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

Children's Corner; Poetry

Rathers

I know very well what I’d rather be
If I didn’t always have to be me!
I’d rather be an owl,
A downy feathered owl,
A wink-ity, blink-ity, yellow-eyed owl
In a hole in a hollow tree.
I’d take my dinner in chipmunk town,
And wouldn’t I gobble the field mice down,
If I were a wink-ity, blink-ity owl,
And didn’t always have to be me!

I know very well what I’d like to do
If I didn’t have to do what I do!
I’d go and be a woodpecker,
A rap-ity, tap-ity, red-headed woodpecker
In the top of a tall old tree.
And I’d never take a look
At a lesson or a book,
And I’d scold like a pirate on the sea,
If I only had to do what I like to do,
And didn’t always have to be me!

Or else I’d be an antelope,
A pronghorned antelope,
With lots of other antelope
Skimming like a cloud on a wire-grass plian.
A bounding, bouncing antelope,
You’d never get me back to my desk again!

Or I might be a puma,
A singe-colored puma,
A slinking, sly-foot puma
As fierce as fierce could be!
And I’d wait by the waterholes where antelope drink
In the cool of the morning
And I do
not
think
That ever any antelope could get away from me.

But if I were a hunter,
A red Indian hunter –
I’d like to be a hunter, –
I’d have a bow made of juniper wood
From a lightning-blasted tree,
And I’d creep and I’d creep on that puma asleep
A flint tipped arrow,
An eagle feathered arrow,
For a puma kills calves and a puma kills sheep,
And he’d never eat any more antelope
If he once met up with me!


Mary Austin

Source: Rathers, Famous Children Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/rathers-by-mary-austin#ixzz2rvOml177
Family Friend Poems

Too Much Violence and Abuse in Schools!!

 Over the past week and a half I've read some very disturbing reports of people whose job classifies them as 'education officials' but their actions define them otherwise; ignorant human beings. Teachers locking students in closets, verbal and physical abuse of students, and the use of racial slurs between pupils and in one horrid example a principal. How are we to expect students to focus on the importance of education when they are steadily side tracked with numerous, ominous situations that test their resilience constantly?

While the situation maybe considered to have been blown out of proportion a little, its still blatantly clear that the use of the N word was inappropriate and possibly uncalled for within the situation at hand. Principal Claudia Alves, of an elementary in Washington, opted to explain to students of the fifth grade why the word 'negro' is better than the N word. Students from the fifth grade class had become uncomfortable using the word negro in preparations for a play n observance of Dr. Martin Luther Kings holiday program, so principal Alves decided to explain why they shouldn't be uncomfortable with the word negro, but the N word. While there is no dialogue that outline the complete conversation, it is clear that her explanation only served to make matters worse. While one can empathize with the sensitivity of the situation, as an administrator, this principal should have been able to conclude that such a conversation with fifth grade students would have been controversial in some context.

In more disturbing news, high schools in Wake County, N.C are apparently 'flooding' the 'school to prison pipeline' with offenses as little as skipping line in the cafeteria. Students engaged within altercations over racial bias are sent to juvenile courts and placed on probation. One student engaged in such a situation after he was verbally assaulted with racial slurs and punched in the face, ended up being sent to juvenile court as well, where students receive juvenile criminal records; a stigma that never leaves them. Such incidents and others more gruesome attribute to the need for the new first federal legal guidance on school discipline.

Last, but certainly not least, a young man in high school was assaulted by officers for what apparently was a misunderstanding that lead to a straight A. high school basketball player receiving a ruptured testicle! Reports state that an patrol officer reported seeing teenagers in ski masks, while school officials with the team says they where given scarfs along with other gear to dress appropriately for the weather. Officers stopped this teen, who didn't give chase as other members of his team did, and reported a struggle, but their where no injuries reported to any officers. According to statements made by the teenager, a female officer whom searched him sexually assaulted him during the search while squeezing his testicles until he 'felt a pop'. The following day the teen underwent surgery and is now in a wheelchair pending recovery. Statements made by the teens mother state this may affect his ability to reproduce. He is the sole victim of this encounter and its because everyone else knew to be afraid of the police, although they hadn't done anything wrong, and to run away. Is this what we should be teaching our children? To fear the police, those who have sworn to protect us?

