-
WendyZ
- Female
- Eastern NC
- United States
- Share
- Share on Twitter
- Share on Facebook
- Blog Posts (9)
- Discussions (24)
- Events
- Groups (5)
- Photos
- Photo Albums
WendyZ's Groups
-
Child Development Experts
26 members
-
Health and safety
18 members
-
Parents - 4 years to 8…
18 members
WendyZ's Discussions
Kindergarten Teachers; Many are not Early Childhood focused.
2 Replies
Started this discussion. Last reply by WendyZ Jun 30.
An Interesting Documentary (the Waldorf Promise)
1 Reply
Started this discussion. Last reply by Rae Pica Mar. 16, 2009.
Do schools kill creativity?
20 Replies
Started this discussion. Last reply by WendyZ May 3.
"It is a happy talent to know how to play."
Gifts Received
WendyZ has not received any gifts yet
Latest Activity
Cara, many Kindergartens of today are like the 1st grades some of us were in. Developmentally appropriate practice gets left at the door when entering most public schools. It's as if K+ grades are simply preparatory work for more academics and the b…
MaryAnn, the teacher you mentioned is quite a hero! Hopefully more people will stand up and influence a change. Too many children are being robbed of a true childhood, something you can never really get back.
The administrators and the schools boards are not skilled or educated in what early childhood education is. And in fact, many teachers do not take early childhood courses either, and yet teach early childhood levels. The testing and scores pressure…
Profile Information
- Professional Interests
- creative activities, preemies, advocacy, play, Waldorf Education, handwork with children, teacher education, newborn specialization, parent education, children's literature, tons more!
Associations & Affiliations:
NAEYC
NCaeyc (conference volunteer & workshop presenter)
IPA/USA
Autism Society of NC
Nash Community College Early Childhood Education Club (treasurer)
Nash Community College Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee (chair)
Down East Partnership for Children Committee for Playground Remodel (parent volunteer)
CAPPA - Postpartum Doula-in-training
- About Me:
- I recently completed a Special Education Certificate and am currently in a 2Plus 4-year degree completion program in Early Care & Education for adults.
I have an AAS degree in Early Childhood Education and several related certificates. I have also worked in three NAEYC accredited child development centers, one of which was for the DOD. I have worked as a lead teacher, teacher assistant, co-teacher, resource teacher, children's literature specialist, habilitation technician/community skills instructor, and co-op classroom parent. My experience has been with children aged from birth to 12 years old in settings including preschool, school-age summer day camp, day care, child development lab school, elementary school, home health/Medicaid programs, and state funded PreK. I have worked briefly with ESL children, children with special physical needs, and children with learning & developmental disabilities.
I have a special "soft spot" for preemies. My own daughter was 11 weeks premature, and she had to endure numerous specialists and being on oxygen at home. In hopes to help families that have dealt with similar issues, I am training to be a Postpartum Doula so that I can support them and educate about newborns.
- My Title/Position/Status:
- mostly SAHM, 3/4-time college student, volunteer
- I've Been in The Field Since:
- August 1, 1995
- I'm Interested in Discussing
- Parenting, Teaching, New Research, Continuing Education, Teacher Resources, Parent Resources, Professional Issues, Career Opportunities, Speaking and Training, Events, Networking, Socializing, Mentoring, Internship, Employment, Consulting, Best Practices, Collaboration
News, Info, & Fun Stuff
WendyZ's Blog
Musing on Homeschooling: Juggling My Own Schooling
I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I've done a lot since the last one! I aced all of my labs, research papers, and exams, and I have completed the Special Education Certificate. The Early Childhood Club's screening of "Where Do the Children Play?" went over pretty well with 54 attendees AND our proposal for the NCaeyc convention was approved. My husband, daughter, and I have finally moved into the new house/city, and I've also been accepted into the 2Plus bachelors-completion progra… Continue
Posted on May 29, 2009 at 10:09am — 5 Comments
Musing on Homeschooling: In a Slump
These past couple of weeks, I've been busy working on research papers and house hunting. I'm happy to say we've found an awesome house in the perfect location. It's a lot less rural than I would have liked, but we can manage.
I've been gathering a few books and websites here and there trying to sort things out in my mind and keep them straight. Excel has become my best friend it seems. If nothing else, I've been organized in this homeschooling preparation process.
Yesterday, I picked up two Re… Continue
I've been gathering a few books and websites here and there trying to sort things out in my mind and keep them straight. Excel has become my best friend it seems. If nothing else, I've been organized in this homeschooling preparation process.
