Getting Ready-Expanding Horizons and Expanding Resources
Since Inclusion is my passion, and I did not have previous experience in searching the web for podcasts, I decided to devote my first experience in refining my big search of “Podcasts in topics of Early childhood Education to - Inclusion.”
I found This website:
https://www.inclusivechildcare.org/podcast-inclusion-matters/inclusion-part-1-foundation-our-practice
This podcast originated from the Center of Inclusive Childcare and is the first of many short podcast that focuses on suggestions of setting an inclusive environment. Some of the ideas presented were :
To acknowledge the differences openly with the children and stressing that children are more alike than different and, modeling a sense of belonging and appropriate behavior. Also, there are many ways to do the same things, and every one of them is right and accepted, for instance, certain communication skills could be verbal and nonverbal. I loved the fact that the teachers shared these ideas from two different perspectives and points of view. For instance, one teacher shared insights from her personal experience of teaching in an inclusive learning environment. At the same time, the other who was a special education preschool teacher was also the mother of a child with special needs. Both perspectives are vital as they provide us a more in-depth insight into the world of Inclusion.
Moreover, after browsing at the list of resources of early childhood organizations, I immediately knew that the website I would like to study and focus my attention on is NAEYC.org.
When I used to live in California, I viewed this website as an essential resource. I relate on this website for my academic studies and for my professional use, as I chose some of the articles for empowering and enriching the families I served. Six years had passed since we returned to Israel, and I am curious about what is changed on the website? What is the focus of the articles? Had the contexts remained the same or been extended? About three weeks ago, I subscribed to NAEYC, but due to a heavy load of academic work, I didn’t have time to check it out and fully benefit from this valuable resource.
When I delved in, besides articles, books recommendation, and blog, I found vital information under the name of Virtual Institute, (NAEYC). This section contains lectures mostly in English that are offered free of cost to serve as professional growth opportunities for early childhood educators. Some of the lectures are recorded, some are planned promptly. I look at some of the topics and found a lecture about “Inclusive Classroom, Supporting children with disabilities” (NAEYC). Furthermore, to support educators in these unusual times, there is a section for coping with COVID 19. There is also a large section dedicated to members, and it includes access to their magazines and a wide selection of articles.
Cheers to my journey of expanding my horizons!
Thanks for your posting. The NAEYC website is an excellent source of information for anyone who wants to understand early childhood education and development. I use this resource regularly in my works. It allows me to understand the education system better. I see and appreciate the seminars of the organization on social media.
ReplyDeleteBehice
I enjoyed reading your blog and will be listening to your podcast so I can expand my knowledge on the global issues that children are facing.
ReplyDelete-Tonya Small