Reflection on chapters

CHAPTER 1: HANDBOOK

         This chapter tells us a detail history of Early Childhood education field. It is amazing how we have progressed in this field although still a long way to go and discover the undiscovered issues in this field. As this chapter emphasizes on the importance of Theory, research and practice, which are all interrelated as well as independent of one another. Any process of knowledge starts with an issue, which needs to be studied through research. Theory and practice supports the research study and provides directions for future studies. It was an interesting chapter to learn how deeply and closely these three fields, research, theory, and practice are intertwined together.

         This chapter brought into our attention the history of Early Childhood education which started 150 yrs ago and progressed a long way. The outer effects on this field as well as how the researchers overcome the issues in this field. As the first step in United States in this field was Infant schools then came Kindergarten along with German immigrants. Kindergartens are now very much in practice and have major part of our academic school. In the process of research and finding the best area of learning for children, Nursery schools were introduced from England and Montessori methods from Italy. Research on Early Childhood Education was   also based on the concerns for America’s national defense, social justice, and changes in developmental psychology. Jean Piaget’s studies brought a change in the developmental theory in the field of Early Childhood education.

         As it was later noticed that poverty and environment does have deep effects on children’s learning experiences and impacts on their development. As well as the effects of Cold War and soviet technology was impacting children. This led to the approval of National Defense Education Act, which focused on improving children’s public education in America. This act did bring great change and efforts were put even to provide additional education to teachers. Researchers focused more on education of children in science, mathematics, social studies and language from very early age such as kindergarten age.

 In 1970 there was a great expansion in the field of Early Childhood Education and kindergarten education. Along with this Early Childhood Programs were introduced in colleges and Universities. It was interesting to learn through this chapter how far we have come with the help of researchers doing extensive researches in this field. 

 

CHAPTER 7: CHILDREN’S EXPERIENCES.

Art plays a major role in human life. If we observe the nature and universe we will see art all around us. God has created the universe very artistically, and we must listen to the nature as it does speak to us and reveals the secrets of nature. Provided we listen.

Since primitive ages people use art as a tool of communication. Now archeologists find drawings and paintings on caves and utensils as well as on graves and jewelry, which depicts the status of people. They also learn and find the history of primitive age through these drawings.

As I was reading this chapter it showed the importance of drawings and photographs in collecting data for research. As through photographs we can get the exact picture of the event and time as well as the culture, society, and environment the child is in.

Drawings are a great tool for ice breaking between the researcher and child. Also they can be great for shy children to express their feelings as well as for the special rights children. Sometimes children do not want to use words to express their true feelings, they like to express through drawings and story telling through picture drawings. Teachers do use group drawing projects and use tape recorders to record their  conversation about the drawing project they are working on. It provides a very clear picture of how children feel. I like this approach of collecting data for the research project.  I always  used photographs and drawings for seeing the progress in my children’s development and to keep parents updated with their child's evry day activity. But this chapter did increase my knowledge of collecting data  in accurate way and using it as a tool for my project.

Reflection on Reggio -Inspired Wayne State University Seminar

 

We attended a Reggio-inspired seminar at Wayne State University on April 25^th 2009. Barbra Acton the executive director of the Childhood League Center in Columbus, Ohio, was the keynote speaker. A prevalent idea in Barbra’s discussion was the importance of valuing children with special rights. The Childhood League Center strongly supports children with special rights and believes that learning progresses mutually among children, peers, teachers, and families. Barbra Acton used The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor throughout her dialogue.

This strategy was a unique way of capturing the audience’s attention, as it emphasized the importance of developing a relationship with children. Barbara used the example of a scarecrow who needed a brain, a tin man who needed a heart, and a lion who needed courage to reach his goal. This metaphor allows an educationalist to realize that love, understanding/wisdom, and courage enhance a child’s developmental process.

 

Furthermore, Barbra emphasized developing a strong relationship with children, as it is a key to better learning. Once we establish a connection with children we are able to communicate with them and consequently, more willing to listen. She stated, “opportunity to listen is possibility to change”. This is so true! We as adults do not realize in the humdrum of our busy schedule, that we must stop and listen to our children. Once we listen to them we understand the world through their perspective. As we build the bridge of communication by listening to our children, we attain a broader perspective and thus become more willing to change our views.

As Barbra spoke of the Reggio  philosophy, which also is implemented in The Childhood League Center, she mentioned the motivating interview with Vea  Vecchi  about communication.  In her interview Vea says , “Children have a very basic need to communicate”. All day, children try their level best to communicate, but sometimes they are misunderstood. As Vea mentioned, “misunderstanding can arise not only through a child’s choice of words, but also through the listener’s expectations of the child”. I agree completely, we do not listen through the perspective of a child. Every child has a desire to love and be loved. We must realize that to know someone requires familiarity with his or her surroundings and what is happening in his or her life. Barbra gave an excellent example of the new British singer, Susan Boyle. When she first stepped onto the stage, people could never believe that she possessed such a beautiful voice. As she started to sing everyone was struck with amazement and enjoyed her melodious song.

Usually people make false judgments about others without considering the many factors affecting their lives. As Barbra showed a series of children’s pictures, she asked the audience to give their view about the child in each picture.  After receiving everyone’s views, she revealed the true circumstances of each child. It was surprising to see the stark contrast between our original opinions and our opinions after knowing the reality of the situation.

The seminar was not only thought provoking, but also a great learning opportunity to understand the language of special rights children. As early childhood educationalists, we must remember along with teaching we do indeed learn from children. Learning and teaching is a reciprocated process between children and adults. As we encourage a child to explore, we also learn from them to become more patient and observant.

Particularly for myself, this seminar revived the importance of documenting and photographing in a series to evaluate a child’s progress over time. I often implement this strategy in my photographic observations, as seen below. ** Additionally, love is a basic need of every child and can do wonders in the progress of special rights children. Out of all the great learning ideas, the idea that I most deeply absorbed was that of improving communication and developing a relationship with a child and his or her environment.