If I had to choose....

If I had the means and knowledge to conduct research on any topic in the early childhood field, it would be on the inclusion for children with disabilities. Including all children in the classroom setting continues to be an issue. Children who have disabilities are often restricted from interacting with peers who do not have a disability. For instance, a child in a wheelchair may not have the opportunity to have fun on the playground like the other children. I think it is important for programs and schools to invest in equipment, technology, and other materials that will allow disabled children to be included with assignments, activities, and play time. It is also critical to ensure that all children are safe in the school environment.

I imagine that my study would make a positive contribution for the well-being of children and their families. In my study, I would include the benefits for including children who have disabilities. Here are just a few of those benefits;

*Build friendships
*Can adapt to the rest of the world
*Enhance social skills
*Build self-esteem
*Feels wanted and normal
*Learn from peers who do not have a disability
*Develop a sense of pride

Including all children will enhance parent-teacher relationships. It will also allow children without disabilities to appreciate and accept children who have disabilities.

My Personal Research Journey

What is Research?

Research is an investigation or study of materials that will lead to new findings. My research topic for this course is assistance for children and families who suffer from poverty. The reason why I chose this topic to investigate is because as a child, I suffered from this issue. My mom was not aware of the various assistance and help that programs and organizations offered for families who were in need. By conducting this research, I want to deepen my understanding of the numerous of assistance and how families can overcome this matter. In fact, some aid that is provided for families are more popular than others, in which, the less popular ones get overlooked and are not taken advantage of. With this new-found knowledge, I will have the opportunity to save families while sharing resources with them.

So far, my personal experience with this simulation process has been smooth. I am excited about this research, however, I have not been approved yet by my instructor regarding this topic. Hopefully, everything will work out because this topic is very personal and dear to me. When I first read that my colleagues and I had to choose a topic to research, it was a no brainier for me to choose something regarding poverty. My goal is to help children and families, not only through teaching, but to make sure that they are safe and healthy.

What I have learned from constructing the research chart is that it is a challenge to define terms in your own words. I say this because after researching words and reading many definitions, you have to build an understanding of the word and avoid from using the exact wording that other sources have used. On the other hand, defining terms in your own words correctly proves that you understand them.

I am open to any advice or insights that my colleagues can share about my research topic and the research chart. One resource I think that will benefit someone on their research is;
Thompson Ross A, (2001). The future of children: Development in the first years of life, 11(1), 20-33. 

If you know of any resources that will help me on my research journey, feel free to share them with me at any time.