Technology; A Distraction for Some While Empowering Others

So as usual I decided to write about something that I've observed (what else is there to write about right?!), which is how media can be effective for some children while a distraction to others. I must say before I continue that I personally think that media and other technological resources are a great way to engage students and if done appropriately, to learn as well. My compliments to the Virgin Islands Department of Education for including technological materials within all classrooms, primary and secondary. I have come to learn the many different ways students can learn from these objects, as well as the benefits of their engagement through activities that include technological materials. Providing computers for the general use and research of assignments was a great way to include media resources to encourage creativity, as well as providing students was the most powerful resource of our time, the internet.
      But there are some students who aren't learning due to becoming distracted. I've witnessed in certain cases where students became distracted by other students who where allowed to use technological resources when they weren't. In that case in point students where working in groups which alternated the resources ( in this case iPads) because there wasn't enough to supply the whole class. In such cases it is understandable, but allowing students to use such resources for recreational purposes alone while others are still finishing their assignments can be a distraction. Children are more concentrated on the actions of their peers than that of the lesson or activity at hand. In such cases I would recommend placing children performing different actions ( like activities vs. lessons) within different room settings. A learning center within the classroom that is well structured so that students aren't able to view the actions of other children would be ideal. I realize that for many teachers this may be considered strenuous as they may have to move constantly to ensure students are committed to the tasks at hand, but this can also be encouraging for students dramatic play being out of the view of others they are more likely to act out more confidently without fear of persecution from their peers.
There are concerns about whether young children should have access to technology and screen media in early childhood programs. Those concerns have aroused with regards to obesity as many feel kids need more physical activities rather than screen media/ passive non interactive technology. To divert such findings experts recommend the amount of screen time for children under school age is one(4-5 years old) hour, children attending school or of the age are allotted two hours. The intent of these limitations are to defer the believed outcomes which include but aren't limited to;

• obesity
• irregular sleep patterns
• behavioral issues
• focus and attention problems
• decreased academic performance
• negative impacts on social and language engagement

Technology shouldn't be used for activities that aren't educational, progressive, developmentally appropriate or effective; nor as a means to replace physical/social activities or interaction.
Another issues revolves around equity/access to such materials and broadband internet remain unsolved  and in my personal opinion will remain unsolved until all educational institutions reach an educational consensus on appropriate materials, devices, and methodology or maybe the nation will find a way to reverse this recession and allow for more families to have an equal chance at affording such manipulative (which ever comes first I guess).
Despite many of the accolades education has received for taking the next step in education and including technology there are those who feel that it is unnecessary and that it is potentially harming more than helping. While I have already conveyed my personal feelings on the matter a report on learning from media use in America half of the parents that participated within the survey believed that their kids learned more. It is also reported that children spend up to 42 minutes a day watching educational television media; 5 minutes of educational content on mobile devices and three minutes of educational video games. While I'm sure that it may differ on a larger scale since this was a survey with a limited amount of participants and most home don't include all three resources as there are other resources available not listed. But I can say that I do personally concur with their findings; most children that I've seen within such instances aren't inclined to spend more than three to five minutes on an educational video game ,but when allotted others of a different variety they'll spend an hour or two dressing barbie. The same records also showed that children only read an average of forty minutes a day; 29 minutes with print, eight minutes with computers, and five using e-learning platforms. Regardless of those figures the finding where of the most importance. Parents found that the learning extended from the educational media through forms of questions, imaginative play, and projects related to knowledge gained.
Students need be afforded the opportunity to learn technological skills at early ages versus the latter. Just as books were a main source of literacy in our age (80's-90's), in this age it's pertinent for students to indulge in its uses for constructive means rather than just social. The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (VINGN)  recently participated in and advocated for the literacy of  us ALL in technology through learning to code. Students who learn such skills are afforded the opportunity to create programs and apps rather than just being the perfect target for others who have manufactured that of the same caliber. VINGN is currently holding a cyber learning basic digital literacy course that is free to all USVI residents, I encourage all to attend, if for nothing else personal empowerment. In order for communities to be in unison with moving forward to the next steps of education we need to educate parents on what is educational and how to evaluate adequate materials and media resources such as apps/games. By doing this everyone is more confident about its usage and the educational value of the context.




