all about cHilDreN

7 Tips for Teaching Respect and Tolerance

2006-10-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

Contributed by Rebecca Leo, Enders-Salk Elementary, Schaumburg, Illinois.

Extracted from Early Childhood Education Today Ninth Edition by George S. Morrison.

When I asked my class if anyone had seen the ball that was on my desk and my students said, "A bilingual took it," I knew we had a problem. My third graders were prejudiced against a group of Spanish-speaking children who they didnt know and had very little contact with. Here are some tips for teaching respect and tolerance that I used to bring the groups together.

1. Start a conversation. Ask an open-ended question. For instance, I asked my third graders, "What does bilingual means?" Most kids had no idea. Some thought it meant "from Mexico" or "not too smart." Now I knew the first place to start was using our language arts skills to exploer the actual definition of bilingual.

2. Focus on what kids value. Would you like someone just beacause you were told to? Kids must earn their peer's respect. So think about what kids value. Kids who can play sports or instruments well gain instant respect. Therefore, take every opportunity to showcase students' talents. Have schoolwide talent shows, poetry reading, events at recess, or impromtu moments if the kids are willing. For instant, one student said she played "America the Beautiful," a song that we were discussing in social studies. When the music room was free, we went in and listened to her. Another student who told me she danced in salsa style brought in a tape the next day and showed us some moves. The kids and I were wildly impressed!

3. Seeing is believing. Discuss whatever talents and special knowledge your students have, but go one step further. Have children give the class some visual examples of talents, such as a lesson in speed-skating, a finished model ship, playing a song on the harmonica, and so forth. Many children have special talents! Let them share them with others!

4. Use history and current events. Will Smith, Michael Jordan, and Jennifer Lopez make people forget race and colour. Find historical and current people who are part of an ethnic group to stand as "cool" models. A well-liked student from the targeted group can help bring bridge a gap between groups. For instant, my students were pleasantly surprised when a popular kid in our class realized and announced, "I'm bilingual!"

5. Put everyone in same shoes. If differences are languages, teach a class, or hand out papers in another language. If the differences are cultural, give a "quiz" on a cultural event from the minority groups' culture. Discuss with your students how it feels to be confused by language and culture.

6. Focus on the same. Use the curriculum to give kids opportunity to discuss universal "kids" problems that illustrate how alike we are. For instant, in social studies discuss parental rules, or annoying siblings. Use math to talk allowance and bed-times.

7. Be a scout. Constantly be on the outlook for special talents and knowledge from your students. Students might not realize that making tamales or tuning pianos are unique things. Use the curriculum to ask questions: Has anyone visited Puerto Rico? Does anyone speak two language or three? Does anyone goes to school on Saturdays? You and your students will be amazed at how interesting your class is.

One caution: When students see an individual getting accolades, they might attempt to do or say anything to also get attention. To avoid this, discuss with the class that there are two ways to get noticed. One is to do bad things. The class will laugh when you remind them that everyone looks at the toddler who screams at a restaurant. Doing something exceptional or unique is another way. When their "funny" comments die down, they will agree that the second way is the best.

The best way for any two people to get along is to spend time together and build respect and trust naturally. Therefore, students interacting all day long in little ways will slowly learn to tolerate and appreciate differences. You might even be rewarded by seeing lasting friendships forged!

[ No child deserves to suffer ]

my world...

2006-10-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm not updating anything about children. Today, I'm gonna update about my feelings.. What i feel towards this world.. What I feel towards human beings.. What i feel towards everything.. Most importantly, how i look at this world....

This world is getting worse.. Human beings are getting scarier.. Why? wHat had happeneD?

People are fighting against one another for status... People are fighting for power.. Is all this worth it?

I learned alot this year.. though I'm only 18.. but i'm glad I stepped into this society this early.. and I'm glad what i see - the ugliness of human beings.

haha.. basically, I'm cheated again and again... fooled by human.. and seeing people trying to kill each other just to get what they want... :)

Through what I've learned, I'm no longer able to fully trust a human being.. I'm unable to chat and laugh with a human being without thinking what is his/her motive.. without thinking what does he/she wants.. without thinking what does he/she has to gain? Through what I've learned, I'm unable to see the beautiness of a human being..

To put it simple, I've lost the trust for human being.. I'm disappointed with this world...

Is this world really that bad? Is this world really what i see?

Arent we a family in this world? we all live together.....

