Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Essay on The Benefits of Preschool - 1430 Words
The Benefits of Preschool Preschool isnt just a place for parents to drop off their children while they are at work for the day. It is in preschool where children learn the necessary skills needed to succeed in school and in life. With high-quality preschools and qualified teachers the possibilities are endless. Its not only the children who reap the benefits of Early Childhood Education; their parents, fellow peers, and even society feel the positive effects of quality preschool programs. Children enrolled in quality preschool programs are more likely to succeed academically and socially when they are older. Many children begin school at the ages of 5 or 6, the age when a child enters kindergarten. However, children?sâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Such things as respect, responsibility, and empathy for their fellow peers are all characteristics they acquire while attending preschool. Independence is another key attribute that students learn in the early years of preschool. Such simple tasks like tying your shoes or zippering up a coat all contribute to the independence of these small children. Anything that allows them to do for themselves, rather than rely on the help of others is a positive thing for them. Another important life lesson that they learn early on and will carry with them for the rest of their lives is that they are accountable of the decisions they make. A teacher may give them an option of a particular juice or snack at snack time; this particular choice must be thought out carefully because once they?ve taken the juice or snack they can?t change it (Rhodes, 1999). Th is teaches them to conscientiously think about the decisions they are about to make, knowing that they have to live with their decisions. The long term benefits of quality preschool programs can be noticed even after high school and college. Children who attend quality preschool programs at a young age are more equipped to be successful later on in life. The CarolinaShow MoreRelated The benefits of preschool Essay1323 Words à |à 6 Pagesnot get too accomplished over many loud high-pitched cries, I was forced to be patient and suffer silently from boredom. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Preschool is a beneficial tool for children because they learn social skills and gain an appreciation at an early age for the education system. The prefix ââ¬Å"pre-ââ¬Å" means before or prior to. Preschool education refers to the education of children prior to the first grade of elementary school (Melton 181). By the time kindergarten started I was alreadyRead MoreBenefits Of Attending Preschool Before Kindergarten1150 Words à |à 5 PagesTiana Benton Benefits of Attending Preschool before Kindergarten Preschool is the period of time before a child enters elementary school. The importance of preschool and whether or not it is necessary before starting kindergarten has been debated. From firsthand experience I have been able to see students who have attended preschool, and who have not. The differences between these two types of students are astonishing. Preschool can give a child a number of benefits, such as social skills with peersRead More How Can Assistive Technology Benefit Preschool Special Education Students?1387 Words à |à 6 PagesHow Can Assistive Technology Benefit Preschool Special Education Students? The inclusion of special needs children with typically developing peers has become a key service option in preschool special education classrooms (Odom, 2000). Benefits abound, yet inclusion does not present without challenges. Young children with disabilities find it complicated to interact with objects and peers due to obstacles that their disabilities present. A child unable to speak too often goes unheard. StudentsRead MoreShould the Government Fund Public Preschools?1739 Words à |à 7 Pagesdevelop into successful life long learners. Public preschool programs around the nation have been established to help children with learning difficulties, language barriers, health disabilities and who come from poverty, to become successful in school. Early intervention programs set forth aspirations to close the academic achievement gap in our nation. The importance of early intervention for children and their families holds influential benefits in later life success. Though some may see it beneficialRead MoreEarly Childhood Education Is The Potential For Many Significant Outcomes1460 Words à |à 6 PagesThesis Statement: Early childhood education has many benefits and there is the potential for many significant outcomes if universal preschools were put into place. Early childhood education has many benefits and there is the potential for many significant outcomes if universal preschools were put into place. Some feel that children who start kindergarten without previously attended preschool sometimes lack certain skills such as social and communication skills and an inability to follow routinesRead MoreChildren Who Do Not Attend Preschool1462 Words à |à 6 PagesOn average, 50% of children in the United States do not attend preschool (Annie E. Casey Foundationââ¬â¢s annual Kids Count, 2012). For many children, the most important and vital schooling comes before they even enter kindergarten. Children who attend preschool before entering kindergarten do not only learn things such as counting and their ABCââ¬â¢s but they are offered a chance to learn social and emotional skills, how to interact with other children, and how to network in a structured setting. ChildrenRead MoreEssay On California State Preschool Program1316 Words à |à 6 Pages The current state of Californiaââ¬â¢s state-level preschool program (the