My Personal Language and Literacy Development Journey

            When I was a child I don’t recall any fond memories of language and literacy development regarding my personal life. But I do recall when I was expecting and had my own children I read to them daily. I understood enough to know that children had to be read to daily to spark their interest. I recall one book especially by Dr. Seuss named Marvin K. Mooney that I had to read to both of my children even I loved it. I remember my oldest son falling in love with books so much that no matter where we went he carried a book with him. Furthermore I recall him reading his book at night when I was driving the car if he could catch a little light from the street lights he read it. His love for books exploded throughout his childhood even once he entered college. It didn’t matter what types of books he read but just as long as they were books. The love for reading became an obsession that he started reading nonfiction books and it was a most. This started another interested in reading, the dictionary and encyclopedias. His language and literacy development increased tremendously that he made it a point and a ritual to learn five new words a week. Even today at the age 34 he stills carryings books no matter where he goes. Therefore in return he demands his three sons and two nephews to read daily without any excuses and even write a book report regarding the book they have decided to read. He insists on having some type of enrichment program to help the children in my city to engage in reading, literacy, and math skills. He constantly takes the program children on educational field trips and by reading to him I believe this made him the man he is today. He gives his time and monetary items to one child that’s graduation from high school every year for their education.

This course has deepened my perspective regarding language and literacy development as a preschool educator by allowing my children compensate more and freely make more choices. Also I had no idea really what did language means to educate young children but now I know language help them to read and write. I understand that they need to prepare materials to help them learn to engage in conservation more. I want you to know this class is the most wonderful class I have taken since been a student at Walden University. On yesterday at work and today I tried to sharp their language and literacy development by allowing them to describe certain pictures and objects also words and majority of my students performed well with this new approach. Literacy skills are the path way to a successful and lifelong learning experiences for all children but especially preschool because at this particular time open windows are an opportunity for them to venture and succeed.

A Language and Literacy Development Journey

I am writing about a child named Hanna who lives in Madison. Hanna has autism. What factors might I have missed or should I consider? Also I would like to know I am just writing my paper correct or not? Am I on the right track?

The toddlers at age one should be communication and not crying as much. They should at this stage should have a limited vocabulary, imitate your voice, respond accordingly, and follow simple directions. Furthermore enjoys simple social games, such as “gonna get you!”, explores objects; finds hidden objects, responds to “no” uses simple gestures, such as pointing to an object, babbles with changes in tone; and may use single words (“dada”, mama”, “un-oh!”).

Hanna at the age one should have been performing the thing above but she was not doing anything above. Hanna was supported in the environment at home with her parents, grandfather, and siblings constantly communication with her by probing her to dialogue and response to them but it was unsuccessful. Furthermore the parents employed her personal speech pathologist in the home and the things should performed professionally did not gain any rewards. The first years of her life were only babbling and sounds but no words ever came out of her mouth. According to Brown’s Stages of Language Development Hanna should have been speaking two words sentences for example “Baby cry” or “No juice” (Pence Turnbull, & Justice 2012). In addition, Hanna was not speaking one word that was acquired at toddler stage first word, 50 words, and 100 words at this particular stage (p 201). Her grandfather was very mindful to pray over her daily and also included the pastor of their church to visit the home with some of the congregation to pray for her language development which did not avail during these constantly tries.

Furthermore approaches that were taken to foster Hanna to speak language and literacy development were allowing her to watch television, reading books daily to her, and pointing and naming items around the home. The mother also wrote words on strips of papers and placed them on the items in her bedroom and around the kitchen to help recognize the word along with the items. They placed a few items in the family room on tables, television (TV.) and mirror etc. In the beginning of her life these approaches and strategies did not seemed to help with her language development. Hanna had not moved from the stage of infancy to toddler because of her nonverbal speech of autism. She was still at the “imperative pointing and “declarative pointing” stage that symbolized requesting parents to retrieve an object and to call attention to infer socializing (Camaioni, Perucchini, Bellagamba, & Colonnesia, 2004).

Farewell to Dr. Patricia Hampshire

February 28, 2015

Farewell Dr. Hampshire

Hello Dr. Hampshire it certain being a great experience in your class. I learned a lot and many new things I did not know. I appreciate your quick response to my many questions, that seemed unending. Futhermore the caopstone project was quite difficult but your necessary inputs helped me on the way. Thank you for your many suggestions and tips on how to develop my paper into a scholar style. You have given me a deeper depth and passion for the love of my children. I thought I already burst over and a zeal to impart knowledge into them but now I don't have words to express what this joruney has given me in your class and Walden University. Thank you for your dedication, compassoniate, and undying love you have shown me.

