If a major catastrophe occurred...

A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you...

The First Item I will take is my bible Because through Him all things are possible.
The next Item would be a family picture. I would like to remembered and have my grandchildren and even great great grands be able to see what who I am.
The last item would be my blanket. I have a blanket that has been passed through my family for years. I believe this blanket to my protection and hugs when I need to warmed and loved.

If they decided I can only take one item that would have to the blanket never know where I may end up.

My Connections to Play

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning…They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play.” ~ Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood)

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Redfield Jamison (professor of psychiatry)

                   

As a child my parents supported all of my play ideas I remember reading books and imaging I was the characters in those books. My parents never stopped me from playing. At times I was a princess ruling a palace at other time I was on a deserted Island no matter what my day was like or what game I decided to play my family supported and at times even joined in.

Today I feel as children do not use imagination the way others did back in time. Today's children are a lot more knowledgeable with technology and the Internet. Children are expected and required to know more in this day and time.

Relationship Reflection

The leader of the pact that has truly inspired my life is my mom. Growing up my mother supported everything I wanted to accomplish in life. Even if it was a dream she didn't agree with she continued to show her support. my mom instilled in me all the values I needed in life to become the woman I am today. Even til this day she still continues to encourage me and all my silly ideas.

My Mom

The next person that is the light of my life the reason why I continue to be strong and live everyday to be greater is for my loving daughter Amia. She impacts my life in ways that are priceless.

My beautiful daughter & me

My dad is the greatest person for me to talk to when I need the truth. He will give me his opinion uncut and raw and by no means will he be like my mom and encourage me to try if he thinks its not a good idea. My dad has been a great inspiration in my life even as a child. I remember getting sick and my dad and I would play a game called pass the cold. That where I had to give him all my sneezes and coughs and he would kiss away my cold until I passed it to him. He always said he was bigger and stronger and could tolerate being sick better than I could!

Lil bro & our dad

My younger brother is another person that gives me the love and support family is all about. When ever I need him he is always there. Although he is bigger than me I am still the BIG sister!!!

lil bro & me

Last but not least I can not forget my Chinese Crested dog Sprout. I love him for making me feel special when ever I am sad or down I can count on him to be there to make me smile

Sprout

Playtime More than Fun Time

Play is usually seen in three different ways. There is the play that the parents see as just something children do. There is the play that teachers see as learning and then there is play seen by children as fun! But the little secret discovered during research is that play is learning and it is fun and it is something that children naturally do! read more on learning through play by clicking on the link below:
http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/documents/make_the_most_of_playtime2.pdf

Social Emotional Behavior to Change the World

I am choosing to research social/emotional development. There is so much new research on the importance of teaching children self regulation skills and making friends. This new research and the findings of Dr. Becky Bailey can possibly lower crime rates as the children get older. Learning and understanding self regulation can change the way the world begins to think.