Research that Benefits Children & Families

We are surrounded by research that positively affect children and their families.  Research supports health and wellness, health education, art and music, early learning and cognitive development.  Listed below are a list of research sites and articles that help impact the lives of children and families in an uplifting way.

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/EXTECD/0,,contentMDK:20259127~menuPK:527099~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:344939,00.html

http://www.nwf.org/Be-Out-There/Why-Be-Out-There/Benefits.aspx

http://www.signingtime.com/resources/sign-language-research

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/the-benefits-of-music-education/

My Personal Research Journey

For my topic I have chose to research play in the early learning environment.  I recently discovered, after completing the chart, how broad of a topic it is so now I have narrowed it down to sub topics of interest.  I originally shared in our previous discussion board, how I want to explore the importance of play in one of the following sub topics:  

1. Using play as a teaching mechanism
2. Educating and engaging parents to increase the amount of play with their children
3. Moving from child centered play to more teacher directed play

I wonder if the play is more teacher directed will it have an impact on the children.  I think ECE professionals need to limit free play at the pre-K level and turn the play moments into learning opportunities.  What do you think?  Do you think it will make a difference?  Or do you think we should not control their free play?

Reflection of International Contacts

The three consequences of learning from international professionals in ECE are:

• Learning about and increasing awareness of what current issues are present outside our country
• Exploring new techniques and methods to practice in our country that are beneficial to the early learning environment
• Learning how to narrow or bridge the gap created by the barriers children and families face in child development and learning

One of my goals is to attend an international conference in relation to ECE professionals to learn first hand from other nationalities about teaching and nurturing young children and to form connections with other professionals world wide to help meet the objectives of ECE internationally.