These incidents, while all different by nature, all have lasting negative effects/impacts that if left untreated, may become harmful to student morale. I was enlightened to read about an NFL figure that stood up against those bashing him as a 'thug' because of his actions at a football game. Football is well known for taunting, as are other sports, so why would reporters nationwide describe this black male, a college graduate and professional athlete as a 'thug' is unbeknownst to many. I do however agree with him that the word 'thug' is being used as a racial slur to describe black males, and while it may or may not be sued as a substitute for the N word, I do empathize with him and I'm sure each case must be judged individually.

Racial bias within schools has dramatically changed, as have the times but it isn't to an acceptable rate given the laws and ideals that we as humanity have set forth; it starts within the community.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/24/claudia-alves-washington_n_4661483.html?ir=Black%20Voices&utm_campaign=012414&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-black-voices&utm_content=Photo

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/school-to-prison-pipeline-wake-county_n_4654351.html?ir=Black%20Voices

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/darrin-manning-testicle-rupture_n_4651700.html?ir=Black%20Voices

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/22/richard-sherman-thug-n-word-press-conference_n_4646871.html?ir=Black%20Voices&utm_campaign=012214&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-black-voices&utm_content=Photo

Children's Corner; Short Stories

The Negro Mother

Children, I come back today
To tell you a story of the long dark way
That I had to climb, that I had to know
In order that the race might live and grow.
Look at my face -- dark as the night --
Yet shining like the sun with love's true light.
I am the dark girl who crossed the red sea
Carrying in my body the seed of the free.
I am the woman who worked in the field
Bringing the cotton and the corn to yield.
I am the one who labored as a slave,
Beaten and mistreated for the work that I gave --
Children sold away from me, I'm husband sold, too.
No safety , no love, no respect was I due.

Three hundred years in the deepest South:
But God put a song and a prayer in my mouth .
God put a dream like steel in my soul.
Now, through my children, I'm reaching the goal.

Now, through my children, young and free,
I realized the blessing deed to me.
I couldn't read then. I couldn't write.
I had nothing, back there in the night.
Sometimes, the valley was filled with tears,
But I kept trudging on through the lonely years.
Sometimes, the road was hot with the sun,
But I had to keep on till my work was done:
I had to keep on! No stopping for me --
I was the seed of the coming Free.
I nourished the dream that nothing could smother
Deep in my breast -- the Negro mother.
I had only hope then , but now through you,
Dark ones of today, my dreams must come true:
All you dark children in the world out there,
Remember my sweat, my pain, my despair.
Remember my years, heavy with sorrow --
And make of those years a torch for tomorrow.
Make of my pass a road to the light
Out of the darkness, the ignorance, the night.
Lift high my banner out of the dust.
Stand like free men supporting my trust.
Believe in the right, let none push you back.
Remember the whip and the slaver's track.
Remember how the strong in struggle and strife
Still bar you the way, and deny you life --
But march ever forward, breaking down bars.
Look ever upward at the sun and the stars.
Oh, my dark children, may my dreams and my prayers
Impel you forever up the great stairs --
For I will be with you till no white brother
Dares keep down the children of the Negro Mother.

BY
Langston Hughes

How to Deal with Challenging Behavior from Primary Students

How to deal with challenging behavior from primary students

Through observations and personal experiences I've gathered what I'm sure most teachers have already learned, some children can be difficult. While this range of difficulty can span across many different areas I do believe that it can all be controlled and deterred if done correctly. Situations that I've witnessed have led me to believe that dis-spite the child or the behavior they choose to display, there is a remedy to resolve all challenging behaviors. So, how do you deal with children who constantly disrupt activities and lessons by being loud and disruptive, 'being dramatic', physically and verbally abusive towards peers, and is plain out mean? Well, it honestly depends on the child and their situation, but there are a few points that many have seemed to find a consensus on that I intend to explore a little. I do however want to make it clear that I cannot say that I agree with all of the opinions stated ( truth be told I agree with all but one), I do understand the validity of them all in different situations that could appear.

