JP Hayes Essays (674 words) - English-language Films, Culture

JP Hayes Ms. Bingham World Religions and Film 26 October 2017 Groundhog Day and Buddhism The film Groundhog Day is about a news reporter Phil Connors, who is very selfish and is mean to most people he meets or spends his day with. When Phil goes to Punxsutawney to cover a story on groundhog day his life is changed and he becomes trapped living the same day over and over. At this point the movie becomes in direct relation with the Buddhist religion and their beliefs. Monks practicing Buddhism will often follow the eight fold path which will lead them to nirvana. In the film Phil must pursue parts of the eight fold path such as right action, speech, and livelihood in order to reach his own nirvana or his case escaping his never ending day. While Phil is living the same day over and over he runs into the same people and occurrences everyday but for awhile he does not handle the situations right. For example when Phil runs into Ned Ryerson every morning Ned is trying to make conversation and catch up while Phil generally ignores, yells, or punches him. Phil is trapped in this same day because he is a terrible person who only cares about himself but it takes him awhile to realize that. As the film goes on Phil starts to treat Ned nicely in the morning and even ends up buying insurance from Ned making him a lot of money. The point is Phil began practicing right action meaning he does the right thing for people everyday and tries to help them. Another example Phil showing right action is when he fixes the tire of an old woman's car with out being asked to help. In the beginning of the film Phil asked a girl eating in the diner a series of personal questions so that he could remember her answers and act like he knew her very well the next day to spark some romance. Phil uses this same strategy with his coworker Rita in attempt to try and get her in bed with him but it does not work. Eventually Phil stops using that tactic and he tries to win over Rita by acting like the new Phil you see at the end of the movie. It turns out by being honest and using kind words towards Rita, Phil is finally able to win her over. The final piece of the eight fold path that Phil follows in the film is the idea of right livelihood. At first it is obvious Phil does not enjoy his work or the people he works with because he thinks he is better then them all. Every morning Phil would have to cover the same news story which made him be a jerk to his coworkers and be very dull with his new stories. One morning Phil shows up to the groundhog celebration where he is recording with coffee and donuts for his coworkers. Not only does Phil bring treats but also he is very exciting for the day of work ahead of him which is unlike Phil. This is a perfect example of right livelihood because Phil comes to work prepared and ready to help out anyone. Throughout the movie the audience sees a complete change in Phil as he realizes the terrible life he is living and what he can do to fix it. Just like a follower of Buddhism stuck in a life a suffering Phil was stuck in the same day which caused him great suffering. Phil was able to obtain a lot of knowledge while living the same day which caused him to try and change his ways of life. Just like a person trying to reach nirvana Phil had to show he has good morals throughout a series of events that eventually leads him to his nirvana. Phil's nirvana is escaping the day he keeps reliving but not only does he do that but also Phil becomes a better person and finds a soulmate.

Write About Kids and Discover a Pot of Gold

Write About Kids and Discover a Pot of Gold Writing short pieces on kids-related topics is a good way to earn extra dollars as a freelance writer in between writing on longer, more complex projects.    I’m not referring to those long feature articles that child experts often write, but those ideas on children’s crafts, parties, sports, games, educational projects, recipes, short kids’-says, etc. that nearly anyone can write. Have you come up with a solution to end your child’s fear of the boogeyman, for example? Is your five-year-old always saying the cutest things? Well, there’s quick and easy in writing about those things. I began writing short familial or kids’ pieces quite Driving through the South one year with yet another young granddaughter, both of us numbed I wrote about other kid-related incidentsan article for a newspaper about how I remained connected with my twin grandsons in another state when they were young and another for Mature Living about how one preteen granddaughter and I collaborated on writing a middle-grade novel, are but two. My grandchildren are young adults now and my larder of kids’ things to write about is pretty much empty, but for those of you parents-slash-writers (or non-writers) with young children and real-parent advice or ideas on almost anything, a pot of gold (well, almost) awaits you in pursuing these profitable family/child related articles. There are many parenting magazines that deal solely with family/children related features; however, the opportunities don’t stop at THEIR doorstep. Many general magazines, Christian magazines, inspirational magazines, educational magazines, retirement magazines, and even the true romance magazines are always looking for good family/child pieces.    If, like me, however, your children and grandchildren are grown, you can still tap into these markets One of the really neat compensations for writing these short pieces IS the compensation.   I’ve written twenty-page essays that have paid less than what these have paid.   And, if you take into consideration the return of investment vs. the time spent composing these pieces, you definitely come out on top.   Here’s what I mean.   Let’s suppose a kids’ say takes only 20 minutes, give or take, to put together, and pays $50.   If you do three, you’ve earned $150 for an hour’s work.   True, these amusing kids’ quips will not come to you in neat packages of three, but the end-game is still the same$150 an hour.      So, get out your pencil, or crayon, or tap out a few lines on your keyboard and make some fast and easy money writing about and/or for kids. Mature Living- request guidelines Woman’s World- send short kids’ says/anecdotes to Woman’s World, 270 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 (magazine can be bought at checkouts in supermarkets)/ pays $50 for kids’ says. Media for Living- mediaforliving.org/contact/ pays around $50 FamilyFun- http://familyfun.go.com/magazine/contact-us-819817/ pays $1.25 per wd., $75 for simply supplying an idea to be written