NAEYC. (2012). Technology and interactive media as tools In Early Childhood Programs serving children from birth through eight. Retrieved on January 26, 2014 from http://issuu.com/naeyc/docs/ps_technology_issuu_may2012/1?e=2112065/2087657

Cultural Diversity in the U. S Virgin Islands

Cultural Diversity in the U. S Virgin Islands

       America has always been the ideal location for immigrants because of our laws promoting equality, rights, and justice and its territories are no different since they are subject to the same laws. It is because of such, and our ideal location, that many immigrants also move to the U.S Virgin Islands seeking refuge from their native lands; and as such our Spanish speaking population is ever rising. With neighbors from Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, and the Dominican Republic it was pertinent for our local schools to develop ESL programs to meet the needs of our growing population. There are many things, important information, which is needed in order to provide adequate and appropriate teaching and learning techniques that we, as teachers, can only learn from parents; student’s cultural emotional actions and responses, norms, values, and other customs. This information is significant when creating lesson plans, presentations/activities, and to facilitate an effective, progressive classroom. With the holiday season within it's prime time this is the perfect opportunity to utilize different activities to promote diverse cultures,  it is my intent to illustrate a series of presentations and activities that can be used within a classroom to promote cultural awareness among diversity.

1. Cultural Group Readings

The purpose of this activity is to familiarize students and parents with different cultures and languages active with the classroom/school.

The target group is Spanish speaking minorities

Students and parents are asked to bring a book from their native culture and one item that is a part of their culture. After reading there book within their native language students and parents are encouraged to tell us about their ‘show and tell’ item. Some questions asked may include, but aren’t limited to ‘why be it so important to you/ your culture? How where you introduced to this item? Other students and parents are encouraged to inquire as well.

Each presentation should last no longer than fifteen minutes. Participants will be notified ahead of time and will be asked to choose excerpts or chapters to read aloud.

All materials and resources used are personal items respective to the parities participating. A microphone and speaker should be present to ensure all participants are heard and to promote engagement.

2. Social Studies Activity

The purpose of this activity is to help familiarize students and parents with different cultures and languages present within the classroom and school, as well as to help them identify the different cultures geographically.

This activity is useful with all groups and minorities, but because of the complex diversity of Spanish speaking individuals within my community I feel it necessary to illustrate through such circumstances

Students and parents are asked to bring a map (small or printed out on paper) of the town or city that they are from natively. Students are also asked to bring pictures from their hometown of social hangouts, historical sites, landmarks, and other popular areas to help familiarize others of where they are from. Parents and students will be asked to identify their native homelands on a World map and a globe so students are able to locate it themselves. Then all participants are asked to make a collage using the items they’ve brought, to display within the classroom, which can later be used to reiterate instruction/information.

Presentation/activity target time is ten minutes or less

Participants are asked to bring most of their materials (pictures, maps, souvenirs, etc.). Other items needed include;

• Poster boards

• Glue

• Scissors

• Markers

• Computer with printer

• World map

• Globe

• Overhead projector (optional)

3. Social Learning Area

The purpose of this activity is to promote cultural awareness among students and parents about their peers; also to promote understanding between all parties of their native customs to ultimately empathize with all peers regardless of differences, culture or otherwise.

This activity is useful with all groups and minorities, but because of the complex diversity of Spanish speaking individuals within my community I feel it necessary to illustrate through such circumstances

Everyone is asked to bring personal items that may be considered respective to their culture to use within the learning areas (i.e. sombrero, wooden shoes, etc.).After identifying which items were brought by who and their use children and parents are encouraged to utilize objects that are ‘new’ to them, several objects. Through these actions and use of various materials it is believed that students will form a greater appreciation for culturally diverse people and their items; developing cultural awareness.

Participants are encouraged to engage within an activity until they’ve familiarized themselves will all items and interacted with others.

Materials sued are donated by parents and participating members of the community.

All activities listed where developed to promote three types of affective variables related to second language acquisition; self confidence, motivation, and low anxiety. Through these activities, and other engaging activities, it is hoped that students will be able to build an appropriate level of self confidence among their peers, as well as within the classroom to ensure progression. After familiarizing themselves with others and their different backgrounds and cultures, students are more at ease and motivated to participate within all activities. Our text states that learners who have self confidence and positive self image tend to be more successful, high motivated learners who outperform those with low motivation. It is with such information that I conclude, engaging students in learning is necessary across all areas and until that is embraced we will all continue the ‘uphill’ battle of dealing with challenging students.













References

Helm, J. H. (2008). Got Standards? Don’t Give Up on Engaged Learning! Young Children, 14-20.

Gronlund, G. (2007). Making early learning standards come alive: Connecting your practice and curriculum to state guidelines. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.

Marotz, L. R., Allen, K., Developmental Profiles Pre - Birth through Adolescence, 7th edition Wadsworth Cengage Learning USA 2013

Syrja, Rachel Carrillo. How to Reach and Teach English Language Learners: Practical Strategies to Ensure Success. John Wiley & Sons P&T, 08/2011. <Vbk: 9781118397077#page (35)>.