Through my observations I've noted that many students' behaviors are challenging by means of aggression but through 'theatrics'. Many students seem to have a flair for drama, which really isn't appropriate during most lessons so it becomes disruptive. It is not my belief that these children are doing so as a 'call for attention' but that it is an innate sense of their being, its apart of their personalities. It is however my belief that by ignoring such antics whenever they may arise through a 'blind eye and a deaf ear' students will learn that it is inappropriate/unappreciated and such acts will diminish until times that are deemed appropriate for such behavior.

Does 'time out' really work anymore? Is it effective? Although time out is meant as a means of reflection ( one that I personally think works!) it can be hard for it to be used at it's full capacity/effectiveness within a classroom full of children (all of whom at times are partaking in different activities). I've observed that it can be 'adjusted to'; instead of students utilizing the time to reflect their actions, they simply watch their peers and 'plot' their next move. It seems the once overly effective time out may need a twist like providing a behavioral learning center where the student's visibility is blocked from his peers and is instead faced with materials that promote pro social behavior through books, video's, music, games and other materials of the like as a reminder of how things should change 'after' time out. The promotion of 'Pro social Behavior' with classroom has been quite effective (as noted within many resources) with deterring challenging/aggressive behavior from students. The focus of helping children learn to care, share, and assist each other and all behaviors alike are referred to as pro social behaviors. By being a good role model, providing positive feedback and reinforcement of such behaviors through provided opportunities (community service, literature,etc.) and conducting activities on multicultural principles that are unbiased, and by overall generally promoting the self esteems and images of individual students, all parents and teachers would be able to meet their goals.

I'm sure many of us have heard of or at least read about the kindergarten teacher in Tennessee who locks her students within a closet as a form of punishment/ time out. I personally think that it is absurd! Unfortunately, it appears that other than the parents of the little girl who was locked within the classroom, I am the only one who has conveyed such feelings. How could any school official knowingly allow such acts to take place on school grounds? Was there no where else to issue an effective time out or was there a lack of interest put forth in the gesture other than to intimidate students into compliance? It seems to me that members of the school in question, parents of the students, and community members alike should take more of an interest in what goes on within their educational institutions and the personnel that is choose to take care of the future.

A child's behavioral patterns are comprised of what is learned within different settings (school, home, extra curricular activities,etc.) These influences determine a child's behavior. Many assert that physical punishment is inappropriate by ALL MEANS; I don't. I agree that physical punishment (id abusive/overly aggressive) can be detrimental to any child, but I don't agree that the 'spanking' of any child, a light tap on the hand or buttocks, to assert “NO” is inappropriate in any form. Despite my own convictions, oppositions against 'spanking' make many valid points, many of which I agree with, if not all;

• Physical punishment is ineffective because it doesn't promote an alternative way of behavioral
• It actually models the aggression inferring that it's OK to use aggressive acts/behavior
• physical punishment can become an 'emotionally charged' situation where the aggressor is overly aggressive an can hit the child in a vulnerable place.

These kind of situations can ruin any relationship, parent-child/ teacher-student, for their sense of security is now gone. To prevent such situations when a case arises where all parties become 'excited' it is better to take personal time outs for all parties involved. As such all parties have time to assess the situation at a calmer level. This also models to students the steps that can be taken rather than turning to aggression.   

Children's Corner; Poetry

Flight 

On silver sand where ripples curled

I counted sea-gulls seven;

Shy, secret screened from all the world,

And innocent as heaven.

They did not of my nearness know,

For dawn was barely bright,

And they were still, like spots of snow

In that pale, pearly light.

Then one went forth unto the sea

That rippled up in gold,

And there were rubies flashing free

From out its wing-unfold;

It ducked and dived in pretty play,

The while the other six

So gravely sat it seemed that they

Were marvelled by its tricks.

Then with a sudden flurry each

Down-rushed to join its mate,

And in a flash that sickle beach

With rapture was elate.