California State Preschool Program, or CSPP) is currently underperforming, given the population they are serving. Despite California having the 9th highest per-capita income of all states (and being home to some of the highest income counties in the U.S.), the CSPP only manages to achieve six out of the ten outcomes for preschool effectiveness as outlined by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). In additionRead MoreThe Effects Of Attending Preschool On Children1379 Words à |à 6 PagesSchweinhart of the HighScope Educational Research Foundation, an access to a quality preschool starting at the age of three years can increase the average graduation rate from high school by up to thirty percent. Why then, are only twenty five percent of three year old children enrolled in preschools, and fewer still in schools that meet government criteria for ââ¬Å"acceptableâ⬠school standards? (Karoly) From 2001 to 2011, preschool funding has increased from $3.47 billion to $5.12 billion, but this increaseRead MoreEducation Is Too Structured And Hinders Children Creativity Essay981 Words à |à 4 Pages(Duncan 2015). However, preschool attendance has been a controversial topic for over fifty years. Advocates argue preschool provides children with a foundation to excel upon entering kindergarten. According to Kathleen McCartney, PhD, Dean of Harvard School of Education, preschool exposes children to numbers, letters, and shapes. In addition, children learn how to socialize ââ¬â get along with other children, and they also learn how to share (Kanter 2007). Critics argue preschool is too structured andRead MoreThe Popularity of Preschool and Headstart Programs888 Words à |à 4 Pageschildren for preschool and head start programs more than ever. ââ¬Å"About seventy five percent of the nationââ¬â¢s four year old attend a preschool center, as do fifty percent of three year olds.â⬠(Barnett, 2008, page 3). Preschool has long been though to shape a childââ¬â¢s academic life, putting a child ahead of the curve in kindergarten and leading them into a successful school career. The primary reason for attending preschool in past decades was the known benefits of socialization, but preschool has changed
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
The Object Of Financial Statement Free-Samples for Students
Question: Discuss about the Financial Statements, its objects and key Methods of WYZ Athletic Supply Inc. Answer: Introduction This report has described about the Financial Statements, its objects and key methods of WYZ Athletic Supply Inc. for five years from 2016-2020. Financial statements are the companys records relating to financial activities. Financial statements include income statement, Balance sheet, Statement of retained earnings and cash flows (Investopedia.com, n.d). Financial statements must be easy to understand, must provide only relevant information, information must be trustworthy and the financial statements must be comparable with other companys financial statements (accounting-simplified.com, n.d). Financial statements provide information to users of financial statements regarding financial performance of an enterprise including any changes that has occurred during the reporting period so that they can take wise decisions are the main objectives of financial statements. Financial Statements must be prepared as per GAAP guidelines which is considered as standard practice across international borders. Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) is considered to be the benchmark which states about methods of presentation of financial statements and to maintain the continuity of information of financial statements. There are two methods for analyzing Financial statements: Through horizontal and vertical analysis: Horizontal Analysis Vertical Analysis In this, different reporting periods financial information can be compared. In this, every item in financial statements are measured as a percentage of gross sales and or percentage of total assets. It is also called as proportional analysis. Here, multiple periods financial information can be reviewed easily. Proportion of accounts of a single reporting period can be reviewed here. Through Ratio analysis: Ratio analysis is a quantitative concept that helps in analyzing the financial position of the company. There are many types of ratios such as liquidity ratios, solvency ratios, profitability ratios, activity ratios and leverage ratios etc. (Accountingtools.com, n.d) which describes different aspects of the companys performance. Companys financial wealth can be examined after doing comparisons with itself from its past results and/or comparing with industrys average. Mostly it can be observed that ratios calculated are within the limits prescribed by the industry but there are also many problems that are associated with the ratios that attracted attentions from the readers. For taxation, investing and financing purposes and also to bring correctness in financial statements, these are required to be audited by the auditing firms or by an independent accountant or by government agencies which help the users of financial statements in taking economic decisions (Investopedia.com, n.d). Further financial analysts can rely on audited financial statements to evaluate the companys performance and also to make estimations about the companys future stock price. Moreover, Annual report is the best resource where the overall performance of the company including its future goals and strategies are included. It also contains the financial statements. WYZ Athletic Supply Inc. prepared Financial statements for the period 2016-2020. Income statement and balance sheet of WYZ Athletic Supply Inc. reflects the following information: It showed how well the assets