My Supports

1. Throughout my life I have had many supports within my life. In fact, I think at every stage in my life it was someone different. The one constant is my Savior Jesus Christ! He is my never faltering support. A poem call FOOTPRINTS is a great example of His support to me. I may make mistakes and not do things that will make Him happy, but His love is constant. Footprints One night I had a dream-- I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord and across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints, one belonged to me and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life. This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way, but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. "I don't understand why in times when I needed you most, you should leave me." The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. "When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." ...Mary Stevenson Something I have learned over the years is that in order to build supports around you, you need to be able to ask for help, accept help, and give help. I like to look at different people in my life as part of my puzzle of life just like different events make part of the puzzle. Without my support systems, I would be missing pieces of my life puzzle.

2. My husband is a great support to me. He supports me in various ways emotional, physically, and he has supported my dreams. Without him I would not be in this Masters Program. He jokes sometimes that he is a Bachelor to my Masters program, but he wouldn't have it any other way. He loves to be there for me and see the joy I gain from a goal completed a dream come true. I am a very touchy feely person and I need hugs and kisses often. My husband is good at hugging, and caressing my hand in the moments I need it most. I also discuss challenges, aggravations, and seek his advice often.

3. My father... a fathers support comes in different ways at different ages. At this point in my life he listens to my thinking and validates my feelings or asks me questions to deepen my understanding of various things.

4. My Assistant Director at work is a great support in taking time to know how I want things to run and having ownership in her duties. She is often a sounding board too. I think it is awesome how we balance each other. When she is mad about something I am chill and vice versa.

A Challenge.... If I were to ever lose my job I would need great supports. I have worked for my company for 10 years and it really has become a part of my identity. It was my baby before I had babies. My job was and is not just a pay check, but a passion. I would need emotional support from my loved ones especially my husband. I would need support because my self-esteem would be threatened because of my passion for the job. Physically, I would be fine. Without my support system, I would be a wreck. Having supports is an outlet for my stress. I just hope I am a support to people around me as much as they are to me.

"My Connections to Play."

“Play is the work of the child.” – Maria Montessori The playing adult steps sideward into another reality; the playing child advances forward to new stages of mastery.” – Erik H. Erikson “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Mr. Rogers

I loved to play when I was little; I did a lot of dramatic play from playing school, office, house, gas station and much more. Playing office was something I did most often and my dad would support that play by bringing home scrap paper and notebooks from his office. I loved to write too, I had a great love for pens, pencils and paper, and still do. We did not have many “toys” so we created our own play. I feel that my love for dramatic play grew great skills within me. I feel organization skills were one of the best skills I learned through playing office. Coincidentally I work in an office every day. I feel that play made me who I am today. My favorite toys:

I actually had the above barbie. I remember when my mom bought it for me, when my friends would not share. I am saddened by the lack of play throughout today’s generations. Play as I know it has been replaced by technology. I am trying to instill play in my own children, but I do struggle within this technological society. I too love technology and model my love each day to my children. I have to make a conscious effort to show my children play.

Relationship Reflection

Barbra Streisand sings a song about people, "people who need people, are the luckiest people in the world" The song talks about the different relationships within our lives. I need people, without my relationships I believe I would be a very lonely person. I believe that the different relationships in my life help create who I am. They do not define me; however, they play a role and entertain the different aspects of my character. I have many different kinds of relationships with in my life and each play a different role. Family- My confidants, my world, my support, my comfort, trust, and unconditional love. Friends- fun, shared interests, sharing, love, and trust Professional relationships- Team work, support, shared goals

My twin sister, Jasmine, was important to me growing up. We shared the womb and much more. During our teen years, we grew a part and did not understand each other, and I often competed with her. I learned who I was without her through the years, which was needed in order for me to grow into an individual. Today, we are both mothers, and still have our moments of difficulty, but we do have a connection and love I am glad I was blessed with. I learned that some relationships change as we grow and develop over time. Some survive and some do not.

My Husband- We have a relationship and a partnership. We cannot live together without both. In this relationship it is give and take. We must both give and sometimes take. The support we have for each other is more than I could have ever dreamed of. God blessed me with this relationship. In order for any relationship to work there needs to be give or take.

My Assistant Director - We support each other and work together to create a positive relationship.

