The term “the whole child” is a very
deliberate and literal term in my opinion. Teaching the “whole child”, means
just that; which means teaching in all developmental domains equally! In
today’s society so much focus is placed on reading, writing and mathematics capabilities;
which in turn the child’s social and emotional development is left on the back
burner. In order for children to be successful in anything they must first be in
touch with their social/emotional health. There are so many children who come
from broken/dysfunctional homes and the last thing on their minds is performing
well on a reading or math exam. I also believe that music and extra curriculum activities
help children to focus and distress as it helps them to become well rounded
individuals. I believe that assessments serve a very valid need; children need
to be assessed so that the teacher can meet the students where they are and use
that information to plan lessons and individualize learning.
The country that I chose to learn more
about in terms of how they’re children are assessed is China. In china much
focus is on language development. The focus is to test the student’s ability to
use the language in meaningful ways. Also, there are a number of assessments that
are used to assess children’s cognitive abilities. Such as;
- Performance-based assessment tasks
- Self assessments
- Peer assessments
- Teacher observations
- Portfolios
- Quizzes and tests
References
I agree with you in our society today's we do focus so much on how well our children will do on these standardize test. Instead of building upon their social/emotional skills. I agree with so many of our children come from a broken home. For example, when I used to substitute in the secondary grade-level and I had a student every time. I would work in her classroom. This little girl would be very disruptive in the classroom. To make a long story short I ask her one day why are so disruptive in class and choose not to complete the assignment your teacher left. I began to tell her I know you are so a smart and intelligent young lady all you have to do is try and if you have any problems. I am here to assist you. This young lady look at me with tears in her eyes and said, " my mom has cancer and I am afraid she will die". This brought tears to my eyes and I hug her telling it will be okay. Nevertheless, whenever I came to work in her classroom again I never had the issue again. This little girl just needed for someone to listen to her. I feel if our school system would focus a little on our children emotional and social skills just maybe it will not only help them perform better on these standardize test but to be able to cope with other issues that may occur or happening at the moment.
ReplyDeleteTanya,
ReplyDeleteI also believe that a child's social/emotional development is crucial to all other domains of development, as a child's ability to regulate his or her emotions, read social cues, and interact with others will positively support all areas of development. It goes back to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, in which social needs must be realized before self-esteem and self-actualization will occur. According to Maslow, the only things that precedes social needs are our basic physical needs and safety. As early childhood educators, we must realize that social/emotional development is just as important as cognitive development, thus deserving equal amounts of attention in regards to teaching the whole child.
I would have to agree that most assessments made are never made on a child as a whole, the focus tends to be on reading, writing and arithmetic. Though those assessments are important, taking in every other domain of a child is just as important, since everything about a child determines the way a child grows and develops, and the kind of adult they grow into be.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you brought up the social/emotional aspect of the development of children. I think that is a really important piece that is missing from all of our assessments as children get older, and get put "on the back burner" as you so rightly stated. What do you think we can do as teachers and the advocates for our profession can do to help lawmakers see the importance of this area of development?
ReplyDeleteI also have to strongly agree with your statement on the importance of music. There is not enough clout being put into the music/arts departments of schools and I find it appalling that schools all over the country are just cutting music/art as if is has no importance in development. I agree that it help create well rounded individuals but also that it gives and outlet to students to identify themselves in a creative and expressive way. Not all students can do that on the football field, or in math class. Other avenues need to be there to help all of our students succeed.
I totally agree with you. I have a niece, and nephew both in school and you would not believe how many tests, and assesments children go through. The states do these for their own personal benefits. These testing do not really represent the children.
ReplyDelete