Five Benefits to Cosleeping Past Infancy

            When a woman becomes pregnant she receives a tremendous amount of advice on the dos and don’ts of parenting. One of the most common discussions among parents is whether to allow your child to sleep with you at night, or have them sleep alone in their own bed. There are several parents who disapprove of cosleeping. Many people feel that it will have a more negative effect on a child, than positive. According to the:“Natural Parents Network”, there is evidence proving that cosleeping, also known as “sharing sleep” or “family bed”, is actually a positive thing.  The co-founder: Dionna, of the “Natural Parents Network” and author of “Five Benefits to Cosleeping Past Infancy,” has compiled a list of five reasons why parents should consider allowing their child to sleep with them past infancy.  Dionna’s five reasons are: Cosleeping Can Further Both Trust and Independence,  Parents Are the Ultimate Security Blankets, Cosleeping Can Have Positive Effects on Self-Esteem and Family Closeness, Children Who Cosleep May Be Easier to Get Along With and Better Adjusted Than Their Solo Sleeping Peers, and Everyone Sleeps Better. Dionna exploration on the subject of cosleeping, has provided her readers with scientific evidence; proving that cosleeping can be more beneficial for a child than harmful.  

Finally! There is research validating what I've been saying for over twenty five years now, that "Children who share a bed with their parents will grow up more secure and independent." When I read the article: “Five Benefits to Cosleeping Past Infancy,” I was elated that there was research that provided factual evidence on the subject concerning the effects of cosleeping. Many parents will still warn against it, saying that it’s the worst thing you could do for your child; but now you can let them know that studies have shown that the children who slept in their parent’s beds were more likely to acquire a sense of autonomy; than those who slept in their own beds.

 Statistic’s shows that 96% of children who sleep alone from the ages of one to seven, need some form of security such as; a blanket, pacifier, toy, and/or even sucking on their thumb.  While the children who are cosleeping with their parents feel safe because they know that they're within arm reach of them. I believe that having your child within an arm's reach is comforting for the mothers and fathers as well.

  In recent studies that compared cosleepers with solo sleepers have found that the children who slept alone were more prone to develop social and emotional problems, than those who cosleep with their family.  The children who shared a bed with their loved ones showed that they were more independent, secure and have formed long-lasting relationship with their parents. I feel that the article is accurate with their comparison. Working with preschoolers you can definitely tell the difference between those who sleep alone to those who sleep with their parents. I can see a difference in their confidence, independence, and their ability to problem solve. The kids who sleep with their parents possess more social skills than those who sleep alone.
            I wish this article was around in 1989; when we had our first son So many people criticized my husband and I, for allowing our son to sleep with us. This article helped shed some light on a subject that was once considered, taboo. Dionna’s investigation revealed that children acquired many essential developmental and social skills; simply by sleeping with their parents at night. There will be many people that will dispute these claims and hold strong to their convictions; that children belong in their own beds.  One possible example would be: "The Nanny", but I believe that each parent must decide for themselves which option would be the most suitable for their family. 

The Day Care Dilemma: How Does 'Opting-Out' Impact Kids?

           One of the most common dilemmas that a successful, career oriented mother must decide is; whether to place their child into a daycare center or leave their career to become a stay at home mom. Melinda Wenner Moyer, the author of: "The Day Care Dilemma: How does 'Opting-Out' Impact Kids?" did extensive research to find out which choice would be the most beneficial for a child. Moyer’s investigation revealed that there are many factors to take into consideration, such as; income, environment, and the creditability of the daycare center.  There were positive and negative aspects for each choice. The decision isn't an easy one to make. Jay Belsky: an expert on child development was quoted saying, “If you were a fetus and the good Lord came to you and said, ‘I can give you great quality day care and a lousy family, or a great family but lots of lousy day care,’ you choose the latter, not the former.” Yet in the same breath, Belsky added, that even though the negative effects of day care are modest, “one needs to be careful about dismissing them.” Moyer found that as long as the mother was confident with her decision; whether to stay home or place their child in daycare, the child will develop adequately.

