Looking over today’s posts I am finding encouragement and passion from leaders in the field of Early Childhood Education. It is through relating to these strong leaders in the field that we can see what is possible, and what also will drive us towards success and change for children and families in our society. Who inspires you in the field? For this post I’ll share advice and support for assisting children with distractions with school work, and also assisting children to read. Two inspiring leaders in the field:
Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s words of advice for Understanding Children’s Distractions
As Early Childhood Educators, and Teachers we have all worked with children with various levels of distractions in their abilities to focus and concentrate. Dr. Greenspan’s article, Understanding Children’s Distractions (2009) discusses children and how parents and educators can best support children. Greenspan (2009) states care givers should be looking at external events that may interfere with concentration. Dr. Greenspan also suggests examining if children have possible worries and fears, sensitivity to medicines, foods, or certain chemicals. Dr. Greenspan also stresses the importance of focusing on children’s strengths and abilities in other areas. Teachers need to also adjust their interaction with children to best meet the children’s needs. Dr. Greenspan suggests, explaining words through actions and pictures. Dr. Greenspan makes five suggestions to help assist your child in practicing their concentration:
1. Set up an area in your house for quiet activities that require attention
2. Take a silent, listening walk around the house, to help practice strengthening their senses.
3. Play games and activities with your children that require a time line
4. Play board games that require your children to wait and take turns
5. Identify games that your child likes to follow directions, and changes pace, like a treasure hunt.
Greenspan, S.(2009). She Won't Sit Still! Scholastic Parent & Child, 17(4), 72-73.
Here are some tips on assisting young children with Reading
Susan Bredekamp, and her article; Assisting Children to Read (1998)
Developmentally Appropriate Practices are ways of teaching that vary or adapt to the age and experience of the individual learner, so fundamentally we need to consider children as members of groups with their own cultural identity (Bredekamp, S & Neuman, S. 1998).
Susan Bredekamp, Early Childhood Educator and leader in the field stresses that teachers need to adapt to the needs of their students, and to also be aware of the important techniques when assisting young children to read. Bredekamp stresses, the need for dramatic play, lap-book reading, parents reading to their children in the home, and also having a library space in the classroom. Bredekamp also stresses the importance of having writing centres, and also centre space for reading. Children need to be read to aloud, and have exposure to print, and the alphabet. These opportunities to practice literacy and engage children in reading will help to develop linguistic awareness (Bredekamp, S & Neuman, S. 1998).
Bredekamp, S & Neuman, S. (1998). Learning to Read, Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 13(2), 36-37.
Words of Passion, Motivation and Wisdom:
I was inspired by the words of; Renatta M. Cooper who is a Program Specialist from the Office of Childcare in the L.A Count Chiefs Administration Office.
Renatta speaks about her passion for Early Childhood, but she also has such motivation to attack the problem of Civil Rights. Renatta say’s “This is also a Civil Rights issue, and it is also Feminist Work” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). Renatta explains that, children’s education prepares children for an optimal life, opens up the world and gives children the tools that they need for a successful life. This inspires me to support children in having an optimal life.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). EDUC 6605: Foundations: Early Childhood Studies [Webcast].The Passion for Early Childhood. Baltimore, MD: Author. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6060772&Survey=1&47=9043735&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
I loved the article by Dr. Greenspan. I've worked with distracted children at work before and it can be so frustrating!! I think we are quick to judge a child at times, when there could be other outside factors (doesn't feel good, problems at home, etc.) From the little snipet, I'm interested to read more of the article.
ReplyDeleteI loved your post about Dr. Greenspan's work about teaching children to concentrate. I was thrilled when I realize that we already do the five steps that you listed! I am very interested in learning more as I have a couple of kids who are getting ready for preschool.
ReplyDeleteI, too, loved your post about Dr. Greenspan. I have a grandson who is struggling,especially in the area of reading. I am going to suggest the ideas from your post to my daughter-in-law. It is true that we need to examine all possible reasons for a child's inability to concentrate or any other thing that keeps them from learning.
ReplyDeleteI was just talking the other day about Maslow's hierarchy of learning and how you have to start with physiological needs first if you want a child to learn.
I like the tips on assisting children with reading from Susan Bredekamp. And the advice for understanding children's distractions by Dr Greenspan is pure genius. I will try this with my daughter who is 8.
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