Educational Institutions Need New Blood

In the U.S Virgin Islands we have been plagued with leasing opportunities and a stagnant economy which has in turn caused many of us to ignore topics of great importance for immediate needs that supersede these topics of great importance due to dire need. Well our practices have left us,our children, and our futures in a dark place; the blind eye that we have taken to the deviants of society have left us arrogant and ignorant to a more progressive means of evolving as a society. If we do not take care of such problems now then our ideologies and norms will be lead astray in the future; now is the time to put our futures at the forefront and begin shaping a better future, and what a better place to begin than our educational institutions and educators. Many of our founding fathers ( and mothers) of education spend their entire careers assessing and philosophizing the best practices to utilize for the progression of different children with different needs, and we have only two programs in place within our public education institutions that offer such programs typically to English language learners. Years ago our local government adapted to the common core standards, but our schools have yet to implement them. We need to ‘mobilize the educational movement’ to meet the needs of our students and educational institutions as we do our electoral and violence campaigns for it is just as important if not more so.

The emphasis we have put on standardized testing doesn't help the students,but it makes them timid to know that this test is/can be used to rate their IQ’s. Jean Piaget used standardized testing of reasoning for use with children. His research became the foundation for his method of interviewing; used to study the development of children intellectualism. A method of such sort should be in place within our educational institutions, but they are not, instead we have children being promoted year after year without learning their essentials, as well as children not being promoted at all for ignorance on the part of the educator for not providing engaging/progressive work that would meet that child’s needs. I recognize that within the public school systems it may be hard for educators to this with all students, but with the tenacity and dedication that I've seen educational professionals refer students to alternative programs (just to get them out of their classroom), their should be a program in place that children can be referred to for child centered learning to improve their intellectual standing and eventually prepare them for integration with the rest of the school population once more (as is done within the alternative programs for troubled students). Piaget stated “thus i engaged my subjects in a conversations patterned after psychiatric questioning, with the aim of discovering something about the reasoning process underlying their right but especially wrong answers” (Morrison, 2009). We too need to develop a curriculum which encourages our teachers to utilize such questioning techniques to improve/promote thinking within all areas of education; early learners to intermediate and high school. Many of the actions carried out by adolescents today are the products of false beliefs and norms taught to the young by the ignorant to promote their own norms and beliefs. If we can teach them within the classroom and at home about the different philosophies of life and get them to ask some of the hard questions and answer such questions, many of the outlooks that they've received through ‘distorted lenses’ on the streets can and will change.

Piaget’s theory of learning was based off of cognitive development; it explains how individuals think, perceive, understand, and learn (Morrison, 2009).He viewed intelligence as the process by which children acquired knowledge, not where knowledge is measured by intelligence. Piaget's cognitive theory states through direct experiences with the physical world, children develop intelligence;

• Active learning- children develop knowledge through engaging learning activities (physically and mentally)
• Adaptation- the process of building units of knowledge through interactions with the environment consisting of two processes; assimilation and accommodation
• Assimilation- process of fitting new information into existing knowledge units
• Accommodation - changing/ altering old units of knowledge to update with new information
• Equilibrium - a balance between new and old knowledge, developed through assimilation and accommodation.

While these studies were intended for early childhood learners I don’t see why we can’t implement it throughout our public school systems, Pre-K through 12 grade. Many early childhood programs follow published and recognized curriculum's, in the USVI though we haven’t ,made any such determinations. Most early childhood care takers teach at minimal levels providing children with little opportunity for learning. The program curriculum's that early childhood educators adhere by are out of date and by far not meeting age appropriate standards. A curriculum is a set of objectives that define the knowledge or information that children will be taught; if the curriculum is continued at it’s pace children are the only ones losing. Our curriculum's need to include age appropriate, progressive activities that children can learn from such as health classes, fruits & vegetable awareness, physical fitness, and every classroom or facility should have at least two learning centers for a variety and to keep children engaged within their learning activities. Teaching our children the basics just isn't going to cut it anymore, the world is changing and if we don’t catch up we all will be left behind.

While locally I haven’t heard many ill talking about new common core implementations, I have read quite a bit of controversy via online resources and chat rooms. To the best of my understanding, since I've never taught at elementary or secondary schools,the standards and curriculum provide a process that includes a shared vision of expectations with multiple pathways for attaining them (Strickland, 2012). I don’t understand why so many educators feel that they are being told how to teach now, if in any case they are being told ‘what’ to teach, not ‘how’ and it is for the benefit of the children. While many will not be able to go to Ivy league schools with such standards all children, regardless of class and background, can have the same education levels and opportunities to expand their horizons. Its not about the teachers, but the students.

With the use of underlying factors within Piaget’s stages of development we could adapt his techniques and research to fit our culture and it’s needs.While our government has promised us the use of Common Core Standards it has still yet to be implemented, although it’s being claimed to be ‘progressing’ since it was announced September 30, 2010. Other than Piaget there are many other theories to be considered that fit a wide array of our shortfalls; Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner are all influential educators whose lives work were dedicated to many of the problems that we face now; when will we dedicate our lives to the education of the future? We rally and protest for everything except education, but we wonder why our children aren't doing well in schools; we blame teachers, the institutions and even politicians, all of which do have a hand in educational structure, but so do we as the parents and taxpayers. Virgin Islanders we've rallied against eight percent cuts for government workers, drugs, crime, and violence, all topics that are rampant within our society. But it is also time we take a stand for those who cannot stand for themselves due to lack of knowledge; they are unaware that they are behind and will be until we do something to change that. The next time we rally, it should be for our children.

