Shondell's+Page

Welcome to Shondell's Page

I was born in Georgetown, Guyana and came to the United States when I was 8 yrs old. I graduated from Seton Hall University with my BA in Special Education. I am currently enrolled in Bloomfield College for my P-P3 Certification to be more marketable.. Due to economic problems in New Jersey I'm currently not working. I have two beautiful girls 16 and 2 which makes my live very hectic. My future goal after completing this class is to get hired in the Newark Public School District and continue to teach children with special needs. As a teacher I feel that I will be an important influence on my student's lives. I believe that I would do whatever it takes to make that influence a positive one. I feel that it is also my role to ensure that my students will learn the materials that I teach them, that they will acquire the knowledge that is going to help them throughout their lives. As a teacher you should always think about ways to create an effective learning envi ronment in the classroom. Students should feel safe, motivated and accepted. They need to recognize both risks and rewards of seeking new knowledge and understanding. The classroom must provide involvement, interaction, and socialization in order for students to learn. Students should be allowed to confront new challenges using their past experiences without giving information. This encourages them to learn his or her own style and pace for learning. In conclusion, I feel teaching is one of the most respected profession. I continue to develop new appreciation for what we do each day. As a teacher, I personally strive to meet the needs of all my students while attempting to reach my goal "mastering" the art of teaching.

Shondell Morris

September 8, 2011

EDC 17 Understanding Family & Community


 * __Information From The Text__**

Home Influence on Attitudes and Perceptions

Pg. 5

“Coleman (1991) pointed out that children whose parents stress the importance of good work habits, punctuality, and task completion carry traits over into their schoolwork and have greater academic success”


 * __Personal Reflection__**

This quote from Coleman is a true testament of my success. My parents were very involved in my academic career. Reading was an important factor in our household. At home, my parents made sure that my homework was complete and accurate and before I can watch television or even involve myself in outdoor activities I had to read at least two books. Also, at the end of the week write or verbally state a summary of each book. Since I was the eldest out of my two other siblings, I had more pressure on me to be a good role model for my sister and my brother. That’s why I set out to be a teacher because of my parents & my siblings influence on me and the influence I had on them.

In conclusion, when you have parents who are dedicated to the involvement of their child’s academic work versus parents who either neglect their child’s work or don’t have the time to help out, you would be able the notice the difference in the children’s attitude towards school. As teachers we should stress the issue to parents that their child’s attitude towards school reflects on how strong their relationship is with them, good or bad. However, not all parents are available to be there to participate in their child’s academic life. Teachers should quickly understand that their attitude toward families can have a great impact on children’s perceptions on school and their work and this can either lead to success or failure in that setting. It is important to establish a good rapport with parents who have cultural differences.

Hi Shondell, Our posts were a little similar. Reading and education were important to my parents and it effected me in a good way. I see our parents had the same values. Television will come after homework. I agree with you when you discuss parenting and their attitudes towards school. From what I have experienced in my district, some parents feel school is a babysitting company. It seems as though the kids who don't want to learn come to school everyday on time and can sometimes be a behavior problem. When you speak to the parents, they either don't have time or they just don't care enough about their child's education. Some how we must let our parents know that education is important and if they care the kids will care. Shahidah

Hi Shondell,

Parent involvement is a good concept, but how it is possible if they meet only during open house and parent teacher conference. There must be some in between meetings (unofficial) I do not know how this is possible in real life since I am a student with no yearlong teaching experience. I am just wondering? Kavya

Shondell, I agree with you completely. Parent involvement is essential in order for students to achieve success. As I emphasis to all of my parents, communication is vital. The child needs to know that not only is their teacher invested in his/her academics but their parent(s) are as well. When a child sees that all hands are on board, they are more likely to be influenced to have a positive outlook on school knowing that all of these hands are there to support him/her and help them achieve their goals. While I emphasize the importance of this circle of trust, it's not always possible. Last year I had a parent who I quickly found out was supportive with me on the phone, but never followed through on any of the great ideas she had to encourage and support her son's academic success. That was quickly a reality check because without the the parent or guardian on board there is a great wall standing in between that student's ability to succeed. As much time as you invest in creating a good taste for education for that student, at the end of the day that student goes home and all that hard work is washed away and he/she returns the next day with those parent influenced feelings. In response to Kavya, meeting in between Back to School Night and Parent/Teacher Conferences is vital. There are many ways that you can encourage parents to get involved. Invite them into your classroom for special occasions; Secret Readers, Career Week, anything to make them feel a part of their education. Not every parent is going to be willing to do things like this but in my experience thus far, the more you offer, the more open some parents become, in turn, aiding in a more positive view and influence for their son or daughter. -Amy

