~Sharing
Web Resources~
- What specific section(s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your current professional development?
The
ZERO TO THREE policy agenda for the Administration and 113th Congress seemed relevant
to me. It discusses school readiness for infants and toddlers. Zero to Three
(2013) stated, “The solution: public policies that
ensure children are ready for school and life by incorporating the infant-toddler
years as an essential part of the birth-to-8 continuum.
- Which ideas/statements/resources, either on the website or in an e-newsletter, did you find controversial or made you think about an issue in new ways?
I
know there is the debate of whether play should be in or out of the curriculum.
Here is Zero to Three’s outlook on PLAY:
“There’s
a lot happening during playtime. Little ones are lifting, dropping, looking,
pouring, bouncing, hiding, building, knocking down, and more. And while they
are having all this fun, they are also learning. They are learning how to solve
problems (such as how to get the block tower to stand up) and discovering new
concepts, like what sinks and floats. They are experimenting with new roles and
language during dress-up time, and figuring out how to use their bodies in new
ways on the playground. Play is the true work of childhood. When you join in
your child’s play, she is also learning that she is loved and important and fun
to be around. This gives her the self-confidence she needs to build loving and
supportive relationships as she grows.” (Zero to Three, 2013).
- What information does the website or the e-newsletter contain that adds to your understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field?
Supporting
early development is a wise investment:
“Economists
estimate that for every dollar invested in early childhood programs, saving $3.73
to $17.07 can be expected in future expenditures, in part by reducing the
occurrence of negative educational and life outcomes” (Zero to Three, 2013).
- What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter?
The Policy of Zero to Three:
“The ZERO TO THREE (2013) Policy Center
promotes good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences for all infants and toddlers, with special
emphasis on those who are the most vulnerable and in need. The Policy Center
advances public policy solutions and investments for the health and development
of very young children and their families. In doing so, the Policy Center
synthesizes and disseminates knowledge, cultivates advocacy leadership, and
engages policymakers.”
Reference:
Zero to Three (2013). Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/
There is no doubt in my mind that children benefit from attending an early childhood program that has a play-curriculum. I want to share a poem with you that I feel encompasses every aspect of why children should and can learn through play.
ReplyDeleteJust Playing
By Anita Wadley
When I’m a building in the block room,
Please don’t say, “I’m just playing”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play
About balance and shapes.
When I’m getting all dressed up,
Setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don’t get the idea I’m “just playing.”
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please don’t let me hear you say, “He’s just playing”
For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair
“Reading” to an imaginary audience,
Please don’t laugh and think I’m, “just playing”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
Or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
Don’t pass it off as “just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle,
Or “plaything” at my school,
Please don’t feel the time is wasted in “play”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is just “play”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday.
When you ask me what I’ve done at school today,
And I say “I played,”
Please don’t misunderstand me.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to be successful in work.
I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I’m a child and my work is play.
Reference
http://www.justplayingpoem.com/Site/Poem.html
Thank you for sharing this with me! I really enjoyed reading it. I will be sharing this with fellow educators!
DeleteHi Ashley, Progressive educators are concerned with helping children become not only good learners but also good people. Schooling isn’t seen as being about just academics, nor is intellectual growth limited to verbal and mathematical proficiencies. This is a major factor for many early childhood settings because they are faced with the challenge of reducing play and promoting academics.Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kerrian!
DeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteThis post had a ton of information!!! I am branching out where I gain information from and Zero to Three seems to have a lot of resources. Have you found that this website has been extremely useful as I have? How has this website persuaded you or swayed you towards a different view?