Friday, May 27, 2011

I'm Out!

So, just because I want to release frustrations I am typing this blog. I am moving. Yea, I know, why? Because I want a change, I'm sick of crap, I want to get to know my dad, I can be closer to Matt, I can get more help paying for school, and I can just simply get away! Why it's hard to leave? It is a change. I have to give some things up, mainly sleep because school is now farther. Most importantly, I have to leave my little brother behind whom I love despite each others stupidity at times (notice I said each others). Now, I've already begun the process. I transferred jobs, I start Sunday. Also, last night I moved furniture. You know, the stupid weather people kept saying, rain rain rain! I don't see any rain! You see, I at the last minute planned to move furniture last night. I did this because of rain. I thought it was a great idea. That way all I had to worry about tonight was packing the last few things and unpacking. I am tired. Also, my gpa was needed after all and he really wanted to go to the Grad at UG tonight. So, called my dad and called my gpa and decided my mom should know. Well, apparently the idea wasn't a great idea to all. We still moved my stuff but now, unfortunately, I don't think this move is going to go smoothly any more. I was hoping there would be no anger, just saddness. Screw that idea. My frustration...all that crap for nothing. It's not raining!!! I'll be glad when tonight comes and I'm chilling with the parrot! I'm hoping Austin can still come up. I really wanted to do this for him so he could see where I'll be. It doesn't make up for me leaving but at least he can know he's welcome and I'll be ok. Right now, I'm just really pissed. I was trying to do a good thing for myself for once. I really should give up but I'm more than 1/2 way there! Come tonight my address will not longer be Lexington.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

1 Peter 1

***It's amazing to see the progression of learning in just a few semmesters. This paper was written Freshman year at PBC in one of my first classes. This is supposed to be an essay. Some of the ideas are sill accurate but the style of writing and the fact that there are only two paragraphs makes me laugh. That is what I mean by progression of learning.***

1 Peter 1:9-12 refers to grace. We learned in our studies that this grace was seen in some degree in each of the seven dispensations. This mentions the grace that was foretold by the Old Testament prophets. This is one proof of the fact we have been seeing that the two sections the Bible is divided into do not contradict each other. Grace was mentioned in the Old Testament and is again reiterated in the New Testament. The one leads into the other.
If you look back at the before verses in 1 Peter 1 you can see more of the context of this portion of scripture. It says, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” This portion leading up to our small section of reading shows us the truth being discussed here as a whole- salvation by faith. This is another topic we have discussed very diligently in our studies coinciding with the idea of grace. This idea was the fact that the way to salvation in every dispensation has always been by faith!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Discipline in the Preschool

**This is another mini paper written for my Trends and Problems class. It was written sophomore year at PBC***

Classroom management is one of the most essential elements of a successful classroom. There cannot be a well-managed classroom without discipline. Discipline is a way of training students to be able to manage the classroom. Steve Glenn, contributor to eHow, says “Lack of classroom discipline results in academic chaos, low student performance and teacher exhaustion and frustration” (“Importance”).
Many do not realize the sheer importance of discipline. Glenn states in his article, “The Importance of Discipline in the Classroom,” that some of the reasons discipline is important are safety, effectiveness, and lack of distractions (“Importance”). This article is mainly geared to elementary and secondary education, but the preschool teacher can get the same benefits from it as well. Safety is a very important key factor in education. Teachers spend a lot of time in the preschool, like Brenda Hunter (certified preschool teacher) points out in her article, making the students feel secure (“Best Discipline”). They need this or they will not trust the teacher and will not be easily controlled. In order to do that, the teacher has to remain patient and take time to explain the rules and attempt to explain why the rules are there. Hopefully, the student will grasp hold of the concepts and respect and admire the teacher. Effectiveness is also a key factor in preschool. Early Education is essential in building for the future. The concepts taught need to be grasped early on so future teachers can build off of that education. In order to have effectiveness though, the student needs to be trained on how to act. Lastly, lack of distractions is a reason for discipline. This is so easily understood with younger children because they are so easily distracted. Good discipline can help prevent many of the unnecessary distractions. All of these distractions will not be prevented, but a well disciplined and managed classroom will rid the majority of distractions aiding the idea of effectiveness.
There are several articles and books that will not only tell a teacher or teacher-in-training the importance of discipline but also methods of discipline. Brenda Hunter’s article, “Best Discipline Strategies for a Preschool Classroom,” is an excellent example. In this she gives ideas such as time-out, group learning, playtime, positive encouragement, and a set disciplinary policy or plan. She says “a teacher needs to have simple rules with simple consequences” (“Best Discipline”). Her article is one of many that provide great insight to the discipline problems teachers face today.
Some would say disciplining kids is hard nowadays. It can be. There is still a great importance for discipline- safety, effectiveness, limited distractions, and more. There are many books and resources to help in coming up with very effective ways of discipline. There are workshops that one can take to improve their methodologies. Whatever the case, discipline is so important in a classroom whether preschool or college.