Also thank you for broaden my love and passion for all early childhood children not just the ones in my classroom. This ride ceretainly has been a bumy one at times but through it all I landed smooth sailing. I want you to know I personal pray for you and your family. I regard the first class I took under you was a great experience and now I have a deeper love for you and respect. I appreciate all my instructors from Walden University and will recommend any body that wants to farther their eduction to Walden University.

Farewell Dr. Hampshire

Enjoyed the journey

Diane McCullough ps. will  never forget you!

Time Well Spent

February 28, 2015

The three deepest learning from this class and Walden University:

1. I learned even as an adult and professional you can still have hidden biases within your heart. Therefore you have example your actions or motivates why your response to a child or colleagues who be the answered. I always thought I was above all of that but this class and the journey through Walden has taught me different. I sometimes try children different because of their background and what I mean about that I am a little tougher on them because I want them to succeed in life. But really I should try them equal and not be prejudice toward that because all children deserve equally amount of my time and playtime at this tender wonderful years as preschoolers.

2. I also have learned that it takes a community of practice to help all children to excel in life. Now reflecting back on my own childhood the community was involved in every process of my life. Furthermore since educators have to be accountable for children education it does make sense to have others involve in their lives. In addition the Capestone project helped me realize that in my community the project I set for myself really needs to be implemented and I will pursue this goal and project. I have to take time out and notify all the parties I mention in my paper.

3. Furthermore I have learned in this class was I don't take enough individual time with my students. So often because where I work we are on a time schedule that will not permit you do other things I don't allow the children to express themselves the way they need to therefore this class has taught me how to slow down and be more conscious of my reaction to thel students. This class especially and Walden University have taught me much informative and insightful information that I will use the rest of my life not just in the classroom but in my everyday life helping children. Children are the greatest gifts in the world and I want take the rest of my life creating, designing, molding, and shaping them to become that individual person they want to be. I also like see everyone of them reach their fullest potential and become lifelong learners throughout their lives here on earth. These children are our future therefore we owe them our total commitment to dress them up and prepare them conequor this big big world.


Also here at Walden University I have met the most inspiring and wonderful colleagues that one could ever meet. Only regret I have encounter since been I student here at Walden Univesity I didn't have the opportunity to meet you all in person. Thank you all for the most enjoyable and insightful knowledge one could ever intake. Thank you! I have learned alot from each colleague to help me with my professioanl as a preschool teacher and preparing me for a journey as a higher learning instructor. My desires goals are becoming an adjunct and eventually a full time instructor at several colleges, universities, and head master at our future church school. This class has been a Blast!!!

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

February 14, 2015

UNICEF

This particular organization sparked my interest because its mission is to protection of children rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Additionally this organization provides ongoing learning opportunities that are vital for improving the quality of education. The employment opportunities that is currently available is Child Protection service worker, Communication for Development (C4D), and Education. I also feel these positions are important skills one must posse is to be passionate about what they do and that is to empower families and their children.

www.unicef.org

OECD

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) gained my interest because its main principal aims to promote the policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. They believe that the government and country work together to provide solutions to common problems.  Furthermore this organization ensures that all people of all ages can develop the skills to work productively and satisfyingly in the jobs of tomorrow. I believe that this organization is crucial for all people and are equipped with the necessary skills to provide quality services to the businesses. Employment availability: Junior Energy Analyst and Conference Support Officer.

www.oecd.org

International Child Resource Institute

This specific organization capture my interest because of its goal to build up the lives of children and families and in which I feel is  in developing the whole child and preparing them to have all they need so they will be able to engage and thrive in their learning environment. Their goal is to improve the lives of children and families throughout the world, enabling them to survive and succeed. I didn’t see any available job opportunities but the mission within itself is an opportunity.  Furthermore this organization provides an opportunity to families and children with the necessary equipments in order to prepare them for a remarkable education experience.

http://www.icrichild.org/

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

January 31, 2015

The National Federation for Just Communities:

I selected The National Federation for Just Communities because it known for coalition of like-minded organizations working across America to bring the values of diversity, inclusion, and social justice to our schools, workplaces, and communities. Also the National Federation for Just Communities is designed for the educational gaps between students to decrease this gap. Furthermore this organization design is to enroll young people ages 16-21 who have become involved with the criminal justice system for the first time, and make sure that it is the last time.

