An Inspiring Award....

http://loorducation.wordpress.com/2015/01/02/i-am-the-proud-recipient-of-the-inspiring-blogger-award/

Happy New Year Readers!  I appreciate you all, everyone of you who take the time and read my words, From the bottom of my heart, thank you foLOORs!!!
The lovely J from http://jsackblog.wordpress.com/ has given me the honor of Inspiring Blog Award. I love reading J’s blog because she has a profound way of expressing her  written words. I can relate to her. Her words are touching and very meaningful. We have many things in common. We have become great friends through the power of written expression. I am happy that our paths have crossed. I always follow along on her journey and read her blog. It is great stuff and I am really touched that she has given me a blogger award for inspiration. It means so very much.
There was a list of questions I was to answer upon receiving this nomination. You can read them below as I am glad to share them with you all.



Very Inspiring Blog Questions

1.Why did you start your blog?

Well, I first started my blog because it was a mandatory element for one of my last classes in my Master of Education program. I started a blog because I had to post topics from class and about all things related to education. I never would have thought to start a blog if it was not for that class. I am so glad that I did. My blog has turned into something special and really got me into writing especially when I decided to write my first non class post. It was about my son. That was in September of 2013. From that very first post of sharing part of my son’s autism journey, I was hooked. From there I started writing frequently, sharing a little more of his journey each day, along with the stuff that was need to be done for class. Ever since, I became a blogger.

2. What is the book that you have read that has touched you the most?

The book that I have read that has touched me the most is The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. But then there is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Those are 2 great, inspiring books of wisdom. They have really touched me and made an impression on my life to stay strong and be positive. As well, we are so much more than we believe ourselves to be.

3. If you could eat dinner with a famous person who is still living, whom would you choose?

Oprah Winfrey. I admire her. She is very strong and empowering to women all over. She is an inspiration to go out and chase your dreams. She is very successful and always pays it forward. She is a role model in my eyes.

4. Where is the one place you have visited that gives you complete calmness?

One place that I have visited that gives my complete calmness is Quito, Ecuador. That place is peaceful and beautiful. You can smell hopes and dreams in the air. The landscapes are wonderful. The weather is amazing. The total atmosphere is beyond aww inspiring. And..that is to say the least. I love going to Quito and I feel very blessed to have been there many times with my husband and several times with our son, too.

5. Are you a bucket list person. If so name one thing on it?

I would not say I am a bucket list person but one thing that I really would love to do is to travel to Africa and stay there for a month to teach the children. I would bring them gift boxes of school supplies and clothes. I would help them read and play games with them. I believe that they would teach me so much more than I would teach them. This is definitely something that is dear to my heart. I would document my time there. In that way, I can show the children here how fortunate they are and how really good we have it. That, in turn, can inspire others to pay it forward. This can be done through donations among other positive things.

6. What is the goal for your blog?

I want people to read and feel inspired. A goal is to keep the readers engaged and coming back for more with posts that truly come from the heart with passion. With that will come featured publications with highly reputable sites that will share with with the world.

7. What is a day well spent to you?

A day well spent is a day that is with my husband and son. One filled with laughter and cuddles. A day where we smile, have fun and enjoy one another’s company among great food, books and TV or spending quality time together going out.

8. How do you start your day?

I start my day by getting myself ready along with our son. I make an organic green smoothie before breakfast each morning. Then I will usually make coffee and breakfast.  On school days, I get my son up and ready for the day. I pack his lunch bag and give him his vitamins. He eats a little something then we wait for the bus to pick him up. After, I get my husband all set. The kitchen gets cleaned up and the day of creativity begins.

9. What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. It is my favorite because it is such a special day. A day of love to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Not too many words can explain it, but the day is magical and peaceful. It is so special to see children believe. We can learn so much from them. The smell, the wonder..everything.

10. Are you where you want to be professionally and if not, what will you do about it?

I am working on many things. I love to multitask, it is how I can stay focused. If I become overwhelmed with one thing, I can go continue working on another project. I always like to have something to do. I am working on promoting myself throughout all social media platforms. I am documenting all of my work. I am making a name for myself. I share my passion for education, art and autism and encourage and help others along the way. I put passion in everything I do and have faith and believe that my dreams are coming true. It is important to keep a positive attitude. I have my Bachelor of Science degree in Child Studies with a concentration in early childhood education as well I hold a Master Degree in Education with a concentration in teaching and learning. I am an educator, artist, autism advocate, photographer….the key thing is to keep me believing in me and know that God put this desire in my heart to share it with others. For that, I am thankful and blessed. I will keep on going, enjoying the journey that I must create to open doors.

