~A contributor to early childhood education is Deborah
Stipek. Deborah states that,
“Children from low-income families begin kindergarten, on
average, at least a year behind middle-class children in basic academic skills,
and most don't catch up. Entering skills are the best predictor of how well
students will succeed in high school and their likelihood of dropping out.”
(Stipeck, paragraph 7)
Knowing these statistics children from low income families should be given more opportunities to succeed. These children should also receive early intervention if needed so that they don't become another statistic.
~ Dr. Lilian Katz has many of the same
beliefs as I do about early childhood education and the education young
children should receive. She says that children should have experiences in a
feeling of belong to a school and community as well as being intellectually
engaged and challenged (Empowered by Play, 2011). I start the school year off by developing a school family within my classroom using Conscious Discipline. I work in a low income area teaching kindergarten. By building a school family and a sense of belong the children know that there is something stable in their lives and can build trust.
Resources:
Words of wisdom from dr. lilian katz.
(2011, June 19). Retrieved from
http://www.empoweredbyplay.org/2011/06/words-of-wisdom-from-dr-lilian-katz/
http://www.empoweredbyplay.org/2011/06/words-of-wisdom-from-dr-lilian-katz/
Stipek, D. (2012, January 16). Deborah stipek:
Transitional kindergarten has real value, don't give it up. Retrieved from
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_19753698
Hi Sarah. I am learning a lot from your perspective as a kindergarten teacher in a low income area. Your quotes are very informative. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBethAnn
Sarah, I join BethAnn in being informed by your perspective. As Deborah Stipek's words tell us, the children in your classes are at risk for low achievement because of the poverty in their home environment. If each child had access to high-quality preschool prior to entering kindergarten, their outcomes would be much improved. Your students, however, will benefit from the nurturing classroom community you create, in accordance with Dr. Katz's teachings. Your students and their families are very fortunate to have a teacher who understands their personal circumstances. -Susan
ReplyDeleteSarah
ReplyDeleteIt makes me sad to know the cycle that children are stuck in when raised in poverty stricken areas. I know this does not apply to all, some do work their way out of the cycle. These children are raised in poverty and grow up continuing in the same path as their parents. They then grow up maybe graduating high school having children at a young age and their children continue on the cycle. I wish there were more resources to help children early in life to start a preventative process to stop the cycle.