Literacy Development (Personal Advocacy Journal)

What inspires and excites you most about your advocacy plan and being an advocate?

The topic I chose was Literacy development in improving students in primary grade literacy development. What excites me as an advocate I choose a topic that I’m interested in, and I’m aware the importances of young children learn to  read.  I am raising awareness of how important literacy development is at this stage in life. I am also standing up for teachers, parents, and students.  That is what excites me it is having  a cause, and being a voice for someone else in making it better for them. My advocacy plan, and voice are helping to make a difference in someone’s life.

What challenges and/or anxieties do you feel related to engaging in the advocacy efforts you have targeted?      

The main  challenges I have face is writing effective short-long term goals for this advocacy plan. “The essential components of an effective advocacy agenda or plan include a complete understanding of the issue; the knowledge of stakeholders and their perspectives; and the identification of con constituents, allies, and opponents, primary and secondary targets for advocacy, long-and short term goals, network and coalition you can work with,  educational, persuasive and mobilization tactics, and a flexible timeline”(Kieff, 2009, p. 156). I am having difficulties in other areas besides my short-long term goals. I do not understand why I’m finding it, so difficult to plan my advocacy plan like Professor Laurie wants it.  It should not be that difficult, because we are not writing a research paper.  I do hope things will get better for me in coming up with a strong short-long term goals.  I will continue to stay focused, and positive in planning my advocacy plan.  “Developing an effective advocacy plan means being both inter international and strategic” (Kieff, 2009, p.134).

What do you believe will be most effective in helping you overcome any challenging emotions you may be feeling with regard to presenting and implementing your Advocacy Action Plan?

I ask the professor more questions about the advocacy plan.  I have found getting support from colleagues helps to elevate some of the challenging emotions.  I find myself walking away from the assignment, and think about what I should do next.  I can get support from my colleagues in helping me to overcome challenging emotions.

How can you encourage others in their advocacy efforts, and how can others encourage you?

I can encourage others by telling them to be positive, and not to get nervous about writing the advocacy plan.  If you have any questions, please make sure to communicate with the professor as much as possible.  I show my colleagues support, and also can give assistance in every way possible.  I can encourage by my colleagues give me feedback on my advocacy. My colleagues are giving me encouragement in helping me to focus again on continuing with my advocacy plan.

Reference

            Kieff J., 2009, Informed Advocacy in Early Childhood Care and Education, Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey

Introducation to Internship II_ ECE 455_B1

Hello Everyone,

   

     My name is Anissa Butler.  I am happy to be taking the second part of Internship II ECE 455.  I cannot wait to interact with you online, and learn about all the new exciting things going on in your classroom. I know Professor McDevitt is going to be providing us with some interesting information to use in our classroom.  As  Early Childhood Professionals, we gathered a lot of information as everyone visited different field hour sites.  It is now time to put our advocacy plan into action.  Once again we will be sharing our experiences, and getting feedback from each other. I enjoy Internship I ECE 450 with all of you.   

     I am currently employed with Leon County Schools as an Instructional Paraprofessional.  I have been working with Leon County Schools for eleven years.  I am excited that this is my last quarter at Kendall College!  I will be enrolling in a master’s program in July.  I want to say congratulation to everyone graduating  this quarter.  I look forward to working with each, and everyone in the class. Good Luck!!!

My Reflection/Early Literacy

Hello Everyone,

I cannot believe this Internship I class is finally over.  I wish everyone the best as you continue your education.  Congrats to everyone graduating in June!  I want to take this opportunity to say thank you Professor Sisie, and my colleagues for your support.  I chose to do my advocacy research paper on Early Literacy in the primary grades.  My host teacher included many activities for her students that allowed them to be expose literacy in multiple ways.  I learned it is important to choose a topic that a writer can write about.  It makes easier for writers to find sources in completing their research paper. Students should always take the professor comments into consideration on their paper.  Professor Sisie comments were very helpful, but sometime disappointing when I thought heading in the right direction with this research paper. Students should make sure to ask questions when they do understand. It is important to stay calm, and not stress out about the research paper.  When come to writing research papers are step-by step process, and it takes time to create a great paper!  Please do not wait to the last minute to ask the professor questions!  I look forward to seeing everyone in the Internship II class. I hope everyone enjoys the break away from classes!!!!  Everyone gets some rest, and relaxation to start up again in the spring quarter.  Professor Sisie get plenty of rest, and relaxation for the next class!  Thanks Professor Sisie and Colleagues

