Understanding Young Children Essay Example for Free

Understanding Young Children Essay Describe the features / principles / characteristics a teacher should consider in her / his role of designing a high-quality early childhood environment and materials selection? How a classroom design / set-up can influence children’s growth, behaviors, and learning? Why a â€Å"learning centers approach† to classroom design is a professionally defined best practice for teachers of early learners? Understanding Young Children Teachers need to understand the nature and characteristics of the learners in order to devise learning materials and strategies appropriate to the learners’ abilities and interest (Krogh and Slentz 11). In order to realize this, teachers must have a solid grasp on the universal principles underpinning the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development of the young learners. As well, teachers should possess consciousness on the roles of the values, culture and history of family and community in the development and learning of every child. Nevertheless, teachers should be aware on the behavioral characteristics of the learners in the classroom. With the teacher’s consciousness in all these areas, he or she can formulate effective and efficient plans to assess children’s progress and their involvement in meaningful learning experiences. Promoting Child Development and Learning With the teacher’s good understanding on the nature and characteristics on his or her learners, he or she can physically, socially, and emotionally structure the learning environment in order to support children’s learning and development (Krogh and Slentz 11). In connection to this, teachers should appreciate the significance of play in the different aspects of the learners’ development. They should integrate play in the learning activities of children and explain its importance to colleagues, administrators, and parents. In addition, teachers should promote physical growth and health by providing health and hygiene education, employing fine-and-gross motor activities, and encouraging movement and rest. On the other hand, teachers should inculcate the value of rules, group learning, and behavioral expectations in order to foster social development (Krogh and Slentz 12). They should also encourage persistence, risk taking and independence among the learners so as to promote self-respect and emotional development. As well, teachers should plan for language learning activities, both oral and written, in order to support language acquisition. Nonetheless, teachers should provide adequate opportunities and resources in arousing children’s curiosity and persistence while engaging with peers in risk taking. Knowledge on the Integrated Curriculum Curriculum integration involves crossing different academic disciplines in the design of learning activities which are meaningful, interesting, and relevant to children learning style and development (Krogh and Slentz 12). This multidisciplinary approach requires intensive organization of themes, topics, or concepts from mathematics, language, science, visual and performing arts, and social studies for a learning project. Topics from each core subjects will be drawn and interrelated to produce a single subject matter in such a way that upon presentation, learners would experience some sort of difficulties in sorting out what academic subject is being presented (Krogh and Slentz 12). Yet, teacher should keep in mind that each discipline has its own concepts, integrity, and major ideas which needed to smoothly be incorporated for the multidisciplinary learning project. Multiple Teaching strategies for Meaningful learning As mentioned earlier, teachers must have a solid grasp on the learners’ growth and development, their interest and abilities, as well as the cultural and social influences which directly shape the learning of the child. This intricate requirement denotes the complexity of an effective and efficient teaching. Teachers then must facilitate discussions, observe, ask questions, listen, properly intervene in every leaner activity, and carefully design and adapt learning materials to the learners’ needs, interests, and abilities. For the effective implementation of every learning activity, teachers need to create the physical environment along with the learning materials conducive to learning. For instance, in learning beyond the typical range like a new language, environmental and curricular rearrangement is needed which may also necessitate the assistance from the family or from the immediate caregiver of the child (Krogh and Slentz 12). Assessment and Reflective Practice Teachers need to evaluate the efficacy on their employed strategy in every subject matter presentation. They need to observe the effect of such in the learners’ social behavior and cognitive attributes. In relation to this, teachers should utilize various assessment tools in evaluating instruction and learning. This may include standardized instrument, anecdotal records, observations, listening, and appropriate questions (Krogh and Slentz 12). Meanwhile, teachers should also reflect on the assessed outcome on their instruction. They must re-examine their subject matter presentation against their bases of decisions, possible biases, and social and cultural considerations (Krogh and Slentz 12). In addition, they must always be opened to innovation and self-renewal through continuous learning. As such, teachers must seek means to attain professional advancement and keep abreast with the current theories and practices of effective teaching. Classroom Structure and Learning Learning environment can