What specific section(s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your current professional development?
    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 got an e-newsletter a few days ago that really stirred up interest and curiosity.  The article claims that research has been recently completed regarding how much screen time a small developing child should have and the consequences of its exposure.   It made me think what little training as educators we really have on the subject matter and what a significant impact it could have on our children’s development.  The research is actually claiming that the face time is actually rewiring the developing child’s brain that is unhealthy and will potentially create over stimulation and frustration.
   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?
 
     It adds on how political affiliate that is pushing for more stringent television ratings and internet access is keeping with the standards of education that we need for our early learners.

 

   What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter?

 

      The other interesting fact is that researcher are trying to link screen time, game boys, Xbox, Ipads, smart phones, laptop use, and TV viewing that is not age appropriate to children who have ADHD.  The inability to focus or concentrate, frustration and aggression are huge educational hurdles when children are face with a traditional classroom setting.

 

Is China’s focusing just on Nuke’s?

China is faced with the same poverty issues as western civilization.

15 to 31, million people are believed to suffer in poverty stricken conditions.

The western part of the county is still going through economic growth and transition and way less developed and tends to have a higher percentage of poverty stricken citizens

China has a Minimum Living Standards (dibao) system has been developed since 1997 and by 2002 covered 23 per cent of poor urban households. Though this is the main form of social relief in urban China, there are concerns that the amounts allocated are too small to meet people's basic needs for food, clothing shelter, health and education.

 

It is clear that military wise that China focuses its resources to ensure that they are feared and represents as a Communist Economic powerhouse.  Focusing on the big picture, aside from eastern economic strengthen the department of social affairs has concerns of poverty the same as the U.S.

EXPANDING MY HORIZENS
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How to Motivate

September 12, 2012

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What is 7 + 1?

We do no great things, only small things with great love.
-Mother Teresa

"Motivation is not cheerleading. It's not about imploring the team to perform at a high level but inspiring them to do so," observes Tracey Ballas in her book, Targeted Leadership: Building a Team That Hits the Mark. "Motivation requires the leader's engagement, focus, and commitment. One of the best ways to motivate your team -- and the absolute cheapest way -- is to be visible and active in the workplace. People don't want their leaders behind some desk or locked in an office. Being out and interacting with your team, seeing what they see, dealing with what they deal with, being part of the day's performance means a lot to most people.

"This stems from a leadership principle that reminds leaders that they should not make their absence from the workplace a reward for good performance. The philosophy runs counter to some perceptions that say, 'The less I see of my boss the better.' Adhering to that negative approach is demotivating. Good leaders are inspiring. They help their team. They put to use their experience and ideas so their team can excel. You want good leaders around -- they are motivating just by being there."

Mission

Exchange is committed to supporting early childhood professionals worldwide in their efforts to craft early childhood environments where adults and children thrive – environments that foster friendship, curiosity, self-esteem, joy, and respect; where the talents of all are fully challenged and justly rewarded.
For over 33 years, Exchange Press, Inc. has promoted the exchange of ideas among leaders in early childhood programs worldwide through Exchange magazine, books, and training resources.

Here's my link to my international organization:
http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/


My link to the best newsletter you can get daily in your inbox:
http://www.childcareexchange.com/eed/

Dear Sir or Madame,

My name is Haley Johnson. I am currently a graduate student at Walden University studying Early Childhood Education. I am interested in establishing international professional contacts in my field of study. I would like to try to learn as much as possible about your work, the state of the early childhood field in your country, your concerns, as well as your hopes and dreams for Early Childhood Education. Please consider extending an inside look into your country and your organization.

An email correspondence will be greatly appreciated.

An Educating Hopeful,

Haley L. Johnson

johnsonhnc@yahoo.com

brasilia@unicef.org

damascus@unicef.org

 

 

“I NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET!”

When you think of a crazy person running around with their hair on fire….

Welcome to a day in the life of Haley.

For this reason alone I need multiple supports in place to accomplish all of my responsibilities and make each day a success.

Over the years I have had to do a lot of reflection and ownership of bad habits and or weaknesses.  I have to challenge myself each day and put supports in order to function at the level I expect of myself.

I need support focusing.  I try and create lists that allow me to focus on each task in order of importance

I need support in getting to places on time.  I have all clocks set 20 minutes in advance.

I need support when speaking in front of staff.  I always create an agenda

I need support remembering the large number of conversations with staff.  I write down highlights of all conversation each day in my personal planner.

I need support remembering where I am suppose to be and at what time.  I have an iphone calendar, a daily planner, and a daily to do list that keeps track of all my adventures.

