Inspirational Quotes

I would like to thank all of my classmates for your informational blogs. They have been inspiring and helpful. I hope to hear from all of you in the next class. Have a happy and safe holiday. Here is a quote that is inspirational to me. I strong feel that education can set a person free. "Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons" (di) http://www.pinterest.com/pin/

Testing for Intelligence

 I am Education Coordinator at my work.  I have just implemented Kindergarten Readiness level 1, 2 and my classroom is level 3.  In level 1 the children are 21/2 year olds, level 2 is 3 year olds and my classroom is 4 and 5 year old (ready for .  We conduct assessments at each level.  However, it is not to measure intelligence we are more concerned with their social/emotional development.  We also look for areas of developmental delays.  In this manner we can suggest early intervention.  We teach the whole child and not just academics. I believe if a child is not ready, social/emotional, it will be difficult for them to be taught (Berger, 2013). 

Yes it is important for the child to know academic skills, but if I teach a child to control their emotions and stay in control, then I have helped the child to have a successful future.  So many communities in the United States are striving to be top schools or Blue Ribbon schools.  If they achieve this high honor the school will receive funds and new programs to better the education.  It is also comes with bragging rights of being the best schools.  Unfortunately the children are being pushed to learn the standardize test.  I now have to teach my preschoolers skills that 1^st graders should know; in this manner the kindergarten teacher can push them further. It is as though they have taken away the “play” in the children.  In the public schools it is more skill and drill and have pushed children into maturity.   

The mission statement in Australia is “The Australian International School is committed to excellence in all things.  Whatever it is that interests our students, that they excel at or show a talent for, be it academic, sporting or artistic we at AIS promise to teach, foster and encourage so that they can "play it out" and see where it goes.  Who knows where it will lead. EXPRESS YOURSELF”  (www.ais.com.sg/welcome).‎  The children “play it out” www.ais.com.sg/welcome‎.  They learn how things work through with the hands on effect.  Maybe we should follow their example. The school system is considered the finest in the world. What a legacy.
Reference

Berger, K. (2005). The developing person through the lifespan (6^th ed). New York NY: Worth

Australian School SG - International Preschool – Year 12‎ www.ais.com.sg/welcome‎