Research that Benefits Children and Families- Uplifting Stories

Five and a half years ago, I gave birth to a two pound four ounce baby boy. The neonatologists referred to him as the remarkable baby. The reason he was called the remarkable baby, was his lack of need for oxygen or any breathing assistance. I was not twenty seven weeks yet! On the fifth day of life, Isreal developed a intestinal infection( Necrotizing Enterocolitis). This particular infection, has been responsible for many deaths of premature babies. I was devistated. When I finally spoke with a physician who spoke english( had received the information about Isreal during the night hours, and experienced difficulty understanding doctors due to language barrier), I understood the severity of Isreal's condition. After the doctor explained the illness, I can remember asking her one question: What is Isreal's prognosis? Her response was" Some babies die, lets pray that Isreal will be o.k." Now this story became more amazing as time went on, but we are talking about the benefits of research. Isreal was tranferred to another hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. Two days later he was taken back into surgery to remove more dead intestines. For three months, Isreal wore an ostomy bag and received alternative nutritional supplements. Isreal's intestines was eventually connected. When I researched the infection that totally changed Isreals health, I found out that NEC has been researched for forty years. Before research occurred, most babies who developed the NEC infection, did not survive. Through research, physicians learned that NEC victims have a greater chance at life, if the infection is diagnosed within a twenty four hour time frame. Research has provided different forms of treatment, which has prevented some babies from surgeries that could offer greater risk. Isreal did not come home from the hospital until he was eight months old, but he has truly blossomed into a beautiful five year old. I am grateful for all of the research conducted on NEC!

My Personal Research Journey

This week's simulation research process has been exciting, but a little stressful as well.

I think the feelings of aniexty stem from the new experience of research, and fearing I will not succeed. Thank God feelings are subject to change! I chose to research the topic of the benefits of a play-based curriculum, and how early educators can incorporate play in their curriculum, and still meet the requirments of the common core standards. My reassons for choosing the above topic, is directly related to some of the negative effects I have seen on children, who do not get many opportunities to partcipate in creative unstrutured play. This school year has been the worse! Young preschoolers are expected to sit at tables for extended periods of time, and trace/write letters. These same children are penalized if they do not complete their"Work", and are made to miss outdoor play. Research does not support this type of teaching strategy! My desire is to educate teachers through evidenced based research on the importance of a child-centered play-base curriculum. One of the books I will be purchasing and using as a resource will be"From Play to Practice: Connecting Teachers' Play to Children's Learning"( written by authors , Marcia Nell, Walter Drew, and Deborah Bush). The book offer teachers practical ways to implement an exciting child-center, play-based curriculum that will support all subject content knowledge areas. If any of you, have any other resources on the importance of play in the classroom, please pass it on! Thank you for all of the knowledge you all are always so willing to pass on. The reserach chart will be an excellent source to help navigate through this new  life of research.