Although my view for this world seems so ugly.. so horrible.. so terrible..

however...

perhaps it's due to religious purposes..

I still tell myself everyday.. even i forgot sometimes..

I still remind myself every moment that..

This world can be real beautiful.. human beings in this world can be trusted.. I still must trust all human beings no matter what happens... Cos everyone in this world has Buddha nature.. :)

So... wish me luck..

Gabanrimasho... :) good night.. ;P

To spank or not to spank?

2006-09-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

Should Parents spank their children? For years, various "experts" have argued for and against spanking. After reviewing many studies, psychologist Elizabeth Gershoff concludes that parents should minimize spanking or avoid it entirely. (Gershoff, 2002)

Many parents spank their children. Could it be all that bad?
Actually, most children show no signs of long-term damage from spanking - if spanking is backed up by supportive parenting. However, emotional damage does occur if spanking are severe, frequent,or coupled with harsh parenting. In addition, frequent spanking tends to increase aggression, and it leads to more problem behaviors, not fewer.

Even if spanking does briefly halt unwanted actions, it doesnt stop future misbehavior or teach better ways to act.Let's say a child is spanked for kicking his little sister. Does spanking teach him that hurting others is bad? Probably not. Instead, the boy learns that it's not good idea to attack when someone is watching! When possible, parents should use other more positive ways to manage a child's behavior.

Hypnosis...

2006-08-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

" Your body is becoming heavy. You can barely keep your eyes open. You are so tired you cant move. Relax. Let go. Relax. Close your eyes and relax. "

The term hypnosis was coined by an English surgeon named James Braid. The Greek word hypnos means "sleep," and Braid used it to describe the hypnotic state.

Hypnotists use many different methods. Still, all techniques encourage a person (1) to fucus attention on what is being said. (2) to relax and feel tired. (3) to "let go" and accept suggestion easily, and (4) to use vivid imagination. Basically, you must cooperate to become hypnotized.

What does it feel to be hypnotized?
You might be surprised at some of your actions during hypnosis. You also might have mild feelings of floating, sinking, anesthesia, or separate from your body. Personal experiences vary widely. A key element in hypnosis is the basic suggestion effect (a tendency of hypnotized persons to carry out suggested actions as if they were involuntary). Hypnotized persons feel like their actions and experiences are automatic - they seem to happen without effect. Here is how one person described his hypnotic session:

I felt lethargic, my eyes going out of focus and wanting to close. My hands felt real light... I felt I was sinking deeper into the chair... I felt like I wanted to relax more and more... My responses were more automatic. I didnt have to wish to do things so much or want to do them... I just did them... I felt floating.. very close to sleep.

Effects of Hypnosis

1. Superhuman acts of strenghth. Hypnosis has no more effect on physical strength than instructions that encourage a person to make his or her best effort.

2. Memory. There is some evidence that hypnosis can enhance memory. However, it frequently increases the no. of false memories as well. For this reason, many states now bar persons from testifying in court if they were hypnotized to improve their memory of a crime they witnessed.

3. Amnesia. A person told not to remember something heard during hypnosis may claim not to remember. In some instances this may be nothing more than a deliberate attempt to avoid thinking about specific ideas. However, brief memory loss of this type actually does seem to occur.

4. Pain relief. Hypnosis can relieve pain. It can be especially useful when chemical painkillers are ineffective. For instance, hypnosis can reduce phantim limb pain.

5. Age regression. Given the proper suggestions, some hypnotized people appear to "regress" to childhood. However, most theorists now believe that "age-regressed" subjects are only acting out a suggested role.

6. Sensory Changes. Hypnotic suggestions about sensations are among the most effective. Given the proper instructions, a person can be made to smell a small bottle of ammonia and respond as if it were a wonderful perfume. It is also possible to alter color vision, hearing sensitivity, time sense, perception of illusions, and many other sensory responses.

Hypnosis can also restructure memory.. haha.. interesting right ? =)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

2006-08-10T03:42:00.000-07:00

The restless mind

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very common chronic psychiatric disorder amongst children that may persist into adolescence and even adulthood. It affects nearly one in twenty school children and is 2 to 3 times more common in boys than girls.

Psychologists believe that ADHD is caused by some chemical imbalance in the brain. That is, children with this disorder do not make enough chemicals in key areas of the brain responsible for the organisation of thoughts. And while the exact cause of this imbalance is yet unknown, research suggests that it is a hereditary disorder and may be passed down genetically. Hence, contrary to what parents believe, it is not a mere willpower. In fact, such misconception may cause the child to feel much stress and anxiety, and even develop further behavioural or psychological problems.