Yesterday, I picked up two Re… Continue
Posted on April 7, 2009 at 11:00am — 1 Comment
Musing on Homeschooling: Zoo-phonics
In case you are unfamiliar with Zoo-phonics, each letter of the alphabet is represented by an animal and there is an action for each one as you make the letter sounds. Even as adults we usually remember things more easily after relating them to movement or sound (such as commercial jingles) and that is what Zoo-phonics is all about.
This past Thursday, I attended a Zoo-phonics workshop by a veteran NC Kindergarten teacher who's school district uses Zooph… Continue
This past Thursday, I attended a Zoo-phonics workshop by a veteran NC Kindergarten teacher who's school district uses Zooph… Continue
Posted on March 25, 2009 at 7:00am —
Musing on Homeschooling: Curriculum Options for the PreK Year
Right now, I am in the process of learning about all of the different possible curriculum choices. I know that I will not "unschool", but I also do not want to push ahead with overwhelming academics that can put us in a boring rut. I don't think one single "curriculum in a box" will work for us either. My daughter is very creative and bright, but she is not as math-minded right now as she is verbal and interested in reading... In the event that any learning differences crop up, I want to have fl… Continue
Posted on March 17, 2009 at 6:00am — 1 Comment
Musing on Homeschooling: Where to begin??
Rae asked me to make this a running blog for my homeschooling process, and I agreed to do my best!
My daughter will only be 5 this fall, but she is well on her way to reading on her own. I have never used flash cards or "taught" her how to read. She's fascinated with sounds, so whenever she has asked about letter sounds, I have answered. I want to support her interests and talents in all areas, but I want her to enjoy childhood and preserve the wonder as long as possible.
I by no means shelter… Continue
My daughter will only be 5 this fall, but she is well on her way to reading on her own. I have never used flash cards or "taught" her how to read. She's fascinated with sounds, so whenever she has asked about letter sounds, I have answered. I want to support her interests and talents in all areas, but I want her to enjoy childhood and preserve the wonder as long as possible.
I by no means shelter… Continue
Posted on March 10, 2009 at 9:51am — 3 Comments
Comment Wall (5 comments)
You need to be a member of BAM! Street - Smart Parents, Smart Teachers, Smart Connections to add comments!
Join BAM! Street - Smart Parents, Smart Teachers, Smart Connections
- At 7:40pm on June 30, 2010,
MaryAnn Kohl, art author said…
- Hi, Wendy ~ Thank you for the compliment. We're all in this together, no matter what our job: classroom, home day care, author, or expert. We can all help each other.
MaryAnn Kohl
www.brightring.com
- At 11:33pm on February 14, 2009,
Lisa Holewa said… - Thanks, Wendy! I was so pleased to be a part of it -- Rae's show is great and she has so many really smart and wonderful guests.
Did you make a decision about homeschooling yet? I've been anxious to hear what you decide ... and how it goes, of course, too.
- At 3:36pm on January 7, 2009,
Ellen Mc said… - Thanks. I was working with a young boy w/ Down Syndrome and a few other misc. diagnoses.... but now I'm being transferred to a young girl who has mild MR. It has been a challenge to say the least, but I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and put things I'm learning into practice in a one-on-one setting. I know you comment quite a bit on Rae's blog -- I just read your experience... you have such a wide range of field experience! (I'm a bit jealous! LOL -I'm getting a late start to doing "what I've always wanted to do...") I am also currently part of a program called Project Opportunity that is assisting me in receiving my ESL endorsement on my teaching degree (I saw that you have worked some with ESL students.) I am taking 5 extra courses that are geared specifically towards working with ESL students, and so far, I've found it very interesting.
How old is your daughter now? I have a 4.5 yr. old and a 3 yr. old. Both girls, and both FUN. :D
- At 9:23pm on December 17, 2008,
Lisa Holewa said…
- Thanks, Wendy -- I'd love to hear your thoughts! You've left a lot of great questions and comments on the boards here, and I've enjoyed reading them.
- At 11:07pm on November 24, 2008,
Rae Pica said… - Welcome, Wendy! I knew you'd come! : )
The 10 Best Reasons to Join Now
1. Because every day more is learned about how to best raise and educate a child. 2. To stay on top of the "next" practices in early childhood development. 3. Find the people and the knowledge you need to work with your child. 4. Stay informed about what smart parents and professionals know. 5. Know who's who in the early childhood community. 6. Exchange information and ideas. 7. Discover career and business opportunities. 8. Establish your professional identity within the early childhood community. 9. Allow those who are looking for someone with your skills to find you. 10. It's free!
© 2010 Created by Errol Smith.
