning communities': 1) increasing collaboration among multiple partners at multiple levels; 2) attending to diversity issues; and 3) promoting family involvement in personnel preparation." - Pamela J. Winton

"As I grew up I had a built in passion that it was important to make a real contribution in the world and to fix all the injustices that existed in the world, and I wanted to do that through teaching." - Louise Derman-Sparks

"There is in every child at every stage a new miracle of vigorous unfolding." - Erik Erikson

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Personal Childhood Web


There have been many influences throughout my childhood. A few of them come to mind and the most influential would have to be my parents, Alan and Karen.

 For a small part of my childhood my mom stayed at home and took care of me. She also took care of my younger cousin and we would spend the days together. I remember things like taking "field trips" to the SPCA to walk the dogs and play with the different animals (I guess that is where I get my big love for animals) and playing dress up in her clothes. She always had the best jewelry! I remember all the things she taught me and continues to teach me today. She has always been a major part in my life and has helped me with a lot of big decisions. Her wisdom and guidance has helped me and will continue to help me throughout my life.


My dad was a big part of my life as well. He is an enthusiast of old television shows and music. I remember sitting with the him in front of the TV watching shows such as The Andy Griffith Show, Gilligan's Island, The Munsters, and many more. I was introduced to many big names in music and we both share a passion for just sitting around on the couch and playing music.My dad is one I can laugh and share jokes with has always given me advice on everyday life. Even if I wasn't very receptive.

Being and only child you can imagine how much spoiling I received from my grandparents! My Mom's parents, Mema and Pops, and my Dad's parents, Grandma and Grandpa, were always ones to spoil and I knew if I wanted something they were the ones to go to. Aside from the expensive presents at Christmas and Birthdays, I always valued their presence. I know spending time with grandparents can be a bit boring at times but their sharing of stories, pictures, and lessons in life has stuck with me as an adult. Those are the memories at will stick with me forever.


I also want to have a special mention of my friends who have been with me throughout my life. I met my two best friends, Lauren and Jessica during middle and high school. We have been through school, boyfriends, college, concerts, marriage, and life in general. They have taught me what friendship means and what it means to be a great friend. Since I grew up an only child I pretty much consider having these two as my honorary sisters. With the things I would never dream of telling my parents, I know I can always tell these two!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Children's Book

The Story of Ferdinand is a book that I truly love to read to students!

The book is fun with great illustrations and a great message. It helps children to understand that it is okay to be different and to appreciate others who may have different interests than our own.

Just a Quote

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” 
― Albert Einstein 

A great quote to think about! To engage children we not only have to teach them something once but have it become an ongoing process of learning and understanding.