directly influence the learning of an individual (Tomlinson, Stronge, and Cunningham-Eidson 11). Childhood years are period of growth and development where every individual is still learning to control his or her behavior and practice environmental adaptation. Children are sensitive to environmental factors which directly affect their physical conditions (Tomlinson, Stronge, and Cunningham-Eidson 11). Thus, their attention to learning and participation to learning activities are also affected. Therefore, teacher should ensure that the classroom atmosphere, from lighting and ventilation to physical setting and audio-visual ambiance, is conducive to learning. Learning Centers Approach Learning Centers are natural approach in providing meaningful learning experiences to young learners (Diffily, Donaldson, and Sassman 5). Since children are curious and fond of interactions, the design of learning centers is aligned with their developmental attributes in order to create an organized and systematic learning environment. The learning materials in the centers like concrete objects and models are carefully chosen and constructed for children’s manipulation and learning at their respective pace and developmental level. In addition, by working and interactions in a small group, the young learners can learn not only the use of learning materials but also the sense of team work and socialization. Thus, the sense of responsibility and cooperation will eventually develop among the learners. Moreover, each learning center such as Art center, Science center, Mathematics center, Listening center, Dramatic-play center, Reading center, Music center and Writing Center, caters for the specific intelligences on the learners. Hence, these learning centers develop and enrich the holistic capability and potentiality of children. Define How and Describe the Importance –A teacher’s knowledge of growth and developmental principles developmental characteristics is connected to the major teacher roles: Child Development Specialist; Foster of Children’s Early Learning; Designer of an Appropriate Learning Environment; Curriculum Designer; Documenter. Education should provide for the inculcation of fundamental skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic, mastery of information, and development of traits. However, to be functional, instructions should include all-round guidance of the learner in fitting him or her for the successful participation in all phases of his present and future relationships (Tomlinson 31). Hence, every teacher should possess intensive understanding of the underlying principles of the child’s being. In such way, the teachers can easily guide children in the discovery and utilization of their respective capacity and potentiality for the attainment of desirable growth and development. In particular, teachers must understand the children’s predictable sequence of growth and development so as to create a learning environment which supports the â€Å"age appropriate† education needs of the young learners. Also, since growth and development uniquely occurs among every child, the teacher should ensure the â€Å"individual appropriateness† of every learning activity. As the theory of Jean Piaget suggests, teachers should promote a unique-child centered learning experiences in order to develop the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of every child. Moreover, the works of Lev Vygotsky emphasized the role of language in socio-cultural and cognitive learning. Vygotsky suggested that through â€Å"scaffolding,† the learning of every individual can be accelerated. This can be done as by employing group works and interactions among the learners. As a child seeks assistance form the others who have similar zone of proximal development, the child’s learning can be facilitated. Further, if education is growth, teachers must not only prepare children for school life, but also provide opportunities for life experiences inside the classroom. In connection to this, it is important that every child should be given the opportunity to participate in each learning activity which will provide appropriate challenge to his or her abilities. By keeping these in mind, he teacher can serve as an effective designer of curriculum and learning environment. Moreover, the knowledge on the growth and development of every child facilitates the teacher’s understanding of the learners’ social behavior (Tomlinson 32). Due to individual differences and social and cultural background of the young learners, it is impossible for a teacher to set up a pre-conceived standard or model in understanding the nature of every child. It is rather advisable to understand the child’s behavior in terms of what the child is along with his or her family background. In doing so, the teacher can accurately document the academic progress of the child in relation to the child’s social and cultural background. Works Cited Diffily, Deborah, Donaldson, Elizabeth, and Sassman, Charlotte. The Scholastic Book of Early Childhood Learning Centers: Complete How-tos, Management Tips, Photos, and Activities for Delightful Learning Centers that Teach Early Reading, Writing, Math More. New York: Scholastic, 2001. Krogh, Suzanne and Slentz, Kristine. Early Childhood Education: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. Mahwah, New Jersey: Erlbaum Associates, 2001. Tomlinson, Carol A. The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of all Learners. Carolina: ASCD, 1999. Tomlinson, Carol A. , Stronge, James, H. , and Cunningham-Eidson, Caroline. Differentiation in Practice: A Resource Guide for Differentiating Curriculum. Carolina: ASCD, 2003.

