Then I wish all of these quotes could come true for our children:
I have also seen children successfully surmounting the effects of an evil inheritance. That is due to purity being an inherent attribute of the soul- Mahatma Gandhi.
Children must be taught how to think, not what to think- Margaret Mead.
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough book shelves- Anna Quindlen.
Children are made readers on the laps of their parents- Emilie Buchwald.
Nothing you do for children are ever wasted- Garrison Keiller.
It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men- Fredrick Douglass.
There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children- Nelson Mandela.
Those who educate children well are more to be honoured than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well- Aristotle.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Intelligence Test
In my opinion, since human is made of three main parts, body, soul and spirit, then children should be assessed on these three areas to determine their wholesome development. For the body, physical activities like sports, dancing, personal hygiene etc. would be part of the assessing package. The soul could be assessed with cognitive activities like reading, school/academic work-maths, English, music, literature; and the development of the spirit could be tested by some sort of religious activities like meditation, religious studies, etc. Sounds a bit awkward here, I guess
In Malaysia, school age children are tested by written exams which whether passed or not leads to promotion to the next class. By age 7, children should be in primary school and it lasts for 6yrs. Between 1996-2000, the Level One Evaluation (Penitaian Tahap Satu) was administered to year 3 students which when passed, will lead to a double promotion from year3 to 5 but was stopped because parents were putting undue pressure on their children to pass this exam. To move on to secondary school, the Primary School Achievement Test (Ujan Pencapaian Sekolah Renda) must be written. The subjects tested are Malay comprehension, written Malay, English, Science and Mathematics. In addition to the five subjects, Chinese comprehension and written Chinese are compulsory in Chinese schools, while Tamil comprehension and written Tamil are compulsory in Tamil schools. Aptitude tests are also written and then multiple choice is tested using optical answer paper sheet which is also marked by an optical machine.
It's quiet unfortunate that most countries and schools test children mainly on academic achievement. I believe talents and natural abilities should be nurtured. Adding education to any talent one has will go a long way in making a big difference. But it seems most people go for one and not both. Most people who are making good use of their talents have little or no education and most people who have good academic degrees have swept their talents under the carpet and are just pursuing career.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Malaysia
In Malaysia, school age children are tested by written exams which whether passed or not leads to promotion to the next class. By age 7, children should be in primary school and it lasts for 6yrs. Between 1996-2000, the Level One Evaluation (Penitaian Tahap Satu) was administered to year 3 students which when passed, will lead to a double promotion from year3 to 5 but was stopped because parents were putting undue pressure on their children to pass this exam. To move on to secondary school, the Primary School Achievement Test (Ujan Pencapaian Sekolah Renda) must be written. The subjects tested are Malay comprehension, written Malay, English, Science and Mathematics. In addition to the five subjects, Chinese comprehension and written Chinese are compulsory in Chinese schools, while Tamil comprehension and written Tamil are compulsory in Tamil schools. Aptitude tests are also written and then multiple choice is tested using optical answer paper sheet which is also marked by an optical machine.
It's quiet unfortunate that most countries and schools test children mainly on academic achievement. I believe talents and natural abilities should be nurtured. Adding education to any talent one has will go a long way in making a big difference. But it seems most people go for one and not both. Most people who are making good use of their talents have little or no education and most people who have good academic degrees have swept their talents under the carpet and are just pursuing career.
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Malaysia
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Consequences of Stress on Children Development
Noise is a common stressor in most African countries. I know of someone who grew up in a noisy part of Nigeria. She got accustomed to all manner of noise like horn blasts, children screaming and shouting while playing, noise of old cars and lorries, noise of heavy duty machines, very loud music of neighbours, etc. To this effect, she finds it difficult to sleep in a quiet or peaceful environment and may have to play some music while she sleeps. Reading without a music playing for is her is almost impossible as she said she does not enjoy silence. For me, I think it might be difficult for her to meditate or concentrate as these skills are needed for cognitive development. I feel this would have affected her ears too as she hardly hears low tone conversation and shouts while making phone calls. She probably might end up being a shouting parent in my opinion.
As I thought of a country to study about, South African Apartheid came to my mind and I am glad I did a research on it. I used to believe that apartheid has been completely eradicated in South Africa, but to my utmost surprise, I read that it still exists. South Africa has in existence more than one stressor like racism, violence, disease, hunger and poverty. South Africa has been called one of the most psychologically ill societies in the world because of the following reasons: high rates of family violence
It's among the highest divorced rate countries in the world
Fifth highest in the world coronary disease
Has a high rate of motor accident
Experience traumas linked to political unrest .
