Issues and Trends-Final Blog

I am so grateful for this class exposing me to issues and challenges faced in the early childhood field in other countries. Though, I was never able to connect with professionals in other countries, I have been able to learn through reading my classmates blogs and listening to podcasts. 

The first consequence of researching and learning about the international field has been making me grateful for the education opportunities we have available in the United States. Sometimes we forget that there are those who suffer so much more and have less than we can even imagine. The education system in our country needs improvement so we can learn from other countries policies and practices and work together to improve early education for children worldwide. 

The second lesson came from a podcast by Irma Allen who is the chairperson of Swaziland Environment Authority which is similar to the United State's EPA. She is also a member of World Forum Nature Action Collaborative for Children. Mrs. Allen spoke of the importance of nature in the education of children in her country because nature was their classroom. Listening to her helped me realize the importance and necessity of incorporating more nature into classrooms and lesson plans. Schools are pushing for more academics so children in every grade are losing their outside time and their interaction with nature. Due to the increase of technology children are losing outside time at home too. We need to develop and nurture a love of outside early to help children appreciate nature. 

The last consequence has been opening my eyes to the many different facets and issues in the early childhood field. I am guilty of living in my own little bubble of world and so have not been aware of the extent of many of the topics discussed in this class. Researching poverty in my area showed me a whole new level of poverty in my area that i was not aware existed. I also gained a much better understanding of the complexities for ensuring all children have an equity of care and excellence in their education. 

Our field serves children and families and this means there are issues we must deal with beyond just making lesson plans and teaching children ABC's. Children and families are complex and unique and as teachers and professionals in the field we must be aware of the many issues to serve and help to the best of our abilities. My goal is to continue to educate myself on international organizations and organizations in our country as well as issues out and inside our country.