            Moyer’s research discovered that the quality of the daycare was a very important factor to take into consideration. A daycare can be in the best part of town; charging top dollar, and be very appealing at first glance but that doesn't mean your child’s guarantee to receive the quality care that he/she deserves. As a parent, I feel it’s your obligation to research the daycare that you’re considering placing your child in. You should be making visits to see if the staff workers are engaged with the children or just simply sitting back, watching them.

            I have worked with children for many years now; working in both high-income and low-income childcare centers. This may come as a shock to some; but the childcare offered to the lower income families such as Head Start, have higher standards to meet, due to the financial funding and grants that are needed to run their programs.  Head Start teachers must be college graduates, who obtain a bachelors degree in the field of teaching. The children who attend these facilities are provided with a variety of resources to meet the needs of every child. Teacher’s set monthly goals for their children as a whole and also as individuals. They meet with their parents to discuss the progress or the needs of their children. Children leave the program with the help and tools necessary to enter into kindergarten.

 Children, who are enrolled in the more expensive daycare centers usually, have nicer buildings, bigger playgrounds, and newer toys for the children to utilize comparison to the low-income centers. Most of their daycares require that their teachers be certified in order to work there. A quality center should be providing your child with a creative and stimulating curriculum as well as loving, caring environment. Many of the centers do not have the resources needed to help each child with their individual needs, nevertheless a sophisticated teacher should offer the parents guidance, to help get the child the adequate support he/she may need. Children who are cared for by quality childcare centers will also leave with new founded skills to be successful in elementary school.

            Then there is the stay at home mothers, who leaves their jobs, for the well-being of their child. Since the child’s first teacher is their parent, it makes sense that a mother would choose to stay at home to care for her child. Thanks to all the research on child development, parents now have a better understanding on the importance of education.  Research shows, that as long as the mothers continued offering their children guidance, love, and support, setting aside time to teach their children, their kids fared well in school. 

Years ago, when my children were little, the childcare centers were more like babysitting agencies. Sure they taught them their ABC’s and 123’s but that’s nothing in comparison to what they’re learning nowadays. Deciding to leave a career that you've worked so hard for to become a stay at home mom is a very difficult decision to make.  Choosing a daycare that is suitable for your child can be another tough choice; especially if the mother is unsure of her decision. You must take a lot of things into consideration such as; the longer you stay at home, the harder it is to find a job in your career field. The questioned everyone mother wants to know is, “what is best for my child”. I believe Moyer answered the question correctly, when she said; “it’s whatever choice you feel the most confident in”. So as long as you stand behind your decision and have a positive out-look, then your child’s perspective will be the same.  

The Seven Faces of the Early Childhood Educator

As society does away with the old, controlling, stereotypes of teaching, educators embrace the new methods which place the child as the central figure instead of what use to be the teacher.  The author, Jill Miels, of the article, “The Seven Faces of the Early Childhood Educator”, identifies seven important roles that teachers should consider while teaching.  The seven roles are: Communicator, Facilitator, Coach, Model, Researcher, Storyteller, and Keeper of the Watch. In Milels’s article, she states, “If I've learned nothing else over the past quarter century, I've learned that each individual must decide which roles to embrace and which roles to reject.”  She gives a little definition for each of the roles mentioned so that teachers may pick and choose the ones that best suits their teaching styles.

     The “communicator’s” role isn't just about talking to people; it’s about listening to what others have to say.  This is especially important when the “others” are the children.  They need to know that they are being heard and what they have to say is valued.  The role of facilitator can be a very time consuming job.  The “facilitator” oversees the classroom; offering encouragement and guidance to the children.  They are constantly trying to improve the children’s learning environment; by keeping up with the most current research.  As “coaches”, educators become the children’s mentors. Giving them assistance and knowledge that they need in order to establish a sense of community.  A “model” is someone who teaches by example. The behaviors you wish to teach your students, should be modeled by their teacher and adults.  The “keeper of the watch” role, isn't just to make sure the room is running smoothly, it’s also to make sure that the classroom activities are conducted in a timely manner. The "Storytelling Role" is an important role that many children can benefit from. Teachers can help children acquire this skill by teaching them how important it is to pass down stories from generations to generations.  A  "Researcher’s Role", is to gathers information about how students interact in the classrooms. “This helps teachers gain more knowledge  on how particular populations react in specific environments." Miels.

     Many preschools and childcare centers have already begun making improvements to their establishments. They have begun to incorporate the new teaching techniques to go along with the ever-changing early childhood education. Miels has constructed a list of many important roles that teachers should review and include in their everyday teachings. I believe that all seven roles are equally important and should all be utilized by all teachers.

     In the Head Start Program, you will find that the teachers are required to use these seven roles in their classrooms. When I first starting working for Head Start, I found it to be a bit challenging.  The memories I had of teachers, were the old stereotypes that Miels mention in her article. The new standards of early childhood learning has changed the way I view education as a whole. This is an article that everyone with children should read. These roles that the article offers could be applied in the home as well as in school.

      When you work with preschoolers it is important to remember that these first few years of their lives are when they learn the most. Therefore, it is very important for teachers to take the time to research the new techniques and methods that can improve their quality of teaching. As an educator myself, taking the time to cultivate the learning experience for young children proves necessary. Their well-being and understanding depends on the educator, hence the reason why these roles are important to the children’s development. Neglect breeds ignorance and in a learning environment, only the child suffers in the long run. This is why the educator must provide the best  learning experience possible for the children.

Different Approaches to Teaching: Comparing Three Preschool Programs

            Do you know what the Montessori, High Scoop and Reggio Emilla methods of teaching are?  Amy Sussna Klein, the author of, “Different Approaches to Teaching: Comparing Three Preschool Programs” will explain each of  their approaches to learning, in her “easy read “article.  Klein breaks the individual methods down into sections that will answer these following questions: “What is the program’s history?  What are its main components?  What is unique about the program?  How can one tell if a school is truly following the model?”

 The Montessori Method was invented by; Italy’s first female to become a doctor, Maria Montessori in 1907.  Observation is a key element in her research and  in her teachings.  Her approach  to learning is more from a scientific view.  She incorporates the five senses into her lesson planning and uses “didactic” materials in her classroom that are self correcting.  The classroom furniture is made at the children’s height; not the adults. Montessori has children of different ages blended into each classroom and stresses the importance of family evolvement in their child’s education.  The way they can make sure their method is truly being followed in the classrooms is to make sure that they are AMI or AMS certified.

The High/Scope Approach was developed by the Perry Preschool Project that was conducted by: Dave Weikart and Connie Kamii, back in 1962.  According to, Weikart and Kamii: The Perry Preschool Program: had compelling evidence which suggested that the children who were in their program; grew up with fewer arrests and had more high school graduates.  “This project was noted for being among the fewest longitudinal studies in early childhood that had significant findings.” (Different Approaches to Teaching)  Weikart, Kamii, and the help of some teachers, would work a few hours a day with underprivileged children, (ages three to four years old).  They attended staff meetings and made visits to the student’s homes.  Children using the High/Scope method are taught using the constructivist theory.  This theory believes that children learn more from interactions with their peers and the environment.   The High/Scope Foundation’s main goals are to encourage children to obtain educational goals as early as infancy.   Children are encouraged to interact with their peers and teachers in daily activities.  When a child talks, the teacher is to stop and listen.  The teacher’s scaffolds the child with open ended questions.  One of their major components of the High/Scope framework is called “Plan-do-review”, it’s explained as followed,” Children are encouraged to: 1) plan the area, materials, and methods they are going to work with; 2) do, actually carry out their plan; and 3) review, articulate with the class-room community what they actually did during work time. The review time helps children bring closure to their work and link their actual work to their plan.”  Schools that use this method have teachers who record their observations using the, “High/Scope Child Observation Record.”

