Using social media to get connected

In today's world social media is part of the integral fabric of the generation.  Social media is a very strong marketing tool.  From parties, classifications and advocacy a forum that contains millions of viewers is the perfect foundation for any shout out.  There are so many different avenues that one can purse when using media as a sounding board for advocacy.  What makes sites like face book for instance so effective is the stream of different people.  Not only are you able to advocate for your particular cause via information, advertising and it appear on all of your friends pages it as well appears on their friends page.  It is a very powerful tool that allows one to reach people and groups all over the world.  

What are some suggestion's that any of you think that may be a productive use of social media?

ADVOCACY MESSAGES 6-09-2013

  Both of the following campaigns used pictures to evoke emotion from the viewer.  I believe both ads are very effective in getting their message out

 

Campaign Name: Bullying Prevention

The Ad Council is leading a national anti-bullying campaign targeting parents to address one of the most important issues facing our children today. The bullying statistics are staggering with 13 million children - 1 in 4 a year - experiencing some form of bullying (as the bully, bullied or both). Currently there is no national effort targeting parents, who unfortunately, are not properly prepared to deal with the complexities of bullying today. Bullying is a concern for parents, but not something they proactively discuss with their children until it directly impacts their child. The goal of the campaign is to help provide a bully-free, safe environment for all students, and to raise awareness about the seriousness of bullying. The campaign will encourage parents to talk to their children about the safe steps they can take to be more than a bystander in a bullying situation.

Sponsor Name: Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), The Bully Project, U.S. Department of Education, AOL, Free to Be Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, Facebook

Campaign Name: Fatherhood Involvement

More than 79% of Americans feel "the most significant family or social problem facing America is the physical absence of the father from the home." Research indicates that fatherlessness correlates closely with crime, educational problems and adolescent difficulties. This campaign is designed to help dads understand that their presence is critical to the well-being of their children. With a presence in broadcast, print, outdoor and Internet media, the PSAs urge audiences to call 1-877-4DAD411 or visit www.fatherhood.gov for information about how to become a better father. The campaign recently expanded its focus to specifically address the unique aspects of father absence in the underserved African-American and Hispanic communities.

Sponsor Name: National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance

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My Own Capacity 6/2/2013

There are many issues impacting young children and their families that spark my passion.  One in particular is the rate of poverty that many children live in.  I never realized that poverty was such a wide epidemic affecting so many.  I teach in a middle school in North Philadelphia.  Many of the students come from poverty ridden families.  I have seen first hand the ramifications that can occur when the development cycle is skewed from natural course.  The last couple weeks have furthered my understanding of the barriers and inequities that are currently preventing many children from attending programs.  Effective advocacy and advocates are an essential part of ratifying the policies that continue to allow so many children to live in poverty.  
I chose the specialization of public policy and advocacy because I believe that it is important for everyone to have a voice.  In order to have a voice you have to be informed as to what you are entitled to.  Many times during the day I wonder what many of these students would be like if they had attended an effective pre-school program.  Effective early childhood development is a paramount component in the intracle cycle of overall growth.  I hope to be able to better educate both the family and communities on the rights and accommodations  that every child deserve.  Advocating for the rights of children is imperative because so many children just past by their early years unrepresented. 
I hope to be able to further my knowledge on public policy and in turn use this knowledge to be the most effective advocate. 

Week 1 Tool for effective advocacy May 11, 2013

I chose the specialization of public policy and advocacy because I believe that it is important for everyone to have a voice.  In order to have a voice you have to be informed as to what you are entitled to.   For the last six years I have taught in a middle school in North Philadelphia.  Many times during the day I wonder what many of these students would be like if they had attended an effective pre school program.  Effective early childhood development is a paramount component in the intricle cycle of overall growth.  I hope to be able to better educate both the family and communities on the rights and accommodations  that every child deserve.  Advocating for the rights of children is imperative because so many children just past by their early years unrepresented.

I hope to be able to further my knowledge on public policy and in turn use this knowledge to be the most effective advocate. 

week 2

This weeks video resources talked about the five sectors of early childhood devlepment.   All of the sectors focus on the equal and appropriate education for underpriveledge pre school age children.  They all believe at the core that without precise researched early childhood education the overall academic and social development of the child can be hindered.  The five different sectors are Head start, Child Care, Health and Well Being, Research and Public Early Childhood Education.  President Johnson founded head start in 1965.  The initial measure was to ensure pre school children with education no matter their socio or economic situation.  It was established to help even out the gaps in early education as so that all children can have the same opportunities to obtain the most effective base for future educational endeavors.  Child Care programs are focused on providing a full range of services to underprivileged children in order to help facilitate an atmosphere that is safe and conducive to learning.  The Health and well-being Sector focuses on the physical health of children that are living in poverty conditions.  This includes insurance (CHIP), wellness visits and preventive care to help deter future issues.  The Research division is the backbone to many of these programs.  Research helps provide tangible evidence that certain processes are effective and should be further studied and developed.  Increased recognition in the fields of medicine, neuroscience, sociology, anthropology and economics all concur that a healthy child development is key to satisfaction in school and in life.  The Public Early childhood education sector focuses on setting up different partnering programs that all focus on the education of pre school children.   I think if our country is going to gain the status that it once held in the realm of education that investments in the early childhood development field is imperative.  As the theme of the three little pigs taught us, only something built on a sound foundation will prove to be truly effective. 