were used in generating profits. It also showed companys effective operations and expansions. Further, it also helped investors and creditors in many ways such as: Providing useful information about companys overall financial performance. Providing information on companys earnings, information on total assets and total debts, uses of cash and total amount of investments made by the company during 2016-2020. Further, preparation of Statements also helped them to identify whether to invest in the company or grant loan to the company. By comparing ratios of different companies it can be judged whether a company is financially viable or not. Analysis Following analysis have been drawn from the financial statements of WYZ Athletic Supply, Inc. from 2016-2020: Net sales or net revenue means an amount produced by the company after doing trade with the buyers. Therefore, WYZ Athletic Supply, Inc. shows an upward movement in net sales. Net income means companys total earnings that has arrived after subtracting total costs from net sales. Therefore, WYZ Athletic Supply, Inc. shows an upward trend in net income. Profitability analysis means doing an estimation of a proposed project in terms of profit or maximizing the productivity of the current project by the supervisors. Earnings per share of WYZ Athletic Supply, Inc. showing an increasing trend for the period 2016-20120. Profit margin ratio, return on equity and return on assets of WYZ Athletic Supply, Inc. are also increasing. WYZ Athletic Supply, Inc. are uses LIFO method for the inventory valuation which assumes assets which are acquired at last must be sold or disposed first. Inventory of this company is attractive because its gross profit ratio and inventory turnover ratio showing a positive sign. This company has higher current and acid test ratio which shows that there are better chances to pay off its short term liabilities in a reasonable time. Debt ratio and financial leverage ratio of WYZ are also not high which shows that assets are sufficient to meets its obligations. Lastly, the companys Interest coverage ratio is also high which shows that the company has ability to meet its interest payments regularly. Conclusion Following conclusions have been drawn from the financial statements of WYZ Athletic Supply, Inc. for the period 2016-2020: There are two reasons for the increment of the dividend. These are: Firstly, Companys net income is showing increasing trend for the period of 5 years. Secondly, Companys growth and expansion strategy decides to earn more and expend less which increases the availability of profits for the shareholders in form of dividends. Thus, it can be summed up by saying that WYZ Athletic Supply, Inc. was doing well in 5 years that is 2016-2020. References What is financial statement? (n.d). Retrieved on 28 April 2017. From https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/financial-statements.asp#ixzz4fNtJA15n. The object of financial statement (n.d). Retrieved on 28 April 2017. Fromhttps://accounting-simplified.com/purpose-of-financial-statements.html Two key methods for analyzing financial statements (n.d). Retrieved on 28 April 2017. Fromhttps://www.accountingtools.com/financial-statement-analysis.
Monday, April 6, 2020
King`s Rebellion Essays - Nonviolence, Community Organizing
King`s Rebellion "...A little rebellion now and then is a good thing...It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government." Thomas Jefferson Thoreau, a transcendentalist from the mid 19th century and Martin Luther King Jr., the Civil Rights movement leader of a century later both believed the necessity of medicine for government. Although they showed disagreement of opinion on issues regarding voting, both writers agreed on the necessity to reform the government and the means of accomplishing it. In King's Letter from Birmingham Jail and Thoreau's Civil Disobedience, both agreed on injustice of majority to rule over minority, both resisted the government passively, and both wanted a better government immediately. The majority is not necessarily right, but they have always been the ones in power because they are the strongest and the most influential. Therefore, all the laws are written by the majority, almost all are in favor of the majority, and all are enforced by the majority. According to King, a law drafted by the majority is only just when the minority are willing to follow it. He wrote "An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself" (2:475). In other words, if a law denies the right of the minority or is inflicted upon the minority by force, then it is not a just law. Similar opinions are shared by Thoreau, when he writes "But a government in which the majority rule in all cases cannot be based on justice..."(1:1425). Both agreed that if a law is unjust, it is the duty of the opposition to break the law, and do what they believe to be right. Once a law is broken, the person must be willing to accept the consequences, which may be the penalty of imprisonment. Although laws may be unjust, but it must be respected regardless. King fears that anarchy will result if laws are not respected; Thoreau describes that rebellion will be the consequence if laws are not given respect. Consequently, both chooses to passively resist the laws they believed that are against their morals, and are prepared to accept imprisonment . The exercise of passive resistance is the basis of the title of Thoreau's work, and King presents several examples of "civil disobedience" in his letter, including the Boston Tea Party. King not only exercises passive resistance, he also provides the procedure to be followed for any nonviolent campaign. They are: collection of the facts to determine whether injustice exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action (2:471). He points out that he has gone through all the steps, and direct action is what brought him to the Birmingham Jail. Recognition of injustice and passive resistance described by both authors is to point out the need of government reformation. Thoreau calls for a better government, immediately, and points out that the fastest way to improve government is to "let every man make know what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it" (1:1425). King does not directly states the need to reform government, but instead, he states the need to reform the existing social structure, which goes hand in hand with governmental progress. He advocates social equality and racial justice, believing "Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds" (2:471), and passively fighting against unjust laws forced upon the minority. Even though Thoreau agreed with King on the issues, he also made contradictory statements directly against what he supported. He wrote "If the injustice is part of the necessary friction of the machine of government, let it go, let it go..." stating that if injustice was inevitable and helped to improve government, then it was justified. Opposed to his passive resistance, he also justified bloodshed as he stated "But even suppose blood should flow. Is there not a sort of blood shed when the conscience is wounded?" (1:1432). As for improvements to government, he believed "That government is best which governs not at all" (1:1425). Thoreau's writing is vague, and mostly an appeal to the intellect, which sharply contrasted with the writing of King, an appeal to the emotion of the readers. Although both writing made similar points, they are also a sharp contrast of the other and undoubtedly very unique.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Free Essays on Alcholism
Alcohol abuse is a problem that seems to affect a large proportion of the population. This disease does not discriminate by color or sex. It only preys on those who choose to play Russian roulette and succumb themselves physically and emotionally. Those who feel that they can tempt the bottle without being bitten sometimes are not lucky enough to break away. Many times, those who are unfortunate enough to break their ties from alcohol abuse leave their next of kin with the same temptation. We are brought up to look forward to drinking alcohol. In which it is a problem that is socially overrated. It is a growing fad that is glorified and socially manipulated. From the beginning of birth, we have been brought up to think that drinking allows us to have a good time. Unfortunately, we are not taught that there are consequences of this so-called glamorous lifestyle. It has been noted that ââ¬Å"alcoholism is geneticâ⬠¦.45% of alcoholism is caused by genetics, 60% by factors that we do not understand.â⬠(Alcoholism Treatment, Dr. Robert R. Perkinson, URL: www .alcoholismtreatment.org). For example, ââ¬Å"two identical twins are split at birth and raised in two different areas of the world. If one becomes an alcoholic, it is 40% likely that the other twin will also become an alcoholic.â⬠(Alcoholism Treatment, Dr. Robert R. Perkinson, URL: www.alcoholismtreatment.org). Those who live with an alcoholic or have an alcoholic in their family are affected as well. These people tend to see drinking as a way to cope with problems, or believe that the abuse of alcohol is okay. These learned behaviors become a pattern that is repeated. It has been reported that ââ¬Å"43% of U.S. adults have been exposed to alcoholism in the family: they grew up with, married an alcoholic, problem drinker, or had a blood relative who was ever an alcoholic or problem drinker.â⬠(National Center For Health Statistics {NCHS}, Advance Data, USDHHS, No. 205... Free Essays on Alcholism Free Essays on Alcholism Alcohol abuse is a problem that seems to affect a large proportion of the population. This disease does not discriminate by color or sex. It only preys on those who choose to play Russian roulette and succumb themselves physically and emotionally. Those who feel that they can tempt the bottle without being bitten sometimes are not lucky enough to break away. Many times, those who are unfortunate enough to break their ties from alcohol abuse leave their next of kin with the same temptation. We are brought up to look forward to drinking alcohol. In which it is a problem that is socially overrated. It is a growing fad that is glorified and socially manipulated. From the beginning of birth, we have been brought up to think that drinking allows us to have a good time. Unfortunately, we are not taught that there are consequences of this so-called glamorous lifestyle. It has been noted that ââ¬Å"alcoholism is geneticâ⬠¦.45% of alcoholism is caused by genetics, 60% by factors that we do not understand.â⬠(Alcoholism Treatment, Dr. Robert R. Perkinson, URL: www .alcoholismtreatment.org). For example, ââ¬Å"two identical twins are split at birth and raised in two different areas of the world. If one becomes an alcoholic, it is 40% likely that the other twin will also become an alcoholic.â⬠(Alcoholism Treatment, Dr. Robert R. Perkinson, URL: www.alcoholismtreatment.org). Those who live with an alcoholic or have an alcoholic in their family are affected as well. These people tend to see drinking as a way to cope with problems, or believe that the abuse of alcohol is okay. These learned behaviors become a pattern that is repeated. It has been reported that ââ¬Å"43% of U.S. adults have been exposed to alcoholism in the family: they grew up with, married an alcoholic, problem drinker, or had a blood relative who was ever an alcoholic or problem drinker.â⬠(National Center For Health Statistics {NCHS}, Advance Data, USDHHS, No. 205...