South Africans (Blacks) still face racism daily as it is reported that a black child is 18times more likely to grow up poor than his/her white counterpart. About 60% of children survive on 575rand($67 or 51euros); or around 2/3 of black children that are 18yrs and only 2% of white children--this is incredible! Ironically, out of 10million children, 8million are blacks.
All these of course affect their development. They have a high rate of disease amongst the children and malnutrition is common in the rural areas. 1/3 of under 14 are stunted and under weight. Some schools for the blacks lack cognitive tools to teach hence they are mentally retarded.
Sources:
AFP, 2012,Oct 17. South African Children still face apartheid- like inequality. Retrieved from
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i2lY455I6yN3_HCfTOk4mONdAe9A?docId=CNG.c87c030182d8aa078508c64fcad776ba.3b1
Hickson & Kriegler (1991, June). The effects of apartheid on the mental health of South African Children. International Journal for the advancement of counselling Retrieved from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00117733
As I thought of a country to study about, South African Apartheid came to my mind and I am glad I did a research on it. I used to believe that apartheid has been completely eradicated in South Africa, but to my utmost surprise, I read that it still exists. South Africa has in existence more than one stressor like racism, violence, disease, hunger and poverty. South Africa has been called one of the most psychologically ill societies in the world because of the following reasons: high rates of family violence
It's among the highest divorced rate countries in the world
Fifth highest in the world coronary disease
Has a high rate of motor accident
Experience traumas linked to political unrest .
South Africans (Blacks) still face racism daily as it is reported that a black child is 18times more likely to grow up poor than his/her white counterpart. About 60% of children survive on 575rand($67 or 51euros); or around 2/3 of black children that are 18yrs and only 2% of white children--this is incredible! Ironically, out of 10million children, 8million are blacks.
All these of course affect their development. They have a high rate of disease amongst the children and malnutrition is common in the rural areas. 1/3 of under 14 are stunted and under weight. Some schools for the blacks lack cognitive tools to teach hence they are mentally retarded.
Sources:
AFP, 2012,Oct 17. South African Children still face apartheid- like inequality. Retrieved from
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i2lY455I6yN3_HCfTOk4mONdAe9A?docId=CNG.c87c030182d8aa078508c64fcad776ba.3b1
Hickson & Kriegler (1991, June). The effects of apartheid on the mental health of South African Children. International Journal for the advancement of counselling Retrieved from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00117733
Friday, May 17, 2013
Child Development and Public Health
Breast Feeding.
Exclusive breastfeeding refers to feeding an infant with breast milk only without any other liquid or supplement during the first six months. From research this has a load of benefits to both mother and child. Exclusive breastfeeding has a potential to prevent at least 13%of all under five death in developing countries. Also, it could help avert about 55-87% of neonatal deaths.
Other benefits include:
It's easier to digest than formular
It fights diseases in children and mothers
Saves money
Helps mother-child bonding
It could help reduce the rate of breast & ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, postpatum depression, etc in women.
When breastfeeding as a woman,the oxytocin hormones are produced which can calme the woman.
Breastfeeding protects from risk of contaminated water supply in developing countries epecially
It has the right temperature and hence helps prevent hypothermia -a state where the body temperature drops below normal
For me, breastfeeding is most appropriate for infants; After reading the numerous benefits, I came to this conclusion. I practiced exclusive breastfeeding with my kids. Breastfeeding is meaningful to me because it's the cheapest means of protecting these littles from illness and malnutrition at the early stage of life particulary in the developing countries where the standard of living is relatively low.
Intrestingly, in Kuwait (one of the richest countries in the world), breastfeeding is not a popular practice due to the fact that formulars are well subsidized by the government and inadequate professional support. Mothers begin to give their babies water, juice and herbs from the very first month and about 32.8% below six months use bottles. Some other misconceptions about breastfeeding is that breast milk is not sufficient for infants; it is only meant for babies who came through ceaserean section, and only babies who spent some time in special care wards may need it. But, science has shown how small babies' stomachs are and that breast milk is just sufficient for this size, also all babies need breast milk whether full term or premature babies.
As a result of this, there's a high rate of 24% of chronic malnutrition amongst children who are under 5yrs of age in Kuwait despite her wealth.
