Tekeyla Jackson Finial Paper Child Development 258

I have come a very long way and I can say I am truly proud of myself. I was considered a high school dropout and now look where I am at. In 2008 I started volunteering at my sons daycare and I knew then that I loved teaching I decided to move forward and go get my G.E.D and start pushing towards to what I wanted to become. When I first enrolled in school, it was in January 2010. I started out in Steves class doing reading and math. His teachings pushed my math and reading score up. I then proceeded into a higher classroom, which prepared me to take the GED test. When I took the test the first time I did not pass, but I knew in my heart that I had to hang in there. I am my childrens role model and I knew I could not let them down so I stayed and pushed my way to success. On April 14, 2011, I walked into the GED center and took the test again. At first, I felt nerves but I stayed focused and proceeded with the test. Two weeks later I was informed by staff at FAST south of the excellent news, I passed my test. I was so excited and very proud of myself. Not only did I pass, but also my scores went up two hundred and seventy points. I am living proof that anything is possible

and that hard work does pay off. I was in school for a year in a half; I stayed focused and did not give up. I plan to further my education and plan to become a teacher. I love working with children. I plan to stay in the race and continue to achieve my goal. Education is the key to success. After I got my results I went too enrolled in Richard Daily College. I was so excited and ready to take on the experience me getting a degree in child development. I decided to take four child development classes this semester and I must say it was very challenging. All of my course that I have token from math and science to family and community really prepared me for my finial class. This experience allowed me to have hands on experience to know if this is the right field that I want to work in. The center that I did my hours was very friendly but needed more structure. Some of the things that I saw were not best practices. I think there are a lot more daycares that need to be looked at as well. This helped me to understand that most children are less fortunate and I must set an example and be the total opposite of them. The children really loved me and every morning they would show love by hugging me or drawing me a picture. I felt that I owe it to the children to stay in the class until June. I had a connection we each and every one of the children and I knew they would always remember me. When I sit back and look things over I

know I chose the right field. Learning about how children think and process impacted my life. There are many types of theories that are given when it comes down to child development. The most three popular seekers are Howard Gardner, Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. The learning process of what makes children develop was really prcised. I must admit they had some good points on how children develop but I think times have changed. The children now days are so much more advance. I believe children are like little sponges and soaks up everything. For example on Monday I decided to teach the children a new song and by Thursday the children had master it they knew it word from word. That is why it is so important to teach them at a young age. These concepts on how children learn though play is so remarkable. And their theories make a lot sense. Only way children can learn math and science is to introduce it in their everyday play. We must not forget that children are not to be drilled but to enjoy learning through play. It is so important that we select the appropriate activities and the right equipment for the children especially when dealing with science. As a teacher you must make sure things are safe and well structured. Children develop very quickly, so we must work together to keep their brains working. There are so many standards and procures we must follow when preparing lesson plans. We must not forget about age appropriateness when dealing with

smaller children. I do admit being a teacher is hard work but I am going to love the challenge. I am glad to say that I only have one child development class to take and I would be getting my degree. I deserve it and I work mighty hard for it. I would never forget where I came from and that children are my main focus. I want to thank all of the teachers and the staff, Susie who gave me the best advice and guided me to my success. Steve the Pre- GED two teachers who always had some type of challenging work for me. I want to thank Zayoni for all the hard work that she has done. Unshell who improved my typing skills and help me with job applications, and clearly helped to revise my portfolio, Tiffany, who guided me through the steps of financial aid and finally, all of my child development teachers. Thanks for the love and support- without you people I would not be here.