My boss- keeps me on my toes, challenges me, and pays me of course. I am constantly reflecting on my responsibilities and ask for input often. I want to do a good job and I constantly strive to do better.

My friend Naomi- She is such a good friend even though she lives far away, we support each other and are comfortable with each other. She will give me advice, tell me the truth, or just love me. I love her.

My Children- They are my world. The teach me how to be patient and have taught me a different kind of love. Relationships are all around us and sometimes I find it difficult to describe because they are so intricate in nature. I do know that my relationships define me. Relationships and partnerships take work. Each party must put in effort to grow it and sustain it.

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Resiliency= Dealing with life

'A Child Called It' was a story about resilience, it was never about boo hoo hoo, it was about a kid that didn't quit.
Dave Pelzer
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/resilience.html#rCuAPFxLPLCVu5kL.99

'A Child Called It' was a story about resilience, it was never about boo hoo hoo, it was about a kid that didn't quit.
Dave Pelzer
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/resilience.html#rCuAPFxLPLCVu5kL.99

'A Child Called It' was a story about resilience, it was never about boo hoo hoo, it was about a kid that didn't quit.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/d/davepelzer445457.html#GYtj8kkHMeExfm61.99

 The book A Child Called It is often described as a true story of an abused child, and it is, but the author Dave Pelzer wants people to see it as a story of resiliency.  What a strong man he is, his story proves that resiliency can win in the end, there might be healing moments that need to take place, but a child that goes through such a hard life can survive and be more than a victim. In Mr. Pelzer own words he said, 'A Child Called It' was a story about resilience, it was never about boo hoo hoo, and it was about a kid that didn't quit.”  I encourage you to read it or reread it with the thinking that it is not about abuse but a young boy’s resiliency.  I am going to do the same I bet it will teach me something new. Throughout our life resiliency is how we deal with life situations. I want to leave you with one more quote from Dave Pelzer that is in my opinion powerful!

"To help yourself, you must be yourself. Be the best that you can be. When you make a mistake, learn from it, pick yourself up and move on."

 

'A Child Called It' was a story about resilience, it was never about boo hoo hoo, it was about a kid that didn't quit.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/resilience.html#qfDUFoqyqHzQtRG0.99

 

 



Blooms Taxonomy- German schooling examination

Bloom’s Taxonomy should be used when evaluating school agers. Bloom’s Taxonomy has different ways of thinking, critically  not just spitting out knowledge. I believe this is important because every student learns differently. Additionally, I feel that this will show more practical skills, and knowledge in action. Critical thinking will benefit students more when they get out in the real world. I have seen students that have great knowledge, but can't think critically or practically. It is debilitating when students do not have practical skills.

 



 http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/03/a-great-blooms-taxonomy-wheel-for.html

  

Germany

 

In Germany students are evaluated after 5th grade with a test called the Mittlere Reife examination. From their score they can either go to:

Secondary level

• Hauptschule
• Realschule
• Gymnasium

Students that score high go to the Gymnasium will eventually attend the university and are considered the smartest in the bunch. These students futures are determined by a test that is given after only 5 years of school. Can you imagine?

Description of schools taken from http://www.ukgermanconnection.org/schools-german-education-system.

Hauptschule
In the majority of the Länder (federal states), children spend five years at the Hauptschule (grades 5-9 or 10). The main objective of the Hauptschule is to prepare students for their entry into the world of work. From the first year of Hauptschule, all children learn English (sometimes French). They are also taught German, mathematics, physics / chemistry, biology, geography, history, religion (or a substitute subject), music, art, politics and sports, and are given an introduction to the world of work (Arbeitslehre). Once students have obtained their leaving certificate at the age of 15 / 16, they can go into practical vocational training, start work in the public service at basic or secretarial level, or attend a Berufsfachschule (full-time vocational school).

Realschule
Students attend Realschule for six years (grades 5-11). Unlike the Hauptschule, the Realschule gives children a broader general education and expects them to show greater independence. They also have a chance to learn a second foreign language (usually French), in addition to the first compulsory language (generally English). In comparison with the Gymnasium, the pupils are given a more vocationally-oriented education. At the end of their 10th year, successful pupils will obtain the Realschule leaving certificate. With this certificate, they have access to several training options: in-company vocational training, work in the public service at secretarial and executive level, further education in school at Secondary Level II or at a Fachhochschule. The Realschule is very popular in Germany.