Week 2 Reflection Chapter 4 September 13, 2011

//"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. In other words, nurturance is parenting."// (pg.87)

Families provide nurturance for their children through love, guidance, and basic physiological care. Children feed off the love from their parents, or even close relatives. However, each family, or household vary on the amount of love and affection is needed for a child. Although there may be a limit, it is a basic necessities for the upbringing of the child into a successful and bright future. Also, there is a similarity between affection and the the physical contact between the parents and the child. A child wants a parent who is going to be there for them when they are needed and even when they aren't. Children want constant reassurance that they are safe and away from harm through emotional and physical support. A parent is a role model in the eyes of a child. They guide their children through life; childhood, teenage life, and even adult hood. Most likely a child would grow up to be what the parents has mold them into. For instance, a parent who's always there for their child, always on top of them during school and even social life, who shows them the difference between right and wrong, and learning from their mistakes will usually see their child going down the right path of life. The path of life that consists of hard work and determination, perseverance, and eventually success.

During my childhood, my parents were my role model. My household was filled with lots of love, not only from my parents but **extended family**. My parents provided constant reassurance pertaining to my safety and overall well being while I was outside by contacting neighbors and making sure somebody was always watching me and my other siblings. Growing up in an inner city, I saw more than an average child would see. There was an over haul of violence, drugs and even prostitution in my neighborhood, not only that I lived around the "projects". My parents made sure I avoided getting sucked up into that bad lifestyle and even when pressured I knew that it was wrong and I was persistent and stood my ground. My parents was also involve in our academic achievements. My sister and I was always A students, I guess we were competing against each other. My mother was on our PTA committee and my dad always came to watch me cheer and the football games (even though I knew he was there to watch the game). They made sure school was my first priority since I was the eldest and to create a positive influence to my siblings. In my household there was no such word as "failure". My parents wanted me to work hard to my full potential even though that I will make mistakes through out my life they will always support me. As noted in "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" (Maslow pg 88), he talked about the basic necessities for maintaining survival, which included food, warmth, and shelter. Eating healthy was very important in our household. My parents believed in eating healthy and staying fit because we have a family history of hypertension and cancer, mostly on my mother's side. She made sure we knew what to eat by taking us to the local grocer and showing us what and why you need to eat this. Because of that, my children now benefit from those experiences. Eventually as a adult I was diagnosed with hypertension. HOW IRONIC!!

-Henry-
Hi Henry, It's hard not to be stress free. Sometimes I just tried to meditate or go for a brief walk. My grandmother died from this and it continues to trickle down my relatives uncles, aunts and cousins. I am trying my best for this not to affect my two daughters. I always make such that I cook using healthy and organic foods. Hi Shondell's

My parents are always with me, and they gave me all the support that they show the moral values, believes they are the guide to what their might be in the future. My parents all the time followed no matter what is my conviction and what I do might my family, tend to become a better person as an adult, and help make then right choice for my life. Sonnia E

Hi Shonell,

Eating healthy and exercising is important so, it is good that you taught these values to your children.My family also believes in those values since, my grand parents have high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. > I workout regularly and try to eat well and healthy and refrain from drinking soda and sweetened fruit juices. > Organic vegetables and fruits are good. I look for them when I shop. Sometimes they are too expensive. I shop for them in Trader Joe and Whole foods. > Kavya >
 * Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs connects well to our viewing of Waiting for Superman. Children, especially in urban environments, all have basic needs. Some of these needs are being met, and some of them are definitely not being met to their full potential. I find it great that your personal experiences growing up have now affected the way in which you raise your own children. --Prof. Kunz. **