Works Cited
Glenn, Steve. “The Importance of Discipline in the Classroom.” eHow.com, 2010. Web. 4October 2010.
Hunter, Brenda. “Best Discipline Strategies for a Preschool Classroom.” Lifestyle: Education, 2009. Web. 4 October 2010.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

State and Local Laws Regarding Preschool Operation

**This is another mini paper written for my Trends and Problems class. It was written sophomore year at PBC***

In order to have a successfully operating pre-school, certain laws and regulations need to be understood and followed. There are several laws the states and counties make in order to make sure children are being kept in safe environments. Most laws are made by the states in accordance with federal laws and the counties make sure these laws are followed through in their law books. Some counties will also add to these laws, but not subtract. Davidson County, North Carolina follows the state guidelines thoroughly. These laws and guidelines are usually checked up on by state and local officials regularly.
In North Carolina there are a few laws that need to be followed. The North Carolina Division of Child Development gives a list of laws needed to be followed by pre-school facilities. The first has to do with transportation- “Child care centers or family child care homes providing transportation for children must meet all motor vehicle laws, including inspection, insurance, license, and restraint requirements. Children may never be left alone in a vehicle and child-staff ratio must be maintained” (“North Carolina”). The second section of laws has to do with record keeping. It seems as though a record needs to be kept for everything- children's attendance, children’s immunizations, children’s emergency phone numbers, and monthly fire drills (“North Carolina”). The next law is that every center or preschool has to have a discipline policy (“North Carolina”). They have to discuss the policy with parents and give them a personal copy when they enroll their child in the school (“North Carolina”). Corporal punishment is prohibited (“North Carolina”). Another law is that child abuse or neglect, if suspected, has to be reported (“North Carolina”). Also, the school must keep in mind parental rights- parents have the right to enter a family child care home or center at any time while their child is present, parents have the right to see the license displayed in a prominent place, and parents have the right to know how their child will be disciplined (“North Carolina”). There are specific laws related to staff members- “The administrator of a child care center must be at least 21, and have at least a North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential or its equivalent. Lead teachers in a child care center must be at least 18 and have at least a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential or its equivalent. If administrators and lead teachers do not meet this requirement, they must begin credential coursework within six months of being hired. Staff younger than 18 years of age must work under the direct supervision of staff 21 years of age or older. All staff must complete a minimum number of training hours including ITS-SIDS training for any caregiver that works with infants 12 months of age or younger, and CPR and first aid training. All staff must also undergo a criminal records background check” (“North Carolina”). The staff/child ratios are the following- one to five for zero to one year olds, one to six for one year to two year olds, one to ten for two year olds, one to fifteen for three year olds, one to twenty for four years olds, and one to twenty five for school-age children (“North Carolina”). The maximum number of students is ten zero to one year olds, twelve one to two year olds, twenty two year olds, and twenty-five for three year olds and up (“North Carolina”). Space and equipment are regulated- “To meet licensing requirements, there must be at least 25 square feet per child indoors and 75 square feet per child outdoors. Outdoor play space must be fenced. Indoor equipment must be clean, safe, well maintained, and developmentally appropriate. Outdoor equipment and furnishings must be child size, sturdy, and free of hazards that could injure children” (“North Carolina”). Lastly, there are few health laws such as the food should be nutritional and offered every four hours, and everything in children’s reach should be sanitary (“North Carolina”).
There are many laws and regulations in place in order to run an successful child care center. Sometimes these laws become somewhat of a hassle, but they are needed. In order to keep the children safe there needs to be understood requirements for every center. Laws provide organization and a firm basis for protection. Laws are needful and helpful. Every teacher should know the laws of her country, state, county, and center.