Strickland, D. S. (2012). Planning curriculum to meet the common core state standards. Reading Today, 29(4), 25-26. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/926994517?accountid=32521

Morrison, G.S. (2009). Early Childhood Education Today. Pearson Education, Inc.,Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

Assessment & Curriculum Planning

        Early childhood education and its components has become, in recent years, a highly regarded subject with topics ranging from a wide array of subjects that include but aren’t limited to; nutrition, physical education, inclusion, special needs students/subjects, objective assessments, curriculum core standards, and even religion. While all of these topics are more or less independently important in their own way, together they comprise of many of the areas of education that may be insufficient with regards to an epidemic of problems students/educators are now plagued with. Assessment within the educational system is necessary for evaluation of students progressions or lack thereof, while many argue that within the realm of early childhood education assessment is  a ‘challenge’ there are still many resources that counter such arguments. It has been stated that the issue with regards to using assessments and common core standards to create a curriculum is that of teachers feeling as though it imposes on their flexibility to teach within a range of areas. It is my intent to illustrate throughout this paper the role ongoing role of assessment within early childhood education and what it attributes to developing a meaningful curriculum, the children, teachers, parents and its community.

       One aim of early learning standards and assessments is to galvanize internal improvements within early care and education institutions (Kagan & Scott-Little, 2004).  Appropriate assessment begins with a comprehensive understanding of what is to be assessed—in this case, the content and desired outcomes expressed in early learning standards. Assessments must be developmentally valid, including observations by knowledgeable adults in real-life early childhood contexts, with multiple, varied opportunities for assessment over time. It is also highly imperative when considering assessments and how they are used not to overlook the needs of culturally diverse children and children with disabilities. McKane (2004) reported that well-writ-ten learning objectives helped center the pre-assessment, remedial learning, and post-assessment of knowledge and skills of students engaged in a critical care orientation course. Relying on appropriate learning objectives further facilitated development of individualized learning plans and guided preceptors in their selection of appropriate learning activities and evaluation strategies (Menix, 2007). The information is intended to produce realistic outcomes yielded by these assessments to be used by practitioners and families alike.

     Within the curriculum planning process assessment has much merit. Early learning development requires an assessment tool that (a) Builds on the observational skills of early childhood educators (b) uses objective criteria to translate qualitative observations into early learning standards and (c) safeguards against teachers focusing exclusively on the criteria identified for assessment (Feldman, 2010). The current approach offers structure for curricular planning and assessment that examines group level activity across many diverse fields. Institutions that teach a higher level of learning, middle school etc., use a system of Standards without standardization, the current approach draws from this idea by utilizing a curricular planning and assessment tool that allows educators to select learning goals from a set of approved learning standards. Keeping standards and assessments on the same levels proves to aid/assist educators while planning and assessing activities for children across different domains. Approaches to curricular planning and assessment need to be (a) flexible enough to accommodate different approaches to curriculum, (b) provide and outlet for feedback about early learning standards and benchmarks (Feldman, 2010).

         Assessments best used in early childhood education settings are those practiced through observation and executed within a classroom. A number of experts agree that many assessment styles many of which could be accurate while others’ could be different and could serve to be defeating the same purpose. Many institutions use different practices with regards to theorized based education and practice based curriculum's; this diversity increases the degree of difficulty to curriculum assessment. Certain learning institutions don’t believe in the assessment of any child.   The preceding mentions and others are reasons why educators are now seeking new methodology that requires curricular assessment that will respect the vow/pledges and significance of different early learning institutions.

References

Strickland, D. S. (2012). Planning curriculum to meet the common core state standards. Reading Today, 29(4), 25-26. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/926994517?accountid=32521

Feldman, E. N. (2010). Benchmarks curricular planning and assessment framework: Utilizing standards without introducing standardization. Early Childhood Education Journal, 38(3), 233-242. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10643-010-0398-9

Grisham-brown, J., Hallam, R., & Brookshire, R. (2006). Using authentic assessment to evidence children's progress toward early learning standards. Early Childhood Education Journal, 34(1), 45-51. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10643-006-0106-y

Dodge, D. F., Heroman, C., Charles, J., & Maiorca, J. (2004). Beyond Outcomes: How Ongoing Assessment Supports Children's Learning and Leads to Meaningful Curriculum. Spotlight on Young Children and Assessment, 9-16.

National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Association of Early Childhood Specialist in State Departments of Education. (2003). Early Childhood Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation: Building an Effective, Accountable System in Programs for Children Birth Through 8.