Our Mission: The National federation for Just Communities supports its member organizations in the human relations work of building community by advancing inclusion and justice throughout the United States.

Our Vision: The reality of inclusion and justice for all is the practice of every community.

The National Association Education Young of Children (NAEYC):

National Association Education Young of Children (NAEYC): I selected this organization because it is known for its excellence and outstanding services to educators, children, childcare centers, teachers, teacher associations, and any person concern for children. Furthermore the organization is committed to early childhood children to help them reach their foundational years while they are in their early learning years.

Vision Statement:

All young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential.

Mission Statement:

NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

The Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA):

The Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) I selected this organization because it is committed to improving the quality of care and education for young children and their families through advocacy and professional development.

Job Opportunities:

The National Federation for Just Communities:

Executive Director

Coordinator

NAEYC:

Creative Service Design Manager

Information Technology Support and Research Specialist

SECA:

Team Manager IT

Senior Accountant

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

January 18, 2015

 Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

• At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them

The Association for the Education of Young Children has three layers: the National Association, the State Association and the Local Association. Membership is fee based and includes benefits at all three levels.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 

 www.naeyc.org                                                                                          

"The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)  exists for the purpose of leading and consolidating the efforts of individuals and groups working to achieve healthy development and constructive education for all young children."

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the nation's largest and most influential organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through third grade.

Founded in 1926, NAEYC celebrated its 75th anniversary with over 100,000 members and a national network of nearly 450 local, state, and regional Affiliates. NAEYC Affiliate Groups work to improve professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education and to build public support for high quality early childhood programs. Membership is open to all who share a desire to serve and act on behalf of the needs and rights of young children.

NAEYC members can receive up-to-date publications that highlight today's topics in early childhood education, brochures, posters, videotapes, books and the Young Children journal. Members will receive access to nationally renowned accreditation through the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs plus access to low-cost insurance plans, childcare information and more

I selected this organization because it is well known and very informative and reliable information that is use global. I believe as an educator I cannot go wrong by using this organization.

2nd organization:

Pre-K Now: Pre-K Now’s mission is to collaborate with advocates and policymakers to lead a movement for high-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten for all three- and four-year olds. www.preknow.or

I selected this second organization because it mission to work together with advocation and policymakers to offer all children pre-k children a quality education and shows that preschool children are important and teachers jobs are serious and not babysitters.


3rd organization:
National Head Start Association (NHSA): NHSA is dedicated to meeting the needs of Head Start children and their families. The Association provides support for the Head Start community by advocating for policies to strengthen Head Start services; providing training and professional development to Head Start staff; and developing and disseminating research, information, and resources that enrich Head Start program delivery. www.nhsa.org

I selected this third organization because I work for this agency and believe in the mission they provide for their families and children. It try to offer parents a way to become self-sufficient and become off the system. It help them to owe their on business, go back to school, and offer training how to be the best educator for their own children. Also the teachers are educated with majority of them BA degrees and 50% of them holds a master in education with 30% with specialists, and 10% holds doctorate degrees. I know first hand they have excellent teachers and care much for their children education and provide services that will make them lifelong learners and productive citizens.




Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest me:

Head Start center director: It offers leadership roles that allow me to strength the program, advance my workers, treat all people fair, respect, and most of all help the morale of the students, families, and workers. Also help different organizations and leaders to get involve with the students behavior and education. Most of all at the center where I work the teachers need a helping hand with discipline problems and substitute list. 

College or university teacher (full time or adjunct teacher): I want to teach adult students to fulfill their dream and be excellent at this admiration. 



Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles

To become a Head Start center director only thing I need is a 12th grade education. However it is difficult become a center director for this agency because it is usually a buddy system or you in the click which I am neither. Most people become one through volunteering their service, which I cannot do because I have a lot of work to do. Therefore I just keep praying and believing God for a higher position. Also rather is there an opening position avaliable. Furthermore when I first started working for Head Start I was hired as a teacher associate and seven years later the center director offer me a teacher's positon and maybe this will happen the exact same way.

To become a College teacher I have to hold a master which as March 2015, I will have a master degree. Hopeful this degree will open doors for me.