Reflection #3

Chapter 8
1. It's important to know what a friend is in the eyes of the children. For Children 3 to 4 years of age think a friend is someone anyone who is engaged in the same activity at a given time. Adults are obviously not so generous with the word friend. The concept of what a friend is changes as we grow older.
2. Understanding why friend are important will help me as a teacher and in my field. Through peer relationships, children are able to develop a greater understanding of self and others, establish a sense of social identity, and where they fit in the social structure.
3. The concept of modeling is so great because you can teach virtually anything by modeling the appropriate behavior. A teacher can model different techniques to maintain positive relationships like expressing interest, cooperating, expressing acceptance, expressing affection, expressing empathy and offering assistance and helpful suggestions. Children learn so much by simply observing. We should use that to our advantage by always being a model of appropriate behavior.

Chapter 9.
1. I really liked the concept of using hard materials versus soft materials. It talks about how hardness is usually associated with efficiency and formality and softness is usually associated with relaxing and comfort. I guess it's important to think about what kind of "time-out" area you want to create and if a hard chair or a bean bag would be more appropriate.
2. I love that the book pointed out that children need materials that work. The classroom should be set up in a way that each child can succeed. If we have materials that don't work we are setting the child up to be disappointed or frustrated. I know for me, I hate using dried up markers and I'm sure children do too.
3. I like the idea of hanging up children projects in the classroom. It helps them feel like they belong there and the classroom is their environment.

Chapter 10
1. The chart on page 338 is really important. It shows the different levels of self-discipline. The first stage is amoral then Adherence, identification, and the highest level we want children to achieve is internalization.
2. Knowing the different parenting styles will be a great advantage when teaching. Parenting styles include: Authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved and authoritative. Authoritative is proven to be the most effective style.
3. Personal messages are so great! I loved leaning about how to formulate a personal message. I can see how they are really effective in adjusting undesirable behavior and reinforcing positive behavior.