Farewell Colleagues (:

     I have truly enjoyed this class this semester.  I am pleased to say that I  have a better understanding of what it means to be an educator in the Early Childhood Field.  I am thankful for the feedback that you all have provided me with, and I enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you as well as reading what you all have to say.  One of the best things about taking this online course was being able to connect with so many different people.  From educators, to site owners of daycares, to those who wish to be great family advocates.  Being able to share and compare ideas with one another has made me a more well-rounded educator.

     Another thing that I have learned, is the importance of staying in the "new".  It is important that we as educators keep up with the current issues, as well as new approaches that are being introduced in our field.  Since taking this class, there is no doubt in my mind that I could not see myself being anything other than an educator, or someone who works to ensure all  children receive the best education possible.

     I am also able to say that now I am aware of many different resources that I will  be able to use I continue my journey to be a better educator.  I wish you all nothing but best as you continue your journey as well!

Happy Learnings (:

Code of Ethics

After reviewing the Code of Ethics Article and the the core values of NAEYC, here are a few that I found very meaningful.

Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle

Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based

on trust and respect.

Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues

We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value

and human potential of each child. 

We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children’s development and learning.

I chose these because they are important factors that I believe all educators should possess.  It is important that we teach our children in a way that is meaningful to them.  Every child and ever family is different, therefore, we as educators must be able to be knowledgeable of several different resources to ensure that our students and their families are reaching their full potential.

Educational Quotes

“We are doing earlier and earlier to children what we shouldn’t do later.”
~Dr. Lilian Katz~

“Please do not confuse excitement with learning...You can be addicted to excitement and that is a dangerous thing.”
~Dr. Lilian Katz~

As educators I do believe that we should do more than simply exposing our students to material.  I believe that we should challenge them so that they will be able to have the opportunity to learn pass the developmental rate.  It is important to note and give praise to the child when the child has learned a concept; however one must be careful not to award the child simply because he or she enjoys doing something.  Because then, the child may enjoy in activity without learning the concept.

Food for Thought

I have worked with many children over the past few years.  However, there was one child that really touched me.  I was working as a Behavioral Research Specialist, and two of my kids (siblings) did not have much.  They were boys and they had to wear their sister old shoes.  Now, this is the twisted part, one day I asked them what would they like for me to get them.  I told them it could be anything they wanted and I would get it for them.  Their response was so simple it almost made me cry.  All they said was, they just wanted me to keep coming and picking them up during the week because they enjoy talking to me.  I know this isn't an educational post, but from that moment I had realized that I had made a difference in these two boys lives' and that is what I strive to do everyday at my school.

One book that I think of that I absolutely like is the Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.  I want my students to be able to trust me like Chester trusted Mrs. Raccoon.  If I can build a trusting relationship with my students then the possibilities of us achieving excellence is inevitable.

Hey y'all! My name is Kayla Minor.  I am 24 years old and a mother of a super fun and loving 9 month old baby boy! I love working with children, and I am pleased with being able to make a difference in my students' lives.