 * Interviewer's Name: __Shondell Morris__**
 * Location of Interview: __East Orange__**
 * Gender: __Female__**
 * Interviewee's Initials: __BH__**
 * Date: __9-20-2011__**


 * Parent Interview**

** I have three children. I have a 12yr old daughter a 6yr old son and a 13 months old daughter. ** **My older daughter and I wakes up approximately 5:40am and at 5:50 I wake my son and I wake my youngest daughter at 6:00am. We exit the house at 6:45am every morning.** **Breakfast is given at home (oatmeal, cereal or eggs).** **I am a school Social Worker.** **I have a close and supportive relationship with all of my children teachers/caregiver. They all value academic excellence for my children. I communicate with them everyday due to the fact that my two oldest attends the same school that I work for.** **My personal views of the school that my children attends is that I value the focus on academic excellent. I hold the teachers accountable for my kids academic excellence and failure. My two oldest attends a charter school.** **I live in a residential neighborhood that is predominantly working class minorities.** My high priority is happiness, stability for my family. NO! Not at this time. Yes! My 12yr old sings in the chorus and plays piano and my son plays the violin (individual lessons). I usually give time out or take away something that they enjoy playing with. There will also be consequences and rewards for positive and negative behaviors. The consequence for negative behavior is take away phone privileges, computer and video games. They will be no company and they cannot go outside to play. Physical discipline is given due to consistent patterns of negative behavior after several attempts to correct it. My children are very well behaved in public.( Her voice deepen when she answered this question) During family time we watch family movies, go out to dinner and visit friends that also has kids. During dinner we socialize with each other. I want my children to go to college and succeed so they can contribute to the world.
 * 1. Are you a parent or guardian of a child? Please explain.**
 * Yes! **
 * 2. How many children do you have? What are their ages?**
 * 3. What languages are spoken in your household? Is there a primary language that is used? Please explain. **
 * We only speak English in our home. **
 * 4. What are some expectations you have for your child?**
 * My expectations for my children is to grow into productive law abiding successful citizens. **
 * 5. What kind of relationship do you have with your child?**
 * I have a close and nurturing relationship with my children. **
 * 6. What are your household daily routines? Consider your morning, afternoon, and evening rituals.**
 * In the evening the children work on their homework for about 2 hours. At the same time I am preparing dinner. Yes! I'm a multi-task- parent. **
 * Bedtime is usually around 8:45-9:00pm. My children prays before going to bed and receives hugs and kisses from their father and myself. I also read a book to my 13 months old daughter. **
 * 7. What is your current occupation or profession?**
 * 8. What kind of relationship do you currently have with your child's teacher? How often do you communicate with your child's teacher?**
 * 9. What is your personal view of the school that your child attends? Did you choose this school?**
 * Yes, I chose this school since I work there it was very convenient for me. **
 * 10. Please describe the neighborhood where you live?**
 * 11. What is a high priority for your family? **
 * 12. Are you currently involved in any physical activities? If yes, which ones?**
 * 13. Is your child engaged in extracurricular activities? If yes, which ones?**
 * 14. What kind of disciplinary strategies do you use at home?**
 * 15. Give examples of some rules that you have in your home. What are some consequences?**
 * **homework to be completed**
 * follow directions first time given
 * no dishonesty
 * treat each other with respect
 * 16. How would you describe your child's behavior in public? **
 * 17.What does family time consist of? What do you do as a family during your free time.**
 * 18. What hopes or dreams do you have for your child's future?**
 * 19. How are you preparing for your child's future?**
 * My husband and I are working very hard to save money for my children to go to college. Eventually one of them might get a scholarship. **

Base on what I observed in BH's home I think she is truly an authoritative parent. She communicates well with her children but still set rules in her household. When I entered her home both of her older kids greeted me. He son shook my hands and said "welcome to our home".They were very polite and was excited to have company come over. I commend her for being a good mother even though her husband was not home at the time. While interviewing her she was helping with her kids with their homework, attending to the baby and cooking at the same time. Through it all she was able to help everyone and didn't show any signs of frustration or tiredness.
 * Anecdotal observation of Parenting Style:**

