"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.
I think this is a great topic for advocacy and I also think that there is still a lot of confusion about the role and benefits of play. Some think that children do not learn anything whent hey are playing, but when you step into a classroom where there are a lot of interactions and investigating, there really is a lot of valuable learning going on. The difference is in the fact that the children do not even realize that they are learning because they are so busy having fun!
ReplyDeleteYour advocacy plan can give you the opportunity to show first-hand how children learn. You can give activities for parents to do at home to show just how easy it is. I think a lot of parents don't know how to begin because they think teaching has to be complicated ar that kids should not play in the classroom. In reality, anything they can do at home will help their child's learning. Good luck!
I really like your advocacy. I think play is so important. I think you make a good point about parents sometimes needing direction. Sometimes they are unsure of themselves, and it just takes a little suggestion here and there. Play is a child's work. It is how they figure out how things work and discover there thinking habits. I think play doesn't get enough attention. I can't wait to see how this develops!
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