11. What is your favorite quote?

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
-John Lennon

If I would nominate a blogger for this award it would be right back at J, http://jsackblog.wordpress.com/ She is a very inspiring blogger <3
I will have some nominations. They will be coming up. Stay tuned.

Thank you!!!!
It is such an honor.
Dany

fb/loorducation

Things You Want to Know...

Some Fun Facts about JJ…

He likes small and tiny toys and figures.

He likes to put those toys and figures inside plastic bags, socks, ziplocs, bookbags, pouches or whatever else can hold something.

He always has to have and hold something small inside of one of his hands. Whichever hand he is holding something in, he will use the other to write if he needs / has to do so.

He is very sensitive to loud noises and bright lights / sun. He will cover his ears and eyes when exposed to either one.

He flaps out of excitement.

He lines up his toys. 

He loves to read.

He is a morning person for the most part and can be sometimes crabby after school for the first few minutes.

He has many little obsessions at a time such as Angry Birds, Star Wars and Mario Brothers.

So..what do you want to know about Jorge Juan? Ask away..we look forward to your questions and will reply to you.
Thank you!!
P.S. The questions and answers will help in brainstorming and preparing for a part of the book I plan on putting together for Jorge’s Autism Journey. The above fun facts were just something quick that I could think of from the top of my head. Let me know what you would like to know. I appreciate your time and interest.

Hop on over to www.loorducation.wordpress.com to learn about Jorge Juan and his autism journey so far..

Thank you!

Hey YOU..read this, k? Thank you!!!

An Autism Journey…

Posted on May 20, 2014 by danyloor

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Hello everyone!!! I have been writing about my son and his autism journey from last September. My blog posts have sparked a fire in my heart to write a book on it all- from the very beginning until now. I would love to get it published. I would love to share our story in hopes to inspire others as well as educate.I want to let others out there know that autism in not a life sentence or a disability. I want to let others know that there is hope. Autism is a spectrum and no two on it are the same. I want to let others know to believe and keep the faith when things are tough. I want to let others know that our children need us and we must be their biggest fan, supporter and advocate. I am gathering information, researching and beginning to take off with this plan. Let me know if I have your support. It is very much needed and appreciated. Thank you all for reading. I appreciate comments/suggestions.

Dany Loor BSCS, M.Ed

Hey you!!!

Ways to Connect – My P.L.E.

http://www.facebook.com/loorducation
Come and see what is going on here. This is my Facebook Fan page dedicated to education, especially early childhood education. It is a place where I share many ideas on projects,arts and crafts, hand crafted games,teaching children, autism awareness and lessons among other things that are related to education. I share from other educational pages and I also put up pictures with descriptive details to give others ideas.

http://www.twitter.com/loorducatiom
It is a great place to connect with others in the field of education and other professionals that you can collaborate with and share experiences and ideas with. Quick and easy way to get your ideas out there and seen by others too. Come by today and follow. Lots of cool things and my posts from Facebook get automatically shared to Twitter. I have met many great teachers in my field and we have shared ideas.

http://www.pinterest.com/loorducation
Loorducation is on Pinterest. A fun, easy and organized way that we share our photos, links, quotes, pics and more. Activities, lessons, arts and crafts, organization and beyond. So many valuable things that I have learned and gotten ideas from that will enhance my teaching and more. It is super fun. Look for me there.

http://www.instagram.com/loorducation
Loorducation is on Instagram. It is a fun way to share pics and quotes and give them a different look using the many different filters. I like making my original photos look totally different and sharing them. It adds uniqueness and details.Like a digital photo album. I posts pics of many things that I create and of children being engaged and learning and playing too.

www.loorducation.wordpress.com

My Blog <3

Dany Loor - BSCS, M.Ed

Oldie but Goodie...

