Celebrating Juneteenth 2014 in North Carolina

The history of the United States is one with positive and negative acts that makes it’s the country that is known this 21^st century.  One aspect of the country’s history is Juneteenth, that is also known as Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day or Emancipation Day that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States (approximately 1865).  Celebrations for Juneteenth as a state holiday or special day of observance in most states.

Local cities observe the celebration in various ways that include public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing traditional Negro Spiritual songs like “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (Nation Negro Anthem), “Go Down Moses” and readings by African American writers such as Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Carter G. Woodson and Lorraine Hansberry.  Some celebrations take place in the form of historical reenactments, Juneteenth contests, parades, fairs, cookouts and many other ways.

If you live in North Carolina, here are some events around the state one can participate in to enhance knowledge.

1.      Juneteenth Celebration June 14, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Historical Stagville State Historical site in Durham, NC – (919) 620-0120.  View the NC’s copy of the 13^th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery in 1865.  Other artifacts, tour original 18^th and 19^th century structures, and listen to spirituals as you learn what happens to Stagville in the years after the Civil War.  Event is FREE.

2.      Durham, NC:  Tenth Juneteenth Celebration to be held June 21, 2014 at CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran Street, Durham, NC (919) 560-4355,

3.      Triad Cultural Arts Juneteenth “Jazz” Festival to be held June 21, 2014 at 5^th Street and MLK, Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  For more information visit www.triadculturalarts.org or call (336) 757-8556, and

4.      Juneteenth:  Festival of the Carolinas from June 12 – 14, 2014 in Charlotte.  For more information visit http://www.charlottebest.com. 

Again, these are just a few of the events happening in North Carolina but it’s a great time to take your family and learn more about the history of Juneteenth.  Knowledge is powerful.

Ask Dr. BKW: How to use research-based approaches to improve teaching and learning?

As early childhood educators it is important to read research-based articles ensuring you are staying abreast of the most current techniques/strategies that can be implemented to improve teaching and learning.  These articles may be a little intimating but do not feel that way because educators encourage students to challenge themselves and they will over that concept thought could not be accomplished.  Yes, you can read, comprehend, apply and analyze to improve approaches for teaching and learning.

Remember, the information will have been studied over a period of time, observation data, surveys, reviewed by peers in the field of early childhood education (scholarly) and so forth.  Here are some helpful tips to use research-based approaches to improve teaching and learning.

1.      Subscribe to early childhood education journal such as Young Children, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Education Leadership and Early Childhood Research and Practice where you can receive electronically or a hardcopy.

2.      Visit your local or University libraries and at computer station type in the search box specific topic(s) of interest (e.g., working with pre-k dual language learners) for on-site resources (journals, books) or online journals that can be printed, saved or emailed to reference later.

 

3.      Read the information as many times as needed to gain an understanding then plan how to implement.  In a composition notebook or create a spreadsheet with headings such as date read, title, authors, summary, implementation to improve teaching and learning and comments after implementation.  Remember, if techniques/strategies are for specific student(s) record information in their portfolio through anecdotal recordings and/or their individual plan sheet relating to short-range to long-range goals.

 

4.      After reading, implementing and recording information you can share with colleagues at staff meeting or professional learning community with other educators who are seeking assistance on the same or similar topic(s).

 

5.      Maintain a personal reflective journal that your thoughts are written on reading, research-based subject, implementation, modification if needed, sharing with colleagues, parents or community at large to improve teaching and learning based on individual students’ learning styles.  In addition, the techniques and strategies must be culturally developmentally age appropriate practices.

Reading research-based information as part of your regular reading becomes easier and second nature to see how information can be used.  It is part of the educator’s role to help every student become a productive citizen of society.

 

 

Ask Dr. BKW: How to provide ideas improving children's learning?

As an educator you are a life-long learner and must stay abreast of new and/or modified techniques and/or strategies for children, their families, colleagues and the community at-large.  It is important to seek out scholarly and non-scholarly journals and/or magazines.  However, this article will reference accessing non-scholarly journals and/or magazines for you the educator.

Here are some resources one can investigate for day-to-day ideas to improve children’s learning.