From this data, breastfeeding could be beneficial to women and children in developing countries as it can reduce greatly the rate of malnutrition (one of the causes of infant deaths in developing countries).
Being aware of this information, I would be an advocate in this area by telling as many mothers (even fathers) that I know the benefits of breastfeeding. This information has also helped me in erasing my ignorance--before now, I used to think breast milk is not sufficient for twins or tripplets, but from research, reverse is the case. So, mothers with twins and tripplets could go ahead with exclusive breast feeding for some months(Berger, 2012). But the challenge here is with working mothers who especially are the breadwinners of their home--it might be pretty difficult to cope with exclusive breastfeeding
References
http://worldbreastfeedingtrends.org
http://unicef.org/media/images/fact_sheet.doc
http://womenhealth.gov
Exclusive breastfeeding refers to feeding an infant with breast milk only without any other liquid or supplement during the first six months. From research this has a load of benefits to both mother and child. Exclusive breastfeeding has a potential to prevent at least 13%of all under five death in developing countries. Also, it could help avert about 55-87% of neonatal deaths.
Other benefits include:
It's easier to digest than formular
It fights diseases in children and mothers
Saves money
Helps mother-child bonding
It could help reduce the rate of breast & ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, postpatum depression, etc in women.
When breastfeeding as a woman,the oxytocin hormones are produced which can calme the woman.
Breastfeeding protects from risk of contaminated water supply in developing countries epecially
It has the right temperature and hence helps prevent hypothermia -a state where the body temperature drops below normal
For me, breastfeeding is most appropriate for infants; After reading the numerous benefits, I came to this conclusion. I practiced exclusive breastfeeding with my kids. Breastfeeding is meaningful to me because it's the cheapest means of protecting these littles from illness and malnutrition at the early stage of life particulary in the developing countries where the standard of living is relatively low.
Intrestingly, in Kuwait (one of the richest countries in the world), breastfeeding is not a popular practice due to the fact that formulars are well subsidized by the government and inadequate professional support. Mothers begin to give their babies water, juice and herbs from the very first month and about 32.8% below six months use bottles. Some other misconceptions about breastfeeding is that breast milk is not sufficient for infants; it is only meant for babies who came through ceaserean section, and only babies who spent some time in special care wards may need it. But, science has shown how small babies' stomachs are and that breast milk is just sufficient for this size, also all babies need breast milk whether full term or premature babies.
As a result of this, there's a high rate of 24% of chronic malnutrition amongst children who are under 5yrs of age in Kuwait despite her wealth.
From this data, breastfeeding could be beneficial to women and children in developing countries as it can reduce greatly the rate of malnutrition (one of the causes of infant deaths in developing countries).
Being aware of this information, I would be an advocate in this area by telling as many mothers (even fathers) that I know the benefits of breastfeeding. This information has also helped me in erasing my ignorance--before now, I used to think breast milk is not sufficient for twins or tripplets, but from research, reverse is the case. So, mothers with twins and tripplets could go ahead with exclusive breast feeding for some months(Berger, 2012). But the challenge here is with working mothers who especially are the breadwinners of their home--it might be pretty difficult to cope with exclusive breastfeeding
References
http://worldbreastfeedingtrends.org
http://unicef.org/media/images/fact_sheet.doc
http://womenhealth.gov
Friday, May 10, 2013
Childbirth in My Life and Around the World
My daughter came at 1a.m on the 4th of October 2009 ( in her 41st week) after about 8hrs of labour. She weighed 3.6kg. Her prenatal development went well despite urinary tract infection I had. At some time I was asked to take antibiotics and other times was asked not to because it could be harmful on the emdryo, of course this was about the 3rd and 4th month. I was placed on calcium, folic acid, blood giving tablets and anti malaria drugs as malaria is a threat to pregnant women and children in Africa.
Contractions started on the previous day and I went to the clinic where I have always attended antenatat sessions. I was 2cm dilated but asked to stay back in the clinic as a first timer. After several contractions, I was about 8cm gone and was taken to the delivery room where I spent about 1hr before she finally came out through tht virginal with an episiotomy.
I chose this birth experience because it was my first and it served as an eye opener to me- my subsequent pregnancy was much easier because I was prepared for every stage as I knew what to expect.
