Blog Journal #2

I have been pushing forward with my advocacy action plan, but there are still a few kinks that could be worked out. I sat down with a few of my colleagues from work and read my plan to get a feel for what I should work on, or things that I may need to add in order to ensure my message was clear. My co-workers felt that the plan was a good starting point to make parents aware of the importance of play. I think that I have a good topic that will educate parents on the different ways to build a positive foundation for development, but I still have concerns on the delivery method.

Do you think that a power point presentation will be better than giving the audience a hand out to read through? My concern is that the power point presentation will take away from the message I am trying to get out to others.

I also have concerns that my presentation will not grab the attention of the parents because they are not in out field and still feel that academic are the best way for their child learn. Has anyone thought of a back up action plan that could also be helpful to the site they have picked?

What are some ways that I could continue my efforts even if I do not have the support from others?

Segal, Marilyn PH.D. (1998). Your Child At Play: One to Two Years. Ft. Lauderdale: Newmarket Press

Professionals are always looking for new ways to build on a child’s self esteem. Children are looking for recognition and approval from peers and professionals and through play professionals can complement children on achieving a goal, or peers are able to feel empathy toward their friend. According to Merilyn Segal, PH.D., Your Child At Play: One to Two Years (1998) “In many different ways, the toddler period is a time of strong ambivalence,” (p. 177)

Shore, Penny. (2002). How Your Baby and Child Learns. Canada: The Parent Kit Coroporation

According to Penny Shore, How Your Baby and Child Learns (2002) “Reading to your toddler is a wonderful way to develop language, foster curiosity, create conversation, and share your feelings.” (p. 46). Books are helpful in the progression of a child’s understanding of the world and are a great way to foster language in children.

Blog Journal #1

"Parents have become so convinced that educators know what is best for children that they forget that they are the experts." ~Marian Wright Edelman, educator

The reason that I selected this quote was because I feel that parents are the one's who are able to give the best information on how their child learns, their temperment, and any challenges that professionals may need to know in order to help their child reach developmental goals. The thing that has inspired me during my advocacy plan has been the children. I have had many children start at the center I work at and not have language, social skills, or cognitive skills that are necessary to do well in school. I also have been getting great feedback from parents about the different ideas that were brought to their attention on how to promote their child's development by learning through play. Parents say thst it has made their jobs easier because their children are interested in learning when the activities are fun, or are treated like a game.

One challenge that I have targeted while working on my advocacy plan was getting more parents on board with helping their child's development through playing. I had to explain that play represents many different aspects. I helped the parents understand that talking with their child and playing word games helps build language. Playing with other children is important for children to learn social skills, and how to problem solve. Parents in the center I work at have been telling me that they have noticed small improvements in their child's behavior, which is a small step in understanding the importance of play. The most effictive way to get over the challenges that I face with the action plan will be to constantly inform parents and educate them on the importance of play for children's development. One way to encourage others during their plan will be to stay focused on the goals and make realistic goals that can be reached. Never give up and keep pushing foward.