Friday, February 21, 2020
Response to at least 3 student's postings with 2 references each Coursework
Response to at least 3 student's postings with 2 references each - Coursework Example Nancyââ¬â¢s post compares democracies in the United States and in Australia, identifying similarity in their governmental structures and administrative organization into states. It however identifies the Australian system as a constitutional monarch and the United Statesââ¬â¢ as a federal republic. I agree with Nancyââ¬â¢s post on federalism and peopleââ¬â¢s sovereignty in the American system as entrenched in the nationââ¬â¢s constitution (Wilson, Diiulio and Bose, 2012). Similarly, the writerââ¬â¢s idea of federalism and monarchy in Australia is valid (Robbers, 2006). Alfred explores Panamaââ¬â¢s government system with the aim of demonstrating its level of democracy. The post further discusses similarities and differences between the system and the United Statesââ¬â¢ such as similar branches of government and roles of presidents. It however reflects differences in the nationââ¬â¢s legislature. I agree with Alfredââ¬â¢s post on the American bicameral legislative system (Wilson, 2011). The writerââ¬â¢s post on panamaââ¬â¢s reliance on United States policies is also supported by the American historical involvement in Panamaââ¬â¢s governance that indicates a significant degree of democracy in Panama (Harding,
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
DQ Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
DQ - Essay Example These rights are further established by the first founding which hails the right of free speech as a democratic constitutional principle (American Government 4:9). Keeping this view in hindsight, the stance of the media in portraying her as a Muslin extremist merely on the grounds of her vocal protestations are indeed unfounded. Having said that, it should also be noted that the Sedition Acts of 1798 prohibit any malice towards the government, or the Congress (American Government 4:11), including the expressions of dissent with the said authorities. Some states still strongly condone this acts, at least in their workings, and together with the state policies of Maintown prohibiting the desecration of the U.S. flag, Miss Nader's arrest is justified as she went against the set laws of the city in which she was operating. America has always been a nation of liberty and freedom, and free speech is the cornerstone of this liberty. It's Constitution states that.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Geography And History In Primary School
Geography And History In Primary School This essay will show an understanding of the subjects geography and history and the links between them. It will then look at the implications of these links for both the teacher and school curriculum. My own examples from school and others experiences will be used throughout the essay to highlight the links and implications discussed. Turner-Bisset (2005) explains that history is a reconstruction of the past using evidence. She argues that evidence enables individuals to prove things, but if there is no evidence then individuals can hypothesise and use others understanding to form interpretations. Fines and Nichol (1997) define history as a process and teachers need to create activities whereby children can act as historians exploring both primary and secondary sources. Like with all National Curriculum (1999) subjects, history in key stages one and two is broken down into knowledge, skills and understanding. The Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) (1999) highlight that history is an important subject because it allows children to consider how the past affects the present world in which they live. Moreover, it enables children to look at how societies in the past were organised and what they were like. They argue through studying the past children begin to develop an awareness of chronology, diversity a nd how their actions can potentially affect others. When considering the subject of geography Scoffham (2004) highlights that geography involves making sense of the world, looking at how it is inter-related and the ways in which it may change. The DfEE (1999) in the Importance of Geography statement confirm that geography allows children to come across new cultures and places whilst developing problem-solving and investigative skills which will equip them for everyday life. Moreover, Scoffham (2004) points out that geography is a subject which promotes a sense of curiosity, but encourages children to develop a sense of responsibility about the world. The National Curriculum (1999) emphasises that in geography children should be taught to use geographical skills when developing their knowledge and understanding. Within the National Curriculum (1999) it is expected that children at key stages one and two acquire knowledge and understanding into places, patterns and processes, environment change and sustainable development. This is furth er emphasised by Catling and Willy (2009) who argues geography is a living and topical discipline (p.15) with a focus on both people and places. Martin (2002a) argues that despite geography and history being two distinct subjects in the National Curriculum (1999), it is useful to look at the subject statements in the National Curriculum (1999) because there are clear links between the two subjects. One such link she highlights is that history involves children finding evidence and drawing conclusions and similarly geography involves answering questions whilst looking at things from different viewpoints. Moreover, Knight (1993) argues that although geography and history can be viewed separately, they also share common ground because they are both human subjects and share many ways of working (p.102). Hoodless et al (2008) argue that children learn holistically and so cross-curricular learning has a positive impact on childrens learning. Similarly Hayes (2010) argues that cross-curricular