Loorducation for ECE

RATIONALE

Loorducation – Quality Education for a Quantity of young minds.
The fundamental reason for setting up an early childhood education program like Loorducation is to nourish the minds, bodies and souls of our children and teach them essential lessons that will last a lifetime.
This program is necessary and beneficial to children and their families as well.
I feel that our program is necessary for young children because we teach values, morals, empathy, and compassion – all along with the basics of early childhood education programs like arts and crafts. We teach the children love, kindness and respect for all life. Having this as a foundation will give children high self esteem and nurture their learning.
While children are learning about math or reading they are learning about themselves and the world around them at the same time. We believe this fosters many great qualities that enhance learning. Children not only learn about respect but are given respect and are made known that their feelings count.
Teaching children in this manner will benefit their parents and families. Not only will they feel proud that they are in a nice learning environment but that they are building great character that will make them a successful individual in life. Families benefit from knowing that their children are well guided and taken care of. Children often go home eagerly to share the events of the day with their families.
The theorists that guided my decisions about the program are Friedrich Froebel, Maria Montessori, and B.F. Skinner.
I chose Froebel because he created kindergarten. He promoted play as the way children learn. He developed materials called “gifts for play” and also activities to promote learning. – (Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Eva L. Essa)
I chose Maria Montessori because in her programs children are made to feel important. The environment is child sized; with things in reach for the child.
I chose B.F. Skinner because he believed that the environment is important and it shapes all aspects of a child’s behavior. He also believed in positive reinforcement.-

Written during the beginning of my B.S. program

Dany Loor BSCS, M.Ed

What Did He Do?

http://loorducation.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/my-boy-part-63/

Jorge Juan was chosen for the student of the month. He is very excited and we are very proud of him. It makes a mommy feel good to know that her son is student of the month despite being on the autism spectrum. It is really great and we are thankful to his teacher that nominated him for the title Kindergarten student of the Month.The awards ceremony will be held on this Friday.He has been doing very well the past two days in school which is especially grand because he missed last Thursday and Friday and went only an hour or so on Wednesday due to having a fever. He shot back up to being himself in no time. Now he has been back to flapping more often. At church on Sunday, he was stimulated. As we were in line going fro communion, he was standing in the center of two lines pacing back and forth and flapping happily. I gently put my hand on his shoulder to come back in line in front of us. He repeated the behavior a few more times. I do not know if people were judging him not knowing his situation or what but what I can say is that I would never stop my son for being himself and doing what makes him comfortable and happy even if no one understands it at all. Who knows or cares if they thought he was a small child acting out..not me. God knows my son. That is all we need there.He did well at karate the past two times except for the hand in mouth thing which now seems to be dwindling away. It will get better. He has done his homework. He has been reading and overall well. He wakes up without a problem but once he gets to brushing his teeth or getting dressed at times there is stomping, grunting, No but it gets done. He brings his lunch bag and is happy about that, it gives him yet another thing to look forward to. Cherry tomatoes, raw baby carrots, snap peas,crackers and yogurt, it is what he loves to take with him to school. He plays for  a few minutes outside before he gets on the bus . This morning he discovered my noise canceling head phones and wanted to wear them to school. I told him after school he can because they can get lost. He was OK, only a little upset but better than the meltdown any ole day. He is happy, today is occupational therapy at the rehab center and he love sit. He enjoys going early to play with the kids in the waiting room. Oh yeah and he told me and my husband that he fell in love with two girls at school yesterday while having recess at the playground. He kissed them, yes he did . The teacher sent a note home to me about that. It was cute and funny. This goes to show people that children on the spectrum can be empathetic, sympathetic and show their feelings.

Continuing the Journey...

Ok, so now there is a short time before pre kindergarten starts and my son has been to his primary doctor, ENT, audiologist and then sent to Yale for an MRI and to Bridgeport Hospital for an EKG. It is a lot for a 3 year old to go through but he did and with a smile too. Thank God the results came back wonderful and everything was normal. Anyways, what is normal? 

So, back and forth, here and there waiting etc. It was the first day of school and when we brought our son to the classroom, we told his teacher that he has autism. I was like what is she going to say, what is she going to do..etc. so she told us nicely that she was going to talk to “some people” in charge of “something” (I do not remember that part but it was some people from the BOE). I felt good after talking with her.

We let the teacher know that he really did not talk, he has a brand new diagnosis of autism and that we were their to be the voice for our son and I knew that she was there to help us. 