week 1 -Early childhood Systems

I chose the specialization of public policy and advocacy because I believe that it is important for everyone to have a voice.  In order to have a voice you have to be informed as to what you are entitled to.   For the last six years I have taught in a middle school in North Philadelphia.  Many times during the day I wonder what many of these students would be like if they had attended an effective pre school program.  Effective early childhood development is a paramount component in the intricle cycle of overall growth.  I hope to be able to better educate both the family and communities on the rights and accommodations  that every child deserve.  Advocating for the rights of children is imperative because so many children just past by their early years unrepresented. 

I hope to be able to further my knowledge on public policy and in turn use this knowledge to be the most effective advocate. 

wk 6

In the norming stage individual personalities emerge as well as the overall group identities.  Roles are developed as individuals understand their worth and find there particular place.  When I was 16 I was part of the school play. From the very beginning there was a cohesive engergy that surrounding the flow of the show.  We all got along on a variety of different levels even thought we all so different.  At the end of the show the acknowledgment that we all succeeded because we were a team left us each with a positive experience and overall memory.

Adjourning is an important aspect of team development.  It is the reflective process where one understands why situations worked and different.  It is closure.  The process of Adjourning helps us to understand and evolve through our experiences.  At the end of this program I am sure that I will look back at my experience throughout and be very thankful for have had the guidance and support of my classmates.   

week 5

I recently had a disagreement with a coworker.   Our classrooms are assigned a lap top care that is to be shared equally.  The other teacher keeps the cart 3/4 of the day and my students were barely getting time.  In reflection I should of used NVC instead of being so obstinate about my point.
The principles of NVC positively effect communication in many ways.  Compassion in understanding where another person is coming from.  When the principles of NVC are practiced the outcome is usually one of collaboration.   There are no accusations or any behavior that would put the other party on the defensive.  Effective communication is all about honesty, sharing, listening and empathy.  When an individual feels that they are being heard there defenses are lowered and they are able to express their thoughts and in turn become more responsive to the other parties thoughts and feelings. 
The 3 R's of communication serves as a model on how to approach our daily interactions.   They are reflect, respect and request.  When you reflect you are figuring out what you are seeking, what is it you want.  Respect is envisioning how you can meet your need while still respecting the other party.  Request is all about collaboration.  Requesting a shared moment; collaboration not demanded immediate compliance.  

 I learned a lot about effective communication and the importance of fostering an aura of compassion.  These principles will help me to be a better communicator and overall teacher. 

week 4

 I have always considered myself to be a good communicator and this weeks assessments seem to back up this assumption.   For as long as I can remember my intrapersonal skills were always highly developed.    A crazy aunt I had once told me it was because of the fact that all my planets were in the sign of Pisces.  She believed this made me naturally compassionate and empathetic. My score on the anxiety communication disorder test was low; I was grouped as a people orientated communicator with a verbal aggressive score of moderate that stated that I am balanced.   Instinctually my communication style was based on the platinum rule.  The platinum rule in communication basically says that instead of behaving the way you feel would be effective, exhibit empathy and interact mirroring behavior that resonates with the other participants.  The platinum rule forces an individual to break out of his or her own perspective.  By acknowledging the different schema we all bring to the table sets the stage for effective communication to occur.   When a shared understanding is in place behavior and speech is less defensive which can lead to many positive outcomes.  When an individual feels that they are respected then they usually mirror the same behavior.   These skills have really helped my in the classroom.  I currently teach in a middle school in North Philadelphia.  Many of the children reside in less then desirable home environments.   Having spent extensive time studying human behavior, I have been able to successfully maintain an excellent rapport with students and co-workers alike. As a result, there is a strong level of trust that develops which allows me to provide direction in working towards realizing shared goals and objectives.  It is through our self-presentation that we let others know more about ourselves.

