EDCI 276: Child, Family, School & Community

February 2, 2010Understanding the Child

Welcome to Class!

• Please sign in. Find your name card and sit with your group from last week.

• At your tables, share one sentence from your “Professional Belief Statement.” In what ways are you similar and different in your beliefs?

• Think about something you need to feel secure and safe.

Community Circle

You always have the right to pass!

Something I need to feel safe and secure…

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow(1908 – 1970) “The fact is that people

are good, Give people affection and security, and they will give affection and be secure in their feelings and their behavior.”

In what ways does this influence our work?

What happens when a child arrives at school hungry?

The very basic physiological needs supersede all others.

What are some of the aspects of safety, beyond physical?

Children rely on predictability and routines to feel safe.

We need structure, order, protection, limits.

What does “belongingness” mean to a child?

How can we promote a sense of this in classrooms?

Is this the role of the teacher, the family, the school?

The need for self-esteem shapes how we see ourselves.

Self-esteem: Self-confidenceSelf-worthEfficacyFeeling wanted & needed

These must emerge from AUTHENTIC accomplishments.

Self-Actualization

• This is our goal for all humans.

• How can we promote this in programs that only serve the needs of a few children? Or only specific needs?

• How would this look in a child care setting or school classroom?

What is your personal hierarchy of needs?

Have you contacted your agency? How did it go?

Professional Behaviors• With your group, brainstorm a list of behaviors &

attitudes that are important to being an early childhood professional.

• Consider: how will you share information about your experience – in class? On the blog? In your reflection journals?

• Develop a contract for yourself, listing at least 3 behaviors you will commit to in your service learning project.

Worktime• Please complete the

following tasks:– Finish and sign your

contract (don’t forget the witnesses!)

– Complete your personal Hierarchy of Needs

– Complete a Final Draft - Student Information (pink)

– Conference with Dr. Eisenhauer

– Make a Service Learning Folder for yourself:• Label: Your Name, Agency,

Spring 2010• Service Learning Project

Checklist• Record of Journals• Insert:

– Student Info Form (rough draft)

– Professional Belief Statement

– Contract– Personal Hierarchy of

Needs– Any notes for me.