Words of Inspiration and Motivation

 “Each of us must come to care about everyone else's children. We must recognize that the welfare of our children and grandchildren is intimately linked to the welfare of all other people's children. After all, when one of our children needs lifesaving surgery, someone else's child will perform it. If one of our children is threatened or harmed by violence, someone else's child will be responsible for the violent act. The good life for our own children can be secured only if a good life is also secured for all other people's children.”   -Lilian G. Katz

“Provide lots of opportunities for children's natural curiosity to manifest itself. With very young children, our role is one of supporter and guide.” - Lilian G. Katz

“The fact that not only do you have to consider children as individuals, but you also have to consider children as members of groups with their on cultural identities.”  -Dr. Susan Bredekamp

“It is during the early childhood years from birth through 8 that children acquire the fundamental skills and abilities that greatly influence the course of future schooling.”- Dr. Susan Bredekamp

My Personal Childhood Web

 

My Mom- She has always supported me and let me know that no matter what I decide to do, she would encourage me and support me. Growing up, I knew that if I made a mistake, I could always be honest with her and together we'd figure it out.

My Dad- He is the kindest guy you will ever meet. He would do anything for his family, and always wants to take care of his people. He worked a lot growing up, but when he was home he was always intentional about dedicating time to us kids.

My sister, Laura- She is 7 years older than me, so growing up she was like a second little mom to me. She cared for me, protected me, and made sure anything I wanted was in my reach. As we grew up, she became my best friend.

My cousin, Mary- Though she is my cousin, she became more of a sister for me when we were young because she moved in with us. She became another sister, someone who looked out for me and encouraged me. 

My brother, Jay- He is 15 years older than me, so growing up he was like another dad, more than a brother. 

My Grandma Gerry- She was a calm, loving, feisty, grandma. She would come over every Saturday morning and just spend time with us kids. She was my constant, she was my gentle support, she was my person to tell my mom to calm down when she would get overly anxious about things. 

I am blessed to have had multiple people in my life growing up (and still today) who love, support, and uplift me. The people listed above, have shaped my life in ways that is hard to put into words. They are my rock, my foundation, and mostly my inspiration. They inspire me to be better, to do more, and love others the way that they have so selflessly loved me. I can't imagine where I'd be without each and every one of them. They are all a huge part of my life even today, except for my grandma. She passed when I was in college, and all these years later, sometimes I wake up Saturday mornings and for a split second get excited at the thought that she is sitting downstairs with my mom waiting to hear all about my week. She's been gone 14 years, and when I realize she's not waiting for me to chat, I still tear up and miss her in ways I don't even realize day to day. THAT is the long lasting effect she had on my life. And that is the lifelong love and support that I want to leave those I love as well. 

Giraffes Can't Dance

 As educators, we all have those books that we love to read to our kiddos. And then there's the books that the KIDS love to read, and we struggle to get through... right? As a teacher and now as a parent, once of my favorite go to books to read with young children is Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae. It is a fun rhyming story, full of bold colorful pictures of animals illustrated beautifully in their natural habitat. But the best part of all, it teaches its readers some awesome life lessons. The story shares with its readers about accepting that everyone is different, embracing their own differences, and building confidence and self-esteem. What's your favorite story and why? 

Kindness

 As early childhood educators, it is our job to help shape the future of the little ones in our programs. With this obviously comes teaching them. We want them to be successful in school and lay a strong foundation starting in preschool. But something I'm also pretty passionate about, is teaching and showing these little ones how to be GOOD people. In a world that can be pretty ugly, and in home lives that we don't know much about, we know that they are seeing the yuck of the world. I want to make sure that in addition to leaving my program ready for kindergarten, that they are leaving my program knowing how to be a kind, honest, and caring little human. This quote has always been one that I have hanging in my office. It's a good reminder of what we want to SHOW them through our actions with others, as well as what I hope they remember when they leave us. 

Hi again! This is me and my favorite almost preschooler, my daughter Eliza.  She recently has been asking questions about everything. I have to remind myself constantly that her asking questions is a GOOD thing! It means her brain is constantly trying to learn more, understand deeper, and make connections! Anyone else have any kiddos in their lives that ask 100 questions a day?!

 Hello my name is Jessa and welcome to my blog! I have been in the field of Early Childhood since 2004 and have had the opportunity to work in several types of settings as well as in many different roles over the years. Here I will share with you many thoughts and ideas about all things early childhood! Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts as well... the best way to learn is to hear the experience and ideas of others!