For me, birth is closely related to child development because the definition of child development put into consideration life before, buring and after birth. Birthing methods and processes I believe should be handled by professionals. At birth, tisues and organs(which are the development target) are still tender. So, all care should be taken in handling them so as to prevent any damage to any of these parts.
In Nigeria, births still occur at home and some religious centres unlike in the US where about 100% of births take place in medical centres. Herbs and concotions are taken by some pregnant women in order to hasten child delivery. Malaria has been a threat to pregnant African women in the past years, hence antimalaria drugs are given as prevention all through the nine months. Malaria during pregnancy is said to be the cause of jundice at birth.
During delivery in most clinics, family members are not allowed into the delivery room except on emergencies. Pain relief are rarely given and Non-Invasive prenatal diagnosis is not so popular in Nigeria. The most popular method of detecting any deformity of feotus is through the ultrsound.
Fibroid during pregnancy is a common case in Nigeria but thanks to the improving medicine that is able to manage that.
Contractions started on the previous day and I went to the clinic where I have always attended antenatat sessions. I was 2cm dilated but asked to stay back in the clinic as a first timer. After several contractions, I was about 8cm gone and was taken to the delivery room where I spent about 1hr before she finally came out through tht virginal with an episiotomy.
 |
| Gavrila, My daughter |
I chose this birth experience because it was my first and it served as an eye opener to me- my subsequent pregnancy was much easier because I was prepared for every stage as I knew what to expect.
For me, birth is closely related to child development because the definition of child development put into consideration life before, buring and after birth. Birthing methods and processes I believe should be handled by professionals. At birth, tisues and organs(which are the development target) are still tender. So, all care should be taken in handling them so as to prevent any damage to any of these parts.
In Nigeria, births still occur at home and some religious centres unlike in the US where about 100% of births take place in medical centres. Herbs and concotions are taken by some pregnant women in order to hasten child delivery. Malaria has been a threat to pregnant African women in the past years, hence antimalaria drugs are given as prevention all through the nine months. Malaria during pregnancy is said to be the cause of jundice at birth.
During delivery in most clinics, family members are not allowed into the delivery room except on emergencies. Pain relief are rarely given and Non-Invasive prenatal diagnosis is not so popular in Nigeria. The most popular method of detecting any deformity of feotus is through the ultrsound.
Fibroid during pregnancy is a common case in Nigeria but thanks to the improving medicine that is able to manage that.
Friday, April 26, 2013
A Note of Thanks
I really appreciate every member of group2 for the level of understanding and support shown towards one another during our foundation course. I found learning more interesting during the last 8week period as it was done collaboratively. This is my first time online class and the first course turned out well. I sincerely hope we will all get at our goals as we forge ahead.
To Dr. Johnna, You are a motivator! Keep up the good work.
To Dr. Johnna, You are a motivator! Keep up the good work.
Friday, April 19, 2013
My IDEALS with respect to NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics
Ideals (My Aspirations)
1-1.2--To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child. NAEYC, retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
I believe so much in being current and having so much information on any issue I am to deal with. Working with children is not an exception, so I hope to always read and base my practices on current research works about children so as to enable me give my best to children. Also to get vital tips from families about a child that would help me in working with the child.
1-1.5--To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions.NAEYC
The wholesome development of a child is paramont to me as an early childhood professional, hence, I will do my best possible to make sure I achieve this by creating a conducive physical environment and an healty 'emotional' environment that will make him/her feel secured, learn and grow at the same time.
. To empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers of services for their children. DEC, retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org/
From our studies so far, the importance of family involvement in the complete development of a child cannot be over emphasized. I hope to carry families along by feeding them with useful information about the progress of their children in order to make development of the child easier and more accessible.
1-1.2--To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child. NAEYC, retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
I believe so much in being current and having so much information on any issue I am to deal with. Working with children is not an exception, so I hope to always read and base my practices on current research works about children so as to enable me give my best to children. Also to get vital tips from families about a child that would help me in working with the child.
1-1.5--To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions.NAEYC
The wholesome development of a child is paramont to me as an early childhood professional, hence, I will do my best possible to make sure I achieve this by creating a conducive physical environment and an healty 'emotional' environment that will make him/her feel secured, learn and grow at the same time.
. To empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers of services for their children. DEC, retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org/
From our studies so far, the importance of family involvement in the complete development of a child cannot be over emphasized. I hope to carry families along by feeding them with useful information about the progress of their children in order to make development of the child easier and more accessible.
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