Gymnasium
Those school students who leave the Grundschule and go straight on to the Gymnasium still have another 8 or 9 years of school education before they take their final examination (Abitur or Hochschulreife). The Gymnasium is designed to provide students with an education which will enable them, once they have passed their Abitur, to study at a German university or equivalent. Students receive intensive specialised instruction to prepare them for academic work at a higher level.
Secondary Level II, i.e. the last 2 or 3 years at the Gymnasium, consists of courses, which students select themselves, depending on certain conditions and on their own preferences (with certain restrictions). All pupils have to select 2 Leistungskurse (special subjects) - 3 in the Saarland and Rhineland-Palatine. Students following Leistungskurse have to attend five hours of classes each week. The Abitur is based on the assessment of the subjects chosen as Leistungskurse and of two other subjects.

The Gesamtschule (comprehensive school)

The Gesamtschule combines elements from the Hauptschule, the Realschule and the Gymnasium. This type of school was introduced later than all the other types, mainly on the initiative of the education ministers in Länder governed by the SPD (Social Democratic Party).
Children usually spend six years at the Gesamtschule, from the 6th to the 10th grade. Depending on their ability, they either obtain a Hauptschule or a Realschule leaving certificate. Pupils wishing to sit the Abitur attend school for another three grades.

 

Childhood Stressors

If I were to sit down with any person in this world, they would have something to say about how they grew up.  Growing up we all deal with things that may not be positive, but children are resilient and it becomes their normal.  In many third war countries, they deal with much more than I ever in my life would ever dream of dealing with or seeing.  However, we all have our battles, some may not be as big as others may but it is still our battle.

 Three things came up for me:

One is chaos, now when I refer to chaos it is not the kind of chaos as war or violence.  The chaos in my house was with four children.  We all had our personalities, schedules, and needs.  Things were not always peaceful. It did not harm me per say, it mainly strengthened my ability to multitask, handle disorder, and to find peace within myself.  As an adult now, I require alone time often, and you will know when I need it because I will get grumpy.  Many times, I lie down and cover up; it is my safe place.  Additionally, I am able to step back now from lots of practice and evaluate a situation outside of myself.

The second thing I dealt with is my father being in the military.  I had to move a lot.  I still struggle with friendships because I have been conditioned that they move away, or I move away.  I have now lived in Colorado for 12 years.  The longest I have ever lived in one place. It was my life, I adapted just like any other kid, and I just kept my distance.

When I was in 7^th grade was the first time my mom got sick. That was a very high stress in my life and during that time is when I gained weight…I have been fighting it ever since.  I am strong because of her, but I am also weak because of the situation. She died when I was 22 years old leaving behind five children, the youngest being 2 years old and me.

Malnutrition in Eastern and Southern Africa:

Eastern and Southern Africa have chronic malnutrition. Which is causing stunting. Stunting is irreversible; therefore, it is important to stop this symptom of malnutrition right away. UNICEF is aiding in the battle of malnutrition. One way is encouraging exclusive breast feeding, providing education, and providing nutritious food.

“Over the years, awareness of nutrition issues, particularly stunting, has increased, thanks to advocacy informed by researches. Sixteen out of the 21 countries in ESAR now have improved nutrition plans that no longer treat nutrition as a standalone sector, but one that needs to be integrated with health, agriculture, sanitation, welfare, education and others.Twelve countries are in the SUN partnerships, with Burundi and Kenya being the newest signatories. Ten countries have all or most of the provisions of the Code for Marketing of Breast milk Substitutes as law, with Kenya and South Africa having just recently passed this into legislation. Most countries in the region have bi-annual mass vitamin A supplementation as part of the Child Health Day campaign, together with other high impact interventions such as de-worming, immunization and distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.Countries are increasingly recognizing Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition as part of the minimum core package of nutrition interventions. Seventeen of the 21 countries in the region have begun to build national capacities to scale up this approach.”
http://www.unicef.org/esaro/5479_nutrition.html

Sadly, children are dealing with this and have no control over it. It is so important that we educate these countries and give them the knowledge they need to support their children's growth and development.