During my exploration
of the website of the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)
I browsed through the books that the organization has published and found that many
of the titled seemed intriguing. Two books
which really sparked my interest and I would definitely like to read are; “Common
Bonds (3rd ed.)” which examines the growing diversity of schools and
looks at ways in which educators can create inclusive environments in which differences
are recognized and accepted while at the same time reinforcing values that can
create a sense of belonging and togetherness.
The second book is “To Play or Not To Play: Is it Really a Question?”. In this era when economist are advocating to
invest in early childhood education for the purpose of generating net benefits,
added pressure is being placed on educators for accountability. Therefore there is little or no time for play
in the classroom. This book, according
to the authors, help to reaffirm the pivotal role that play has in child
development. These two books I believe
could help me in my professional development as they address some of the current
issues in early childhood development. Additionally,
the other publications such as Childhood Education, Early Years Bulletin, and
Journal of Research have a wealth of articles which could assist me in getting
ideas to assist me in engaging my students in high quality activities and
creating stimulating and enriching environments in my classroom.
During my exploration
there was no article/publication which seemed to be controversial. Nonetheless, I came across the article “Early
Childhood Program Effectiveness” which emphasizes program policies and
practices which foster effective early childhood programs. These practices include early interventions,
building nurturing relationships, creating a conducive and safe environment and
having effective support systems.
Likewise, the article speaks of the societal benefits for children
participating in effective quality early childhood programs. According to the article, these benefits
include reduced crime, welfare and educational remediation and an increase in
high incomes when these children reach adulthood resulting in increased tax
revenues.
One additional
insight that I gathered from the website is that they have established a
program called “Decade for Childhood 2012 – 2022” which provides a platform in
which individuals from various disciplines such as education, health, ecology,
recreation, sociology and psychology can dialogue about the experiences of childhood
and issues affecting the well-being of children. ACEI also put in place ten pillars which constitute
a good childhood. These pillars I believe
educators can use in establishing engaging and effective programs.
They are;
- Safe and secure places for living and learning,
with access to health care, clothing, and nutritious food - Strong families and loving, consistent caregivers
- Social interactions and friendships
- Creative play and physical activity
- Appreciation and stewardship of the natural environment
- Creative expression through music, dance, drama,
and the other arts - Education that develops the full capacities of the child—cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and ethical
- Supportive, nurturing, child-friendly communities
- Growing independence and decision making
- Children and youth participating in community life.
Association for
Childhood Education International. (2014). www.acei.org
Center of the
Developing Child at Harvard University. (2011). Inbrief Series: Early
Childhood Program Effectiveness. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/resources/briefs/inbrief_series/
The second podcast I listened to was by
Meridas Eka Yora. Mr Yora is the founder and director of an institution for
Islamic education. After the 2004 catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Aceh,
located in the southern tip of Indonesia, more than 130,000 children were left
orphaned. Mr. Yora worked with others to
create three different boarding schools for these young children and he is also
the director of the foundation which runs the school. With many of the children
witnessing the death of their parents and/or families, they are traumatized. In
the podcast Mr. Yora spoke about the fact that this foundation provides teachers
them specialized training for working with these children. Before being
teachers, they must take on the role of mother and father to help ease the hurt
and to promote healing. Essentially, the foundation promotes a family-like
environment for the orphaned children. Many of the older children watch
out for the younger ones, acting like big brothers and sisters. Mr. Yora and
his wife treat the children who are really struggling with this trauma, like
they are their own children, which help them live a more normal life. 