week 7 blog assignment

One of the issues regularly discusses by Ms.Nokes and her colleges is the differences between family incomes. Since city families generally have more money, the education level available for these children is much higher. Most educators do not want to work in the country because of safety, pay, and accessibility to familiar amenities. 

Moving to S.Korea to teach english was something Ms.Nokes stumbled upon. The company she works for provides housing and food as well as gives her the opportunity to travel regularly. It expands her knowledge of other places and languages as she travels.

Ms.Nokes wants to continue teaching english and hopes that government funding is shifted more towards the families in the country who can not afford extensive English learning classes.

wk6 blog assignment

I explored the care & education link and found that they offer a ZERO TO THREE Web exclusive! an interactive learning tool designed to help parents and caregivers encourage their young children's early learning. You choose an age rage  from http://www.zerotothree.org/early-care-education/school-readiness-interactive-birth-to-3/ and it gives you tips and suggestions for good practices at home and school.


I think this area specifically is dedicated to equity and excellence for early childhood children because it is a tool that educators and parents can use in order to support children. They have skill areas to click on which include language and literacy, thinking skills, self control, self confidence. this allows families to target areas which they may need more information about or see a weakness that needs support.

week 5 blog assignment

One of the things that Ms.Nokes encounters a lot is the pressure that is put on the children of korea. Children who are well off are often from the city, and go to school from about 8-3 to study english math or science depending on if their career target of a doctor or engineer. She is quick to point out that these children are between the ages of 6-18 and already have a career choice! Once that part of school is over, either a private tutor or a second school period from 6-10pm and do homework until midnight. These children are forced to spend long strenuous hours for a future that is planned already.  The children who live in the country are not as fortunate. The government gives money to villages to send children to an english immersion program for a week every year. Ms.Nokes finds that the children raised in the country are often much more polite and well behaved in comparison to the privledged children in the city. They understand the responsibilities that are placed on them when they are selected to take part in the english immersion program and are respectful. They are proud to be chosen, and get their pictures taken with the school for the local newspaper. Apparently, it is hard to find people to teach in the country because of discrimination. If you are a white english speaker, you are seen as different but beautiful. Any other race which is fluent is generally not accepted and does not get hired easily. Ms.Nokes discussed with me how many great teachers are not being hired and it does not allow for as many children to get a good quality education.

week 4 blog assignment

On the Zero to Three website, I find the behavior and development section particularly relevant. I encounter difficult behavior often, and there is a page dedicated to resources with tips suggestions on how to deal with it. 

One of the Q&A's about behavior struck me asking what to do when"telling her, No and swatting her hand when she touches something she shouldn't" doesn't work. I found it interesting that no where in the main answer, did they explain that swatting the child may not be the best practice. At the end of the main answer, there is a read more section that does discuss it, but it strikes me as odd that it was something you had to dig for. The main answer, actually, doesn't really give much information about how to handle it, other than to explain it is generally accepted for a child that age to repeat the action even after being told no. For parents searching for a quick answer, it doesn't directly give them proper ways to  deal with the behavior, but shrugs it off. Upon further inspection in the 'read more' link after the answer, it does go in depth.

I feel that exploring the sight further, parents have a lot of concerns and questions that many childcare workers may feel are basic common understanding. It is good to keep in mind that parents, even if they have had other children, do not always see things the way that educators do.

week 3 blog assignment

My contact, Ms.Nokes, graduated from a US school with a degree in business. Knowing she was not interested in business as a career, she talked with friends and family about her ambitions to travel. She was presented with an opportunity to travel to South Korea to get paid to teach English and decided it was a win-win. Her food and housing is paid for, and her salary allows her to travel frequently. She has noticed that many colleagues are teaching in S.Korea because they did not want to go through all the certifications necessary in their own countries.

In terms of poverty, she says there is a noticeable difference. She works at a private school in an English-speaking village. Public school children in grade 6 spend a week of 'camp' at the school to teach them subjects such as cooking, science, world currencies, global connections, and world festivals all in English. She expressed that the level of English competency in children is much higher with families who have money. Privileged children are often in English classes year round and many travel extensively, which gives them an opportunity to use their language skills outside of school. Underprivileged children are often embarrassed by their lack of experience visiting other countries and often have a very different view of the world than those who have. 

I think it is unfortunate that the children only get a week of English intensive classes, and that in her area it is restricted to grade 6. One week is not enough for someone to fully grasp the basics of our language (or any, for that matter!!) 

week 2 blog assignment

Zero to three @ http://www.zerotothree.org/

The focus of Zero to Three is to " informs, trains and supports professionals, policymakers and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers" and to "promote the health and development of infants and toddlers" (zero to three, 2012)

One issue on the website (I have yet to receive a newsletter) is the article on "Helping Young Children Cope After Exposure to a Traumatic Event" this article was prompted by tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementaryin CT and relevant currently in our society. It is also good information for any events which have occurred or may occur in the future. It gives key traits to identify as possible red flags that a traumatic even occurred  and information on what you can do to work with these children. Additionally, there is a list of other resources which can aid an educator in traumatic events.

Zero To Three (2012) About Us. Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/

Week 1 Blog Assignment

I wanted to have a more personal connection with the professionals that I will be conversing with. I choose to reach out to my friends to see if they knew anyone which fit my criteria. Fortunately, i found three who were willing to work with me, and interestingly two of them work in Korea. These two I have made contact with through my friends, which gives us a connection. there is a 16 hour difference between here and there, so I am prepared to talk in frequent exchanges but not directly back and fourth.

I have chosen Zero to Three because I am familiar with NAEYC and recognize zero to three to be another great resource to be familiar with. I do want to point out that NAEYC requires a membership to fully access the site, and the process takes 2-3 weeks so it may not be an avenue that you may want to explore.