Words of Inspiration and Motivation by Early Childhood Professionals

Oh the journey into the minds of great educators is a wonderful path to explore! Sharing ideas is just part of the fun and interaction between educators who love to embrace the world of teaching and give the children all we have to offer and extend in it the wisdom of others. What a gift knowledge can be for so many. :-)

This week I was able to research someone I had not heard of previously and surprisingly to me as she has so many accomplishments to her name and that is Ann Turnball, a leader in the special Education field. Ann's son had Down's Syndrome and Bipolar and she and her family knew first hand the struggles he faced each day, but he didn't conform and lived a full, successful life until his sudden death at the age of 41.

This week we are to share some quotes from the people we chose for our assignment . One thing that stood out to me that she said in a YouTube video I watched titled Turnball (Retrieved from: www.YouTube.com/watch?v=ua_PNQSB6-0) "I say I was privileged because more than any other experience or person, Jay taught me more and influenced me more about what is truly important in life" (Turnball, 2008). Jay was her son and her inspiration to all she did throughout her career and continues to achieve, so for me he has been a huge contribution to the early childhood field and to all the children who have special needs. This research has benefited so many students and teachers and is changing lives.

In another YouTube video titled 2008 Inclusion Institute ( www.YouTube.com/watch?v=jfybydcla) Turnball states the important factors in special education and early education is:

IDEA & RESULTS
* Equality of opportunity
*Full participation
*Independent living
* Economic self-sufficiency.

It is through these ideas and studies that we have gained new ways to help these children succeed.

The next person is Lillian Katz who is well known throughout the early childhood field and was involved in the development of the Project Approach. There are a couple of her quotes I'd like to share:

"We are doing earlier and earlier to children what we shouldn't do later" (Lillian Katz, 2011)

"Curriculum is not delivered. Milk is delivered" (Lillian Katz, 2011).

"Curriculum should help children make deeper and fuller understanding of their own experience" (Lillian Katz, 2011).

Reviewing the video from week two The Passion for Early Childhood (Laureate, 2013),also provided insight into what made other educators pursue their field. For instance Leticia Lara stated that at a young age she realized families needed support. She came from an immigrant background and had to help translate to her mom, she said it helped her to see that parents who had help made a big difference. She is now the regional manager of zero to three.

Also Louise Derman-Sparks who knew she always wanted to be a teacher and always had a passion for it. "Nurture children to grow to their fullest potential because the early learning years are the most critical years" (Derman-Sparks, 2013).

I'd also like to share a couple other inspiring quotes for teachers.

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge" Albert Einstein

"If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself" - Confucius

"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. the curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child" -Carl Jung


                                                                    Jill