With joy they pranked till everyone

Was diamonded with spray,

Then flicked with flame to greet the sun

They rose and winged away.

But with their going, oh, the surge

Of loss they left in me!

For in my heart was born the urge,

The passion to be free.

And where each dawn with terror brings

Some tale of bale and blight,

Who would not envy silver wings,

The sea-gull in its flight!

Let me not know the soils of woe

That chain this stricken earth;

Let me forget the fear and fret

That bind men from their birth;

Let me be the one with wind and sun,

With earth and sky and sea. . . .

Oh, let me teach in living speech

God's glory - Liberty.

BY 

Robert Service

Children's Corner; Poetry

EMANCIPATION


No rack can torture me,
My soul's at liberty
Behind this mortal bone
There knits a bolder one

You cannot prick with saw,
Nor rend with scymitar.
Two bodies therefore be;
Bind one, and one will flee.

The eagle of his nest
No easier divest
And gain the sky,
Than mayest thou,

Except thyself may be
Thine enemy;
Captivity is consciousness,
So's liberty.

BY
Emily Dickinson

Children's Corner; Poetry

Democracy

Democracy will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.

I have as much right
As the other fellow has
To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.

I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I'm dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.

Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.

I live here, too.
I want freedom
Just as you.

Langston Hughes

Staying home sick; when is it time

     Usually this time of the year our weather is more unpredictable than ever… hot one minute then cold and pouring rain the next. It takes us all that we can possibly do to keep our children from getting sick, as well as ourselves. While I have always had faith in local 'island remedies' such as Bush tea's, Aloe vera, and coconut oil there is only so much we can do in terms of preventing what may seem inevitable, a cold or even worse the flu. While most preschols and primary schools do inform parents of certain circumstances in which children shouldn't attend school, many don't and as a result the classroom becomes contaminated and germs are spread to other students and teachers. Once all members of the classroom are sick it is only logical that academic  progression will be slowed as an result,  and all kids, including those who aren't sick for their concentration will be on not getting sick, as well as how miserable their peers and teacher's are.

     To sum things up here are some simple guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child and their peers, after all when we are sick our immune system is weaker and exposing such a weakened system to a sea of contaminants could be very harmful to the health and well being of your child as well as their education. Lengthy absences can harm a child's self esteem after returning to class to find out that they're so far behind. Children who have vomited, experienced diareheria, high fevers and cold sweats shouldn't be allowed to go to school immediately following such symptoms as they will require time for their bodies to recover, which means plenty of rest (or at least 24 hours). Other sicknesses that are contagious including red/pink eye, the cold, influenza, chicken pox, and ringworm's  should be taken special care of from home where other outside contaminants aren't allowed. This new year we hope and wish for the best for all pupil's within our territory and abroad!!

Ms. Child Advocate

Schools Aren't As Behind As We Make Them Seem

     While visiting my old alma mater I found that they had indeed made many changes with regards to educational teaching methods, materials, procedures and technology. Technological materials ranging from ipads, laptops, desktops, overhead projectors, various learning centers and many more resources to spark engagement among pupils. While many of those materials were available to us, student's of the 90's, they are much more abundant. In every classroom I visited, second and third grades, these materials where spotted with age appropriate applications and adequate instruction for usage. These materials coupled with other various learning manipulatives are a great recipe for the engagement of pupils!!

     It has unfortunately been a long time for me since I've seen so many students engaged within a school/academic setting; during my own school days I can recall only a hand full of students that were engaged with learning academics, including myself, the most popular/engaging subject lessons where those that involved physical activity ( a wide contrast from many students today). The materials and manipulatives utilized by students ensure student participation by engaging them through various subjects compelling them to use their creativity in many forms. Such a thing is a great asset for any educator and pupil to have since all students learn differenly in a variety of ways. While many of the apps and games being utilized sticks to general academics it can also be altered to fit any age group. In this case, a group of first graders, utilized these apps and manipulatives for enrichment, fun, and creativity.