1.      Go to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website, click “Publications”, and click “Teaching Young Children” to view article topics of current and past issues.  Select the article topic(s) that you need more insight on such as (a) Preschoolers Take Tech Outdoors, (b) 10X:  “Good Job” Alternative, (c) 10X Family-Friendly Practices and (d) Circle Time Puppets:  Teaching Social Skills.  Read the article, discuss with co-teacher on how it can be implemented with or without modification in your learning environment.  Also, the article(s) and experience(s) can be shared at professional learning community and/or staff meeting ensuring all children receive a high-quality education.

2.      Visit your local library to obtain free parenting magazines such as Parent Today.  These articles can be used when parents approach you on different parenting issues as a resource.  Remember to ask for updates on the issue and resolution at the end.  NOTE:  Record this assistance in the child’s portfolio documenting assistance then note if changes in behavior occur in the classroom.

3.      Use the Internet to Google search different topics but be mindful all information posted may not be accurate nor beneficial. You must do your homework to fact check information before sharing as is, with modification, strategies for children, their families, colleagues and community at-large.

4.      Create a file either electronically or hardcopy of all articles retrieved, reflection on how information was used and with whom.  This is a resource for the future if and when the topic(s) arise to assist in the classroom, with parents, with colleagues and/or the community at-large.

There is no one way to instruct learning for all children due to various learning styles in the classroom; therefore, the teacher must continue to resource multiples alternatives to share content taught.  Always double-check resources for accuracy and factual information before implementing and sharing.  Remember, one strong key to improve children’s learning is to reflect on articles, summarize content, actions taken (modification, if any) and results.  Reading is fundamental as one must read latest articles for implementation toward improving children’s learning.

Professional learning community for pre-k teachers

It is important to talk with other educators on issues that relate to children, their families, community at large and personal professional growth in the field of early childhood education.  One such way is through professional learning community (PLC).  This may be a challenging act for some pre-k teachers due to being the only classroom onsite but there is hope to be an active PLC member.

Here are suggestions toward becoming an active PLC member next school year.

1.      Talk with local early childhood association to start PLC meetings once a month on topics of interest by participants (attend).  Moving to the active role you can present on various topics (name on agenda), create email listserv to send out announcements of upcoming meetings/events.  For every meeting have an agenda, sign-in sheet and other needed materials for attendees.

 

2.      Join (attend) online social media outlets such as early childhood education blog and Face Book PLC for early childhood educators.  Moving toward being an active member you must post information through comments and/or questions then post replies to attendees to read.  It is important to understand you must be posting/responding (active) and not just reviewing posted information.  Also, your posted information should be clear concise to grow the readers professionally.  In addition, you must participate in at least 3 to 4 times per month to gain the concept of actively participating in a PLC.

 

3.      You can take the leadership role by obtaining neighboring early childhood sites email addresses and compile introductory letter to start a PLC at central location (secure first) to accommodate attendee’s on-site meetings.  In the introductory letter introduce yourself, purpose/goal of meeting, date, time and your contact information.  At the first meeting other protocol information can be shared for future ones and meeting at least once a month with an agenda, sign-in sheet, and other needed materials per attendee.

 

4.      Another alternative is to start an on-site PLC with colleagues.  Survey colleagues on different topics of interest to be discussed.  Research information to present and/or facilitator to share on requested topics.  As part of the conversation at the first meeting select date/time for the gathering at least once a month with an agenda, sign-in sheet and other needed materials per attendee.

As you seek out more productive ways to be an active participant in PLC hopefully the above ideas will assist in bringing you together with like-minded early childhood educators at PLC meetings.  It is a great means to know you are not alone in your thoughts and actions to work with children, their families, colleagues, community at large and your own professional growth and development in early childhood education.  Let’s talkJ!

Pre-k ideas for school improvement plan

It is important to build a positive school community environment within the classroom and site at-large.  One of those components to think about is the school improvement plan where ideas, written reports and implementation will vary depending upon what the needs are for the school.

As the school year comes to an end pre-k teachers are asking for ideas that one can considered for a school improvement plan.  Here are some of the school improvement plans activities teachers wrote and implemented for your consideration next school year.

1.      Plans for the playground were re-designed to create a play experience with natural resources.  Some examples were recyclable cans hung by string at different height levels for musical exploration.  A fish pond with walking bridge for the children to observe fish in natural habitat.  And a covered stage area with different height wooden stumps with art easels for free self-expressions.

