This is the end of the beginning, UNBELIEVABLE!

This was the first online course I have ever taken, and even harder for me: in English; at the beginning I was afraid and thinking I would not be able to finish it, but thanks to the support I got from my colleagues, instructor, and program, I didn't realize when my fright was left behind.

Thanks to my colleagues for taking the time to read and comment on my discussion and blog posts, but especially for helping me increase my knowledge about the early childhood field, through your experiences.

Thank you Dr. Kien for your advice and supportive words that encouraged me to keep learning about this passionate profession.

I look forward to be part of a supportive group like this again, and I wish everyone the best.

Thanks a lot!

Three meaningful ideals contained in the NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics.

I-1.3-To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. (NAEYC, 2005, p. 2)

                Each child is different because they all have been through different experiences, and based on those differences is how they get and modify their knowledge and skills.

                                                                    

I-4.6- To promote knowledge and understanding of young children and their needs. To work toward greater societal acknowledgement of children’s rights and greater social acceptance of responsibility for the well-being of all children. (NAEYC, 2005, p. 7)

                It is my responsibility as teacher in the early childhood field to let people know the importance of early years in every child’s life, and provide children opportunities to grow in a healthy environment at school.

III. 1. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture. (The Division for Early Childhood, 2000, para. 22)

                Differences among people provide us the knowledge we cannot get through own experiences, and those differences give people their uniqueness in life.

References:

-NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

-The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.dec-sped.org/

Luisfernando, a touching story

Nowadays, Luisfernando is a 5 year old who attends to Kindergarten and can easily write his name. When he  was my student in the Head Start Program, the most terrifying part of his day was when he had to print his name on any drawing or paper. He always complained about the length of his name, which is the result after joining two single names: Luis and Fernando.

He always asked me to write it because it was hard and long for him. At the beginning, I held and guided his hand through each letter on his name tag, before printing it on the paper. Later on, I encouraged him to copy those letters that he could trace on his own. This idea didn't really like him, and he printed only some scribbles.

Just one day, about three weeks before the end of the school year, he was very happy because he was printing his long name, all by himself, that went and asked me to see him doing it. Of course I took my camera and went to him. He said: "I made it!", with that brightness on his eyes that I had never seen on him. The  party we had after "he made it", made me forget about taking a picture of the final result.

Luisfernando came to visit my assistant and I at the beginning of this school year, and he saw a Fernando name tag. He took it and told me that name is part name of his. "Do you remember when I couldn't write my name?", he asked me, and I told him that I also remember when he did it. He smiled, and said he couldn't believe I still remember about his achievement. How could I forget the brightness on his eyes?

One of My Favorite Books

One of my favorite books is Giraffes Can't Dance, by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees. This book is about Gerald, the giraffe that couldn't dance, and all the jungle animals used to laugh at. But, with some help from a little cricket, Gerald finds his rhythm, and reaches his dream.

I love this book because after reading it to my students, I have heard them saying that before they couldn't do something, and after trying they did it; just the same as Gerald the giraffe. This book  can be an inspiration for every child, and adult, with dreams of greatness.

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