teaching can improve childrens learning, however children need to be made aware of the links that exist between subjects. Kerry (2011) argues that cross-curricular teaching is important to provide children with the skills for living in a rapidly changing world. The idea of cross-curricular teaching and learning has been evident in recent reviews. Alexander (2009) in the Cambridge Primary Review suggests that a curriculum based upon eight domains of knowledge, skill and enquiry is advantageous. It is interesting to see that geography and history are grouped together as the Place and Time (p.272) domain. Martin (2002a) emphasises the connections between geography and history and confirms there are links between both subjects in terms of skills, knowledge and understanding, key concepts and values and attitudes which will now be explored further. During school experience I was able to explore the links between history and geography knowledge and understanding. In key stage two we looked at ancient Greece which is an expectation of the history National Curriculum (1999) which states children should undertake a European history study. Initially we looked at the geography of Greece which links to the knowledge and understanding of places 3.a/b/c in the geography National Curriculum (1999). We looked at photographs and maps of the islands, hilly terrain and coastal regions and used this geographical understanding to explain how these geographical features enabled city states to develop. It was vital that we looked at ancient Greece from a geographical perspective because this supported th e childrens historical understanding of the city states in ancient Greece. This is supported by Davies and Redmond (1998) who argue that history permeates other subjects and so it cannot be taught exclusively to children if they are to develop a full understanding of history. Catling (2006) argues that the connections between geography and history are deep and local area studies involve children developing a sense of place within the community whilst considering how the past has had an impact on what the area is like today. Moreover, she explains that when teachers plan local locality studies they should ensure there are elements of both subjects because geography incorporates a historical dimension and there is a geographical element of an areas past (p.14). Martin (2002a) points out that geography and history share similar skills and the skill of enquiry is relevant in both subjects. This is evident in the National Curriculum (1999) whereby both subjects have a section on enquiry; geographical enquiry 1.a/b/c/d/e and historical enquiry 4.a/b whereby children are required to ask and answer questions, use sources and make interpretations. As part of the humanities course I undertook a locality study of the local area and this incorporated the geographical and historical skill of enquiry. When planning the enquiry project I used enquiry questions, some focussing on the geographical aspect such as what is this place like today? but also historical questions including what was this place like inà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦?. I carried out fieldwork which focussed on the present and used a range of sources such as directories to find out what it was like in the past. Similarly, Blyth and Krause (1999) suggest teachers can plan a range of enquiry questions which can be used in cross-curricular geography and history local locality studies. These questions incorporate a geography and history element because they focus on both the then and now. Moreover, Catling (2006) suggests that a local locality study not only links the geographical and historical skills of enquiry but enables links to be drawn between the values and attitudes of the subjects. Catling (2006) explains that a local locality study can enable children to develop the capacity to make informed judgements and the desire to contribute to a just society (p.14). The idea of attitudes and values is also considered by the DfEE (1999) who argue that history can promote education for sustainable development. They argue through studying history children develop an awareness of how past actions and events have affected society today and this links to a childs geographical awareness of sustainable development, because children need to develop values and attitudes to ensure the world is sustainable for future generations. Cooper (2000) points out that history can be integrated with the teaching of geography through carrying out map work which develops both historical understanding and map work skills. Similarly, Boulton (1991) argues that the past can be recreated through the use of maps and children should have the opportunity to explore old maps when learning about places. It is a National Curriculum (1999) expectation for geography that when developing geographical skills, children should have the opportunity to use maps and globes (geographical enquiry and skills 2.c). From my experience of undertaking the enquiry project I was able to look at maps of the area from a given time period and using map skills I was able to identify key features of the time and contrast this with present day maps to identify changes. Turner-Bisset (2005) supports this arguing that comparing a past map with a present day map allows children to examine change and continuity. Moreover, Turner-Bisset (2005) highlights that maps provide a wealth of opportunities for discovering things from the past. One such example she suggests is looking at the areas in which the Anglo-Saxons settled by examining place names on maps and recognising their Anglo-Saxon roots. Knight (1993) and Martin (2002a) argue that when integrating geography and history, there are links between the concepts of the subjects including change and continuity, similarity and difference and cause and effect. The concept of similarity and difference is further emphasised by Scoffham (2004). He points out that when working on local area