2.      Letters were written and donations received from local chain stores with monetary and/or materials to make repairs to the playground.  Parents were encouraged to volunteer in the effects ensuring play equipment was in good repair and beautification with new coats of paint.  In addition, the class planted a vegetable garden of different foods then recorded growth that reinforced eating fresh healthy foods.

3.       Parents were surveyed on topics (suggested ones and blank space) they would like to attend trainings on to gain a better understanding of child development.  The trainings were facilitated by the teacher and/or community professionals once a month.

4.      Due to the high usage of various social media, the teacher created a classroom blog where information was posted weekly with pictures related to lesson plan and child-initiated interest.  Parents were able to post questions and/or comments maintain positive communication.

5.      There was an underutilized space that was primarily a storage area for equipment not presently being used.  The teacher surveyed colleagues on ways to use the space more functionally and decided to create a gross motor room (used as alternative to inclement weather).  Current equipment was used and some purchased being culturally developmentally age appropriate for children birth to age five (5).

Hopefully, after reading these activities implemented for school improvement plan you will review your school then see how at least one of these activities can be done next school year.  Remember, every plan will be accustomed to your school and good luck with whatever school improvement plan selected for the overall education all.

Seeking ECE Consultant/Trainer for upcoming conferences

If you are looking for an early childhood education (ECE) consultant/trainer check out the website:  http://bwilliamson2001.wix.com/Drbkw-ece to see if your needs can be addressed by services offered.  If you have questions contact via email at bwilliamson2001@yahoo.com.  Let's start training highly qualified early childhood practitioners.

Ask Dr. BKW - Ideas to celebrate teacher/staff appreciation Week of May 4

The heart of those who impart knowledge while children are at school and/or child development centers are the teachers and staff members who want the best for them becoming productive citizens of society.  Start the week of May 4 has been set aside to celebrate “Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week” to tell everyone know the roles played to enhance and expose children to lifelong experiences.

Here are some ideas to show teachers/staff members how important they are to you and your child.

1.      Donate to a charity in Honor of your Teacher/Staff member,

2.      Give a gift certificate to their favorite store or mall,

3.      Obtain wish list and give classroom supplies,

4.      Plant a tree in Honor of your Teacher/Staff member,

5.      Bake homemade treats and put in decorative container with personal card made by child,

6.      Visit local Farmer’s Market and create a food bouquet,

7.      Cook a cultural dish,

8.      Use social media to send “Thank You” card/message, and

9.      Volunteer in classroom.

Remember, teachers and staff members spend a large amount of time educating and interacting with children in classroom lessons to extracurricular activities.  Whatever type of appreciation gifts opted to go is a small token to let teachers/staff members that they truly have a passion being in the profession of education.  Two words “thank you” will mean so much to teachers/staff members during this week along with at least one of the above listed items.  These acts of kindness remind teachers/staff members why they enter the doors each day and spend countless hours and personal income for children to have what is needed in knowing “I care about YOU!”  Thanks for all YOU have done and continue to do for the children.

Ask Dr. BKW - How to use short-range to long-range skills from data assessment for pre-k children?

The heart of those who impart knowledge while children are at school and/or child development centers are the teachers and staff members who want the best for them becoming productive citizens of society.  Start the week of May 4 has been set aside to celebrate “Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week” to tell everyone know the roles played to enhance and expose children to lifelong experiences.

Here are some ideas to show teachers/staff members how important they are to you and your child.

1.      Donate to a charity in Honor of your Teacher/Staff member,

2.      Give a gift certificate to their favorite store or mall,

3.      Obtain wish list and give classroom supplies,

4.      Plant a tree in Honor of your Teacher/Staff member,

5.      Bake homemade treats and put in decorative container with personal card made by child,

6.      Visit local Farmer’s Market and create a food bouquet,

7.      Cook a cultural dish,

8.      Use social media to send “Thank You” card/message, and

9.      Volunteer in classroom.

Remember, teachers and staff members spend a large amount of time educating and interacting with children in classroom lessons to extracurricular activities.  Whatever type of appreciation gifts opted to go is a small token to let teachers/staff members that they truly have a passion being in the profession of education.  Two words “thank you” will mean so much to teachers/staff members during this week along with at least one of the above listed items.  These acts of kindness remind teachers/staff members why they enter the doors each day and spend countless hours and personal income for children to have what is needed in knowing “I care about YOU!”  Thanks for all YOU have done and continue to do for the children.

