About Me

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I am a thirty one year old Montana gal. I am fiercely independent and enjoy quiet time just as much as I love to spend time with my friends and family!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

My Connections to Play

 

“Go Outside and get the ‘stink’ blown off of you!”  ~ Cheryl Sawyer

I loved reminiscing on this blog!  It brought back a flood of memories about playing in the very small town I grew up in and out on our family’s farm.  Play in my childhood was expected of me.  I am in my early thirties and way back when…. There really still wasn’t much for video games, t.v., movies, etc.  My parents were also very had working individuals; as I mentioned above we had a family farm and work for my parents never stopped.  Therefore, we were expected to entertain ourselves (if we weren’t working or helping out as well).  The quote above by Cheryl Sawyer is actually my mother, I distinctly remembering her telling this to us often!  Play was encouraged and outdoor play, exploring nature, climbing trees, digging in mud puddles was strongly encouraged.

My parents were very supportive of exploration.  They of course were always nearby to help out but they felt that our outdoor play/exploration was a way for us to learn important lessons for ourselves about health and safety.  For example; the following quote makes me think about how my parents allowed me to explore and learn from
my own consequences:

“I'll play with it first and tell you what it is later.”  ~ Bette Davis

Specifically, I remember a time when I loved to play out in our large back yard in my bare feet!!  My mother consistently warned me however, that it was not a good idea, that it was not safe and that I could get hurt.  But, I loved the feel of the cool grass tickling and tingling on my feet; the wet dew that made loose blades of grass stick between my toes; the softness of the grass and earth molding to the bottoms of my feet – how could you resist that!  Until, of course, I stepped on a bee! And my mother, of course, was right!  As I hobbled on one foot for about a week my mother would just smile at me and chuckle but, never once told me; “I told you so.” 

I believe that my parents understood the value of exploration and learning things for yourself, no matter what others tell you.  When you tell a child not to touch something because it is hot, they really don’t KNOW hot until they touch it.  We of course do not want children harmed or injured but play allows us to explore those cautionary tales while under adult supervision.

This story also makes me feel very sad for children today; life is just not simple enough to run around bare foot anymore.  The danger of today’s world makes parents and teachers very cautious about children truly experiencing the outdoors.  For teachers; if we let children run around bare foot and they stub their toe and break it – we can be sued.  For teachers and parents; you must be cautions about what is in your children’s environment.  For example; I went to visit a center in downtown Seattle and they shared a story with me about how their schools outdoor play time had to be cancelled because they had discovered a deceased, homeless person on their playground!  The world is scary; instead of stepping on a bee children could step on a needle, crack pipe, or any other host of very dangerous, life threatening items.  And this of course, only addresses the dilemmas of outdoor play!

“If you must play, decide upon three things at the start: the rules of the game, the stakes, and the quitting time.”  ~ Chinese Proverb

As far as play throughout life; it should never go away!  As the Chinese Proverb above suggests – there is no quitting time for me!  We MUST constantly remind ourselves to play, to go outside, to feel the rain and wind, to laugh and be silly and (especially as adults) laugh at ourselves!  Life is rough and one of the greatest escapes we have is PLAY; children know this and do it naturally, somehow we forget this as we get older.  It is important to remember that, at least, for every serious moment we take at least one play moment; to break away, give ourselves a break and come back to reality.

I have posted a few pictures to the right that were essential to my play as a child - and even today! 

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Realtionship Reflection

    Relationships are valuable to me because they encompass who I am, provide support and keep me grounded. My personal mind is very tumultous at times - I suffer from a moderate - to - severe anxiety disorder.  Without a few very close, personal relationships I truly beleive I would not still be where I am.  Through mutual respect and careful boundaries, those I love keep me focused on what matters, rather than overwhelming fears!!

   First and foremost are my parents; they are amazing!!  They have taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, dedication and true love!  Happily married now for nearly 39 years, they have never "sugar-coated" lifes obstacles, which has always kept me grounded, realistic and open-minded

   Second is my sister Jolene.  She is never afraid to tell it like it is!  Having the ability to speak your mind is a true gift and one my sister was blessed with.  She is supportive but to the point and her respectful honesty has helped me through many hurdles in life.

    One of my dear friends Jill; the artistic explorer, is also very important.  I won't lie, I am a homebody, Jill's adventerous spirit helps keep my mind wrapped around all that is possible and potential.  And, our hiking adventures create many memories, smiles and sunburns!

   One big callenge to relationships is time.  There never seems to be enough time, long enough weekends or nice enough weather to spend with those you love.  Therefore, respect is an extremely important aspect of all relationships, especially to me.  Being able to respect each others time and obligations without resentment is essential.  Thankfully, I have that common ground rule with these key relationships.

   I think that respectful boundaries are also very important in the professional realm as well.  It is important to recognize how, what, when and where families want to be communicated with.  For example; I once had a family that I new I could (and best) share information with only in the mornings.  Their evenings were very hectic and busy.  Knowing this allowed us to communicate without headache!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

EDUC 6161 Effective Programs and Practices

Yeah, my Third class - I am so excited!!   This sounds like an excellent course also!  I am glad to see familiar faces in my class and hope you are all having a wonderful Spring!

Early Childhood Resources

  • http://nieer.org/
  • http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
  • http://www.ccw.org/
  • http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
  • http://www.childrensdefense.org/
  • http://www.dec-sped.org/
  • http://www.erikson.edu/
  • http://www.fpg.unc.edu/main/about.cfm
  • http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
  • http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
  • http://www.highscope.org/
  • http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm
  • http://www.naeyc.org/
  • http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
  • http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap
  • http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf
  • http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
  • http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
  • http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
  • http://www.nccanet.org/
  • http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/
  • http://www.omep-usnc.org/
  • http://www.preknow.org/
  • http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
  • http://www.voices.org/
  • http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
  • http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/about.php
  • http://www.zerotothree.org/
  • http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller