Sharing Resources

As I continue to explore the Zero to Three website, I have a better understanding of the uniqueness of the infant/toddler classrooms.  While they are indeed a part of early childhood, they require “special” circumstances due to the unique age of the children.  I, also, feel strongly (stronger than previously, if that is possible) that these young children can be a part of preschool, and at the same time, there needs can be met in a developmentally appropriate manner.  Infant and toddler teachers need to feel a part of the preschool community; they are certainly not babysitters.  Their job is intense and important; they need to be valued.

This week, as I followed several links, I explored various avenues that the website offered.  One link offered advice specifically to parents; without a doubt, this link offers a wealth of information to early childhood educators, too.  I read the article “Using Questions to Support Your Child’s Learning.”  In addition to explaining why questions are important, the article tackled additional questions.  “Can babies and toddlers ask questions before they can use words?” fascinated me; through my observations, I witnessed babies and toddlers talking before they can verbalize comprehendible words.  The article seemed to validate my thought, stating that babies and toddlers ask questions by pointing, touching, reaching, or looking.

Then, as if fate stepped in, I followed a link (although I don’t know which one) and was directed to a brochure of sorts titled “The power of Play.”  The article/brochure was put together by Zero to Three and was definitely geared to parents.  However, it forced me to focus on play at this age, rather than preschool.  My favorite quote is “you are your child’s favorite toy.”  What an amazing responsibility for parents, which would enable them to just have fun playing with their child.  And then, on the last page, it was stated to parents, “Remember… you make a difference in how much your child learns through play.”  Maybe that could be the motto of early childhood professionals.

Finally, I linked to an article from Family Life where “grown-ups talk on growing up.”  This article was called “Encouragement vs. Rewards & Punishment: Does it really make a difference?”   The author asks the question “what’s the difference between adults getting rewarded with paychecks if they do their jobs and punished with termination if they don’t do their jobs?  The difference, obviously, is that adults have developed frontal lobes and are able to problem-solve.  Children need help in developing their problem solving skills, rather than punishment for not having them.  While children are always “good,” at times they make a poor choice. 

I could go on and on, because I kept searching through the site.  I copied articles, some of which I haven’t had the chance to read.  Without a doubt, this web site has opened up my eyes to a group of children that were, basically, off limit in my school.  If I only had the chance to do it all over again… but since I don’t, I can certainly share with early childhood educators today.