Challenging Behavior Part II; Teachers

Functional Behavior Assessment

       If challenging behavior within children is considered to be a problem yet a means of communication, then why are we (or the majority anyway) always shying away from it? Children are required to use their body language to say what they can’t for some aren’t articulate enough to convey their feeling, while others who can are afraid to verbally convey their feelings. Nonetheless, all children deserve to have equal opportunities within this world and by allowing any child to continue their challenging behavior to a point where it become a habit, or that it progresses into violence or worse, we aren’t facilitating such opportunities. Through different behavioral assessments and strategies teachers are afforded the opportunity help these students progress towards finding another way to ‘express themselves’. Throughout this article it is my intent to illustrate how teachers collect data in order to determine the functions of a behavior, the importance of collecting and reviewing data before implementing specific interventions to address challenging behavior, three common behaviors a teacher may see in young children and target for modification or replacement along with possible functions for each of these common targeted behaviors. 

       Teachers and education professionals collect data to determine the different functions of behavior with regards to the child in question. The data collected is then analyzed to determine the best course of action to use, or to develop a positive behavior support plan to help guide both the student and teacher on the best strategies and other effective ways to help detour the student from their destructive behavior and progress toward one that is less ‘aggressive and destructive’. Functional assessment and positive behavior support are tertiary interventions; and serious, frequent, and intense behavior problems clearly qualify for their use (Gable, Quinn, Rutherford, Howell, & Hoffman, 1998). More moderate behaviors—especially those that occur often or over a long period and affect learning and social relationships—may be candidates as well (Chandler & Dahlquist, 2005). An informal observation will provide a reality check by helping you figure out exactly how frequently the behavior takes place—how many times a day, how many times a week—and whether it appears at specific times.
       
       Collecting and analyzing data before creating a target modifications and replacements is imperative. Knowledge of the use of the target behavior for the child is imperative before trying to implement modifications and replacement behaviors for the replacement behavior could actually serve to hinder from doing what is in the child’s best interest. If a child is using challenging behavior to avoid participating in art projects and you try to promote his participation more within the class it may cause them to become more challenging or by putting a student outside when they are challenging that student is still avoiding whatever he was using his behavior to contest.  By reviewing records, inquiring about interests of your own, and observing children within their natural habitats/ environment, you are able to better serve the needs of the child/children. After obtaining such information you  are then equip with the tools necessary to create an effective positive behavior support plan; one that will fit the needs of the child in question without hindering other students as well.
 
       Common examples of challenging behavior within children include but aren’t limited to aggressive behavior, antisocial/disruptive behavior, and timid/ withdrawn behavior. The top fifteen behavioral problems reported by teachers are biting, throwing temper tantrums, screaming, yelling, destruction of objects, throwing objects, kicking, pushing, pinching, frequent crying, grabbing of toys/materials from others, needs frequent adult assistance, spitting, disobeys instructions, and threatening.  From my own experiences with preschools within our territory, reoccurring problems I faced where that of pinching, yelling, grabbing toys/materials, and disobeying instructions. While there were other occasions where other behaviors where displayed by different children, they were few and infrequent enough to mention. If the functional assessment indicates that the child is trying to obtain your attention, you can use planned ignoring. This means you must plan not to respond to the child’s challenging behavior—not to come to her side, speak to her, or look at her when she behaves inappropriately—but instead provide attention when she’s behaving in an acceptable manner (or a close approximation thereof). This action shows the child that the challenging behavior will not serve the function or purpose it has served up until now—it will no longer get her what she wants (Durand, 1990; O’Neill et al., 1997). When a child begins throwing temper tantrums, screaming, or other aggressive behavior that could be dangerous or may be hazardous in anyway provide some positive reinforcement that is meaningful, and as they begin to regain control offer options of what could be done next.
   

References

The IRIS Center for Training Enhancements. (2009). Functional Behavior Assessment: Functional Behavioral Assessment: Identifying the Reasons for Problem Behavior and Developing a Behavior Plan and the A-B-C Analysis. Retrieved May 14, 2013, from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/fba/chalcycle.htm


Rasminsky, Barbara Kaiser and Judy Sklar. Challenging Behavior in Young Children:
Understanding, Preventing and Responding Effectively, 3/e for Ashford University, 3rd Edition. Pearson Learning Solutions. <vbk:9781256060314#outline(15.2.6)>

Children’s Health Awareness

       The development of fundamental skills to children are important for a number of reasons, but many of the main/apparent reasons are also the most crucial; obesity and the diseases that follows obesity because of our exercise and diet habits (or lack thereof). Fundamental motor skills are the building blocks of all sports played today as well as other activities that aren't considered sport, but just fun. Without these skills children do not develop accordingly and as such have developed a ‘handicap’ so to speak with regards to fundamental motor skills and sports. Fundamental Motor Skills are essential to a healthy way of life, when fundamental motor skills aren't developed on the level that they should be, many children risk falling behind, not only in school but socially. Again while their environment plays a big factor as well, it is still the responsibility of the parent and teacher to engage their children/students into physical activities.

