To Tablet or not to Tablet...that is the question...

     The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) had a really interesting article that I felt is relevant to my current professional development.  There was a particular article called "Touch and Grow: Learning and Exploring Using Tablets."  This article pertains to me because many preschools in my area are now entertaining the idea of using tablets in the classrooms as a learning tools.  I feel this is great idea since we live in a society where almost everything is associated with technology in some way.  However, like many parents, as  a teacher I do have some reservations.  This article helped me realize that tablets are safe for children but there special precautions teachers have to do.  Teachers must use safe apps and explore all the functions of the tablet and the apps.  Also needing parental approval is strongly encouraged just in case there are parents who don't agree with their children using the tablets. 

I learned that tablets can increase mental processes and brain development through the children using different activities in order to play the apps. This information helped me to understand why some neuroscientists recommend young children using tablets.  Also it helps economists argument about the importance of investing in the future.  By teachers and parents keeping children up to date with the fast pace of technology, they helping children to stay competitive globally. 
Another factor about the using tablets is how it can help teachers track developmental progression and keep documents electronically.  Also for preschools teachers who run schools out of their homes, tablets can help teachers take electronic payments from parents and keep record of those payments, which can help during tax season or if parents miss payments.                                                         

If you're interested in looking at the article here is the url, http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/article/touch_and_grow.  I hope it helps you like it helped me. 

Child Poverty in Kyrgyzstan

Poverty is an issue that is present all over the world in every country.  Over 600 million children live in poverty, globally.  (Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre 2012)  These are horrific numbers and these numbers include developed countries.  The crazy thing is that in some countries over 60% of children live in families below the poverty line. (CHIP 2012)  One of those developing countries whose poverty stats interests me was Kyrgyzstan, which was a part of the Soviet Union.  In 1991 Kyrgyzstan gained independence and went through a tough time economically during the transition to independence.  It was so tough poverty rose to 60%. (CHIP 2012) 

Imagine all the children and families directly affected by poverty in that country.  The statistics are alarming.  "In 2001 49 per cent of urban young people under 20 and 55 per cent of rural under 20s lived in poverty in 2001 with 18 per cent unable to afford even their basic food needs. For young children the contrast is even starker - 57 per cent of urban infants under 1, and 65 per cent of rural under 1s lived in poverty." (CHIP 2012) This has caused for children to drop out of school and begin to work to help support their families and themselves.  The type of jobs they are doing are mostly working on farms and other agricultural jobs.  Also they are due to there being a large number of homeless children, child prostitution and trafficking is a common occupation as well.

 Another awful factor is the children health issues that come because of poverty.  7% of children were malnourished and 14% didn't have any access to health services or immunizations.  (CHIP 2012)  This causes for there to be a rise in tuberculosis cases.  It's sad that most families have to choose between health care, education for their kids, and having enough funds in order to obtain the basic essentials for the family. 

It's good to know there is a plan of action to tackle the poverty issue in Kyrgyzstan.  There is a specific plan that takes on child poverty.  It's a three year plan that is national implemented.  Programs focus on social welfare and encourage children to stay in school.  (CHIP 2012)

Kyrgyzstan. (2012)  Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre. Retrieved from http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/index.php?action=countryo#25

My Favorite Resource

There are many resources I draw from in order to stay current, answer inquires, and give me new ideas when working with young children and also provides information for my children.  I have three children who are under the age of five and I have the same concerns of my students' parents.  My favorite source to go to is The National Association for the Education of Young Children. This website, www.naeyc.com, covers a wide range of issues and keeps me up to date.  They don't have a newsletter they send out so I check the website every other week.   I want to join the NAEYC organization and become a member.  That way I do get my information via email and mail.  The main focus of NAEYC is to provide the latest and innovative ways, events, and ideas that are going on early childhood education. 

When I went on the website, recently, I found an article about the talking to children and youth after a traumatic event.  This intrigued me due to the recent event, Hurricane Sandy and made me think about all the children who were greatly affected by it.  Families lost their homes and there are many adults who don't know where to begin to pick up the pieces.  Also there are still people out of power and living in conditions were the weather is freezing.  This article provides ways for parents and educators to notice the effects of trauma and how to help the children. 

The National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2012) Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events.  A Guide for Parents and Educators.  Retrieved from  http://www.samhsa.gov/MentalHealth/Tips_Talking_to_Children_After_Disaster.pdf

My quest to contact childhood professionals

So far I have attempted to make contact with three educational professionals.  They are from Hungary, Singapore, and The Philippines.  I hope to hear back from them and that they are willing to communicate with me about their experiences in the early childhood profession in their countries. 

I have narrowed down my selection to National Black Child Development Institute.  I chose it because I work in a urban setting where the majority of my students are African American.  Also the graduation rate is rapidly dropping my city.  So I am hoping to gain knowledge and insight that will help my students, their families, and my community.  So if you are having difficulties narrowing down your chose, choose something that will help your community and provide you with tools to effective.