~Research Around the World~

I explored all of the links that were provided for this week. However, the link/website that caught my attention the most is the Early Childhood Australia website. This website has a link of "Research in Practice Series". This link presents topics that are discussed in great detail. Some of the topics that are provided are for the individuals that are working in the field. However, there are other topics that provide information to the individuals that work with children. One topic that I am glad that  I read is, "Understanding Children Emotions". 

After exploring the website I learned that there is a such things as healthy fears. They help adults and children recognize and respond quickly to danger. Fears also keep people from things that they want to do or should do. I have to agree with that 100%. I have always been fearful of the dentist. Because of that. I take a long time to go to the dentist for cleanings as well as annual updates. 

One thing that I like about the website is that games are provided to help children become aware of fear and courage.  Another interesting thing about this website is that there are links that are geared toward children 3-9. This is great for both parents and caregivers. Like the NAEYC website, this website details the children rights and provides links to workshops.

This was an interesting website. I am saving this link for future readings.

~Research that Benefits Children & Families ~

~Uplifting Stories~

Robots to Help Children With Autism

It was interesting that this topic came up this week. a few of my employees are working on their CDA (Child Development Associate) and they were asked to explain the different special needs that we see in the classrooms and things that can be done to asset the children. Well, as you know, early on care givers are given the opportunity to see things in children that parents some time often do not see because they may be the only child at home. We had a child that we knew had a few concerns. After referring him to behavior health, it was noted that he was diagnosed with autism at. We then used the subject of autism to do research so we could find resources to help us in the classroom.

We then ran across the article, "Robots to Help Children With Autism". This article discussed a research that was done that proved that Bandit (The robot) helped children understand social cues and emotional responses.  According to the article, ""Researchers know that to help children with autism, they need to develop new, more effective interventions," said Debra Dunn, outreach director for the Center for Autism Research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Some children with autism spectrum disorders have an affinity for technology and for machines and may be particularly engaged during this therapy" (ABC News). 

I wanted to share this because both children and families are affected with this research. I feel that it is true to conclude that all parents want what is best for their children. There are certainly justified benefits from this research. Also, I think that the children would enjoy spending time being researched while playing at the same time. 

Please take the time to read the article. It is interesting. 

~Personal Research Journey~

Personal Research Journey

The topic that I have chosen to research and investigate is "The affects of divorce/separation of young children".  This topic sparked my curiosity in several ways. I am a military wife and therefore our daughter is considered an army child. My husband is away all of the time covering special missions. When he is away, it affects my daughter tremendously. 


I also work in a child development center on a military installation. I see children all of the time that are going through different separation anxieties due to deployments. On the contrary, there are children that are suffering separations due to divorce. I know that the children suffer as well as the adults when separation/divorce occurs. 


My subtopics are related to me investigating to determine how the children suffered academically and socially. I also want to know what I can do to assist the children and families in there time of need. In conclusion, I know that I should be able to find some useful resources that can be of assistance to me when my husband has to leave for either deployment or special missions.


I never had to face divorce/separation as a child. Is there any advice that you all would like to share with me? Have any of you had to deal with it as a child? Do you have any suggested articles or websites that could assist me?


I look forward to hearing from you all.