Through my research I've gathered that the most pertinent problem/issue with the inclusion of health and physical education is with disabled children, though with all of the mentions that I've seen through different scholarly work the concerning issue shouldn't be the disabled students. The problem with the inclusion of disabled students lies within the inadequate schools and professionals that are in charge of these programs. Schools either lack the knowledgeable professionals to advocate for these children or they are seemingly uninterested and as a result disabled children are somewhat lost within the system with regards to physical education.

       Physical Activities should stop when a child has left the school grounds or outside of normal extracurricular activities, but it should also be present at home as well. The home is, and always will be the underlying foundation for anything that is taught to children. It is for the parents and teachers alike to push and educate children on the best avenues for them to live healthy, prosperous lives. The seeds planted today are the flowers of tomorrow and no seed grows without guidance and help. The ‘Let’s Move’ program is an incentive to help children and parents across America integrate nutrition and physical activities into their daily routine. There website http://www.letsmove.gov/make-physical-activity-part-your-familys-routine specifically lists physical activities that parents can do at home with their children, among many other useful tips on nutrition. Some of the activities listed are play tag, swim, toss a ball, jump rope, hula-hoop, dance to music or even play a dancing video game. It doesn't have to be sports—just get your family moving (Let’s Move, 2013)!

• Walk the dog, go for a jog, go on a bike ride, take the stairs or head to the park and let kids run around for a while.
• Celebrate special occasions—like birthdays or anniversaries—with something active, such as a hike, a volleyball or soccer game or playing Frisbee at the park.
• Get the whole family involved in household chores like cleaning, vacuuming, and yard work.
• Walk instead of drive whenever you can. If you have to drive, find a spot at the far end of the parking lot and walk to where you’re going.
• Park farther away and count with your children the number of steps from the car to your destination. Write it down and see if you can park even farther away on your next stop.
• Train as a family for a charity walk or run.

       Here in the U. S Virgin Islands, there are a number of government resources and private organizations that help families maintain physical activities and healthy lifestyle choices. The U.S.V.I Department of Health website has several links that lead to organizations that advocate for children against obesity, as well as the food pyramid, and a dietary guideline recommended by the government to help make the correct choices about what to eat. There is even a list of popular diet plans that have proven to be useful by many and for those of us with different dietary plans located under a link to http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/. The SNAP and WIC programs are also strong, healthy avenues for one to take and follow when trying to regulate your diet; they come with information as well as guidelines for their participants so it is easier to stick with the program. The Happy Cow website offers a listing of vegetarian, vegan, and healthy choice friendly restaurants within the Virgin Islands as well as other places within America, which can be very helpful for many of us that like to travel and try new things, now when you leave your hometown you’ll still be able to make healthy delicious choices. Shopping at the local farmer’s market held at the Bordeaux Agricultural Fair every other weekend and on the last Sunday of the month is also a great place to find all natural, healthy, and fresh fruits, vegetables, refreshments, and food. Shopping at the local farmer’s market is a great way to ensure the use of fresh foods in your diet, as well as a great way to learn how to make healthy meals using these natural resources, using their recommended recipes.  

References

Hastie, P. (2012). Foundations of moving & learning. San Diego, CA. Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

SPARK. (2013). Physical Education; Countering Childhood Obesity. Retrieved on January 28, 2013                    from http://www.sparkpe.org/physical-education/k-2/curriculum/lesson-plans/

Let’s Move. (2013). Let’s Move; America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids. Retrieved on             February 4, 2013 from http://www.letsmove.gov/.

Risk Factors for Challenging Behavior

       I decided to write something for the potential bullies since it is anti- bullying month. I realize that some may think the better efforts would be towards the 'victims', but in my eyes all of them are victims; Father forgive them all for they know not what they do. As my grandmother would say 'prevention is better than a cure' so I'd like to purpose a different way of thinking for teachers who have pupils that display challenging behaviors. What is challenging behavior? According to text behavior becomes challenging when the behavior begins interfering with a child's cognitive, social, or emotional development, when the behavior is harmful to the child, other children, or adults, and when the behavior puts a child at high risk for later social problems or school failure (Klass, Guskin, & Thomas, 1995;McCabe & Frede, 2007). Behavior is considered to be challenging when they are threatening, provocative, and stimulating, all at the same time. Common examples of challenging behavior within children include but aren't limited to aggressive behavior, antisocial/disruptive behavior, and timid/ withdrawn behavior. The top fifteen behavioral problems reported by teachers are biting, throwing temper tantrums, screaming, yelling, destruction of objects, throwing objects, kicking, pushing, pinching, frequent crying, grabbing of toys/materials from others, needs frequent adult assistance, spitting, disobeys instructions, and threatening.  From my own experiences with preschools within our territory, reoccurring problems I faced where that of pinching, yelling, grabbing toys/materials, and disobeying instructions. While there were other occasions where other behaviors where displayed by different children, they were few and infrequent enough to mention. I empathize with the findings of the authors of a text on the belief that if this behavior is not deterred it may develop into something worse that can hinder any child through their adult life. Many fail to realize just how important these behaviors are and the need for 'correcting' them.