Anissa

    

Observin and Interacting with Families of the Children in Your Setting

Whom you observed and interacted with in your setting during this module

I interview Ms. Johnson who is a Kindergarten teacher, and she has a child at the school.  She was more than happy to meet with on her break.  She discussed with me how important literacy is important to her as a teacher, and a parent.  She told me make sure to read books, sing, and  play games in making learning fun.  Her classroom has a listening center, book center, dramatic play, and writing center to develop the students’ skills in various ways.  Ms. Johnson knows each child has their own learning styles, and she tries to accommodate all of them.  She does outside activities like painting, water activities, and reading outside on the patio.  For example,  Ms. Johnson does fun activities like cooking where the students have to read the labels, and along with math in a lesson.  The school incorporates a lot of art into their academic program.

Ms. Johnson told me has a daughter that also attends the school, and she  loves her experience.   Ms. Johnson told be as a parent she knows what to expect from the teacher, and the program.   She knows the right questions to ask  her  teacher when it comes to her child learning.  Her teacher is incorporating a huge amount resources, materials, and strategies in building up her reading skills.  The students are given assessments three times a  year, and parents meet for a conference each  time.  The children take the SAT 10, and the teachers can look at that information see how much student learned.  The students can go to after school get additional tutoring on information she did not understand during regular class.  Ms. Johnson told me she really likes the schools, because the things they do, and offer  parents.    
- Any special learning experiences you may have had or an experience that provided you with insight about children and families including advocacy efforts.

I did not have any special learning experience with Ms. Johnson.  Teachers should be supportive, and included parents make sure they thought what is going on in the classroom.   I know parents care about their children, and they want the best possible education for them.  Parents are very concerned when their child is not reading on grade level.  The parents are looking to the teacher for guidance, supports in helping them  in working the problem.  Parents are major advocacy in making sure their child is able to read, and write.  Teachers, and parents should work together in helping  children be successful,  and feel comfortable with learning.   

At least two insights gained from your observations of, and interactions and experiences with, children’s families regarding advocacy efforts and needs related to your area of interest within the field of early childhood.

Parents are concerned with literacy development, and they read books to their children daily.  Some parents are not aware of all new things going on with literacy development, so they do not know what to ask the teacher.  Ms. Johnson is fortune enough teaches at her daughter’s school, and she aware of questions to ask.   As Early Childhood Educators, we need to keep our teachers informed email, and notes or a phone call home.

Observing and Interacting With Program Director(s) and Other Administrative Staff in You Setting

Observing and Interacting with Program Director and other Administrative Staff in your Setting

     I went to visit Betton Hills Preparatory School, and observe host first grade teacher Ms. Kerri Lawson.  My interview was with Administrative Staff member Mrs. Linda Murray.  I had to wait to interview her, because she very busy with greeting parents and children, assisting parents, answering phones, and checking on the teachers.  Mrs. Murray has a very busy morning even though she is just an Administrative Staff member.  Mrs Murray has multiple title, and task of the school that she performs besides sitting at the front desk. Once everything finally settled down she came to Ms. Lawson’s classroom to get me.  These are following questions I asked Ms. Murray concerning my topic on literacy development.

1.  What are you putting into place with those students having a difficult time with reading?

Mrs. Murray told me that her and teachers are doing everything possible to develop their students’ reading skills.  The teachers do warm line assessments to see what the children are when come their reading level.  The Early Learning Coalition comes in provides services to the school as far assessments, and referring parents to other agencies for assistance.  The teachers offer additional tutoring for students that need it.  Mrs. Murray says if a student is already assigned a speech therapist they will come by the school and meet with that particular child.  

2. What can I do to promote Literacy in the classroom?

The school has many different reading programs that involved the children.  She says children like to compete with each other, and it encourages them to read. The children can also win all sorts of awards, prizes reading so many books.  The school has done a READ A Tel-ton and DEAR ( Drop Everything and Run) the school is donated books depending on the number read.  

