Research that Benefits Children and Families

       The topic I have chosen for this blog assignment that possesses the means and knowledge to conduct research studies would be family involvement.  I know this topic would make a major positive contribution to the well-being of children and their families.  Educators has an ongoing challenge to develop and enhance skills that will offer students the best possible learning experience  at home, school, and also the community.  That’s why it’s always effective for parents to have a well established partnership with the teacher, because I always believe when a parent becomes involved, a child have better grades, improved test scores, improved self-esteem and improved motivation (Reschly, 2007). 

       When the No Child Left Behind Act included parent and family contribution in its requirements, it underscored the meaning of such involvement. It has been known that researchers have acknowledged a number of different characteristics that families of children who are doing fine in school have in common.  All together, they have regular daily routines, homework time, daily chores, and let’s not forget family time.  Many of the activities that occur outside the classroom are supervised and watching television is limited, which sets challenging goals and encouragement from their parents (Hill, 2010).

       You may want to ask parents to fill out a questionnaire on the first day of school or invite them to take it home and return it at a later date.

Questions might include:

·         Would you be interested in being a "guest" in our classroom? Could you be a story reader? Teach a song? Help with an art project?

·         Is there a special topic that you would like to see incorporated into the curriculum? (e.g., adoption, new siblings, moving to a new home.

·         Is there a special interest or talent you would like to share with the children? The staff? (Hill, 2010).

Reference:

Hill, S. (2010).  Parent and Family Involvement in Education.  Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/77042-parent-family-involvement-education/#ixzz2ONXwpYQR

Reschly, A. Ph.D., (2007).  Engaging Families in Early Childhood Education. Retrieved from
http://www.rtinetwork.org/essential/family/engagingfamilies

                               My Personal Research Journey 

I have chosen the topic of children being obese and bullied in the early childhood education field.  The reason why I chose this particular topic is because I have observed young children that are overweight, and those that are bullied by other children.  We know that children in everyday movement activities also progress in emotional, social, and cognitive development.  Obesity is on the rise and I believe we also need to give children the attention that is recommended early in life.  There are vast amounts of ways to prevent being overweight and exercising too little.   

This area has always been an interest to me, because I have lived through this particular circumstance myself.  I am willing to learn about the study of obesity, and I want to continue to research it.  This is why everyone needs to start the positive techniques at home, simply by eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising.  Furthermore, I would like to know the following: Why children bully other children that are obese? What kind of benefit do they receive from it?

 My colleagues I need you to provide me much advice and resources that can accommodate me through this course.  I am very appreciative from all support.

                                 Final Blog Assignment:

Three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for your professional and personal development

1.      I had very little contact with my international contact, adding that I did share information from diverse websites.  The small conversation and literature put into standpoint how far the field of early childhood education has come.  Allowing me to be able to celebrate our comings and goings, not only thinking about where we have yet to go, but what we have not observed.

2.      I gained insight into further development opportunities, shared professional development and training resources with my colleagues.  I was able to share knowledge and encouragement about high quality studies in the early childhood field.

3.      Understanding the ability to analyze from reliable viewpoints about issues and trends related to poverty, equity, economics, diversity, cultural and other disciplines it affects on children, their families, early childhood programs, and communities.  I really gained a worldwide insight that committed me to this career.

One goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations

I think we should always make use of the resources (no matter how stressful it may become) made available through this educational course as it brings attentiveness, a global perspective of serious issues affecting early childhood while providing a path of advocate for excellence for all children.

And finally….

THANK YOU! To all my classmates for your support, joining in on our weekly discussions, posts, and blogs.  It gave me strength toward quality in this educational journey and to be more successful while preparing for the future.