 

      These behaviors, if allowed to escalate, may lead to serious problems for both pupils and teachers alike. Challenging Behavior in the classroom has recently become a hot topic in educational forums and institutions alike around the world; and it should be. For ages the focus of challenging behavior within students, during the classrooms and out, has been set on the wrong foundations; we shouldn't be worry about the 'what' and 'when' but the why and how. Why are these students acting in such strange behavior manners and what can I do to help them progress in their particular areas. There are many factors that can be considered while observing their individual behavioral patterns that may have contributed to their behavior, biological and environmental. These factors may be contributing but they aren't the underlying 'stepping stones' on which behavioral problems are built, at least not individually anyway. Collectively they bear a considerable amount of weight and pressure and once understanding their situations and their individual risk/protective factors, educators and parents alike are more equip to meet their needs and help them develop better behavioral patterns that won't hinder them in the long run. Throughout this paper it is my intent to illustrate risk factors which influence behavior and strategies that may be used by teachers to support the process of changing/ replacing behaviors. 

 

       The risk factors for challenging behavior have been categorized within two categories; environmental and biological. Within the scope of these categories biological is defined as anything that impinges on a child from conception to birth, beginning with genes. The environmental section starts with the family—a child's most intimate environment—and moves outward through Urie Bronfenbrenner's (1979) ecological circles of peer, school, neighborhood, and societal influences (Rasminsky, 2012). Culture is also an important factor, but the risk factors that I would like to elaborate on are mostly environmental; violent media, exposure to violence, poverty, and parenting styles, schools, and peers. My reason for choosing these risk factors to particularize is because in my experiences these risk factors are most evident within today's society.

 

       Many people tend to overlook violent media as a risk factor for challenging behavior in children, they often state that it is the place of the parent to 'differentiate' the appropriate behavior, set boundaries, and most importantly explain the differences between life and television, but this is always as easy and apparent as it sounds. The effects violent/destructive media can have on children are categorized within four categories; victim effect, bystander effect, aggressor effect, and the increased appetite effect. Children who watch violent media are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior, especially if they identify with aggressive characters or find the violence realistic and relevant to their own lives. The more they watch the worse their aggressive behavior may progress; children may watch violent media to validate their own aggressions. In other cases the child may identify with the victim, in such cases they may actually feel as if the violence is real, this may cause children to be more fearful, anxious, and prone to nightmares. The bystander effect cause children who regularly witness violence to believe that it is normal, thus they remain unresponsive.

      

     As discussed previously witnessing violence does have a large effect on children; they can become unsympathetic towards such situations, or they can identify with the aggressor or the victim, neither of which has positive effects. Imagine the effect a real violent situation would have on a child. Many families today are unfortunately living in poverty with conditions that aren't fit for any child; single parent homes lacking adequate care and supervision due to family factors, or lack thereof. These conditions and more make these families and their children prone to witness violence first hand repeatedly. These conditions are maintained within different neighborhoods, within the schools, and unfortunately anywhere that children are known to spend their time recreationally; parks, gymnasiums, skating rings, etc. Being poor create a high level of family stress—nonstop anxiety about food, housing, jobs, medical care, child care, safety, and more. In high-poverty urban neighborhoods, people must deal with noise, overcrowding, substandard housing, air and water pollution, neighborhood and gang violence, homelessness, and illegal drugs (Rasminsky, 2012). These conditions among many others house violence and promote it.

 

       No teacher can change the fact that a family lives in poverty, but teachers can help the child (and maybe even his family) to deal with those risk factors more effectively. If we can bolster some of his protective factors early on, we may be able to minimize or even ward off some of the risks and divert him onto an entirely different developmental trajectory (Masten & Coatsworth, 1998; Rutter, 1987). Every child with challenging behavior is likely to possess some of these attributes and skills in an embryonic or unconventional form, although it may take extra thought and insight on our part to dig them out. One key to enhancing resilience is to search for these strengths—what psychologist Robert B. Brooks ( 1994) calls "islands of competence" (p. 549)—and use them to build new skills and self-esteem. Instead of noticing what a child does wrong, stop and think about his strengths and likeable qualities, what he's good at, what positive contributions he can make, and how you can create opportunities for him to realize whatever he has to offer (Rasminsky, 2012). When families spend more time with their children, chaperone them closely, and limit the places they go and the time they spend with antisocial peers, children perform better at school and witness less violence, decreasing their risk for emotional and behavioral problems (Cauce et al., 2003; Richards et al., 2004). In dangerous neighborhoods, this strong control is an expression of concern as well as an adaptive strategy that brings order, predictability, and safety to children's daily lives (Luthar, 1999). When children receive support in such places as churches, community centers, and boys' and girls' clubs, they feel connected to other people and the core values of the community.

