All About Children

"The soul is healed by being with children"   English Proverb

Early Learning Brain Development and Lifelong Outcomes
This 5:15 minute video features Dr. Jack Shonkoff from the Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University talking about brain research and opportunities that early learning present for children. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qb3DXY_7fU&feature=related


The Greatest Love of All
I love to listen and watch this video from YouTube.  While listening to Whitney Houston sing The Greatest Love of All you can view pictures of children in different stages of development as they do what they do best, being a child. 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mZWHxw9ylk

References

Bloomingproud. (Uploader). (2008, February 5). The Greatest Love of All [music video]. Whitney Houston (Artist). Retrieved December 23, 2011 from  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mZWHxw9ylk

Compassion International. (2002-2011). Releasing children in poverty. Retrieved from http://www.compassion.com/child-advocacy/find-your-voice/famous-quotes/default.htm

Pennsylvania's Promise for Children (Producer). (2009, June 18) Early learning brain development and lifelong outcomes [Video podcast]. Retrieved December 23, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qb3DXY_7fU&feature=related

Educating the Whole Child

Assessments used correctly and for the purpose of understanding children’s developmental levels can be useful, but all too often, we end up using them to help us teach to the test. What that leads to is excessive testing.  A change I would like to see in gauging children’s grasp of ideas is to view all aspects of their functionability.  Where do the emotional, spiritual, physical, and social aspects fit into the picture of how to help children succeed?  Attention to all the domains makes for a well -rounded child who will be an able individual in society.  I feel as if we are educating children to be half of who they can be.  We need to integrate all the senses to come full circle in learning.  That is how we can ensure a better chance for individuals to be fulfilled.    

How does Japan assess their school age children?

In my research, I found that from kindergarten up to twelve years of age, Japan provides an awesome environment of learning for their children.  Japanese children are happy learners.  The teachers are caring and provide their students with curriculum that engages them in creativity.  However, after that, the future is paved towards testing form hell.  A Japanese child’s education from then on becomes “test based”.  For more information on Japan’s education system you can visit http://www.japantoday.com/category/commentary/view/japan-and-its-standardized-test-based-education-system

            I want to help children appreciate their own emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and other parts of their being. Those are the foundations for their intellect to grow exponentially.  I have observed more than once, a child who understands the academic realm and can pass any intellectual test put before them, but oft time they are the ones who cannot seem to function socially or really understand what would make their life meaningful.