Words of Inspiration and Motivation

"If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much."

- Marian Wright Edelman

"No person has the right to rain on your dreams."

-Marian Wright Edelman

"My son's best social secutiry was not from the government. It was people. Friends. Community."

-Ann Turnbull, Ed. D

"My mother used to tell me that instead of playing house, I would play school."

-Louise Derman-Sparks

This week, our assignment was to research two significant contributors to the Early Childhood Education field. I chose to learn more about Marian Wright Edelman and Ann Turnbull, Ed. D. Marian Wright Edelman represents the Health and Well Being sector of ECE. She is the founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, which ensures every child has a safe, health, fair, and moral start. Its aim is to bring the needs of children to public attention and to encourage preventive efforts in areas like health care and teen-age pregnancy (Lawson, 1992). Mrs. Edelman works to put children and families first, especially those who are poor or needy. Ann Turnbull, Ed. D. represents the Research and Academia sector of ECE. She is a Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas, and an advocate for persons with disabilities. In 1999, she was awarded as one of only 36 people who have made the most significant contribution to enhancing the life for persons with intellectual disabilities. Ann and her husband Rutherford had a son with severe disabilities and in 1988 they founded the Beach Center on Disability. Their center’s focus was to improve the quality of life for families and individuals affected by disability through excellence in research, teaching, and technical assistance (Jess, 2011).

Personal Childhood Web:

A dedication to those who nurtured and cared about me when I was a child

Two of the most important people to me growing up, and today, are my parents. They have always been involved and shown me unending love and support no matter what. They allowed me to make my own decisions and to learn from my mistakes and they were always there for me if the end result turned out badly. From a young age, they told me I could be anything I wanted to be, and supported me wholeheartedly in my decision to become an educator. They love coming in to my classroom and helping out! :) If I can be half of the parent they are someday, my kids will be lucky.

My sister and I are the only children my parents had, and even though she is 4 years younger than me, she has been a big part of making me who I am today. We were extremely close when we were younger, and if one of us got in trouble, we would stick up for each other. I remember yelling at my mom one time because she was going to wash Erika’s mouth out with soap for something she did. She ended up not doing it, LOL. She lives in NC now, but we continue to support each other. 

Both sets of Grandparents have been an extremely important part of my life from the time I was born. They always greet(ed) me with a smile, hug, and “I love you.” I could get away with anything while with them; all I had to do was smile.  I remember my Maternal Grandmother would always sneak me dessert, even if I didn’t eat any of my dinner, and she would always have special treats waiting for us when we came to visit. My paternal Grandfather is always happy, and a joy to everyone who knows him. I don’t remember a time being at his house when he wasn’t either singing or whistling. They continue to support me and wish the best for me.

 

Here is a picture of me reading my FAVORITE book to my kindergarteners. SkippyJon Jones is about a very mischievous cat, who thinks like a Chihuahua, and goes on adventures in his closet! I love reading this book to my students because it is so entertaining and they just can't get enough of Skippy! Many stories about crazy pets follow the reading. :) Check it out!

"Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand."
- Chinese proverb

This Chinese proverb speaks volumes to me as an Early Childhood Educator. What is it saying to you?

Welcome!

I am very excited to be starting classes formy Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education! I look forward to blogging with you!