Research that Benefits Children and Families-Uplifting Stories

If I had the means and knowledge to conduct a research studies about any topic in the early childhood field I would focus on childhood obesity and how it affects children health and development. I think this topic is one that should be addressed especially with the growing number of children in the world that battle this issue.I would address how lack of exercise and improper  dieting can have life long affects on children emotionally and developmentally. Overweight children, as compared to children with a healthy weight, are more likely to develop many health problems such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are associated with heart disease in adults (Marcus, n.d.). According to an article posted on CNN's website, studies have variously found that obese students -- and especially girls -- tend to have lower test scores than their slimmer peers, are more likely to be held back a grade, and are less likely to go on to college. 

A study on this issue would be very beneficial to children and their families. It would highlight the effect obesity has on children and how not changing the daily routines can affect a child throughout their life. It would give parents suggestions on how to help insure that children have a healthy development through proper diet and exercise. I believe it would motivate parents to make a change and help decease the number of children who suffer with obesity.

References

Gardner, A. (2011). Does obesity affect school performance?. CNN Health. Retrieved from 

           http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/14/health/obesity-affect-school-performance

Marcus, L. & Baron, A. (n.d.). Childhood Obesity: The Effects on Physical and Mental Health. The Child 

           Study Center. Retrieved from http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles

          /childhood_obesity_effects_physical_mental_health

Reseach Journal Entry #1

For the simulation and this course, I decided to focus on the topic; the importance of play in early childhood development. This topic has become a recent interest because of the information I have learned in previous classes and my experience working in a prekindergarten program located in a day care setting. Throughout my journey in the EC field, I have been taught many different views on the role of play during early learning. In college, play was never a focal point of my learning. The information I was taught never showed the importance of play and focused more on teaching standards and how to incorporate them to each subject area. Even during my student teaching, the time children spent playing was limited to a few minutes outside and the time spent in gym, which was about 20 minutes, two days a week. Play was hardly incorporated into the daily routine of the children. It wasn’t until I began taking classes at Walden that I began to learn the importance of play in a classroom. I also began to learn more through my training and work done at my current job. My job stresses the importance of play in the classroom and pushes us to incorporate more activities in which children play an active role in their learning through exploration and just being wide-eyed curious children. The classes I have taken thus far have showed me that children can learn a lot through play but what I wonder is how it helps in their development.

 

 

The simulation process has been very eye opening thus far. I have learned a lot about finding resources that are credible. Though the process seems like it takes a lot of work and at first glance can be a little overwhelming, I think once I get into the groove of things I will be okay. The research chart has been a great tool in understanding new terminology and breaking down my topic in a way that makes the research process a little more understandable. Even the information on how to read research papers has been very helpful. Without it I probably would have tried to read an entire research paper and then began to freak out when I didn’t understand what I read. I have learned a lot so far and look forward to learning morning.

 

Before I end this week’s blog, I would like to ask my colleagues to share any resources they may have on my topic and I would gladly do the same in return. Thanks.

 

Ashley