Works Cited
“North Carolina Child Care Law and Rules.” Division of Child Development: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 2009. Web. 1 September 2010

Friday, December 10, 2010

Parental Involvement

**This is a mini paper I wrote for my Early Childhood Degree. The class was Trends and Problems in EC ED during sophomore year at PBC.**

“I dreamed I stood in a studio and watched two sculptors there, the clay they used was a young child's mind and they finished it with care. One was a teacher; the tools she used were books and music and art; one a parent with a guiding hand and a gentle and loving heart. Day after day, the teacher toiled with a touch that was careful, deft and sure. While the parent labored by her side, and polished and smoothed it o'er” (qtd. Matton). It is important for all to realize that teachers are not the only people responsible for educating children. The parents play a very vital role in a child’s education and this paper will show just that.
Parents are known as the first educators of a child. This is just a common fact. The child is in care of the parent starting from conception. The parent takes time to teach their child to walk and talk. Most do this without really even thinking they have to. It’s just a joy to hear the child say “Momma” or “Dadda” for the first time. A lot of the times, the child learns just by seeing or hearing the parent doing it constantly.
The parent should not stop their involvement in education there, however. They are the ones responsible for choosing the school. A parent should take the time to look at different schools and choose the one they think will best suit their child. This task should not be taken lightly. They should decide what plan to try. This means some schools can do half day programs or whole day programs. The parent needs to know and plan what they want to try with the child when enrolling. Not only the program, but they should also decide if the child is ready or needs to wait. Not all children can start school as early as others. The parent needs to have some semblance of their child’s capabilities.
After choosing the school, the parent should not back off. The parent needs to be there for the child the whole time the child goes through their educational process. The parent, like in Matton’s article, should be there to “polish” what the child is being taught in schools (Matton). Matton also argues that parental involvement starts before school and long after school (Matton). Molly Kreider argues, like many psychologist, that a child whose parents are active in their education do better in school (Kreider). Does this mean the child will be a straight-A student? Of course not, but the child will have a better chance at making the grade if the parent is helping and coaching along.
Now that the importance of involvement is understood, the parent needs to know how to be involved. The main way is through contact with the teacher to see how the child is doing. The main way this done is through parent-teacher conferences. There is also the phone. Parents can call the teacher. The worse thing the teacher can say is, “Sorry, I do not have time to discuss this now.” The other way a parent can be involved is by keeping track with what the child is learning. It can be easier to do this is elementary and up because the child has homework, but the same thing needs to be done in pre-school. Normally the child will be excited about what their learning and want to share if the parent will only listen.
Parental involvement is so vitally important. It helps strengthen a child not only academically but also emotionally. It “polishes” what the teacher is working to teach and it shows the child they are loved. So, parents need to show the child they are loved and be involved in their education. Remember, it takes two sculptors to help shape a strong mind in a child- the teacher and the parent(s). Parents need to be involved.

Works Cited
1. Kreider, Holly. “Getting Parents ‘Ready’ for Kindergarten: The Role of Early Childhood Education.” Harvard Family Reseach Project, April 2002. Web. 13 September 2010.
2. Matton, Kyla. “‘Unity’ of Home & School?” Lifestyle: Parental Involvement in Educating Children, 15 October 2009. Web. 13 September 2010.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Health and First-Aid Laws