study there should be opportunities for children to compare the locality with the past. He argues this enables children to develop an understanding of the ways in which it is similar and different and to offer reasons for changes. Apart from the concept of similarity and change being evident in a local area study, Martin (2002a) argues the concept of similarity and difference is further evident in both geography and history. She explains this concept is apparent in geography when comparing two localities (knowledge and understanding of places 2.f) and also in history when comparing historical periods, events and people (knowledge and understan ding of events, people and changes in the past 2.d). A further concept which Martin (2002a) highlights can be found in both subjects is the concept of hierarchy. I have seen teachers addressing the concept of hierarchy through looking at society during the Tudor period. However, Martin (2002a) points out that the concept of hierarchy is also applicable in geography when looking at places and their relationships with one another. Although there are opportunities for geography and history to be integrated there are implications that I must be aware of. Kerry (2011) argues that for cross-curricular work to be successful there needs to be meaningful links between the subjects in order to make the learning relevant for the children. Therefore, he argues that within a lesson there needs to be learning objectives which link to both subjects and opportunities for children to develop transferable skills. Hayes (2010) explains that this ensures that the links between the subjects are not superficial and are considered and planned to enhance learning in both subjects. On school experience when looking at Indian village within geography the teacher thought it would be worthwhile to look at the Indus Valley within history. This was a meaningful link because the children were made aware of the historical context of the country. Knight (2003) argues that integrating subjects can be demanding and teachers need to be secure in their own subject knowledge to be able to do this successfully, however he points out that humanities is an area teachers have less confidence in teaching. Similarly, Cooper (2000) argues that there needs to be opportunities within school for teachers to share their subject expertise with other teachers. However, from my experience no staff meetings have been allocated to either geography and history and when staff meetings focussed on curriculum areas, it was always English and mathematics which took priority. Moreover, Kinght (2003) highlights that a further problem when integrating subjects is there are not always resources available to support the learning, he argues this is the case when finding resources to support local area studies. The lack of resources available is further emphasised by Blyth and Krause (1995) who argue that because local areas are unique, schools have to creat e their own resources for local area studies. They argue this puts great pressure onto teachers, however they do acknowledge that once these resources has been created they can be shared in school. The implications of linking geography and history extend to the school curriculum. Turner-Bisset (2000) argues integration of subjects can be beneficial for schools when trying to deliver the overloaded National Curriculum (1999) and she argues this can be achieved through recognising connections between subjects and drawing upon these links in teaching. On my first school experience the subjects were not taught in a cross-curricular way and each subject had an allocated time slot. Despite efforts to address all subjects, some foundation subjects were not taught due to lack of time. In contrast, my final school placement adopted a cross-curricular approach which meant humanities was covered on a weekly basis ensuring continuity in the childrens learning whilst allowing the children to view the geography and history in a relevant way. Knight (1993) states that Successful integration is a whole-school, not a one-teacher, affair (p.106) whereby there should be organisation and cohesion within the humanities curriculum. OHara and OHara (2005) argue this can be achieved through effective planning which involves a whole school approach to looking at curriculum content that needs to be covered. They highlight that when long term planning is undertaken, usually by the subject co-ordinator, cross-curricular links should be considered and planned for and there needs to be explicit reference to these links in the long term plans. Halocha (1998) argues that geography and history co-ordinators should take an active role exploring how their subject can be integrated with other subjects. He argues this then needs to be made available in long term plans which not only detail cross-curricular links but also the progression in terms of childrens learning. Halocha (1998) argues that it is the responsibility of the geography/history co-ordinator to explore how their subject can be integrated with other subjects and include this in long term plans. From my experience, the use of long term plans ensure there is continuity between key stages whereby all teachers in the school know what they are expected to cover in their subsequent short term plans Furthermore, Scoffham (2004) argues that long term planning is important and other subjects including history, whilst ensuring a balanced curriculum is delivered. because it allows teachers to recognise the links between geography and history in terms of the QCA schemes of work. He argues that careful consideration needs to be given to the specific units which could enhance learning in both geography and history. However, from my experience these links cannot be identified spontaneously, they need careful planning in order for the integration of subjects to work well. This worked well in school when a whole school curriculum map
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)