Final Thoughts on Chapter 7

Sovanny wrote our VERY LAST chapter entry -- I KNOW! I can't believe we're at the end of the book, either! To cheer us up in our time of sadness, though, Sovanny included this picture of her fiance with her, all smiles. She said, "The reason that I chose a picture of my fiancé and me at Disneyland was because I feel that it is very fitting for this book. I went on a family vacation with my entire family, who did not want to be pictured on the class blog, and I felt that we made an impact on the kids that went on the trip, and created memories for them as well. We also were able to talk to them, and helped them elaborate on their experience at Disneyland. By them, I mean my niece and nephew, who are both 4 years old." Well, it looks like you had a great time, Sovanny, and I'm sure everyone will have a good time reading your thoughts on Galinsky's last chapter, too.

Chapter 7 was a great way to end the book. Galinsky summarized her intent in writing this book and its importance to parents and teachers. She also gave great ideas and advice on how a parent or a teacher can help expand a child’s mind. This chapter emphasizes the importance that an adult has in a child’s life and learning capability.

I do agree with what Galinsky has to say about the importance of the parent/teacher and child relationship. This chapter has made me realize that children are born learners and they do not learn best when they are being discouraged. Galinsky made it clear that every child needs a good teacher -- whether it be a parent or a daycare provider -- to acknowledge their learning abilities and to encourage them along the way. This chapter breaks down seven different steps that can be taken to help a child’s mind expand and keep the learning spirit alive.

As I was reading this chapter it made me think about my early childhood memories because principle four focused on what a child can remember. I only remember what people have told me, or important days in history, which was just what Galinsky pointed out in her book. Honestly, I feel that I have a very hard time recalling my childhood memories; however, I do remember things that were life changing. For instance, I remember winning awards, hospital visits and siblings being born. However, I cannot recall Kindergarten and earlier memories. I feel I can only remember things that are life changing because they were significant, unlike other memories. My earliest childhood memory was when I was eight, and I broke the kitchen window. I remember crying because I was going to get in trouble, and I remember going to the hospital because I had to get stitches. It was the worst experience of my life, but it is something that I can easily remember because it was a big incident. Additionally, I have a huge scar on my right arm to constantly remind me of that incident. I also remember things that are a big part of history: 9/11, for example. That whole day terrified me and I thought we were under attack. I honestly can remember what I was doing that day and where I was. Galinsky gave a similar example about President Kennedy’s death. I think that we can recall these memories because the moments were significant in our lives and they were life changing.

Reading this chapter made me realize that children not only learn by watching, but they also learn by listening. As a future childcare provider, I learned that children want us to understand them, and do get frustrated when we don’t. I do believe that it will be hard to focus a lot of time on one child when there may be times that you will have to focus on multiple children at once. However, I do realize that it hurts emotionally to be ignored, and I will do what I can to make sure that the children will get the attention for which they are looking.