Now, as we were leaving the classroom, my son sat there playing and the teacher was next to him. I was still there peeking through the window. I remember seeing him take off his sneakers..then I fled yep. This was because I did not warn them that he absolutely does not like to have shoes on at all. So when the day ended they let me know what I already knew, he kept taking his shoes off- all day. For the first year of his life he never wore shoes. He even got baptized with socks only. I did not want to leave him. I wanted to stay with him but I wanted him also to experience socialization.

Ok, so anyhow he was at school now. Even though he could not express himself or let you know his name the teacher and the para professional fell in love with him. They were great. Since he still was not potty trained at the time, they assisted him in the rest room.

Some weeks had passed and we finally got a PPT meeting and this is where we met with the professionals and teachers to talk about our son and to see what services he was eligible for. 

At that meeting was Ms. Matera, my former professor from my Teaching the Exceptional Child class..the one where I put the pieces together and realized my son was showing signs of autism. What a small world…you see I never met her face to face before since that was an online class. So there we were..

God is working here as He has been all along……

(stay tuned for part 4)

So what happened at this meeting was…

Meet Jorge Juan

This was my FaceBook status a few days ago (NOW about 8 months ago)....2 years ago, the neurologist placed my son in the middle of the autism spectrum and yesterday, the same neurologist, said if he did not know any better he would say that my son does not have ASD as his symptoms are going away....I received 30 likes and over 20 comments on this. I am so grateful that people took the time out to say some nice encouraging words for my son. It means a lot and is very much appreciated. For everyone that wished us well, a few seconds out of your day sending words of encouragement gives people more hope. We realize that we are all in this together.
My son was diagnosed with autism on August 9, 2011. This was a few weeks after his third birthday. He was going in for his yearly check up but this time I just knew something....You see, at the time I was taking my Teaching the Exceptional Child course for my B.S. and we were focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorders. As I was learning the signs and symptoms I realized that my son was a match for nearly all of them. He was not talking. He may have said a few words here and there but that was it. He would have to hold onto toys and would get anxiety if one happened to fall out of his hands. He was afraid of loud noises and would cover his ears. Actually, my husband and I used to think he was deaf because he would not respond to us calling his name. I would literally scream out his name and he would not even budge. He would line up toys and other objects...I thought this was so cute being this was our first child and we just had no idea. He would play with toys but in some sort of way that did not seem natural, but yet again I just thought that was okay. He never really waved bye bye and when he did he would have his hands towards himself, as if he was saying bye bye to himself. I loved that so much, my baby saying bye bye. I did not know but as I was studying, I gained the knowledge I needed to bring my questions and diagnosis to the doctor.
Oh yeah, this too - he would run back and forth and would not stop, at the same time he was flapping his hands. I still did not know but all of this was coming back to me when I was studying ASD and it triggered my memory. I love my son so much and everyone would ask why he did not talk and that he should be talking and I just thought it is because he is bilingual and it just takes longer for children with two languages to process the information. In the back of my mind I would ask myself why isn't my son talking. Here I see children younger than he is talking in complete sentences. That is my baby boy and I love him, he will talk.
So my son is not talking yet and when he wants something he will just point- only sometimes. Usually, he would just grab my hand and utter some sounds as I would see what he needed. Usually it was a snack, kids love snacks and boy did I know he wanted that cookie because that smile was worth a thousand words even though he could not tell me. He would grasp little things and hold onto them with intensity. I just looked at him in awe. I love my son and look how engrossed he is with a tiny button, pen cap, a part to a toy- whatever it was, no matter how tiny, he was focused and wanted it. He had to hold it. That thing needed to be in his hands and if he lost it, he would have anxiety that was until we could find it again..So, he was not hitting benchmarks and he could not hold a fork or spoon properly to feed himself but that is my son and I so love him. By the way, he said birthday cake after seeing a decoration at his party, I was amazed. That cute little pause between those words..amazing. I felt so proud of my boy. He would hum really loudly for more than 30 seconds at a time sometimes and he would run and spin in circles. He was not afraid of danger or falling.Going back to August 9, 2011, my father in law and I brought him to the doctor and that is when......(please stay tuned for part 2..Ok so let me say this,

Or..If you are JUST seeing this HERE for the FIRST time
Visit www.loorducation.wordpress.com
Where we are well on our way with Jorge's Autism Journey

Enjoy,
Danielle Loor -M.Ed