The book that inspired me to change the world!

  “If you want poor kids to be able to compete with their middle-class peers, you need to change everything in their lives—their schools, their neighborhoods, even the child-rearing practices of their parents”( Forward from Whatever It Takes 2008)

This is one of the first books I read on the hot topic of closing the stubborn academic achievement  gap that exist between  poor and middle-class children.   It chronicles one man’s mission,  Mr. Geoffrey Canada,  to close the academic achievement gap by transforming a whole community through his urban public school reform model called, The Harlem Children’s Zone.

Mr. Canada’s  Harlem Children’s Zone has been the most effective urban school reform model to date.  The school boast a 95% graduation rate with 100 % of their  graduating students being  accepted into at least one university or college. One of the reasons the zone has been so effective is because of its early childhood development program, which focuses on educating young expecting moms and dads.  The program teaches parents everything from brain development to how to discipline their children in a way that teaches rather than simply punishes .  These classes go a long way in helping parents to understand that they are their children’s first teacher and if they want their child to be successful, learning has to start early and with them.

I remember not being able to put this book down and after I finished reading it I knew I wanted  change the world just like Mr. Canada!

What book has influenced you the most as an early care & education professional?

My Favorite Children’s Book: Frog and Toad!

Frog and Toad is a book series written by Arnold Lobel that tells of the amazing adventures of two best friends,  Frog and his sidekick, Toad.

I love Frog and Toad books because they teach children about friendship and how important it is to form lasting and trusting friendships with peers.   As a child, Frog and Toad meant the world to me because I wanted friendships like theirs.

As a child, and even as an assistant Head Start teacher, the statement that hurts the most is, “Sarah  said she doesn’t want to be my friend any more.”   Such words broke my heart then, when I was a child and now, when I hear them from my students.

As early care and education professionals it is important to we teach our students the importance of friendships and how to make friendships that are healthy.   Forming friendships will be important for their social and emotional development/well being not only in preschool but throughout their entire lives.

Here’s a  little video clip on the wonderful friendship of  Frog and Toad! Enjoy the Cookies! lol