Shahidah's+Page

Hi, My name is Shahidah Mack. I work for the East Orange School district. I was a one on one teacher's assistant for three years with a emotionally disturbed boy who is now going to the sixth grade. As he transitions to middle school I also will be transitioning to pre-k where i will be the head teacher. I am very nervous and excited about this school year. I graduated from Montclair State University in 2008 with a B.A. in history. I took a brief break from my master's program because of illness which i hope to continue in very soon. This is my last class in the p3 certification program to obtain my certificate of eligibility. I am a product of the Elizabeth public school system which is where I reside with my parents, 17 year old sister, and dog Coco. I love shoes, shopping, and going out to various restaurants.

Hi Shahidah, more power to you. I could see myself in you. I have a student who has torrets syndrome. After training him with the Tai Chi form of exercises, he was able to overcome his handicap. Now if you see him, you will think that he is just an ordinary child.

Chapter 1

Parents attitudes have an effect on children's view of schooling. One study from the book stated "Children whose parents stress the importance of good work habits, punctuality, and task completion carry these traits over into their schoolwork and have greater academic success." My parents attitudes about education had a big impact on my education. In pre school and maybe before then, my parents always took my education seriously. I started school when I was two. I was always enrolled in a summer camp or extra academic activities. I can remember my mom reading a book to me every night. My dad bought me a Dr. Seuss library at a very early age. I then learned the importance of reading. During grade school my mom had a routine. After school I would have a snack, and then do my homework. I was not allowed to watch television until my homework was completed. Then, my mom would check my homework and she was always there to assist when needed. From that point on even in high school i stuck to that routine. My parents never spoke negative words about a teacher or education. If i did have any problems my parents would schedule conferences with my teachers and always volunteered at school. Since they were so positive about my education, I was positive about my education.

Peer groups can also influence behavior. According to Barbour, Barbour, and Scully the peer group will influence the development of children' s socializing skills. Barbour Barbour, and Scully also believe that peer groups can influence what a child values, knows, wears, eats, and learns. I think everyone can relate to peer groups and being with the "in" crowd. If most children are doing a trend, then everyone will. Growing up I attended a gifted and talented program. The population of the school was selected and recommended by a teacher. All students wanted to learn and had a passion for education. Since my friends influences were positive about education, my outlook was positive on education.

School, family, and the community play a major role in education. I'm glad my influence on education was positive and I will foster the importance of education to my students.

Hi Shahidah: It sounds like you had a very strong support from your parents, and that you are very proud of the value that they placed on your education. Your statement about "fostering the importance of education to your students" is one that I also share, and agree with, and one that I strive to instill to my own students as well. The role of educating our children is certainly one that should be a common and shared effort among us as educators, families and communities. Nidieska Tobar

HI Shahidah,

I grew up in a similar environment where my parent’s attitudes toward education were positive; I also attended summer camp and extra academic activities. I also believe in the concept of peer groups. In my school there were no peer groups, but in the high school my brother attended, he was one of the peer group leaders that many students could look up to and receive help from these leader.

His group met once a week during school hours. They disscused alcohol use during parties, bullying in and out of school, having friends outside of school, social interaction websites usage and parents worries about their children's social life. I think peer group is equally beneficial for the freshman entering high school and for the seniors equally. Kavya

Hi Shahidah, I also had the support and direction of my parents while growing up. this minimized any hold my peers had over me. Unfortunately, many of today's youth lack an authoritative figure at home, therefore they look elsewhere for approval and direction. As educators we need to make all students believe they are gifted and talented, thereby enhancing their opportunities for academic success.

Sharon Harris

Chapter 2 reflection

Barbour, Barbour, Scully (2011) states "Generally, nurturance means providing the basic necessities of life for children, but in a wider sense, it denotes general support, love, and cultivation for the growing child."

Families provide nurturance for their children in multiple ways. According to Maslow (1968), he provides a pyramid which displays the scale of human needs. Physiological needs are at the bottom of the pyramid. As humans we need food, shelter and other necessities to survive. Food and shelter are two very essential factors that have to be provided by parents or a caregiver. The next part of the pyramid is safety. Safety is an instinct that children find with their parents. A sense of belonging and love I feel are the mst important factors when nurturing a child. Families express feelings of love in verbal and non verbal actions. Barbour, Barbour, Scully (2011). Promoting esteem and achievement varies throughout families. I feel promoting success is also very important because promoting success and having a good support system allows children to succeed to their fullest potential. Self actualization is also important. Parents need to teach children how to be independent and have a sense of responsibility.