These supports help function and meet the expectations of not only my family and co workers but also of myself.  This support function as a working tools that helps me combat my personally character challenges.  If these were not in place I would struggle and most likely become very discouraged.  It’s unlikely that I would give up if I did not have these supports in place but it is the supports that help define me as an individual.  It is with this supports I find the inner courage and strength to believe that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

If I were to choose a challenge to walk a day and a life in it would be the challenges that a stroke survivor is faced with daily.  Being a survivor of a massive and potentially deadly stroke has left me unable to provide for my family, unable to drive, unable to speak my thoughts accurately, unable to physically engage in physical activity that I was once capable of, completely dependent upon medication to live day to day, and unable to fulfill my role a wife and mother in the capacity I was able prior to the stroke.  I need an alarm and a person who lays out my medications and sets a timer to alert me when it is time to take my medication.  I have a cane that helps assists me in walking and a disabled parking sign for the family vehicle so that I do not have to walk long distances. I have family members who attend speak therapy with me on a monthly basis to help me rebuild my communication as well as tools to help them better understand me.  I need the state to help me pay for my medical bills and ensure that my physician will continue my care since I can no longer work or get a job that will provide insurance for me.  I have a golf cart that was donated to me from the national stroke association for me to still have some short distance safe driving capabilities. I have a husband that is loving and supportive and has gladly stepped up to the plate of both mom and dad.  If I did not have these supports in place then my soul and will to live might as well have died with the part of my brain that was severely damaged from the stroke. It is these key support systems that allow me to sustain a life with dignity, respect, and self-worth.  I did not choose to get sick; I did nothing to cause a stroke.  I do chose to keep on living and this supports make it possible.

My Connections to Play

My Connections to Play

People tend to forget that play is serious.

David Hockney
Contemporary British painter

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw

  Growing up playing was not an option. I can remember that teachers would motivate the class to complete all of their work without door time.  I remember all of my elementary school; teacher playing with us not watching us.  My parents were hugely supportive of play.  My parent would send us outside and the only time we would come back is to use the bathroom or to eat.  My parents encouraged me and my three siblings to try any sport that we were curious about.  I love that growing up there were no cell phones, there were no Ipads.  Just sidewalk chalk and Barbies.  Kid’s today love to play the same as we did.  Their toys are different my entertaining and more realistic, but they are still toys.  Nothing will ever take the place of a good ole checker board, and kids will never get tired of a good game of hide and seek.  I think as the adults we have to show children the endless possibilities of play and that making a fort out of your mom’s dining room table and chairs and sheets is just as fun today as it was 30 years ago.  I think we need to take the focus off getting up and getting outside to play to combat childhood obesity but instead encourage getting your kids up and out and showing they can have fun! It’s my belief if you learn how to play as a child you will always be able to tap into the playful side of life.  A person has their entire life to be grown up, but only a brief moment in time to be a child.  Learn to love playing and you will love life.

Relationship Reflection

My children are my most highly valued relationships.  I cannot put one before the other or in a sequence of importance. Each of my children play a vital role in shaping the person I have become and who I strive to be as each new day passes.

My daughter Shelby who is 14 years old (looks 18) is my rock and comedian.  My relationship with her is one of mutual trust, respect, and understanding.  Through all of the hardships our family has faced it was up to her and I to make it right for the other two.  We joke and laugh and look at the positive side of life.  It is the relationship and bond that we share that allows us to be ourselves and like each other the person we are without reservations.  Shelby is a beautiful person who often time looks at the world through eyes of an experienced adult.  Shelby was the most difficult baby out of my three children and to this this day the most stubborn.  I enjoy that quality because she pushes me every day to be the best mom I can be.

Rhett Matthew my son of a wise 11 years is the only male in our household.  With that being said, he is also the most dramatic, and high maintenance.  Rhett was diagnosed at age 7 with ADHD.  A diagnosis that not only explained his behavior but changed my life forever.  His diagnoses changed the way I parented my children. As a young woman starting a family I thought that the best way to raise children was the way in which I was brought up.  A firm hand and instilment of old southern values.  After many nights of tears thinking that I was the worst mom I began to research Rhett’s diagnosis and learned an entire new way of handling his episodes, frustration, and abilities.  I was a new parent, a better parent and a more involved parent.  Rhett taught me that there are so many ways to reach your children and if the first path is blocked it ok to take the dirt road.  He taught me that compassion, understanding, and listening to your child is the foundation a love that he will always be able to carry with him and pass on.

                                                                                          

Emalyn Daisy my 7 year old butterfly of free spirit and love.  I chose to incorporate the name Ema in her first name because it is derived from the meaning, complete or whole.  Emalyn did exactly that on June 5^th 2005.  She completed my world and our family.  Emalyn is smart, funny, and adventurous and loves life.  The excitement I see in her eyes for each new day as it begins inspires me to make each day count and live life with no regrets.  Emalyn is very much the baby of the house but she is also the “mini” me of the children.  It is so funny that a little girl so small and so carefree can bring together a family like she does.  The thing that surprises me about Emalyn is that she is what people call an old sole.  She is not taken by the high tech social media of her generation, she ids my thumb sucking lovey carrying baby girl who on a weekly occasion asks me,” Mom do you know why I love you so much?”  I always respond, “I don’t know, why?” She says, “Because you did such a great job giving birth to me.”  Emalyn appreciates life; she appreciated a rainbow, the crickets chirping, a lost kitten, and the new fallen snow.  She reminds me every day that I am exactly where I need to be in life and to never take love or life for granted.

Knowing how to relate to my children as individuals first and as children second gives me an advantage when building a foundation for any relationship and or partnership.  Looking people as they appear individually will allow you let go of culturally based biases.  I have a general love of people.  Loving people and wanting to know what makes them unique and genuine is the best foundation for a lasting and valued relationship.