I have yet to receive a copy of the newsletter even though I have signed up for it. But after reviewing the website information that is available, I still consider this organization one of the top resources for professionals in the early childhood field. The focus of the 2013 conference is "imagine, innovate & inspire". I believe this is the job of the early childhood professional. We have the opportunity to open young minds and provide experiences that will do just that.
I really enjoy the area noted as "Voices of Practitioners". This area is a wealth of information from others who are in the same position as I. Reading their experiences and research findings provides various points of view regarding different topics. There is so much information that it was difficult to decide on a starting point.
The issue of Anti-Bias Education was the controversial topic that I found on the site. While some individuals will teach about Thanksgiving from the positive aspects for the Pilgrims, I tend to use this time to introduce my students to Native Americans history. I do not focus on the negativity that some will associate with the Pilgrims arrival in the New World. I focus on the positive information about the Native Americans. Why should we expose young children to the negativity. According to the website, "Unless teachers are well informed and thoughtful, Thanksgiving can become (even if unintentionally) a “unit” that teaches young children damaging misinformation and stereotypes" (NAEYC, 2013).
Hi Sonya!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thanks for sharing. I understand how you feel as I never received a newsletter from NHSA even though I signed up. Like you, I physically visit the website each week for updates. I like how you are going to focus on the positive message of Thanksgiving when teaching your students.
Did you attend the NAEYC conference in DC? I wanted to attend, however I have way too much going on with Health and Disabilities. A few of our teachers attended and I'm sure that they received valuable information to implement:)
Unfortunately I did not get to attend the conference. With the recent budget cuts, the funding was not there to support teachers attending the conference. I was very disappointed as I feel that this would have been a great opportunity to network with other professionals from around this country.
DeleteAloha,
ReplyDeleteI noticed that both you and Caitlin picked Anti-Bias Education from the NAEYC page. I must say that I'm very encouraged by those giving attention to this. I'm a firm believer in teaching children from where they are at instead of where we think they should be. Education in a world of acceptance and understanding has got to be a better place to live.
Well said, Sonya, many times what we think is helpful does more harm than good. I prefer the positive over negatives any day and I believe it is better for children to be surrounded by challenges accompanied with praises and rewards that esteemed them to do their best in all that they do.
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