Obama and Early Childhood Education

“Tonight, I propose working with states to make high-quality preschool available to every child in America. Every dollar we invest in high-quality early education can save more than seven dollars later on – by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime … studies show students grow up more likely to read and do math at grade level, graduate high school, hold a job, form more stable families of their own. We know this works.”

--President Barack Obama

State of the Union, February 12, 2013

The world has become a global place because of the quick access to information; many thanks to the current social media growth. We are now able to learn from all parts of the world at the speed of light; for those who choose to. The time has come for Nigerian stakeholders to look into Early childhood Education.

President Obama in his statement showcasing his vision to transform America's education during the Democratic National Congress in 2012 spoke passionately about Early Childhood Education. He is now putting his words into action after his State of the Union address a few days ago. If the U.S.A; still tagged as having one of the world's best educational system are planning to include the Pre-K class into their public school system, (by the way Pre-K is our Nursery school version), why should not follow this great example swiftly and start chasing our dreams. Whether we like it or not, the future of  Nigeria lies in the hands of these young ones. We give them a high quality education from birth, they churn out a better Nigeria for us. I am hopeful.

The evidence of the importance of Early Childhood Education is clearly highlighted in the picture I got from the blog of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - www.impatientoptimists.org. 

See picture below

Happy Birthday to the face behind 'The Learning Craft' - ME!

LIS 2011 Kindergarten Graduation 

Oh yes! That's me doing exactly what I love to do! I have turned a year older today and my birthday wish is that  all stakeholders in the Nigerian education industry will appreciate and provide quality education to her children and give quick access to it. 

It is only when we have achieved this or are in the process of achieving this that we can begin to say that we are on the path to peace and progress.

Happy Birthday Rhoda! 

Two Classrooms - Two Dreams - Two World's Apart

I have been away for quite some time and I sincerely apologize. I recently started pursuing an M.Ed and it is certainly taking a toll on my blogging hours. I am back though after having adjusted to a new routine; and it is great to be back doing what I love to do. I hope to be sharing a lot of what I will be learning as it is already getting very interesting. So, I resume with my Valentine's day thought. 

Tell me, what kinds of dreams could emanate from these two classrooms?

This year's valentine's day came to me with thoughts of nicely decorated classrooms; full of colorful and effective teaching aids. The kind that promotes and boosts visual learning as well as inciting the spirit of creativity in children. I thought about how many Nigerian children in their nooks and crannies; in  uncountable classrooms around the country are learning in uncomfortable, uninspiring and drab classrooms. How can I even dare to speak about beautifully decorated classrooms when many children are currently learning without roofs and windows? You probably may not fully put into perspective how quickly a drab classroom can quench an honest desire and hunger for education e.g. the classrooms in my Alma Mater. 

I thought about the kinds of dreams that would come from two children learning at the same time in the separate classrooms above. Can they have similar hopes and dreams? Are they viewing the world the same way? What kind of leaders would they be if they were both to become Presidents in the future? Can they share close leadership qualities?

I thought about the influence of a creatively adorned classroom with goal-oriented visual aids and the direct effect it has on learning and the learners. I thought about as many Nigerian children whose ideologies could have been easily enriched with brilliants thoughts; how their world could have been perceived differently or even changed completely by simply being given the privilege of learning in an 'effectively decorated' classroom! 

A perfect valentine's day gift from me in the future would be to beautifully decorate as many classrooms as I can. 

Reason: To have been able to help to inspire one more child to dare to have an education. Yes, I can because I am certain that a cause such as this one has the capacity to change many lives and indeed Nigeria.

I am hopeful!