iceman - preservation Essay -- essays research papers fc

1. Explain why the iceman was so well preserved? ( source one) It is said that a frozen body will stay preserved over hundreds, even thousand of years. During the first stage of investigations Austrian archaeologist Konrad Spindler researched the layout which had proved that the iceman’s body position and placement of weapons were preserved in the same position from when the Iceman had died, it had also been proved that the body was initially covered in a thin layer of snow which had helped complete the freeze drying process before it turned into ice. The body had been so well preserved because of the depth that the Iceman was actually lying in the ground, which was near the watershed (watershed meaning a line of high land where streams on one side flow into one river or sea and streams on the other side flow into another.) This meant that a glacier would be able to develop above him throughout the next millennia without moving his position down hill. In this position he was able to remain buried, frozen, covered and protected by the cold over a period of 5,300 years as the worlds oldest, best preserved natural mummy. 2a) What purpose do you think the tattoo served? (Source 2) Scientists believe that the Iceman’s tattoo’s were first applied in 3,200 BC, the first evidence of acupuncture. Based on this information I believe that this ‘cruciform tattoo’ was marked on the iceman’s body in order to serve as a medical and therapeutic purpose, as it was discovered that he suffered from Acute Arthritis, Worms and Diarrhoea. Dr Frank Bahr (President of the German Academy for Acupuncture) who studies the trends and patterns of the iceman’s tattoos, believes that the cruciform, meaning cross-shape, tattoo and a master point tattoo on his back were applied in order to treat rheumatism. Bahr says â€Å""These points would still be selected by the best acupuncturists today." "It is the most common combination for treating rheumatic illness." Bahr also discovered 15 other smaller groups of tattoos marked on the Iceman’s back and legs which form an ancient acupuncture chart developed in central Europe, 2000 years before china. Bahr states â€Å"I was amazed , 80% of the points correspond to those used in Acupuncture today.† 2b) How does this influence previous historical concept of body art? Body art is one of the oldest forms of creative expression ... ...le to be Bias as there is no variety from where and who the opinions come from, they are one sided views which no one has attempted to prove or disprove in this particular article. 3c) Who is the main audience or who is source 10 aimed at? Source 10 is mainly aimed at an audience of an older mature group both male and female who particularly take an interest in science and history as the article has been printed in â€Å"Science Today† . Bibliography Konarad Spindler (1995) The Man In The Ice, Orion Books, London Chapter 13 Page 69-71 Chapter 15 Page 77-81 Chapter 17 Page 80-83 Toni Hurley, Philippa Medcalf, Jan Rolph (2000) Antiquity 1 Second Edition, Oxford University Press, South Melbourne Victoria, Australia Chapter 1 Page 5 Chapter 10 Page 103, 104, 113 Scott Fetzer (1991) The World Book Encyclopedia, World Book Inc, Chicago London Sydney Toronto Reference - B number 2 page 648 Left page right column. http://www.mummytombs.com/mummylocator/featured/otzi.htm Last updated 2000 http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/iceman/iceman.html Last updated 2005 http://www.fashion-era.com/jewellery.htm Last updated 1999 http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/clothing2.html Last updated 2003

