Raymond Hernandez MS ed

During the video segment Raymond Hernandez MS ed made a point that the "services that are being provided to the children are to benefit them not him". I think this is important to remember because sometimes we get caught up in our own lives and we forget that the work we are doing is to benefit some else's life!

Motivation by Louise Derman-Sparks

"I had a built in passion that it was important to make a real contribution to the world;to fix all the injustices in the world.  I wanted to do that as a teacher."  
 Louise Derman-Sparks
Professor Emeritus

Quotes from NAEYC (Susan Bredekamp, Ph. D)

"Children benefit most from teachers who have the skills, knowledge, and judgment to make good decisions and are given the opportunity to use them." – NAEYC, Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 (2009)

"We are decision makers. As adults caring for children, it is our responsibility to seek out and intentionally plan the best opportunities for children that support their over-all well being and healthy development. Developmentally appropriate practice, commonly known as DAP, is a comprehensive educational perspective that supports optimal healthy development for every child. Understanding DAP - its meaning and intentional practices - is essential in guiding the decisions we make for young children". ~NAEYC article

Quote By Lilian Katz

"Each of us must come to care about everyone else's children. We must recognize that the welfare of our children is intimately linked to the welfare of all other people's children. After all, when one of our children needs life-saving surgery, someone else's child will perform it. If one of our children is harmed by violence, someone else's child will be responsible for the violent act. The good life for our own children can be secured only if a good life is also secured for all other people's children." 

Personal Childhood Web

The five people who cared about and nurtured me as a child and my whole life are my father, mother, grandmother, grandfather, and brother.  My father was a very smart man and he encouraged us in school. He came to all my school function. I wrote a poem about him in the 3 rd grade that I read at the father's day luncheon. He also helped me with my homework, especially math.  My mother is a nurse so she has always had great nurturing skills. I could curl up next to my mom and talk to her about anything and she always listened and gave great advice. My grandmother taught me how to bake (somewhat I am not very good). My grandmother is a wise woman who took care of many people in her life and LOVES her grandchildren. My grandfather loved to take me fishing, camping, swimming, and hiking. He taught me how to swim. He also taught me the meaning of love and death. He was my first experience with death and when he passed away, I was heartbroken.  My brother cared for me by being my friend and looking out for me. We have a special bond and we still look out for each other to this day.

My family made me feel special by caring for me, showing me the beautiful things in the world. We went on trips, we had cook-outs at the lake, and I was told "I love You" everyday!

My mom and dad taught my siblings and me the value of education and they accepted only the best from us. I am gratefully to them for that. Additionally, my support network (my family) taught me the importance of family and sticking together. As an adult, I help my siblings and we make time to get together and spend time with each other.

A poem that touch my heart!

I chose this poem because I had a family that adopted a little girl and her story has always touched my heart. The adoptive mom used to say her daughter did not grow in her belly but in her heart!

 To My Baby

by Karen Ledbetter

I knew of you before your birth,
I loved you before we ever met.
I prayed for you day and night,
Thankful your birth mother had chosen life.

The waiting was so anxious and hard,
You already held a place in my heart.
Weeks went by, and sometimes I cried.
Finally one day came a call with good news.

Tears of joy fell on my cheek
The first time I held you,
Precious Baby, so tiny and sweet.
I'm thankful your birth mother had chosen life.

Rocking and singing sweet lullabies,
You've brought much joy to so many lives.
I'll love you forever, sweet little one.
Memories to treasure, a new life begun.

Children’s book I love

My favorite children's book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This book is my favorite because as a teacher you can implement many activities. The book contains colors, foods (fruits), counting and caterpillars! I did a unit on all the fruits in the books, we (the class, children and parents) research the fruits, and the class created art, learned science terms and learned about different fruits.

Words of wisdom

A Motivational Poem
When We Share
Poet: Unknown
When we share laughter, there's twice the fun;
When we share success, we surpass what we've done.

When we share problems, there's half the pain;
When we share tears, a rainbow follows rain.

When we share dreams, they become more real;
When we share secrets, it's our hearts we reveal.

If we share a smile, then our love shows;
If we share a hug, then our love grows.

If we share with someone on whom we depend,
That person becomes family or friend.

And what draws us closer and makes us all care,
Is not what we have, but the things that we share.