Exploring Early Childhood International Research.

 In this week’s blog my colleagues and I were asked to explore early childhood international research. The site I chose was Early Childhood in Australia. Some of the research topics within in this site were:

• Ways of thinking, acting and relating about sustainability
• Pedagogy: Programs and relationships in practice
• Professional partnerships in children’s services: Working together for children

I particularly, found interest in the events and conferences offered for professionals who were interested in facilitating the growth, development, and learning of children. Examples of the conferences and classes are:

·         Sharing sensitive news with parents about their child’s development.

·         Helping parents of late talkers use gesture to support expressive language development.

·         Helping parents use routines to promote young children’s interaction and language skills.

·         Coaching parents in how to play.

·         Making book reading a time for interaction and conversation.

Early Childhood Australia, also offers great resources, research, and references for families interested in healthier eating habits, Asthma and asthma management, Baby and infant oral health, and information on backyard safety.

Reference:

Early Childhood Australia: A voice for young children. Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

This week we were asked to Share a positive example of the effects of research on children and/or families. I chose to write about an interesting article I found an article on after school program quality and student outcomes.

The article discussed research on children’s academic and social success after attending an after school program. Studies show that quality after school programs are based around strong academic support, consistency with primary school learning, positive social attributes that help children learn to work as a community, as well as helping to build children’s motivation, and self-esteem.

“Whether they are called after school, expanded learning opportunities, out-of-school time, or something else, we know from research that these types of opportunities can lead to positive outcomes for children and youth, as well as families, communities, and schools" (Durlak, Weissberg, & Pachan, 2011; Eccles & Gootman, 2002; Mahoney, Vandell, Simpkins, & Zarrett, 2009).
 http://www.expandinglearning.org/expandingminds/article/afterschool-program-quality-and-student-outcomes-reflections-positive-key#sthash.iu7K1TmN.dpuf

There are assessment tools being created by the Academic and Research community, to help promote and support high quality after school and summer care programs. The tools can assist with and facilitate:

·         Assess such factors as program quality and attendance.

·         Staff beliefs, attitudes, education, and training.

·         Staffing patterns, including recruitment and retention

·         Student performance in specific domains and skills, such as behavior and academic achievement

With success, this research can not only help motivate children’s success academically, and socially, but also pave the way for funding to provide more after school programs, for at-risk youth in the community.

Reference:

After school Program Quality and Student Outcomes: Reflections on Positive Key Findings on Learning and Development From Recent Research. Retrieved from http://www.expandinglearning.org/expandingminds/article/afterschool-program-quality-and-student-outcomes-reflections-positive-key#sthash.iu7K1TmN.dpuf

My Personal Research Blog. EDUC 6163-2

Welcome colleagues! I am excited to began this research journey, in hopes of becoming a better researcher and writer. 
For this week's blog, we were asked to choose a topic of interest, and add sub topics. Here is a very rough draft:

Topic:  Implementing an Anti-Bias Classroom and Curriculum.

 1.     Creating the environment:

A.   How do educators incorporate each child’s identity within the classroom?

B.   What materials are needed that can be included in the environment?

2.     Implementation:

A.   How educators do began to teach anti-bias to young children?

B.   What type of benefits can be gained from teaching children about awareness and bias in the classroom?

3.     Ongoing Integration:

A.   How do educators continue to teach anti-bias, to become apart of daily curriculum?

I realize that I have a long way to go, but I am hopeful as the course goes on, I will become more proficient. I chose this topic because it is so important for young

children’s understanding about identity, having a sense of belonging, as well as the importance of gender and race.Classrooms should be display each child's uniqueness, family, and creativity. 

As you are viewing my post, please provide any  suggestions, on things I may need to change or add, also any resources you may have and are willing to share.

 

 Resources:

 Creating an Anti-Bias Environment. Retrieved from
www.adl.org/.../c/creating-an-anti-bias-learning-environment.html

Implementing an Anti-Bias Curriculum in Early Childhood. Retrieved from www.ericdigests.org/1992-1/early.htm