Article Summary: Parent's Involvement!

Source:  Gurian, A. (2013). Involved parents: The hidden resource in their children's education. Retrieved from http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/involved_parents_hidden_resource_in_their_children039s_education

Article Summary: Parent’s involvement in children’s lives is extremely important and leaves a huge impact on families and children. Children who have healthy parent involvement in their lives tend not have very many absents, have good behavior, do well in school, pre-school on through high school, and go to good schools. Parents with involvement in schools are able to learn about the people they are around, the environment they are learning in and what they are learning and how. Some things parents can do to be involved with their children be successful are reading to their children, talking about what happened in the story, help children with time management skills, lessen television time, have discussions with their children on a regular basis about their lives, and check their progress on their homework every night. This will keep the parent involved and build a healthy relationship between child and parent. Parents are children first teachers; they are one of the strongest influences to help shape children’s lives. The importance of bonding and educational learning intertwining is vital.

Article Summary: The Shy Child

Source: Sears, W. (2013). Ask dr. sears: Shy kid . Retrieved from http://www.parenting.com/article/ask-dr-sears-shy-kid

Article Summary: Children who are shy and tend to be comfortable around children their own age than adults because of the big difference between peers and adults. Adults are a bigger stature, and carries themselves differently than children in the way they talk and act. Infants generally have stranger anxiety, between ages two-four children may go through similar stranger anxiety again. Instead of apologizing for a child being “shy” instead if anything is said say “reserved” or “private.” Children who are shy tend to be deep thinkers and slow to trust strangers; saying “sorry, he or she is sky,” implies it is a flaw; but is definitely not. Help children learn good eye contact skills; make eye contact with the child it shows good communication skills and how to pay attention. Point out a talent the child has and have them show an adult. Do not make a big show out of it, but let show off their talent in a way they are comfortable with, it may be singing in front of friends or telling a story. Children are more at ease when are having fun! If an adult is playing a game with them or reading a fun story, children are usually more engaged. Shy children generally like to go by one of their parents and stay with them, talking to the parent first and seeing parents at ease sends a message to the child that this person is okay and makes them more comfortable. The child is able to see that having conversations with one another can be fun and start interacting themselves.      

Article Summary: School Readiness!

Source: Elkind, A. (2011). School readiness. Retrieved from http://wholelifestylemagazine.com/creative/school-readiness

Article Summary: When thinking of school readiness different types of definitions come to mind. Having basic knowledge such as numbers, colors, shapes and letters is one way one can identify school readiness. Age can also be a factor; such as what developmental level should they be at a certain age. Readiness can also being defined by the maturity of the child at a certain age level. While all of these ideas make sense school readiness leans in a different direction. It has to do with the social, emotional and intellectual growth of a child connected with the goals the specific program or school is trying to reach. The standards of schools keep becoming higher, the goal is to become better but this could be sacrificing the quality of education. If it is about being better than other schools it takes time away from the preparation children need. Pre-school and programs such as Head Start is helpful for children to learn academic and social skills, but we have to remember the parent is the child’s first teacher. It is found children grow social maturity through play with other children. There are many ways school readiness can be defined, it is important as childcare workers to help children reach their potential and help them become ready for school to the best of their ability.   

Article Summary: Time mangement skills when working with children!

Source: Williams, F., & McAlister, D. (2013). Time management tips for busy mothers. Retrieved from http://aboverubies.org/en/articles/english-language/projects-for-children/248-childrens-projects-time-management-tips-for-busy-mothers

Article Summary: The article I chose speaks about time management. I picked this article because things can become so busy with the children; I want to learn how to use time management skills when there is a good amount of children and little time. This article will also help with time around the office. Write a list of things to do; such as tasks for the day or planning the activity and what is being said. Make cleaning up a game; for example singing the cleanup song or making a race of who can clean the fastest. Cleaning the fastest also depends on what is being clean, because it might make more of a mess that way, and if it if it is being cleaned thoroughly. When children clean up themselves it teaches them how to be independent. Songs and can help children remember things better. It is a time safer for learning in the future Get the supplies ready which is needed in advance so everything is well prepared. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, workers and children, do not dwell but think of the best way to fix things. Do not try to do too, much it is okay to ask for help from workers or parents. All of these are helpful time savers to remember, for things to run smoothly and to calm environment.

Article of Summary: Finding Confidence in the Work World!

Source: Valazza, G. (2013). Professional development: teacher development and confidence. Retrieved from http://www.onestopenglish.com/support/methodology/professional-development/professional-development-teacher-development-and-confidence/146473.article

Article of Summary: Finding confidence is not always about starting at the bottom up but always finding a way to improve. One of the ways to improve is to find new techniques out there, such as the new ways professionals are helping children learn. This is helpful for staying up with what is modern and ways to help children now. Gaining confidence when working with children involves having knowledge in subject areas; it helps to know the information being passed on is correctly given to the children; so they can use it too. Also, give confidence to the children ask them about their lives, relate books and activities to them, as well as encourage them. Know the work place well; such as what kind of rules they have and how does this place set their learning environment; for example the Exploration Station focuses on creativity. Another way to gain confidence is to watch other leaders or helpers; see what is effective and how to implement it in to teaching or leading activities. Have someone there to critique; say what is positive and what can be improved on. Attitude is everything be proud of accomplishments; working hard always pays off and it is something that should always be remembered.