Black English

â€Å"Pink is No Longer the New Black† Jonathan Swift said, â€Å"Proper words in proper places make the true definition of style† What is the true definition of style? When one is asked, one may say it is what you wear. In other circumstances, style may be referred to music, or film and television. Style is also literature and linguistics. Throughout the generations, style has been altered; Cut trimmed and filed down until the original style is far away in the crevices of your mind. Fashion has erupted from something that was once soft and elegant, to now being loud, flashy, and revealing.Language has become something different entirely. In today’s language, â€Å"Black English† is present in our everyday lives. There are various reasons why we speak a certain way. In today’s world, we are always searching for easier ways to do things, we are constantly trying to fit in and do what everyone else is doing, and no matter what, we always do what we ar e surrounded with. The world is forever changing. We are always searching for ways to make everyday tasks easier. People used to walk everywhere, so the bike was invented.Riding a bike everywhere was difficult, so the car was invented. Technology is also forever changing to make things easier. From typewriters, to laptops and ipads, phones so you don’t even need a computer anymore. It is forever changing, but as the language changes with it, it does not mean that it is a good thing. â€Å"Black English† seems lazy in a way. The way people used to talk was thick and luscious. Now, â€Å"black English† has made words short and choppy. Instead of saying, â€Å"I am not going to do anything† many people say â€Å"I ain’t gonna do nothin. It is easier to say, but it does not necessarily mean that it sounds intelligent. Society makes us feel like in order to fit in, we have to look and act like everyone else. If an actor starts to dress a certain way, t hen everyone else wants to look like that actor too. The same goes with language. If a music artist starts to talk and say words a certain way in a song, it starts to catch on. Then a chain starts to form. If one person begins to talk and hang around a group of people who are speaking â€Å"Black English† then that person will begin to speak like them as well.In a world where society is in charge, fitting in is the only way. Psychologists say that we do what our parents do. Technically we â€Å"become† our parents as we grow up. If our parents are racist, then we too will be racist. If you grow up in the South and your parents have a western accent, then you will have that accent as well. As a child, if your parents use â€Å"Black English† then you will too because it is all you have ever known. â€Å"Black English† is in our everyday lives, and if you surround yourself with the language then you will start speaking that way too.Although â€Å"Black Eng lish† is present everywhere we go, it does not necessarily mean it is a good thing. In most cases it can make you sound uneducated and there are specific times when you should, and should not use it. In your home, or with friends is one thing, but in writing an essay for example, you should avoid it at all costs. The world is forever changing, language especially. The language style changes all the time. People are constantly making up new words and adding new meanings to the words that are not as commonly used. In the literary world, â€Å"Black English† has become the â€Å"new black. †

How Does Shakespeare Present Love and Marriage in ÂMuch...

Through rich imagery and a comic context Shakespeare uses characters to explore his ideas about love and marriage, using relationships to show the trials of love. In his play Shakespeare makes Beatrice and Benedick the critics of love and through them the modern audience is shown how Elizabethan society maltreats the female role and how the male code of honour and pride can lead to devastation. Shakespeare portrays Claudio and Hero as a pair of conventional lovers who go through an unadventurous and predictive courtship. Through this relationship he shows the modern audience how women were largely dominated by men. As Claudio metaphorically asks, ‘can the world buy such a jewel Hero is portrayed as an object and someone to possess and†¦show more content†¦In Kenneth Branaghs film he emphasises the animal imagery by making Benedick cry out indignantly like a bird because of what the men are saying. The symmetry in language is also echoed in the way that Beatrice and Benedick decide to dedicate themselves to each other as a result of this guiling, ‘Love me? Why it must be requitedÂ…I will be horribly in love with her. The result of the tricking scene and the way that they are so easily duped creates humour because they now seem desperately in love with each other Benedick love on. I will requite thee. As a modern audience we feel satisfied at this union. Kenneth Branagh creates unity between Beatrice and Benedick with a montage. When Benedick is in the fountain splashing and laughing and Beatrice is on the swing smiling. These scenes make the audience smile and anticipate the positive ending. In this play Shakespeare presents love sickness literally. Both Beatrice and Benedick have either ‘toothache or are ‘exceeding ill. As well as the change in health Shakespeare presents a transformation in language and appearance as the side effects of love. They say that Benedick ‘rubs himself with chivet, he has shaved, washed himself and put make-up on, ‘when was he wont to paint himself. Shakespeare shows the complete change that love brings upon Beatrice by changing her prose into alternately rhyming lines of iambic pentameter in her soliloquy. Shakespeare writes thatShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Much Ado About Nothing And King Lear3685 Words   |  15 PagesName: Instructors’ Name: Course: Date: Analysis of Shakespeare’s powerful female characters in the play â€Å"Much Ado about Nothing† and â€Å"King Lear Introduction Shakespeare is seen to value the role of women as his plays often portray women as heroines. These women have strong characters that endear them to readers. Readers in our current world, and especially women, are encouraged to be self-assertive in demand for equal treatment in our society. This has been the tradition for women in the Western