The Reggio Emilia Approach to learning has slowly evolved over the years.   Reggio Emilia is a small town in Italy.  “The Reggio Emilia School’s, have been named the ten best school systems in the world”, by Newsweek Magazine.  They use the environment as a way to demonstrate and discuss school projects.  The approach is called “Documentation”, it is the foundation in which the children will build their knowledge on.  Children work together (co-constructing), discussing, and exploring projects with their peers.  They use “Flowcharts”, which will document the “beginning, middle and end, or past, present, and future” to research and discuss the process with the students.  Using co-construction while discussing the flowcharts, will serve two purposes: First, it will be a way to look back at problems and second, collaborate with one another to come up with solutions to them.  Teacher’s, who use this approach to learning, will use reflections as a tool for improving their teaching skills. They encourage their student’s by; acknowledging their students accomplishments and documenting the child’s education.   

Many of the preschool’s and head start programs have incorporated all three of these methods into their classrooms.  They have furnished the classrooms with child size tables and chairs so that the students can now sit more comfortably.  Children ranging in ages of 3-5 are now integrated into classrooms.  Students learn through play, they are encouraged to explore their environment and socialize with their peers.  Many parents are stepping forward and becoming more involved in their child’s education.  Teachers use documentation and flow charts in their classrooms; to record the student’s observations.  I find that all three methods of teaching; have their own unique qualities that can benefit the students.  In our head start program we utilize each one of these methods; and find them to be very successful in teaching our students.  

Ages & Stages: Empathy

By Carla Poole, Susan A. Miller, EdD, and Ellen Booth Church

Do you think empathy can be taught as early as birth?   According to the authors; Carla Poole, Susan A. Miler,EdD, and Ellen Booth Church, in their article called, “Empathy”, the answer is yes.  The writers share their research on the importance of teaching empathy at a very young age.  Poole, Miller, and Booth break up their findings into stages; ranging from infants 0-2 months old to children 5- 6 years of age.  According to their research even newborns can start to learn empathy just by how a parent responds to their baby’s cries.  As a toddler reaches ages three to four years old, they learn compassion by modeling and mimicking their caregivers.  Then, by ages five and six their vocabulary skills are more advanced.  They are now able to process and convey their feelings and emotions to others.  Also, they start to pick up on other people’s feelings by observing their facial expressions, body language, and mannerisms.   Poole, Miler EdD, and Church believe that,”by modeling and encouraging empathy, Kindergartners will become compassionate members of a caring community”.

In this article the writers really place a huge emphasis on how important “Empathy” is in young children.  They believe that it can be taught as early as infancy.  Infants learn how to self sooth themselves when their caregiver’s first response to a fussy baby; is their voice.   However, if the baby persists to fuss, a gentle caress from the parent’s hand, along with the soothing sound of their voice, should help to console the little one.  Finally, in the event that your child continues to fret, you would then pick the baby up and hold him/her in the crook of your arms, to calm them down.  I have seen this work time and time again while working in the infant rooms at my first place of employment.  Later, as they became toddlers these babies were more able to adapt to self sooth themselves and others who needed it.

Toddlers are very impressionable, especially in the first three years.  They are very observant and they definitely love to mimic adults.  Therefore, teaching children through modeling is a great way for children to learn how to grow into compassionate children themselves.  You will need to scaffold them from time to time, offering cues to various situations, but you will soon note that they will become more considerate of other children's feelings. 

As they enter into their preschooler years, children become more aware of other people’s feelings.  When they see a peer upset, they can look back and reflect on their own similar experiences and try to offer them the same support that helped them feel better.  The children at this age become more vocal, as they develop a wider range of vocabulary.  They often offer words of encouragement when they see a friend feeling sad or discouraged.   Adult’s still need to set a good example on how to be loving, caring and compassionate human beings, even after this age.

In my opinion,the authors: Poole, Miller, and Booth, really are very knowledgeable in the field of early childhood development. Their research on "empathy" holds true for me.  Everything they have said, I have seen firsthand, thanks to working with children of all ages.  Empathy is a very important emotion, something all of us should possess.  If we teach it to our children when they are young, then we are giving them the tools necessary to be successful in life.

