Journal #8

          I loved this week because I was pretty engaged in the lesson and even though we were just talking about children being suspected of abuse, I was pretty sad. As a teacher I will have to deal with situations when a child shows up to my classroom with questionable bruises. It is my duty to make sure I am taking the right steps to make sure that the child is safe and not struggling. I loved hearing about how a photo is a good source of evidence. Even though it is hard to take a picture of a Childs arm covered in bruises, it can help you if it ends up being a case that needs to be taken care of. I did not know that one step wrong on my part could result in hurting me, the school and the child. By making sure I am talking to the right people, will help the child and keep them safe.
          I also loved learning about the Cognitive Maps. They are a great way to write out the center of a topic you are doing. We watched a movie about brain functions in class and how it works. There are many different branches that come out of brain functions and how each of them have their own definitions and sections. I was able to find negative and positive sides to brain functions and listed examples as well as, giving kangaroo care, healthy nutrition and education. With each of these I was able to pull branches off them and give examples on some healthy ways for a brain to good nutrition. 
          We have been given the task to have an intervention plan for a specific element. I wanted to stay with abuse because I will need to know how to deal with as a teacher when I get older. I need to make sure I take the right steps and be the person who takes control. I am the person who witnessed the bruises and cannot pawn it off to the principal or another teacher. I need to be the one who calls the care line and gets the situation handled. Even if it means the parents are being investigated, then we can know that the child is being cared for at home or neglected. I loved this because just like I said before I need to remember to be the example and step up when a situation like this arises. By putting my foot down I am showing good leadership and being that help a child needs.