Avni's Reaction to Yardsticks

Yardsticks- I must say, don't judge a book by it's cover. I could not have asked
for a better resource than this book. It's a book I intend on having in the
classroom with me. The lay out is very simple to go through and it takes only a
few seconds to find the information needed. I won't have to go hunt down books
or get on the internet to see why a child may be doing a particular thing. Just
refer to Yardsticks! There are endless compliments for this book.
I'm almost embarrassed to say that my background is in human development and we
learned so much about children and growth yet all of this yardsticks
information is very new to me.


Anyways, the book not only gives developmental milestones but also curriculum
information which I think is even more important for me in that book. The
themes are extremely valuable because they enables educators to combine topics
(thematic). I love that idea because it really allows teachers the flexibility
and supports teachers in making lesson plans that will intrigue students such
as combining social studies, science, and current events for those wonderful
six year olds who are so interested in topics of loosing teeth, workers in the
school, jobs people do in the community, friends, and nature.

Until entering this program, I sort of always looked at each topic being in and
of itself. I think I knew but never stopped to really think about teaching from
a thematic approach within subjects. I must say though, I just love the idea of
teaching thematically and intend on taking advantage of it every chance I get.


(This book is one I intend on keeping in the car for easy reference when I am in
my 1st/2nd blend in the fall).


Next, (I feel that my general level of observing is higher than most people I
know). I was in a mixed early childhood classroom in the fall. I never
understood why some children had baby seat type of chairs. That is until now.
Now I realize that if 5 year olds fall off their chairs than some of these
smaller preschoolers certainly needed the special chairs. It's just interesting
how that makes sense to me a year later now.


We can generalize some things such as four year olds love being read to or five
year olds learn best through active playing and hands on activities or six year
olds are less influenced by happenings at home than at school. However, I think
observation is also key because of diversity and not every child is the same.
For example, I don't remember fairness issues being a problem/complaining about
it when I was 9 but my teacher may have easily generalized that to the whole
class full of 9 year olds (bad example but I hope you get the gist).


I hope to teach and eventually get into special education and intervention
working with occupational therapists but because of that and thinking back to
all of my experiences in schools, I just feel that observation is extremely
critical. (Plus, observation may enable a better teacher/student relationship).


As mentioned in the book and something I never thought about until now, there
needs to be time to transition from one activity to another. I know it can feel
like a waste of time to some or just be frustrating to have that extra fluff
time if we're behind schedule but if we think about it even adults our age need
transition time from certain activities to another (at least I do).


Last, I feel like a pirate who just discovered a box full of treasures (the
book) =)