"The Corner Store"

As you read Eudora Welty’s story called; “The Corner Store”, she takes you on a journey back in time to her childhood memories of Mr. Session’s corners store.  Welty gives a very illustrated description of the store; from the red brick exterior to the obscured darkness you meet as you entered inside the store. She talks about the many shelves that reached all the way to the ceiling and wrap around the store.  The shelves were filled with everything from lard, matches, kerosene to octagon soap. They carry such a diverse variety of foods that ranged from jars of pickles, bread, and milk to cans of sardines.  She reminisces about the sweet smell of licorice that filled the air and all delicious varieties of penny candy like; gum drops, tootsie rolls, wine-balls and lollipops.  Mr. Sessions would allow Welty to place her hand into the mouth of the candy jar and scoop the candy into her paper bag.  She talks about the many chocolates that are still popular to this day for instance Hershey Bars, Goo-Goo Clusters, and Baby Ruth’s .  When she wasn't in the mood for candy she would ask Mr. Sessions to fish out an ice cold soda pop from one of the huge barrels of ice water.  The barrels contained many popular sodas such as Coca-Cola and Orange Crush but her favorite one was a locally bottled soda concoction called, Mr. Lakes Celery Soda.  Welty said, “Enchantment is cast upon you by all those things you weren't supposed to have need for, it lures you close to wooden tops you'd outgrown, boy's marbles and agates in little net pouches, small rubber balls that wouldn't bounce straight, frazzly kite-string, clay bubble-pipes that would snap off in your teeth, the stiffest scissors.” These items were some of the toys that they were popular in her time period.  Every day before Welty would leave the store, she would look forward to being weighed on Mr. Sessions scale that stood by the door.  The scale was described as a stand up scale with a 20 stack of iron weights and a brass slide; on the balance arm.  He would place Welty on his scale and have her stand still as he weighed her.  He would wait patiently for her to be ready to come down and never rushed her off.  This was a fun experience that she would look forward to doing every time she went to his store. 

As you read her story you feel as if you are right there; standing by her side, seeing and smelling everything that she describes.  You can also envision all the different varieties of candies that she could choose from and buy; by the handfuls, from one single penny.  I can taste the refreshing, ice cold Coca-Cola and Orange Crush soda, and try to imagine what Welty's favorite, Mr. Lake’s Celery Soda would taste like. Mr. Lake's Celery soda was a popular treat, but in all honesty, it doesn't seem to enticing for me to even want to try it. The store described in Welty’s story sounds just like the store I would go to as a young girl.  My corner store was called the, Quick Shop and was owned by Mr. Dubois.  It was set up basically the same way as Mr. Sessions’s store.  Mr. Dubois had shelves that reached to the ceilings and wrapped all around the store and were filled with a multitude of items just as Welty described in her story.

I remember walking to my corner store at the bottom of my hill every day.  My parents would send my brother and I to store to pick up the things that they needed for our household. Just like Welty we too were occasionally allowed to use some of the money that was left over to buy candy or refreshments.  Sometimes I would try to hide the bread or drink all the milk just for a reason to go to the corner store.  Mr. Dubois was a lot like Mr. Sessions. He was always a very helpful, patient and a kind man.  He would allow me to hang out in his store with his sons Dennis and David and some of our friends from school.  Every Friday when I would get my five dollars allowance, I would run down to the store to spend it all on toys or penny candy. The Quick Shop also had the same variety of items as Mr. Sessions store did.  The toys that were popular back when I was a kid were similar to those of Welty’s.  We had the wooden tops and rubber balls but I don’t recall the marbles being sold there.  We had the fake rings, yo-yos, wolf pack poppers and jacks.  Toys were built very well not cheap like today’s toys.

Welty describes the corner store as one of her most favorite places to go as a child.  The owner of the store Mr. Sessions is characterized as a caring, helpful and patient man. The store itself may have been filled with items that would draw her or any child in but its the owner himself that makes her want to go back to the store each day.  Basically, all the small stores at that time would have the same items and be set up in a similar manor.  If the owner Mr. Sessions was described as a crabby old man who was impatient and unkind, I don't think that her corner store would have such wonderful memories to look back on.