Shondell, This interview gave me a warm feeling. It was so sweet that her son said,"welcome to our home." I wonder if her profession as a School Social Worker aided in her parenting skills. I love that she gives them hugs and kisses each night. My kids still kiss and hug me every night. I too worked in the school where my children attended until they were in 7th grade. It was rewarding and at the same time stressful. This is because you know about every event and upcoming programs,yet, you feel very tense when they have tests or reports due. As I read other interviews, I am noticing that most, if not all, parents are showing to be authoritative parents. She is firm by setting clear rules and tender by reading to her daughter and giving them wonderful hugs and kisses each evening. Carol Bono

Hi Shondell This mother is parenting style is interesting there are a couple parents who worry about their children and educated them at the same time give them love and values for the future. If is so important for the growth of children a love hug everyday, our children to be safe. I’m always aware of my children and I love to give hugs and kisses and supporting them I can consider my self as a mother parenting styles .Sonnia E

Shondell, I read somewhere that "better parents make better sons",that is clearly evident in your great family interview. Talking about parents's work I attached this text from one of my favorite authors: '' //You are the bows from wich your children// //as living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness; For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable//" (Kahlil Gibran) Isn't that beautiful? -Maria Esperanza.

The parent you interview, similar to many other parents that I have read seems to be doing everything they can to help their children succeed in life. Regardless of the situation at home they are working hard to make their children's lives better. There is one part of the interview that I found particularly interesting compared to some of the other interviews I have read so far. I found it very interesting that this parent holds the teacher responsible for her children being successful in academics or unsuccessful. I find this interesting only because her children attend the same school in which she is employed. I wonder home much of that answer comes from the fact that she knows the teacher, Other than that after reading your reaction and her answers, I believe that you have come up with the correct category in which to place this parent. She does seem to be an authoritative parent, and seems to have a good grasp on her children.

-Stephen

Hi Shondell, Yes I agree that she is an authoritative parent. She is a great multi tasker?? it seems that her children are polite and know how to behave when visitors come over and in public. I'm sure that is an expectation of the parents. her punishment is not too serious but no phone calls will definitely affect their social life. I used to receive the same kind of punishment and its not fun and embarrassing.

Hi Shondell,

> The mother you interviewed has pretty much the same views and goals for her children just like the mother I interviewed. They both want well rounded children, law abiding citizens, have rules and regulations for them to follow at home, to do well in school, go to college. They both give equal importance to extracurricular activities, Since they know group activities may help to improve teamwork and communication.

Kavya


 * Interviewer's Name: __Shondell Morris__ **
 * Location of Interview: __Irivingtion, NJ__**
 * Interviewee's Initials: __LN__**
 * Date: __9-27-2011__**
 * Gender: __F__**


 * Teacher Interview**

**The community where I work is a multi-cultural, multi-ethic one with a mix of Spanish, Haitian, French, African American and Caribbean population.**
 * 1. Describe the community where you teach?**


 * 2. How do you increase culture awareness at your school?**
 * I am always cognizant of the diverse cultures and the school community invites and embraces the different cultures in the community. The school communicates in several languages that reflect the community. The school has cultural awareness dates when the members of the community can bring in food, music, dance, stories and film to share with the entire school population. The staff is also representative of the people in the community. **


 * 3. How do you collaborate with the parents? Give examples**
 * Collaboration with the parents are done on different levels. The parents are invited to come in and offer workshops to members of the staff and to other parents on different subject matter. Parents who are skilled in certain areas offer their expertise in hands on activities such as painting, landscaping, decorating, helping to print materials for the monthly magazine, bake sale to raise money for the school and other areas of need. **


 * 4. What are some challenges that you face? Behavior**
 * Some of my challenges I face as a teacher are that some parents are in attendance at any of the affairs that affect their children. Some parents do not offer their contribution or give feedback to the communication that is sent home whether it be fliers, notebooks or emails. The most effective way to reach some parents is by the phone, however a face to face meeting is always more desirable. I do make all the effort to communicate at some level with all the parents of the children I teach. **


