Public School Budget Cuts

Budget cuts in Texas are killing public school children. Our government is not trying hard enough to find ways and funds to provide for not only public schools but state funded universities as well. Without education our society can not thrive, the class gap that is already prominent will become even larger and more and more people will continue to be face with modern day discrimination. Children have no say in whats going on at all yet they are the ones who are being treated the worst right now financially. How can we help other countries when we cant even educate our own? I truly feel that this is the beginning of an on going battle for public schools. Our government obviously doesn't give a damn about what our children are going without so it may be time for us to do something. I know that when I get into the classroom that I don't want to have to purchase everything in order for my students to have anything. I understand that everyone is being affected by the budget cuts but I truly believe that children and the elderly should be the absolute last that should have to be affected by it. It is time for the government to realize whats more important, at the end of the day without children there is no future.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/opinion/28krugman.html?_r=1

Every Child's Advocate AJF

Sad Day for Child Car Providers

Recently their has been a worldwide home child care fire that has sweep the media. Unfortunately hour children have died as a result. The story shows how careless can cause many people great pain. The woman Ms. Tata was very unprofessional, leaving her children unattended period, being as though all of the children where three years of age and younger. Who are they to take care of  themselves let alone be left alone any area by themselves. This story saddens both personally and professionally.As professionals we are given a huge responsibility of taking care of someone's child and it is our duty to care for them as if they were our own. We owe the families and the child the best attention and care possible. Ms. Tata did not such thing. It is time for everyone to step up. Our children are the future.

-- AJF  

Developmentally, who am I?

Quick lesson: A theory is a system of beliefs about something. In relationship to child development, a theory is an integrated collection of beliefs about why children behave, think, and feel as they do. Theory usually includes beliefs about the nature of learning and development, their role of heredity and environment, and how adults, other children, schools and communities contribute to the development process. 

Okay now that we have gotten the basics out the way. I know your asking,why is that even important? Well I must say I'm glad you asked. It is VERY important for the construction of your classroom environment. Understanding why children do what they do at certain ages or periods of their lives and why they do certain things gives the teacher knowledge and understanding to appropriately handle situations and/or problems that occur with students in the classroom. Most importantly it helps and guides teachers in understanding how students learn and acquire information. So with all of that being said. Who am I developmentally? After reading and reflecting I would have to say I am a smoothie of theorists. My smoothie would consist of one cup of Lev Vygotsky and his sociocultural views, a half cup of Jean Piaget and his cognitive development views, one tablespoon of B.F. Skinner and his operant conditioning views, and a couple of teaspoons of Urie Bronfenbrenner and his ecological views. That's quite a smoothie now that I look at it,but I would have to justify it by saying I plan on being quite an exceptional teacher! What kind of theorist would that classify me as? A sociocultural- cognitive developmental- ecological systems- behavioral theorist! Oooh that sounds good! That makes me excited! But do you understand what I am referencing to? Regardless, I am honored to explain to you MY theory. 

First let me ask, are you ready? Well ready or not here it goes. Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory argues that children construct knowledge through action he states when children solve problems with concrete objects they acquire new concepts. Independent thinking of the child is the ultimate goal and through scaffolding a teacher, parent, or peer promotes intellectual development. Jean Piaget's cognitive-development theory states that knowledge is constructed through the action of the learner. Learning involves mental action, the learner must do something mentally with new information to really learn  from it. Piaget argues through assimilation and accommodation humans advance through stages of cognitive development. Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory states that there are multiple ecologies that affect development, and he has proposed that these ecologies lie in distinct layers or ecological systems around the developing human. Bronfenbrenner's microsystem consists of all institutions, experiences, and influences with the child's immediate environment. Stating that the ecological systems can affect children both directly and indirectly. Lastly, B.F. Skinner's behavioral theory of operant conditioning states that children's desirable behaviors when rewarded by adults are more likely to perform such behaviors. By breaking down learning into manageable units and rewarding small steps forward being key features of his theory.

Children need to be stimulated in all areas developmentally. By knowing how to promote their growth intellectually and cognitively and giving them the proper praise along the way I believe that the child will thrive and grow to be the best individual they know to be. To help a child developmentally I would give them my all as a teacher as I would expect them to give their all as a student. It has to be a relationship where all parties involved put forth their best efforts. Well this started off being a quick blog of my thoughts to almost an essay. However, I'm glad I could introduce myself academically. And with that I will sign off... be prosperous and remember our little learners love to play so keep them FIRST. 

-- Every little leaner's advocate AJF