Friday, October 1, 2010

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

 "Many of them thought that encouraging parents to put their young children in a school would tend to break up family life," she said, "and the pediatricians of the city were sure that we would spread children's diseases." (Abigail Eliot)

Reference
Abigail Eliot, 100; founded school that became department at Tufts; [City Edition]
I think this quote by Abigail Eliot is something we can all relate to working in child care settings. We often have to fight against prejudice of breaking up families or being a place where children get sick all the time. I do admit that I was one of those people who never thought much of day cares until I experienced them first hand and saw how much difference they can make.


"The most important thing is to enjoy children, to love them, be fair and just with them. If you do that, they're pretty likely to come out all right," (Abigail Eliot)

Reference
ABIGAIL ELIOT: STARTING UP


Again, I think Eliot speaks out of my heart I also believe that children who are loved unconditionally and who feel they are treated fair learn the same traits.


"There is a reason the same toys are played with generation after generation: wooden blocks, crayons, puzzles, trucks, dolls," [Susan Bredekamp] says. "It's because they meet the needs that young children have always had."

Reference
Classic toys are best child educators say; [FIN Edition]
(AP). Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Dec 7, 1988. pg. E.15


When I read this quote, I had to smile because I was reminded of my own son. I find that he gets bored with toys from the store faster then I can replace them while he seems to enjoy toys that are made with love.

"It was very rewarding; it made feel whole; it made me feel creative." Derman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus, Pacific Oak College, CA, (“The Passion for Early Childhood”, 2010) when talking about her Preschool Program.

Reference
“The Passion for Early Childhood” (2010). Foundations: Early Childhood Studies. (Laureate Education Inc, CD-ROM, 2010 release).

I like how Derman-Sparks describes her experience and the intrinsic rewards after working and seeing children grow. It is important to keep in mind that there are so many more rewards in our field of study then money.

"We as a  pprofessionals in the early childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child's life for the better and that is what makes me passionate about this field." Sandy Escobido, Deputy Field Director, Los Angeles Preschool Advocacy Initiative, California Community Foundation ("The Passion for Early Childhood", 2010)

Reference
“The Passion for Early Childhood” (2010). Foundations: Early Childhood Studies. (Laureate Education Inc, CD-ROM, 2010 release).

I agree with Escobido that we are a major influence in children's lives. Therefore, in my opinion, we have the responsibility to help them succeed.

4 comments:

  1. Anna,
    I enjoyed reading your quotes especially that of Abigail Eliot. Early educators are not breaking up families I believe that we are bridging the gap. We actually provided the nurturing and caring that should come from a parent if they were able to be homemaker. Unfortunately, most families today are two income families and parents need a safe nurturing environment where their children can learn and grow while they work.

    I have experienced first hand when calling parents to say their child is sick and have to be picked up the initial reponse is they got it from child care. Child care is not the only place where diseases are spread. The spread of disease starts at home. In today's microwave society parents are so focused on their needs they tend to overlook the needs of children. This causes the common cold to turn into an flu or flu-like symptoms.

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  2. Anna,
    I really liked two of your quotes. The one by Abigail Eliot about the most important thing about children is to enjoy them etc. After reading that I realized why I work with children. That particular quote sums up my entire feelings on early childhood education and why I continue to work with them.

    The other one which states we are here to shape a child's life. That is so true the things that we show and teach children have a big impact on how they will grow as individuals.

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  3. I really enjoyed your quote from Susan Bredekamp. It to made me smile as I read it. It is very interesting that she is true. I remember playing with those toys and now my children play with them. It is the simple things in life.

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  4. I like the quote from (Abigail Eliot), "The most important thing is to enjoy children, to love them, be fair and just with them. If you do that, they're pretty likely to come out all right."

    This is a true statement. As a teacher, I can quickly point out the students who are receiving unconditional love and support from home, parents, or family because they are very happy,well behave, and get along with other children. On the other hand, the children who are not receiving the love and support that they need are angry and unfocused.

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