 

 

 

 

Challenging behaviors in early childhood settings: Creating a place for all children. (2004). YC Young Children, 59(3), 93-93. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/197687440?accountid=32521

Hemmeter, M. L., Santos, R. M., & Ostrosky, M. M. (2008). Preparing early childhood educators to address young children's social-emotional development and challenging behavior: A survey of higher education programs in nine states. Journal of Early Intervention, 30(4), 321-340. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/233253075?accountid=32521

Kaiser, B., Rasminsky, J.S., (2012). Challenging Behavior in Young Children. Retrieved by http://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781256060314/pages/29956773

Nungesser, N. R., & Watkins, R. V. (2005). Preschool teachers' perceptions and reactions to challenging classroom behavior: Implications for speech-language pathologists. Language, Speech & Hearing Services in Schools, 36(2), 139-51. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/232583471?accountid=32521

 



USVI Educational Practices? Theories?

       As many other institutions that are government based, or educational professionals leading the institutions with the Virgin Islands are doing the minimum to keep their jobs, and the doors open; our children are not the reason for these institutions we are for the intents set forth are not with the children in mind. I've often wondered if our educational leaders have ever read different philosophies/theories with regards to education, and if so which ones do they uphold? For nothing I've ever learned, researched, or read has ever leaded me to believe that the minimum efforts being set for education within our territory is actually being productive on a larger scale. Common core standards were made with territories like us in mind, to ensure all students are being taught on the same scales to ensure progression in all learning environments. I can say personally that our educational leaders here aren't doing their best, if trying at all for many freshman students are having the same problems adjusting as I once had and determination is necessary to succeed. Educational practices around the world are derived from educators who spent their lives work on education and focusing on different ways to ensure success for students, since we all do learn differently. Locally we do offer some private institutions which pride themselves on following these leaders, as does Montessori School, whose curriculum is based on the Montessori Method, a system of early childhood education funded on the ideas and practices of Maria Montessori. Montessori educators implement their method through five basic principles that are lacking in many of our educational institutions (mainly those governments based); Respect for the child, the concept of the absorbent mind, sensitive periods, the prepared environment and auto-education/self education. Now while all teachers and educational professionals practice this to an extent, it should become more of a primary rather than a secondary, it shows both students and parents that educators are engaged in their profession and that it is more than a job, just by taking a little extra time out to prepare/facilitate engaging environments it actually makes the class more engaged to learn. Children should be at the center of each activity, once the environment is ready this gives the teacher adequate time needed to assess each individuals needs and progress. While I am not suggesting that we all send our children to Montessori School, I do suggest we find schools that do hold some of their ideals, as well as those of other prominent educational professionals that have also greatly contributed to early childhood education in many aspects.

       Jean Piaget was another prominent educator from the twentieth century whose ideals are still mirrors in curriculums and schools across the nation today. Piaget's ideas, among other theorist, support the ideals that children actively seek knowledge. Many of us have seen this in an inquisitive child or one who mimics the actions of others; it is their innate actions to learn. These theories provide us with the guidance or will necessary to ponder on those theories/activities that do help children progress and to in turn develop those programs that support and progress children's learning so that others may continue to benefit from it. I personally believe in the power of structured play or the active learning theory which means that children learn through physical and mental engaging activities. Piaget also developed three stages of cognitive development; Sensorimotor (birth-2yrs), Preoperational (2-7yrs), and Concrete Operations (7-12). Using these concepts all educational institutions should structure a scaffold age appropriate progressive activities for all students to participate in daily. These activities would prove to be more effective for they would have been scaffold to fit individual student groups which is much more effective than one size fits all.

       Once more I am not saying that we should all send our children to private or charter schools, what I am saying is that we should require more of the educational professionals in charge of such and the institutions themselves for that path that we are on is destructive. The only people who can fix such a path are those who it directly affects, and since children aren't mature enough to derive to such conclusions this leaves us, the parent to become the responsible party. If we don't then we run the risk of sending our children out into a world that they not ready for by many means; I'm sure many of us has seen how this path can end or where it may lead. Virgin Islands parents I implore you all to check on the progressions of your child within the learning environment that they are, see if materials being used are age appropriate, adequate in terms of safety and the amount needed for constructive use by all children. Find out about physical education, nutritional, and leaning policies or theories if there are any in place; this information can be the future of your child's fundamental abilities and the base of which their knowledge will be based on so I'm sure as any parent does, you will all want the best possible.