Looking at Maslow's pyramid, I feel my parents touched on all these factors and were very nurturing. I feel they are all important and they work with each other. My parents provided me with food, shelter, and necessities to survive. My parents provided the opportunity to have a choice in foods that I ate and clothes I would wear. I witnessed my parents working hard everyday to provide for my sister and I. They never had a problem telling me why they went to work. My parents always showed love even when I did wrong. My mom would always tell me she loved me and she would always spend all the time she could with me. When I was a little girl, my dad would always leave notes telling me to have a good day at school and he loved me. My parents supported me in every activity i participated in and were always present at school concerts and track meets. Academically both of my parents would participate in parent teacher conferences and always wanted to know about what i was learning in school. Because of there parenting, I feel i was fully prepared for the real world. They taught me how to be independent. They allowed me to have a part time job when I was 14 working in the summer. I began contributing to my expenses.

When they first created the program, they looked at grades and your teacher had to recommend you. When my sister applied for the program years later they implemented a test made specially for the program.
 * Shahidah, how were students chosen for the giften and talented program? I know that you mentioned that teachers were allwed to give input. Was this based solely on input, or were standardized tests, etc. used in the final determination? --Prof. Kunz **

It is important to have parents who want you to do well in life. Most parents always want their children to accomplish more than they did in their lives. That could mean many things, whether it is going to college, or getting your masters, or finding a job that allowed you to live more comfortably than your parents. That is the American Dream for many people. Having parents who are able to meet all the needs required for children to live, including all of Maslow's needs, but seeing them working hard for everything allows the child to learn from their parents. Showing love to your children is one of the best ways to show that they care about you, which in turn allows you to learn from mistakes and not fear making mistakes. Which is what it seems like your parents did. It seems from what you wrote that your parents gave you every advantage they could afford in raising you, that gave you the best opportunity to succeed in your life. -Stephen

Parent interview The person I interviewed is a parent of a 2 year old and 8 year old.

3. What languages are spoken in your household? English, creole. English is the primary language because my husband doesn"t speak creole.

4. What are some expectations you have for your child? Nothing less then 90% academically, he should be socialble but not a follower. "I don't want any flunky's in my house"

5. What kind of relationship do you have with your child? A very open relationship. We talk about everything. We talked about the birds and the bees already because he asked me.

6. What are some of your household daily routines? I get up between 6:30 and 7:00. He performs his hygene routine, puts on his clothes that i iron for the week on Sunday, eat breakfast. If he has time he has to make sure the cat and dog have food and walk them. If he has extra time he reads. After school he changes his clothes, homework, walk the dog, if homework is correct he has a choice of reading, educational computer time, or play with his sister. Then we eat dinner, shower, and bedtime is at 8:30. If there is extra time he reads.

7. What is your current occupation? Teacher's assistant for East Orange board of Education.

8. What kind of relatonship do you have with your child's teacher? We communicate as often as possible.

9. What is your personal view of the school your child attends? "Ummmm it's ok FOR NOW " yes. I chose the school.

10. Please describe the neighborhood you live in? a residential, quiet street.

11. What is a hih priority for your family? Good health (mental and physical), happiness

12. Are you currently involved in any physical activities with your child? He's going back to karate or maybe boxing. These are his extra curricular activities.

13. What kind of disciplianary strategies do you use at home? "Working the wall" its a basketball drill where your back is against the wall, knees bent, arms out. It builds legs muscles and disciplines at the same time. He does it until i say stop. Extreme punishment is a POP but i only popped him twice. He's a good child.

14. Give examples of some rules? What are the consequences? All Homework must be done before any activities. No LYING AT ALL- if done a pop in the mouth is punishment. Take care of pets. Take out trash. Stay clean (hygene).

15. How would you describe your child's behavior in public? Very well mannered. My daughter is in her terrible two's.

16. What does family time consist of? Movies, talking about daily activities, eating dinner.

17. What hopes or dreams do you have for your child's future? I hope my children are successful, happy, healthy.

18. How are you preparing for your child's future? Making sure they understand education is vital now so when they get older it doesn't crumble. We have discussions and I am apart of everything they do.