**This is a mini paper I did for Trends and Problems in Early Childhood Education sophomore year at PBC.**

When operating a daycare or a pre-school one of the most important things to be concerned with is keeping the children healthy and safe. In North Carolina, there are a few laws to be noted when it comes to having a law-approved preschool center. The first section of laws is concerning health and the second set is concerning first aid requirements.
When it comes to keeping children healthy there are a few things to keep in mind. First each child kept in the daycare needs to have his/her immunization records up to date and turned in to the office for filing (“North Carolina”). Second, sanitation is very important. Germs are so easily spread so in order to keep them from spreading among all the children everything needs to be sanitized and clean (“North Carolina”). Obviously, when it comes to being healthy, watching what is eaten is very important. Snacks and meals should always be nutritious (“North Carolina”). Portion sizes also need to be monitored so the kids are not being overfed (“North Carolina”). They need to be satisfied, not extremely stuffed. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, “Food must be offered at least once every four hours” (“North Carolina”). Another way to stay healthy is to be active. If weather permits, allow the children time outside to get the “wiggles out” and get some exercise (“North Carolina”). Also, give them “space and time to rest” (“North Carolina”). Lastly, health inspectors need to visit regularly to make sure all standards are up to par to keep the children healthy (“North Carolina”).
Not only is it important to make provisions for keeping the children healthy, but there also needs to be provision made for the “just-in-case” moments. What this means is having a first-aid kit and first aid regulations. According to the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education website, North Carolina defines a first-aid kit as consisting of “a collection of first aid supplies (such as bandages, tweezers, disposable nonporous gloves, micro shield or face mask, liquid soap, cold pack) for treatment of minor injuries or stabilization of major injuries” (“Child Care”). There also needs to be a permission slip for emergency medical care to be administered and contact numbers for an emergency situation on file for each child just like the immunization records (“Child Care”). The center needs to have specifics outlined on what organization, hospital, clinic, doctor, and emergency room just in case an emergency ever arises (“Child Care”). There also needs to be someone designated to accompany the child or accompany the leftover children when one does need to be rushed to the hospital or clinic (“Child Care”).
It is so very important to not only educate children, but to also keep the children healthy and safe. An education is a very good thing to have but if they are not kept healthy and safe the education will be pointless. All organizations devoted to child care should have these ideas in mind.



Works Cited
1. “Child Care Rules.” National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education: North Carolina, 1 August 2010. Web. 2 September 2010. 2. “North Carolina Child Care Law and Rules.” Division of Child Development: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 2009. Web. 1 September 2010.

Monday, December 6, 2010

“Comparisons of Satirical Writings- the Nun’s Priests Tale and Gulliver’s Travels”

**This is an essay I wrote for my final exam in British Literature my sophomore year at PBC**

Sometimes it is easier to release all anger and frustration by poking fun of the persons or ideals in writing. Satire is the term for this idea. A writer who is angered or frustrated or just simply picking at a person, group of persons, or an ideal composes a writing in which he makes fun of the subject. There are two tales in particular that are indeed satires written for one reason or another. They are the Nun’s Priests Tale and Gulliver’s Travels.
Both of these writings have very interesting similar literary techniques. Both of these stories are allegories- using animals or descriptions of people to illustrate ideas or other people. The difference between the two is how exactly that they use this technique. The Nun’s Priests Tale uses animals to describe types of people. Chanticleer is a rooster representing a persona of someone who is big and brooding, Pertelote represents the wise partner, and the fox represents someone who is sly and deceitful. In Gulliver’s Travels, Lilliput represents England and Blefuscu represents France. Epic simile, comparing two things that are extraordinary comparisons to be making, is also seen in both of these stories. The NPT compares people to animals. Gulliver’s Travels compares miniature people and their issues to Great Britain. Another issue of epic convention seen in both stories is the fact that both stories are told by a speaker within the story. The Priest from Canterbury Tales tells the story of Chanticleer, and Gulliver is telling the stories of his travels.
Not only are these two stories similar in literary technique, but they are also similar in their styles of satire. There are five styles of satire that one can use to describe a selection- direct, indirect, ironic, Horatian, and Juvenalian. Direct has the idea that the writer reveals in the writing the subject of the satire. Neither story, NPT or Gulliver’s Travels does this. Indirect is where the satire is communicated through characters. Both stories do this. However, is there more to it than communication through characters? Ironic satire uses exaggeration, understatement, and is indirect. Both stories exaggerate in their comparisons. Both are indirect. The glitch, the NPT seem to bring to light the issue, not mask it. The NPT explains the moral at the end of the story. Gulliver’s Travels, however, is a little more discreet about the issue, but does it really reflect it is of little importance? No. It uses grand comparisons leading to more direct light instead of belittling. The next type of satire is Horatian, poking fun for fun. Neither story is this type of satire. Lastly, Juvenalian satire is sharp, biting. It shows the anger and intensity. Both stories seem to do this. They deal with the issues by giving harsh, exaggerated comparisons. So, both stories are indirect, Juvenalian satires.
Satire can be an interesting literary technique to examine in different texts. The symbolisms and attacks used can make this a fun experiment. These two stories are excellent stories to observe to see the examples of two Juvenalian satires. Satire, a way of releasing anger, can be seen as a good laugh or a good learning experience for a future reader. NPT and Gulliver’s Travels are just two great satirical writings.