“The Corner Store”  story is filled with so many rich details that even if you didn't grow up in that time era; you can still imagine what it was like to live back then.  Welty uses all 5 senses to accomplish that experience.  You can see the shelves that are up to the ceiling;, filled with all the many ranges of different items. Taste all the different assortments of penny candy and feel the cold soda pop in your hands and on your tongue.  Smell the jars of pickles that fill the air and make your mouth water. She also describes the smell of licorice as she walked in the door.  Last but not least, you can hear how much she loved her corner store that Mr. Sessions owned and all the life long memories she made there.

"Early Childhood Dispositions for Teachers and Trainees"

                     "Early Childhood Dispositions for Teachers and Trainees"        

        Nationwide, teachers and anyone in the early childhood field are  encouraged to further their education in order to provide a better learning environment for their students.  Professional organizations have set the foundation for which they believe are the most important areas of education that need improvement. Each state has created their own guidelines to follow in order to enhance their children's education and also to strengthen their teacher's teaching skills.  One important emphasis has been made on how a teachers disposition can have a very significant effect on a child's education.  The authors of "Early Childhood Dispositions for Teachers and Trainees",  Susan Harper-Whalen and Sandra L. Morris, really put a lot of emphasis on how important one's disposition is; in early childhood education. Whalen and Morris make many references to other authors, but most of their article is based on two particular authors.  Those authors are, Marge Carter and Deb Curtis, in reference to their 7 core disposition theory. 

            Since I work as a T.A. in the early childhood education field, I can honestly tell you that these two authors Whalen and Morris have done their research.  Anyone who works with children whether its teachers aides, teachers assistants, or teachers themselves; are being required to take college courses and workshops.  I have been able attend CCRI thanks to these organizations that are giving the financial aid that is needed to attend these classes.  These courses are a wonderful way to improve all of our teaching skills and give us a completely different approach on our teaching methods.  We are finding out that children learn more productively through play then the previous methods of sit there, look, listen and do as I tell you to do.

              My Head Start utilizes Carter's and Curtis's 7 core disposition approach in all our schools. They truly believe in their methods and have incorporated it into our curriculum.  When you use their methods everyday it becomes like second nature to you.  The following list is Carter's and Curtis's 7 core disposition theory.

 ~ Delight in and be curious about fostering children's

development, establishing a focus on individual children.

~ Learn to truly value play and its role in the teaching/

learning process.

~ Expect change and challenge as a member of the

early childhood profession.

~ Be willing to take risks and make mistakes; this is

the foundation for learning.

~ Build in frequent and regular time for reflection and

self-examination.

~ Look for opportunities for collaboration and peer

support.

~ Become a confident and active advocate for children

  There are teachers that are extremely book smart but do not have these dispositions that are needed in order to give the children the best education possible. Once you have an understanding of how these methods work and apply it to your teaching skills you will notice a major difference in your students and in yourself.

            It is so important for people who work with young children to get to know each and every one of them on a personal level.  By doing this, you will be able to provide each child with the individual help that they need to reach their personal goals.  The educational needs for each individual may be quite different than those of others but you can incorporate their needs into a classroom curriculum.  

             Through play, each and every one of your students will be able to learn more efficiently.  In fact, the children often teach one another without even knowing they're doing so. Teachers may need to scaffold the children in the right direction but you will be surprised just how fast the children learn and in turn teach others.   

            Working with children has been such a wonderful experience for me.  I have probably learned more from them than any educational course I have ever taken.  Don't get me wrong,  thanks to these classes I am learning important skills that are required for teaching children.  Although, observing the children and getting to know them on a personal level, has taught me that each child  is special and unique in their own way and require individual attention.  A teacher can graduate the top of their class and be very knowledgeable, however if they don't have that special charisma that is required to be an efficient teacher, they will not be as effective as they could be.

             I am so grateful that I have been given an opportunity to further my education through the grants that I have received.  I have been able to view teaching in a whole new light.  I have been trying to apply everything I have learned to become a more productive teacher. There were a few important things that I already knew before coming into this profession which were how important it is to have a loving, caring, and mindful disposition.    Being patient and understanding of parent/child's circumstances are also very important qualities to have.   Having these skills are a huge plus while working with children but you do need to have the educational skills in order to be able to teach them accordingly.  Professionals across the country are improving their knowledge of early childhood development for the education and well-being of their students.