3.  Why are kids having such a difficult time with reading now?

Mrs. Murray thinks kids are having a difficult time reading due to all the new technology being introduced to them.  Children have cell phones, televisions, games, tablets, computers, and laptops.  Students do not have to read a book, and newspaper to find out what is going on in the world around them.  Students do not have to read the information now they can be told about it through the news.  Students have someone else reading everything for them without worrying about recognizing or understanding what they read.     

4. What is the state doing to develop literacy in the classroom?

Mrs. Murray says the states are changing standards, and making teachers more accountable in the classroom. The states are also requiring that teachers integrate many subject areas together in challenging, and developing their reading skills.  Teachers are required to incorporate more literacy into the curriculum

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5. What I am doing to promote literacy in the classroom?

I am promoting literacy by letting parent know how important reading to their children at home.  I am reading books to students, and asking them questions about the book.  I allow students to read stories to me, and I ask them questions about the story.  The students visit the listening center to go listen books being read to them.  Students are pulled out of whole groups, and work with an Instructional Paraprofessionals.  

 

6.  What I learned about literacy development is that as Early Childhood Educators share the same concerns when comes to young children need to be introduced a variety of reading material.  I can find many resources on internet, books, and asked my colleagues about ideas in trying to make reading fun for children.  When learning is fun for children they are more likely want to be involved in the activity.  Teachers can use multiple things to introduce literacy like music& movement, art, drama, and small group activities.  On a nice warm day the teacher can do an outside activity with the students.  For example, The teacher can set up a table with books, so students can sit outside  underneath the patio.
7. Two insights, experience or quotes that I will share in my blog this week.

Literacy development is very important for young children in learning how to read. The students must be provided with enormous amount resources in developing these skills.  As Early Childhood Educators, we share the same concern when comes to caring about our students learning.  Assessments are important in seeing  if students are above or below reading level. 

Observing and Interacting With Professionals, Children, and Families in an Early Childhood Setting

Observing and Interacting with Professionals Children, and Families in an Early Childhood Setting

I arrived early at Beginning Preparatory School to see what a regular morning was like in Ms. Kim’s classroom.  The Beginning Preparatory School is a small school, and it has a low teacher to student ratio. The parents were coming in one car at a time greeting each other at the door.  The teachers are greeting parents and students with a smile, and a friendly good morning to each other.  The parents discussed with the teachers about their concerns, pick-up, and how their child is feeling from the night before.  What type morning their child is having that day.  Teachers communicate with parents every day through face to face, email, phone, students’ FISH book, student’s notes, and parent conferences. 

Beginning Preparatory School is a very quiet calm, and peaceful environment that person can only hear teachers teaching in their classroom.  The program has an enormous amount of strength keeping parents informed, and planning an activity that not only challenges as well broaden children’s academic ability. The students’ learning environment is well planned that makes their scaffolding experience a great one making it just that much engaging for them. 

 Integrated art is already being applied to all the subject areas at the school.  This is my first time seeing a program that incorporates subjects, and the arts together. The school does not have extra curriculum activities for the students to participate in at the school.  The director has a Spanish teacher, and a drummer to come in to visit the children.

I spoke with a Kindergarten teacher, one parent, and Ms. Kim about what did they think about the school, and any concerns they wanted to share.  The teacher I spoke with is an employee as well a parent who has a child that attends the school.  She told me that it is a great school, and her daughter’s teacher keeps her informed about everything.  She replied, “I have the best of both worlds as a parent first, and next as a teacher”. (Kindergarten teacher, personal communication, January 29, 2013).  The teacher told me she wished they had more parent involvement at the school.  She said, “I know as a parent it can be quite difficult to be involved in their child’s education with so much going on”.  “(Kindergarten teacher, personal communication, January 29, 2013).  They have a great school with wonderful teachers ready to work with students, and along with their families.

I spoke with a parent as she was dropping her son off at the school.  She was really happy about the services that the school was giving along with her son.  The teachers are friendly, and they keep me informed about my son’s progress at school.  My son's teacher sends home extra work to help in certain areas he may not progress in right now.  She works on it with him at home.  The teachers are always available to answer any of my questions, and I can schedule to meet with my son’s teacher at a private meeting.

