When looking at a child holistically, we need to focus on several factors. They are; physical well being, surroundings/backgrounds and how they respond to others. In my opinion, children should be viewed based on these factors.
Physical well being: Health and nutrition play a major role. A child needs to learn the importance of living a healthy life. For example, understanding why it is vital to get check ups, take a bath, brush their teeth, and have healthy eating habits. It is our responsibility as parents and caregivers to ensure we instill these values in our children.
Backgrounds/Surroundings: Learning starts at home. Children tend to lead by example, therefore, parents need to be aware of what they are exposing their child to.
I live by the saying:
Environment is as equally important. Children need to feel safe and protected in order to be productive. Poor living conditions wether it be physical or emotional are not stable for a child. This creates a stressful child and as a results they are more than likely to function to their full potential.
How they respond to others: Children relate to their family, peers, and care givers. These people all play a major part in viewing a child. Building positive relationships starts with trusting, working with and playing well with others. Also, learning how to cope with as will as display one's emotions in a positive way aides in healthy relationships with others.
In regards to educational testing, students in the state of Virginia are given SOL’s (Standard of Learning) Tests. “The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools establish minimum expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade or course in English, mathematics, science, history/social science and other subjects ("VDOE :: Standards of Learning (SOL) and Testing," n.d.).” Children throughout the school year are given mock tests and example questions to prepare them for this exam. My son is in the third grade which is the first year that this test actually is taken. They start given children mock test as early as the first grade to prepare them for these test. In my opinion, this is too early to “train” them or get them accustomed to taking test.
Australia
"School age care educators take a holistic approach to their roles and responsibilities recognizing the connectedness of mind, body and spirit. They focus attention on children’s physical, personal, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as cognitive aspects of learning as it pertains to lifelong learning. They are particularly concerned with how children’s social and physical development and wellbeing impacts on capacity and potential to become effective citizens (The Australian Government department of Education, n.d.)." Here children are able to be children, learning through hands on and personal experiences. They are also given the chance to gain a strong sense of identity. The focus is about how children will function in society and no emphasis are placed on what they know in comparison to other children.
Although I agree assessment is needed. I do not totally agree with types of standardized testing. I was an A/B student in school but never did well on standard test like the SAT. I do not know if it was the pressure placed on these test or the actual material but I always scored average. I think children's experiences and opportunities they are allowed should be the bases. The world is more than just multiple questions and fill in the blanks!
Resource:
VDOE :: Standards of Learning (SOL) and Testing. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/
The Australian Government department of Education. (n.d.). My Time, Our Space. Retrieved from http://files.acecqa.gov.au/files/National-Quality-Framework-Resources-Kit/my_time_our_place_framework_for_school_age_care_in_australia.pdf
