March Extra Post

Spring is here, which means SPRING BREAK!
However, before we get to have fun we have to focus and work. For my independent component 2 I have promised to do a blog that provides information and fun. There will be weekly posts either about research we've -Ingrid and I- found or crafts we want to do.
To post that up though we need an actual blog!

(BEFORE)

That's what we've been working on, establishing the account, coming up with specific ideas on when, how, and what we'll post; after much hassle our blog is finally up!

(AFTER...still under minor construction)

A link to the blog can be found on the right side of my blog under independent component. Posts will officially begin in April!

Blog 18: Fourth Interview Preparation

Fourth Interview Questions

Content: Post 20 open-ended questions you want to ask an expert in the field concerning your senior project. The focus of your questions should be on your answer to your EQ. They cannot be about the background of the person

1. EQ: What is the most important skill a child develops in preschool that helps them best excel academically in kindergarten?
2. Why does preschool make a difference in your opinion? 
3. Do all children need preschool?
4. What is a high-quality child program in your opinion?
5. What have been the most formative experiences you've had in your work with young children and families? 
6. What kinds of varied learning activities have you planned/implemented this year and why?
7. What affects a child's developmental process?
8. How is a child's mind best stimulated?
9. What do you think about fine motor skills? How do you use them, if at all?
10. How do you think a child's executive function skills help them?
11. Have you seen a child's emotional issues have an impact on the way they learn? How?
12. What role does play have in a child's development? 
13. Do you have communication with your kid's parents? How does this play a role?
14. In your opinion when are children most involved? Why?
15. How do you organize your classroom? Why do you organize it in this way?
16. What part of being an early childhood teacher gives you the most satisfaction? 
17. What part of doing this work is the most difficult for you? 
18. How might you use an individual child's assessment to develop curriculum in your class? 
19. How do the children influence your methods of teaching?
20. What is the most essential thing you need to do every day with the kids? 
21. Which teaching method do you prefer, Montessori, Traditional, or other? Why?

Blog 17: Answer 3

1. What is your EQ?
    What is the most important skill a child develops in preschool that helps them best excel
    academically in kindergarten?

2. What is your third answer? (In complete thesis statement format)
    Another important skill a child develops in preschool that is a predictor of success in school are
    emotional skills. While it may not be something that is often talked about I believe that now in the
    new age that we are in children are already influenced by those around them, so it is only logical
    that children learn to control their emotions at an early age.

3. List three reasons your answer is true with a real-world application for each.
    o It helps a child's ability to control their outbursts
       - I've noticed at my mentorship that the kids who struggle with their emotions, for example
         keeping their anger in check when someone has taken something from them affects the way
         they complete their school work because they are so focused on that emotion they don't focus
         or pay attention to anything else.
    o Good emotional skills help children become more emotionally sophisticated and confident
       -"My 10-year-old son recently shared a secret with me. He had used some of his allowance to
         buy Pokemon trading cards, which he called "way, way expensive." He didn't even like the
         cards, he admitted to me. But trading them was a way for him to build and keep some
         friendships in school with his classmates who collected the cards. His willingness to use his
         growing social sophistication and empathy to work on friendships shows how important
         emotional skills are for children in elementary school."-Lawrence Kutner, Ph.D.
    o Increases social competence
       - As I mentioned previously a child's ability to be able to control their emotions affects the way
         they interact with those around them. If a child is happy they are more likely to share their
         ideas, thoughts, or feelings with people opposed to a child who may be more sheltered
         will have a harder time expressing themselves which may affect their ability to communicate
         and perform in school.

4. What printed source supports your answer?
   Foxman, Paul. "Chapter 1/What Is Anxiety?" The Worried Child: Recognizing Anxiety in Children
   and Helping Them Heal. Alameda, CA: Hunter House, 2004. 8-21. Print.
    o This book/chapter got me thinking about how emotions play a role in how a child takes in their
        environment and how they show their feelings. It talks about anxiety, what it is and how it
        affects children emotionally, mentally, and academically.

5. Tie this together with a concluding thought. 
     Every child is unique. Some children are cheerful and adaptable while others are moody and easily
     distressed. Emotion and behavior are based on the child’s temperament and developmental stage.
     Which is why they must develop good emotional skills early on to carry into the future.