When I Think of Child Development …

This short poem captures the essence of how I feel as a teacher and foster parent. Feeling and acting this way allows me to nurture a child's development in a positive way.

 

Forever In My Heart

Although I'm not their father
I care for them each day,
I cuddle, sing and read to them
And watch them as they play.
I see each new accomplishment,
I help them grow and learn.
I understand their language,
I listen with concern.
They come to me for comfort,
And I kiss away their tears.
They proudly show their work to me,
I give the loudest cheers!
No, I 'm not their father,
But my role is just as strong.
I nurture them and keep them safe,
Though maybe not for long.
I know someday the time will come,
When we will have to part.
But I know each child I cared for,
Is forever in my heart!

~ Author Unknown ~

Testing for Intelligence?

An academic approach which  involves determining outcomes that can be measured solely on standardized tests is unfair to those children that are not from the same cultural background. Language barriers can impede a child to answer properly on test questions and will receive an overall lower score. It is hard to distinguish what concepts a child has already mastered and which he has not. Assessments like these only prove one thing, who got the test questions right, not who understands the material . I think children should be measured based on their own individual outcomes. A hoslistic approach allows the curriculum to evolve based on children's individual and group abilities and interests.  The assessments take into consideration children current and past knowledge individually.

In  Nicaragua, school aged children are assessed individually. Nicaragua is a republic of South America. Some village schools where poverty is at a high, combine children of all ages (5-17) in one classroom. Here, the idea of a standardized test is irrelevant as it will not do well to assess the many different levels of development. The teachers work with each child when there is time, but mostly just ask pre-set questions to different children. My neighbor, who was raised there, shares that it is up to the parents and teacher to scaffold the individual child. Tests are given to the individual or to small groups of children who have been working on the same material.