 * 5. List your top 5 priorities?**
 * My top 5 priorities in my classroom are: **
 * 1) ** Utmost safety for the well being of each child **
 * 2) ** to educate every child that comes before me **
 * 3) ** to challenge each child to work to his fullest potential **
 * 4) ** respect and be cognizant of the differences and uniqueness in each child's culture **
 * 5) **to live and nurture each child**

Shondell Morris October 5, 2011

**“Are There Other Kids Like Me?” Children with a Parent in Prison ** **Kerri L. Clopton and Katheryn K. East **

After reading this article it has been an eye-opener for me. It helped me get a sense of what children with a parent in jail are going through. The behavior of a child that is dealing with the fluctuating emotions caused by their parent(s) incarceration effects the community, home and school environment. “When parents are incarcerated their children may experience a change in their living situations, separation from their siblings and/or a change in their school or daycare setting” (Clopton and East 2008). This article also goes deeper in explaining the difficulty children have when it comes to expressing their feelings to someone other than their parent(s) and how caretakers handle this type of situation.

Statistics show that children with one parent incarcerated are more than likely to live with the other parent or a relative. “Approximately 90% of fathers in State and Federal prisons report their children are living with the other parent. When the mother is incarcerated children are most likely to live with a relative other than a parent” (Clopton and East 2008). Children may also worry about how to answer questions about their incarcerated parent or in come cases they have been told not to share the information (Clopton and East 2008). In this case, caretakers should be concerned for the safety and well-being of the child. If a child is holding back information about their parents regarding the reason for them being in prison, maybe they were abused, mentally, physically, and/or verbally.

A child with an incarcerated parent may go through a withdrawal process, in which they then want to go visit them. There are multiple barriers that may affect the child. For instance, children may go through a series of emotions, such as frustration, anger, guilt and fear. “Furthermore, some children may find visits frustrating, awkward, or frightening” Nesmith and Ruhland 2008) A child may feel angry because they feel that the parent has abandoned and they should have been there for them. They can feel guilt because as a young child, you feel that you could have done something to prevent this from happening, or you’re the reason why they are in prison. Visitation can tend to have a negative affect on the child, more than a positive. As a caretaker, you must make sure that the child is ready to go through this process so it can be beneficial to the child and the parent.

As of today, the number of children who experience parental incarceration continues to rise with the United States incarceration rate. This article was an overall informative article and summarized but fully explained majority of the changes that occur for children when their parent goes to prison.

Hi Shondell:

I agree that this article was extremely informative, and that it presented a lot of information regarding the issues faced by the children, and caregivers when a parent is incarcerated. While, I tend to agree with some of the points of view concerning the negative impact that prison visitations may have on the children, I feel that the benefits of a personal contact with the parent continues to strengthen the parent and child relationship bond. But I also agree that both the caretakers and the Department of Corrections must share responsibility in educating the children, and the incarcerated parent in making sure that these visits have a positive and family oriented outcome. Nidieska Tobar

<span style="color: #808000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif;">Hi Shondell,

<span style="color: #808000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif;">I agree that this article is informative and gets us thinking about this topic.

<span style="color: #808000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif;">We, as teachers, can try to make the school environment the best place for the students to be between Monday through Friday. Kavya

Everything is up to the other parent or guardian in order to raise the child, or children, on their own while a loved one is in prison. This puts a lot of stress on the other parent/guardian to live. They could have resentment towards the other person, it may not be their child, they are the ones who have to bring the child to the parent in jail. All of these are challenges that the person raising the child has to deal with. This article was an eye opener, because many people would never know if a child had a parent in prison, or what kind of issues are faced, if you yourself did not have to go through a similar situation. I think you brought up some great points in your refection, especially with the statistics of who the child will live with depending on who is in prison, either the mother or father. But most of all what affect does this have on the child? What effect does having a parent in prison do to a child? These are the questions that the article really help us answer and the questions that hopefully as educators we can steer the child in the right direction and guide them to happiness and success.

Stephen

Shondell, Thank you for sharing all of your ideas through a thoughtful discussion. Would you recommend using this article in the future? --Prof. Kunz