Autism Awareness Month - Working with Preschoolers

April is Autism Awareness month a time to inform people and plan fundraising activities for research for quality treatment.  Autism is a disorder that affects one in every 110 children in the United States that more attention must be addressed at younger ages.  Some early indicators that one may have autism is lack of interest in social play with same-age children and imaginative play, lack of eye contact, repeating motions or words and delay in speech development for age.  Review this YouTube click titled, “What is Autism?  Do You Know the Signs? for more information on autism.  Presently there is not cure but there are effective treatments that can begin in the child’s early years.

As a preschool teacher or parents these are some activities that can work with autistic children:

1.      Use a dollhouse and pretend the dolls are going through the daily routine at school (pretend play).

2.      Spray shaving cream on a table and let the child smear it all around (sensory).

3.      Play a board game like “Candy Land” and reward each child for taking turns (taking turns).

4.      Play “I Spy” where both children had to look at the same object (sharing experience).

5.      Pretend to be different animals where children must mimic animal behaviors and sounds (imitation).

When you engage in these and other activities remember to have fun and offer frequent rewards to keep the autistic child engaged.  As you continue to engage in different activities with the child work on phasing out rewards as the desired behaviors are increased.  Continue to research and provide best practices culturally developmentally age appropriate activities.

 

 

Bringing Poetry to Pre-K Children

As we celebrate National Poetry Month with the focus on preschool age children that provides them the opportunity to learn new vocabulary words, ideas and real-life experiences through the eyes of what the poet wants seen in the words heard.  Through repetition of simple poems shared in the classroom as adults they can still recite them such as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “ABC song”.  Poetry can be used for the following reasons with preschoolers:

1.      Expose children to classic and contemporary poetry,

2.      Provide enjoyment in poems in silly words and humor,

3.      Stimulate children’s imagination and write dictation (word-for-word), and

4.      Increase vocabulary.

While looking for poetry that relate and/or reinforce study theme remember they can be described as the following:

1.      Lyric melodic – descriptive poetry that often has a song quality,

2.      Narrative poetry – tells a story or describes an event or happening,

3.      Limerick – a poem with five lines of verse set in a specific rhyming patter usually humorous,

4.      Free verse poetry – does not rhyme, and

5.      Nonsense poetry – often is ridiculous and whimsical.

As you recite the old classic nursery songs with children such as “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”, “London Bridge is Falling Down”, “Three Blind Mice” and so forth you want to encourage children to dictate their own poems.  Remember, when children are dictating their poems write down verbatim, with no editing from you because they are the author.  If you need help in embedding poetry into the study theme, check out these books.

1.      Ghigna, C.  (1995(.  Riddle rhymes.  New York:  Hyperion,

2.      Moore, H. H.  (1997).  A poem a day.  New York:  Scholastic,

3.      Prelusky, J.  (1986).  Read-aloud rhymes for the very young.  New York:  Knopf, and

4.      Roemer, H.  (2004).  Come to my party and other shape poems.  New York:  Henry Holt.

An activity you can do with the children is create a “Poetry Quilt”.  Select the children’s favorite poem and read helping them to think what they would draw, paint and/or use collage materials to tell what the poem means to them.  Provide materials for the children to use in creating their “Poetry Quilt” once completed add words stated by children to quilt pieces. 

The poetry quilt activity can be extended by placing tape recorders throughout the classroom and record children’s conversations.  At the end of the day, listen to the tape with co-teacher then write down the best lines to create class poem. The next day, share with children the wonderful poetry they created while playing in centers and they can create “Class Poetry Quilt”. 

Here are some helpful websites as you continue to plan activities for celebrating National Poetry Month exposing children to poetry throughout the school year.  First, is “The Academy of  American Poets at http://www.poets.org and select “For Educators” link.  Second, is “Famous Poetry Online at http://www.poetry-online.org and select Poetry for Children, then Funny Poetry.  And third, is “Poets House” at http://poetshouse.org.  Click on Collection and then Children’s Room. 

Poetry is one way to help preschoolers express what is going on in the world around them.  Knowledge is powerful.