Inspiration and Motivation: Quotes

Edward F. Zigler, PhD, "Father of Head Start":

"Learning is not a purely cognitive exercise; to learn, children need to have good physical and mental health and have families whose needs are met."

"My politics is children"

Sue Bredekamp, PhD

"not only do you have to consider children as individuals, but you also have to consider children as members of groups with their own cultural identities."

"Learning to read and write is the key to success in school and later in life."

Louis Derman-Sparks

"I absolutely fell in love with three and four year olds - it was the most joyful experience...it made me feel whole."

Sandy Escobido

"We professionals in the early childhood field have the opportunity to shape a child's life for the better."

Renatta M. Cooper

"Working intently with children and families was almost like earning a doctorate because every year there was always a specific challenge."

German proverb

He who teaches children learns more than they do.

Pearl S. Buck

If our American way of life fails the child, it fails us all.

Unknown

A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer.

Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.

Personal Childhood Web

Since I come from such a large family, it was difficult deciding the people who nurtured me, cared about me, and had the most impact on my life. My grandmother was the most special person in my life. Although she passed away almost 30 years ago, I still feel her presence. Grandma represented love. She was the matriarch. Everyone sought her approval. I had a very special bond with my grandmother. She lived with my family and since, according to everyone else, I was a cry baby as an infant it was my grandmother who held me the most. As I grew I thought my grandmother was perfect and she definitely had a soft spot for me. Grandma taught the importance of love and family. I carry that lesson near and dear to my heart.

My parents taught me not to give up when things get tough. They worked through difficult situations always putting their best foot forward. My dad taught me to have an "I can do it" attitude. If I had a difficult project at school he would always say, "oh come on, you can do it". My mom taught how to multi task. She never appeared overwhelmed running a household with six children and three adults, while helping my dad run our farm business. She did it all! My mother is now the primary care giver for my dad. Their example continues to amaze me! Their ability to adapt and show love is astounding.

Aunt Sue was one of my favorites. Somewhere along the way she was labeled eccentric. She ran two businesses during her lifetime - one making clothes for a boutique and the other running a pottery class for seniors . Aunt Sue didn't learn to drive until she was in her 50's. Life wasn't manageable for her anymore without that skill - so she did it. My Aunt Sue took a special interest in me and always had time to talk with me. She taught me to follow my heart and persevere. My children think I look just like her, and I think she did too. I miss Aunt Sue. I think she would be proud that I am still following my heart.
My lifelong confidant and best friend is my cousin Debbie. I've always had such admiration for Debbie because no matter how hard life got for her she found a way to survive and prosper. Debbie took art classes her entire life. She is now a successful artist in Florida. We're sad to be separated by such a distance, but our bond never falters. We're there for each other. Debbie taught me to be resilient.

Apple Tree! Apple Tree!

Apple Tree! Apple Tree! by Mary Blocksma, illustrated by Sandra Cox Kalthoff is my very favorite book. I first read this book in a book store outside of Pittsburgh. I immediately fell in love with it and bought every copy in the store plus ordered additional copies. That Christmas everyone I knew got a copy of Apple Tree! Apple Tree! The following Thanksgiving my sister organized our nieces and nephews to perform Apple Tree! Apple Tree!as a play for the moms, dads, aunts, uncles and grandparents. The kids loved it as much as the audience! My children read this book so many times the book fell apart. The story of friendship is so endearing to me. The sorrow of saying good-bye still brings tears to my eyes. Love and friendship prevail.

I have a cute story about two children. Jacob and Matthew were friends going to my child care center. One day, while we were taking a walk I over heard Jacob tell Matthew that he went to Florida. Matthew didn't skip a beat with his reply of, "so what, I went to Pizza Hut". Everything's relative!


Siblings
As you can see, I am from a family of girls having four sisters and only one brother. I'm the middle child, number three of six. In the picture I'm the one with long curls.  We are all fairly close in age and a very tight-knit family. Two of my sisters have two daughters and one son. My youngest sister and I have three daughters and one son.  Sorry boys, you're a bit out numbered!

My favorite quote about children comes from a nursery rhyme. What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of. What are little boys made of? Frogs and snails and puppy-dogs' tails, that's what little boys are made of. I found prints of these rhymes in an art shop at the beach and bought them for my center. I think it's important to notice the differences in children. Girls and boys are so different. Every child is unique!

Welcome

Welcome to my blog!
My address is:  http://effyjo.blogspot.com/. 
I am looking forward to using this resource to connect with everyone and share our knowledge and experience of early childhood education.