It was very interested to assess the results of the same assessments on my personal communication style as seen by others.  It was nice to see that how I mean to communicate is what are truly experiences.  I gave the assessment to my partner teacher in school and the other one to my 14-year-old daughter.  My partner teacher answers almost mirrored my own.  He agreed with the assessment that I am people orientated, balanced in my aggression and rarely did I display anxiety when I was communicating.  My daughter on the other hand had a different perception of my aggression.  She perceives the use of sarcasm in any altercation as cruel.  I do have a tendency to be very sarcastic.  I think I am hilarious but her perceptions help to make me more aware of sensitive feelings.  Her assessment made me more cognizant of how to effectively communicate during times of agitation. 

week 3 communication

Communication is described as the process through which the social fabric of relationship are created and maintained.  Communication is intrinsically embedded in all living creatures.  In order to exist in any society the basic function of expressing and understanding is paramount.  Learning how to express ones needs in a positive way is one of the most important life lessons.   Communication is at the heart of almost everything from the classroom to the boardroom.   I work in a middle school that is very culturally diverse.  I have always intrinsically implemented the platinum rule as my communication style.  The platinum rule in communication basically says that instead of behaving the way you feel would be effective, exhibit empathy and interact mirroring behavior that resonates with the other participants.  In reflection I feel I approach most people the same way.  Open and curious as to who they are and what their opinions are.  The only difference could possibly be the ages of the parties I am to communicate with. 

Communication and Collaboration Week 1

Communication is intrinsically embedded in all living creatures.  In order to exist in any society the basic function of expressing and understanding is paramount.  Learning how to express ones needs in a positive way is one of the most important life lessons.   Communication is at the heart of almost everything from the classroom to the boardroom.  I have always considered myself a good communicator but after watching my brother give a lecture I realized that I was just an amateur.  Effective communication is all about engagement.  It is allowing others to process your thoughts while not being creatively stifled.  This is what my brother is able to establish.  His communication style is respectful, informative and unbiased.  The level of ease that he exudes allows others to really listen to what he is saying and cross examine with the same level of respect.  He has done amazingly well in his professional life do to his effective communication skills. 

week 8

It always amazes me that in our country where we are so advanced in so many ways, that there still is such a level of racism that permeates throughout.  My level of awareness has expanded since the start of this course.  The one issue that really stokes my professional passion is the disparity of funding and education that still exists in our country.  Racism and prejudice are running rampart in our cities.  Many people don't realize that they have lived a life of privilege.  They believe that because they don't have the latest iPod or many luxuries that their lives are deficit.  Until reviewing the resources in this course my perspective on privilege was limited as well.  People's perspective are embedded in their own parameters.   I now realize that my life has been one of privilege.   I would like to learn more about the effects of the ism's that resonate through our country, the effects and the consequences on the individuals they affect.  I would like to take all of this researched information and implement processes to counteract the negative consequences and effects that many people are experiencing.  When I finish this program and obtain my masters I would like to open a world school Pre K - 3 in North Philadelphia.  My goal is to be able to access grants, private and federal funding in order to develop a non-bias program that would cater to needs of each individual student.   

Thank you all for taking the time to read my thoughts.  I wish everyone a happy holiday season and look forward to working with many of you again.  

week 7

I am a kindergarten teacher with a new student arriving next week from France.  I do not speak a word of French but want the student and his family to feel welcome. 
The first thing I would do is welcome his family to the school and ensure that there is an interpreter to ease communication .  During this initial meeting I would have the interpreter gather all pertinent information on the student and the family.  I would invite the parents to come as guests to the classroom and make sure that they understand all of the accomodations that have been put into to place for their child.  The student would be working with an ESOL teacher and preparations would be made to send a copy of all work home.  This will help to instill a sense of collaboration between school and home.  It will also set the tone of "family learning".  When an individual feels important and senses he belongs it helps to solidify overall development.  This not only benefits the child, their families but the overall climate of the classroom. 

week 6

There are many memories that I have in which I have experienced prejudice.  Growing up Jewish in a predominately non Jewish neighborhood was not an easy feat.  I was the only one in my class that didn't celebrate Christmas.  I remember at the holiday chorus concerts in elementary school there were never any Chanukah songs.  One year I decided that I was going to confront the music teacher and ask her if I could sing the dreidal song.  To my surprise I was told no, that no one would know that song.  I remember feeling so alone and so sad.   Instead of embracing my moment of declaration, I was insulted and made to feel that there was something wrong with my families beliefs.  The only way that this situation could of been turned into a great opportunity was to allow me to sing the dreidal song.  This could of opened the channels of communication and in turn educate and incorporate diversified perspectives. 

Week 4 microagression

 This week was an interesting one.  I was waiting for my boyfriend for happy hour at a local bar in center city Philadelphia.  As I was waiting there with some teacher friends a group of men starting to talk to us.  Fun conversation, they were a bit drunk.  My boyfriend who is black came in and came over to us.  The one guy who was talking to me when introduced to my BF hits his chest saying whats up big boy.  It was so derogatory and simplistic.  It made me sad that there are so many un enlightened people in this world.  I am not sure if it is about jealousy or fear when hatred thoughts rule your being. 

wk 3 - culture and diversity

 The first person I spoke to about culture was my sister.  My sister is very religious and defines culture as the traditions of her family and ancestors.  I am what my mother and her mother where before her.  She believes that the most important part of culture is her identity.  Her definition of diversity is that diversity is what makes up the differences between us.  

