This week's blog assignment calls for each of us to share stories of positive impacts of research that have taken place with children and families involved in research studies. If we have our own examples to share of our own personal experiences with this topic, we are to write about it or research a sample of this. There was an additional option, as well. We could discuss a possible research topic we would conduct and how it would be successful and positively impact children and families, describing the ways in which this takes place. I chose to do the second option since I did not have experiences related to option one.
If I had the appropriate means and qualifications to conduct, operate, and fund my own large scale research study, I would focus on the topic of how poverty is impacting children and schools and what the schools could do to make a positive difference in the lives of these families. For example, our district provides a breakfast program and free & reduced lunch program for families who qualify and are in need. These two programs are instrumental in providing a healthy and nurturing program for the whole child, for every child. The goals would be to show the negative impacts that poverty can have on children, families, and schools and to counter this problem with positive solutions to help the children and families in the school. I think this would have a positive impact on the children, keeping them from hunger and providing nutritional meals for them in a time where their growth and nutrition is so crucial. In addition, I think this would help families in that it would reduce the stress of putting food on the table for all three meals. Families in poverty are having a very difficult time providing for their family so if the child is being provided with a meal for breakfast and for lunch at school that requires one meal to be provided for the family 5 out of 7 days of the week. In this case, any help is appreciated and I think it would be one small step at reducing the stress of the families who are struggling with poverty. Another example of something positive to be done for those in need within the community is that my district has a Village Shoppe, in which anyone can donate items to it (food, clothing, toys, household items, etc.) and the families in need can "shop" there for free for items for their families. This, again, would be a positive and uplifting resource for the families to provide for their children and family at no cost. I think this type of research and involvement would create many positive impacts on the children, families, and schools involved in the study and in the overall process.
Until next week….
I find the program that provides meals to children in need often falls short of the mark in being responsive to the population. In Finland their ECE programs are universal and so are their meal programs. The Finnish people have chosen to work together in unity to combat poverty in their nation and because of this fewer than 3% of children live in poverty. I know they have a smaller population that us but I wish the USA cared as much about it's children as they do about their wars.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
DeleteI am glad you mentioned Finland. They have SO many wonderful things working for them in education that I have often mentioned this to my co-workers. I have mentioned, as you said, that I wish we would take notes and learn from their successes in education as I think we could easily do the same in our country. Good point. Thank you!
Ashley Richards
Hello Ashley I enjoyed your post. I too believe that poverty has a tremendous effect on the lives of our children and their families. It is really good to know that there are programs out there like the one in your community that are assisting the people who are disadvantaged. I have come to realize that poverty affects every area of your life and causes great discomfort. Thanks for sharing your insight.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are correct! I think until our last course in which we looked closer at poverty and it's impacts I was unaware of just how much it can effect a person's life, adult or child. It overcomes you and has detrimental impacts in all areas. It is so concerning and I feel there is so much we could do to attempt to help in some small way. Thank you!
DeleteAshley Richards
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your post. Poverty affects children on so many levels. Self esteem, hunger, test taking etc. In our last class Effective Programs and Practices, I learned how many children are poverty stricken in NYC. I was in shock and still am that 22,330 children live in shelters and are homeless. It is just mind boggling how this can be happening in 2014 where there are so many opportunities for people to better themselves. Some parents don't have the correct schooling or trade to get a better job. This leads to children being born into poverty. I like the thought that at least 5 of the 7 days, the children have 2 meals a day provided by the schools. Somehow, someway the money should be more balanced in this country. We are becoming a country of have nots. Thanks so much for your post.
Karen,
DeleteThank you! I, too, felt unaware of just how serious the issue of poverty is in our country until our latest courses. My eyes were opened to the perils these poor children are facing. It is heartbreaking! I am happy that my district is making an effort to support these families and I know there is still more to be done! I am hopeful that we can continue to find ways to help and improve our country, one small step at a time. :)
Ashley Richards
Hi Ashley, I enjoyed reading your post. Poverty is a problem all over the world, especially third world countries. We have organization like "Feed the Children", working on a national to decrease this epidemic. There are so many people living in poverty. My city, Memphis Tennessee is ranked as third on a national level.
ReplyDelete