A great book I just bought at our book fair...couldn't resist

Mother's Love: Inspiring True Stories from the Animal Kingdom was written by Melina Gerosa Bellows. It is full of tear jerking pictures of animal moms and their young, and accompanied by real life stories of strength, love, protection, guidance along with powerful quotes by authors, ministers, even comedians about motherhood.
Agatha Christie, a famous mystery book author, writes,"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."
Jane Sellman, also an author, says, "The phrase 'working mother' is redundant".
Dorothy Canfield Fisher, and educator, stated early childhood development clearly when she said, "A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary."

This book is full of heart warming stories, memorable quotes and beautiful photos. I highly recommend it.

An excellent link to NAEYC's advocacy toolkit and some Codes of Ethics

Advocacy Toolkit:
 http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/policy/toolkit.pdf

DEC's Code of Ethics:
http://www.dec-sped.org/

NAEYC's Code of Ethics:
http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

Ethical Codes of Conduct put forth by NAEYC and DEC that stand out for me

It is difficult to narrow down three specific ideals or principles that would be any more important than the others. In the many unexpected issues that arise with this profession, each description will have its relevance and importance. I approached this assignment by reviewing my goals, and then finding those ideals that are relevant to that.
NAEYC's Code of Ethics I 2.7 states - To share information about each child's education and development with families and to help them understand and appreciate the current knowledge base of the early childhood profession.
This statement reflects my hope to help the average parent understand what children at early stages of development are thinking and feeling. I am currently offering short, readable "helpful hints" to my parents about the reasons behind their child's behavior.
NAEYC's Code of Ethics I 2.5 states - To respect the dignity and preferences of each family and to make an effort to learn about its structure, culture, language, customs, and beliefs.
I will strive to consider these aspects of a child's identity when communicating learning goals with my families.
DEC's Code of Ethics IV, section 1 states - We shall rely upon evidence based research and interventions to inform our practice with children and families in our care.
This code backs up any advice offered to parents and staff by offering documented results of professional studies.

That yellow lump is FAT, the brown one is muscle. The white vials are the sugar content in one can of soda, one poptart, and a yogurt. The smaller white vials represent sodium content in various processed foods.
The diagrams backed by green are comparisons of food now with the same offering 20 years ago. Most of the calorie
content is double. In front is a representation of the proper portions of meal items. It was an excellent presentation!

www.doctoryum.com is a website created by a pediatrician who experiments with recipes invented by kids for kids. They rate their creations with smiley or yukky faces. Check it out and get some ideas for your class or your family!

www.growingminds.org is a great website for infant/toddler sensory gardens. It gives ideas of what to plant, how to arrange planters, and lesson plans to create.

www.childcareinfo.com is a wealth of information to keep kids happy and interested.

www.Pbs.org/parents/education/math/activities/baby-toddler gives ideas on how to start math and reasoning at an early stage in everyday activities

Resources for my Early Childhood Learning

Page 3 shown lists a few valuable resources relating to my field.