Ms. Kim told me her major concern was her students’ low in their reading skills, and she has sent home materials for parent to work with them.  Some parents will make an effort to at least try to work with their child at home. Ms. Kim, “ that additional support is very necessary in helping their children to build their skills or correcting it, so it will no longer hinder the child’s learning ability.  Parent involvement is another problem, and they have many events on site for their entire family. Ms. Kim said, “we still have a low turnout of parents”. 

  

What I learned is as early childhood educators we face the same problems in our programs.  Our problems can be early literacy, safety, health, bullying, parent involvement, and obesity in our child care programs.  It is important for us as advocates in these issues to join together solve these issues.  Everyone does not have a good quality solid program like Beginning

Reference

Kindergarten teacher, personal communication, January 29. 2013.

   

Interviewing Two Professionals in Early Childhood Care and Education

Hello Everyone,

     On Tuesday, I went to do my field hours at Sunshine Hills Preparatory School with host first grade teacher Ms. Kerri Johnson. The Sunshine Hills Preparatory School has aged VPK through the first grade, and they are some amazing students.  Ms. Kerri Johnson is a great first grade teacher show has been teaching for three years.  Ms. Johnson has ten students in her class having a small group students makes easier to give extra assistance. The Sunshine Hills Preparatory School is the first program I have seen that incorporates art into their curriculum. The walls are covered in art it seems like drawing or painting was done by professional artists.  

     I got a chance to interview Ms. Johnson when her students were participating in an exciting drum activity.  The drum activity was outside on the back on the patio that is attached to classrooms. It gave me a chance to speak with Ms. Johnson.  Ms. Johnson shared with some the same issues I was concerned the early childhood profession. The issues we raised as concerns are becoming more of a problem every day in the early childhood field.

                                                   

                                                            

     My host teacher and I shared the same concerns on my topic What Early Childhood Educators can do to Improve Students’ Literacy Development?    My three focus points are parent involvement, assessments, and qualified teachers in Early Childhood Programs. Ms. Johnson told me that I choose some good points for my advocacy paper.  She added some more advocacy issues to my list that need to be addressed.  Ms. Johnson said, “ She thought there should also be advocates for social skills, bullying, parent involvement, and literacy” (Ms. Johnson, personal communication, January 15, 2013).  She said, “It is not to say that someone already an advocate for these issues”(Ms. Johnson, personal communication, January 15, 2013).

Ms. Johnson mentions how she felt that students were under too much pressure to perform based on the standards.  When students feel the pressure they become uninterested in the lesson or activity the teacher is teaching them. Parent Involvement is also another major concern for teachers in getting them into the class.  Ms. Johnson and her colleagues have discussed this during meetings how to get parents involved in their programs at the school.  I replied,  I think that is currently an issue for all schools, child care centers, and Head Start.  Ms. Johnson said, “We plan a variety events for our parents, and we have very low turnout.

     The second person I spoke with at a child care center was Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Teacher  I told her my research advocacy paper title.  She told me it was a very good topic.  As an educator, we must start preparing our students in the child care setting reading, and doing assessments regularly on our students.  Literacy is important in every subject that children take like Mathematics, Science, Reading, and Language Art.  She did not have much to add the discussion, but told me that I was going in the right direction with my paper.  It is a great need to improve the literacy development with the younger children.

     My topic  is What can Early Childhood Educators can do to Improve Students Literacy Development?    The three focus point of my paper will be parent involvement, assessments, and qualified teachers in the educational system.  I think these are three important points when comes to improving literacy in our educational system.  I would like for the child care center to partner up with the school system in assuring children are on the same curriculum. Teachers will know where students left off as far standards from the previous year.

The question I have for my colleagues is about my topic on literacy development?

1.  Do I need to go in another direction with my advocacy paper besides the three points mention in my discussion? 
2. What point(s) do you think I need to take away from my discussion?
3. What website can I visit to find information on my topic?

  

 I will greatly appreciate any comments from my professor, and as well as my colleagues in the class.  Thanks!!!!