     Including games like hungry fish and Hickory Dickory Dock for mathematics, bejeweled for matching n sorting, candy count for mathematics and matching/sorting. Apps like Paper Snow, that promote artistic creativity through drawing, music and even virtual paper decorations and origami. I don't understand the academic benefits of Angry Birds having indugled in the game myself, nor Barbie,wedding, and model make up: both promote stigmas rampant within the nation, violence (angry birds)  and 'poster girls' i. e. models, actresses, girls wearing size zero and a lot of makeup (Barbie) . Other apps utilized by students for engagement, enrichment, and creativity include Word solitaire, Spanish free,iword juggle, and Sudoku.

     With all that I have seen so far it excites me to think of how in depth this engaging learning will become once we implement the Common Core Standards. Student's will become much more equipped to compete with their peers, locally and abroad,  as well as become more prepared to live within the ever changing world of today rather than their parents yesterdays.

Ms. Child Advocate

Children's Corner; Poetry

A Toast to our Native Land by Robert Bridges

Huge and alert, irascible yet strong, We make our fitful way 'mid right and wrong. One time we pour out millions to be free, Then rashly sweep an empire from the sea! One time we strike the shackles from the slaves, And then, quiescent, we are ruled by knaves. Often we rudely break restraining bars, And confidently reach out toward the stars.

Yet under all there flows a hidden stream Sprung from the Rock of Freedom, the great dream Of Washington and Franklin, men of old Who knew that freedom is not bought with gold. This is the Land we love, our heritage, Strange mixture of the gross and fine, yet sage And full of promise destined to be great. Drink to Our Native Land! God Bless the State!

A Toast to our Native Land by Robert Bridges

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Common Core In the U.S.V.I for 2014

Growing up in the U.S Virgin Islands has afforded me a bird's eye view of the struggle that is upon the youths within our territory; overcoming adversity, violence, poverty, and the hardships of economic poverty affect everyone, including students. While there are, thankfully, much more advocates for the well being and education of youths within the U.S Virgin Islands, there is still a lot  of work to be done with regards to preparing them for the ever changing world they were brought into. Our new hope, and commissioner, of educational institutions, has pledged to implement new programs and standards meant to impede the stagnant wave overcoming us. I only hope that the doing of so doesn't move at the snails pace that the government is known to have with regards to public projects and education and that it is adopted with the same briskness that we tend to take with style and music trends. A personal hopeful that I would like to see implemented on a 'sooner rather than later' basis is the implementation of the Common Core State Standards that our territory adopted in 2008.

 "The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy." - Common Core State Standards Initiative 2012

While many may be unfamiliar with it as I was it's mission statements are very clear as are their standards and our students can only stand to benefit from its implementation. There is a big gap between the materials being taut in our schools and information necessary to successfully succeed within today's world and for many students (like myself) it is unfortunately only realized in college or at what would be the beginning of their careers. The common core standards advocate for the implementation of much needed programs and materials that can prepare our students for the 'real world', a world that is constantly changing to meet rising needs. Our territory is known for its cultural diversity and wide array of entrepreneurs and our students should be prepared to meet the needs of our society to be able to constructively contribute to its betterment. Rather than uniforming our students wardrobes for fear of violence and insecurities, of which are still breed in turn, we need to uniform the educations they receive in order to ensure they have equal opportunities in succeeding in life's endeavors.
 Implementation of such standards can also help lay to rest the stigma's of public schools versus private schools within the territory; with all educational institutions within the territory aligned with those abroad we can be sure that our children will receive adequate information pertinent to their educational developments and growths. As many others, our territory still has problems lingering from the 'old year'; violence, crime, and economic strife's, but as a community we can all stand together to ensure a brighter future for the U.S Virgin Islands and its children.

This year we would like to volunteer our time through various youth/ child centered programs and organizations within the territory. We would like to ask the assistance of the public for assistance with recommending programs/organizations that may need help within the St. Thomas community. All responses can be addressed to usvi.childhood.learning@gmail.com or through our website usviearlychildhoodlearning.blogspot.com. Thank you all and Happy New Year!!