Understanding ADHD

So how can you tell if ur child has ADHD? According to Daniel Koh, a psychologist in private practise at insight-tse, "The three main symptoms of ADHD are impulsiveness, inattention and hyperactivity."

While these traits can be observes in most children, what characterises ADHD is the intensity and persistence of these symptoms. "When any of these symptoms becomes so extreme or severe that it starts to affect a child's academic performance, family relationship and social ability, it mat be considered a psychiatric disorder."

Even thoug ADHD is closely associated with many learning disorders, it does not affect intelligence per se. What affect is focussing and processing skills necessary for learning and memory function (e.g. for the retrieval of information), says Koh. ADHD children may also display disruptive behaviour such as walking about during lessons.

All children require adult attention and involvement. However, this need for attention greatly reduced as the child grows up. What makes an ADHD child different is his incessant and insatiable demand for attention.

This insatiable demand can be very distressing and bewildering to parents. It may also cause the child to be a menace to people around him and to himself.

Children generally have shorter attention spans than adults. But what distinguishes an ADHD child is that he always has to be in motion. Even at mealtimes, he will not be able to sit still. And if he is forbidden to get up, you will find him fidgeting, drumming his fingers and shuffling his feets. Such children may be more difficult to manage both at home and in school.

Most children have poor impulse-control, but this usually improves with age. An ADHD child, however, behaves several years younger than his age. He always acts in the spur of the moment. He dasher into the street, break things, and may even hit people when they dont behave the way he thinks they should. In extreme cases, this may even lead to antisocial behaviour such as lying, stealing and vandalising.

I've taken this from a magazine... forgot what magazine already... =P haha.

One Child - Torey Hayden

2006-08-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

"Sheila," i asked, "I never see you cry. Dont you ever feel like it? "
"I dont never cry."
"Why not?"
"Aint nobody can hurt me that ways."
I looked down at her. The cold perceptionin her statement was fearsome. "What do you mean?"

"Aint nobody can hurt me. They dont know I hurt if I dont cry. So they cant hurt me. Aint nobody can make me cry neither. Not even my pa when he whips me. Not even Mr Collins. You seen that. I dont cry when he hits me with the stick.You seen that, didnt you?"

"Yes, I saw it. But dont you want to cry? Didnt it hurt?"

For a long moment she did not respond.She took hold of one of my hands in both of hers. "It sort of hurts. She looked up, her eyes unreadable. "Sometimes i do cry a little, at night sometimes. My Pa, he dont come home 'til it be real late sometimes and I have to be by myself and i get scared. Sometimes i cry a little bit; it get wet right here on my eyes. But i make it go away. Crying dont do no good, and it makes me think of Jimmie and my Mama if i cry. It makes me miss them."

"Sometimes it does help."

"It dont never help me. I aint never gonna cry. Never."

Above is what i've extracted from the book ONE CHILD by Torey Hayden.

Six-year-old Sheila had been abandoned by her mother on a highway when she was four. A survivor of horrific abuse, she never spoke, never cried, and was placed in a class for severely retarded children after committing an atrocious act of violence against another child. Everyone thought Sheila was beyound salvation - except her teacher, Torey Hayden. With patience, skill, and abiding love, she fought long and hard to release a haunted little girl from her secret nightmare - and nurture the spark of genius she recognized trapped within Sheila's silence. This is the remarkable story of their journey together - an odyssey of hope, courage, and inspiring devotion that opened the heart and mind of one lost child to a new world of discovery and joy.

Interested? =P can borrow from me~ hee... one day 5 bucks.. lol!~ =D kidding la.. I'll be happy to share.. =)

[No child deserves to suffer]

aUtIsM

2006-07-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

What is autism?
Autism, also called autistic disorder, appears in early childhood, usually before age 3 (National Institutes of Health, 2001). Autism prevents children and adolescents from interacting normally with other people and affects almost every aspect of their social and psychological development.

What are the signs of autism?
Autism has a wide variety of characteristics ranging in intensity from mild to severe. One child with autism does not behave like another child with the same diagnosis. Children and adolescents with autism typically:

Have difficulty communicating with others.
Exhibit repetitious behaviors, such as rocking back and forth, head banging, or touching or twirling objects.
Have a limited range of interests and activities.
May become upset by a small change in their environment or daily routine.