Observation: The parent I interviewed is definitly defined as authoritative. She is very strict with rules but explains the reasoning behind her rules. She has expectations and expects her children to meet them and she helps them meet them. She expects orders to be obeyed but she forgives. She teaches her children especially her son responsibility. He is responsible for the pets and his personal hygene. She is very openand honest and loving.

Hi Shahidah: It seems that this parent is an strict disciplinarian, and structured on her children's daily routines and responsibilities. Yet, at the same time, she seems to have the best interest of her children at heart, and her main focus is on her kids' education and well being. I think that in today's worlds where a child can be influenced negatively sometimes by peers who do not have a similar family background, it is very important to have parents who can provide a very respectful, honest and structured family environment. Nidieska Tobar


 * Shahidah, **
 * It's clear to see that your interviewee has quite a structure for her children while also always having their best interests at heart. She hold high expectations but also guides them towards achieving those expectations through her rules. Not only does she have structure but also helps her children see the reason why she holds them to such high standards in they seem to fall short of them. These high standards are held in order to guide her children to be the most well-rounded and successful children and adults as they can be. I liked seeing how active she was in her children's lives and how she continuously seems to be supporting them and teaching them those life lessons as they approach. **


 * Amy Lupardi **

Teacher Interview


 * 1. Describe the community where you teach?**
 * Urban, abott school district.**


 * 2. How do you increase cultural awareness at your school?**
 * We have events during the school year targeting parents, grandparents which increases community involvement and cultural awareness.**


 * 3. How do you collaborate with the parents? Give examples**
 * I have constant communication with parents. I send home daily behavior charts for children who need it. After testing every week I send home a form with all of their scores from each test and it must come back to me signed. If it isn't signed I call home. Parents have my cell phone number, and email address. I'm available for conferences before and after school.**


 * 4.What are some challenges you face?**
 * Lack of funds and parental involvement.**


 * 5.List your top five classroom priorities.**
 * 1. developing a good rapport with the students.**
 * 2.student achievement.**
 * 3.teacher parent relationships.**
 * 4.discipline**
 * 5.administration priorities.**

“Are There Other Kids Like Me?”

Children who have a parent in prison is becoming a popular issue found in schools across America. Clopton and East (2008) estimate about 1.5 million children in the United States has a parent in prison. Having a parent in prison can be a difficult time for children and the rest of the family. There is a lot of stress and heartache associated with this issue. Since the number of children with a parent in prison is emerging quickly, chances are a child in your classroom may have a parent in prison. The Clopton and East article (2008) discusses the stress factors children go through while a parent is in prison.

While a parent is in prison, children often stay with the other parent if present or a close relative. Clopton and East (2008) states that when the father is incarcerated 90% of the children live with their mother. If the mother is incarcerated 28% of the children were living with the father, 53% were living with grandparents, and 25.7% were living with other relatives. Because of parents being in prison a stress factor that is often present is residential instability. Children may have to move in with a relative or even move to another town or state because they need to be closer to the prison for visitation or the child had to move in with the closest relative.

The care taker whether is being a mother or father or relative may undergo stress financially and emotionally. Care takers are forced to take full responsibility financially while the parent is incarcerated. Visitations to the prison are costly depending on where the prison is located from their home. The long waiting and short visit time can also be stressful.

Care takers also have to deal with the child’s school and any emotions the child is going through while their parent is away. Homework, parent conferences, and embarrassment may be some issues faced. The child may begin t misbehave in school or at home because they don’t understand what has happened to their parent. A child may begin to be teased at school if children find out. The child may be angry because they feel abandoned and hurt.

The school community should be aware of this emerging issue and have a personal view. if the school community knows about a parent being in prison, they should be open with the care taker and listen to their needs. Open communication should present for the best interest of the child especially if behavior becomes an issue. Trust is a very important factor when dealing with the care taker.

This essay gave me a better understanding of what care takers and children go through when a parent is in prison. Since this is an emerging issue, some children in my classroom may be experiencing this situation. It is important for me to be culturally diverse even if I can or can’t relate to my students with this issue. It is important to be understanding because this is a difficult time children and adults face.

Shahidah, Keeping an open mind will allow you to develop greater relationships with your students and their families. One of the key character traits of an effective educator is the ability to be a good listener. Thank you for sharing your connections and ideas. --Prof. Kunz