The second person I spoke to about culture was my father.  He explained culture is your being.  It is the fabric of your family and the tying bond that exists to all that belong.  Culture is a sense of belonging.  Diversity in his opinion are the characteristics that define your individuality and highlight the wonder of differences.  

I then spoke with my niece who was home visiting from college.  To her culture was expansion.  Her perspective on culture had alot to do with the levels of cultural identity.  She felt that one's culture was the parameters to their being but their chosen identities pinpointed the importance of cultural differentiation.  Within one's own culture the determining of the importance of certain traditions is what keeps a culture flowing and in existence.  

So far the resources that have been presented in this course represent many of the perspectives like the ones I have shared today.  I believe that diversity and differences are beautiful and the sooner we can teach that to our children the better off we will all be. 

week 2 - Perspectives on Diversity

 If I was told that I had to leave my home with only three things I would choose my collection of pictures, my grandmothers china and my mothers opal necklace.  My pictures could tell the story of my life and well as all I love.  My grandmother was a very important part of my life.  She came over to American when she was 24 with 3 children 2 weeks before Hitler took over Latvia.  Her china made it through the treacherous boat ride and has always been a staple at any holiday meal for as long as I can remember.  My mothers opal necklace is over 40 years old.  Since I was a very little girl I can always remember loving the necklace.  When I graduated college she gave it to me.  It means the world to me.  If I was told that I would have to give these things I would be devastated.  Being taken away from your home is tragic enough, but when you have to give up a piece of your hope that is when a soul can be broken. 

week 8

Over the last 8 weeks my knowledge has expanded immensely when it came to the early childhood research. I never realized just how much work goes into to conducting a study that is reliable and valid.  

I learned that research is about uncovering and enabling the emergence of new understandings, insights and knowledge . The road to an effective outcome is always embedded in the research that is involved.   This is especially true when it comes to young children and their families.

I believe that there certain studies where societal benefits from subjecting children to greater than minimal risks.  Risk/Benefit equation in terms of a research study has to with the variables surrounding the study. The greater the benefit a study can possibly have , a possible higher risk is acceptable. Even if the research was very valuable, possible risks must always be taken into consideration and evaluated.   Millions of people die each year from Cancer.  If there were a study where the possibility of perhaps understanding the different variables of the disease and could possibly lead to iradication then certain risks would be warranted.  When discussing the risk/benefit equation it is important to always calculate and evaluate any possible risks and consequences.  

I learned that research studies are only as good as the design.  

The last 8 weeks have furthered my understanding of the architecture of how to effectively set up a research study.  I am now aware of the different variable that need to be put into place in order for a study to be successful.  

week 5 - International Research

International Research

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) is an independent, self-governing, international association which promotes and disseminates multi-disciplinary research on early childhood and its applications to policy and practice. EECERA is a non-profit organization, wholly-owned and subscribed to by its substantial and influential world-wide membership. It generates its own revenue, receives no external funding and thus ensures its independence, radical attitude and innovative openness.   EECERA Annual Conference is the largest and most significant early years' research conference in Europe, regularly attracting more than 600 researcher delegates from all over the world.   

Some of the current international research topics include Outdoor play and learning, Diversity in the early childhood education and appropriation of symbolic skills in 5 years old. 

The are many new facts that I learned from reviewing EECERA web page.  There is a Conference that is hosted in a different European city each year by a local university or early years network and to encourage networking and cross-national collaborations, includes a full social program. The local knowledge and the EECERA organizational structure mean that each conference is unique but of consistent quality.   The next conference will be in Estonia in August 2013.  It will be discussing the important issues of values, culture and contexts.   I as well became exposed to one of the most respected journals in the early childhood field.  The EECERJ, the Journal of EECERA, is one of the most prestigious early childhood journals in the world. It is one of only four early years journals indexed by the Institute for Scientific Information.    It consists of all pertinent research studies in correlation with effective early childhood development. 

Wk 3 - Research Experience

When I was 8 years old my best friend was diagnosed with leukemia.  At first thinks were not looking very good for her.  Then her parents were told about a new research study that was testing a new medication.  There were many risks involved but after careful review her parents decided that she could be a participate.  I remember the medication made her very sick but she still came to school as often as she could.  During an assembly one day she got up in front of the whole school and explained what was going on.  She discussed all aspects of her illness and the research study she was a part of.  She was so brave.  In the end the medication did help her and today she is raising her own daughter.  The trials and results of the study offered tangible hope to many that were afflicted with the same disease.   Many people are alive today because of that initial study.