In addition to these characteristics, some children with autism experience hypersensitivity to hearing, touch, smell, or taste. Symptoms of autism can be seen in early infancy, but the condition also may appear after months of normal development. In most cases, however, it is not possible to identify a specific event that triggers the disorder.

How common is autism?
Studies estimate that as many as 12 in every 10,000 children have autism or a related condition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999). Autism is three times more common in boys than in girls (National Institutes of Health, 2001).

Important Messages About Children's and Adolescents' Mental Health:

Every child's mental health is important.
Many children have mental health problems.
These problems are real and painful and can be severe.
Mental health problems can be recognized and treated.
Caring families and communities working together can help.

For more infomation..can go to this website.. http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/ =)

[nO cHild dEseRveS tO sUffEr]

-maKe pOverTy hiStoRy-

2006-07-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

tOday's entry's not really about children..haha.. but this has always been what i've concern about.. make poverty history.. =)

What kind of person are you?

Do you think it's wrong that 50,000 people die of poverty every day?

Do you think it's wrong that a child dies of perverty every 3 seconds?

Do you think it's strange and perplexing that people dont talk about this on buses and in pubs, at school and college and work; that no one says 'Have you heard? 18 million people will die this year unnecessarily - that's million more than the population of London' ?

Do you find the issues confusing? Do you suspect you dont quite understand, for example, how trade policies make poor countries poorer?

Would you like to do something about this but hasnt got the faintest idea what?

Are you sure it's right to be upset about this, but still unsure what to answer when people say, 'But they're all corrupt anyway,' or 'Suppose we gave enough aid to save Africa's children. Wouldnt there be a population explosion and a lot more hungry adults'?

If you answer 'yes' to all of these questions, or even some of them, then you are a normal person.

'Before you finish your breakfast this morning, you've depended on half the world. This is the way our universe is structured... We arent going to have peace on earth until we recognize this basic fact.' Martin Luther King

'Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human rught, the right to dignity and a decent life...' Nelson Mandela

Make Poverty History

Wolf children~

2006-07-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

i jus simply love children!! haha.. especially children with special needs! cos i feel they jus dont deserve to suffer.. awww.. hmmmm.. i want to become a child psychologist! =X haha.. and help them.. as much as possible.. =)

below is what i read from 'How the child's mind develops' by David Cohen...

Before i start.. David Cohen is a psychologist, writer and film-maker. He is the chief exercutive of Psychology News.

ok.. enjoy~

Case History: Wolf children

In 1798 a child who crouched on all fours was found in Aveyron France. Local legend had it the child had been brought up by wolves. A doctor Jean Marc Gaspard Itard (1774 - 1838) brought the child up and tried to train him to be human. He guessed the boy was 10 yrs old. He managed to teach the child to sit, to walk and to use a fork. He managed to teach him some words but the child nv learned to speak properly - which rather broke Itard's heart. ( There is incidentally a fine French film The Wild Child made by Francois Truffaut of how the wolf child was treated.)

Another modern but equally remarkable case was that of two Bengali girls who were apparently brought up by wolves in the 1930s. The Rev A.L. Singh, a missionary, and his wife found the children and trained them. The Singhs kept a diary of their progress. When the children were discovered they had matted hair, lapped food from a pan and growled at anyone who came near them when they ate. Their sense of hearing was very sharp and they could smell meat from seventy yards. Neither child learned to walk upright. Kamala had learnrf about fifty words by the time she was 17 and became tame, a little like a good dog. The other girl died in her teems. The so-called Dogboy found in Chile in 2001 was not a real wild child. He had lived on the streets till he was six or seven and only started living in a cave with wild dogs.

One interesting point here -->
Psychologists now think the reason these 'wolf' children failed to learn how to speak is they heard no speech during the critical period for the learning of language..the brain is 'wired' for infants to learn how to speak. as long as they hear language. the brain's 'wiring' will allow them to develop language. no one has to teach the children; jus overhearing language is enough. Once that critical perios closes, months of speech therapy wont make the child speak normally. If children do not hear language by the time they are 7 or 8, they will never learn to speak normally.

Hmmm.. I am actually quite interested in the speech therapy area.. haha.. but wait till i've covered this module then i will talk more about this. lol~ =P

ok.. that's should be all for first entry!! whee!! ciao~