The 21 Best Dogs for Apartment Living

The 21 Best Dogs for Apartment Living SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t also have a happy, healthy dog as well (unless your apartment complex doesn’t allow dogs, of course!). Though apartment living comes with a few hurdles when it comes to dog ownership, finding the right dog breed can make all the difference. With a little effort, the majority of dog breeds can live in apartments, but apartment living is certainly easier with some breeds than others. So let’s check out what qualities make for a good apartment dog and the top breeds that fit the bill. What Makes a Good â€Å"Apartment Dog†? There are a few basic qualifications for the best apartment dogs, since living in an apartment (as opposed to living in a freestanding home) brings with it a few restrictions: The size of your place is likely relatively small. You have more difficulty getting a dog to a grassy area to relieve themselves. You have to worry about noise level with your neighbors sharing a wall with you. To help your dog live comfortably in your space, a good apartment dog should meet at least one (but preferably two or three) of four qualities: Be small to medium in size. Have low to medium exercise needs. Be able to hold their bladders for several hours at a time (or be comfortable using a wee mat or turf for their potty needs). Be relatively quiet. Size and Weight Most apartments are much smaller than the average freestanding home, so a dog will have less room to move and romp around in an apartment. The larger the dog, the less room they have in a small space and the more likely they are to feel â€Å"cooped up.† Larger dogs will also be more likely to accidentally leaving destruction in their wake in a small space. An enthusiastic jump or tail-wag from a five-pound dog won’t do much damage in an apartment, but the same gesture from a large dog in a small space can easily knock items off a low table, knock over lamps and other furniture, or otherwise cause chaos. In addition, larger breeds are also more prone to joint and hip problems and can have more difficulty going up and down stairs. And this can get especially tricky in an apartment complex. When it comes to sheer size alone, it’s often best for both dogs and humans if an apartment dog is less than 50 pounds (even better if the dog is less than 25 pounds). There are some exceptions to this rule, but in general, smaller is better for apartment living. Exercise Needs All dogs need daily exercise and living in an apartment can sometimes make this tricky. Without a backyard, your dog must get its daily exercise quotient from walks, some amount of playing and romping in the apartment, and trips to outdoor spaces like a dog park. Some breeds require a boatload of exercise and stimulation to be happy (a Border Collie, for example, could run circles around most people without tiring), while other breeds take a more laid back approach to life. With dedication, you can exercise most dog breeds well enough to handle apartment living, but it will take commitment and a significant amount of time each day to accomplish this. As most people do not have the time or energy to exercise a high-energy breed all the time, the best dog breeds for apartments are those naturally equipped to need less exercise. The best apartment dogs are content with a daily, 20 to 30 minute walk or trip to the park, and will spend the rest of their day snoozing, chewing, or playing games indoors. Potty Needs Even when fully grown, toy breeds and other small dog breeds simply can’t hold their bladders as long as larger breeds can. And living in an apartment can make it more difficult for you to take your dog outside. But don’t despair! If you live in an apartment, you have a few options for your dogs and their potty needs. Because it can sometimes be tricky to constantly take a dog outside, you can either: Choose a dog breed that can hold its bladder for a reasonably long amount of time (seven to eight hours) Choose a dog that’s small enough to comfortably use a wee mat or fake turf If you don’t want dog waste in your home and your apartment has a balcony, you can set up a bathroom area with mats or turf outside. You can also simply set aside a corner of the bathroom or other area of the home for this purpose if you don’t mind your dog going potty indoors. The best apartment dogs will either be able to follow a routine of going outside on a leash with you every seven to eight hours to relieve themselves, or they will be small and trainable enough able to go cleanly and comfortably in or around the apartment. Noise Level Apartment living means sharing walls (and noise) with your neighbors. For the sake of peace and quality of apartment living, it’s a good idea to choose a dog breed that’s less inclined to bark. Some breeds are natural â€Å"watchdogs† and will light up at any perceived threat or noise, while other breeds will generally keep mum. Though, with time and patience, you can train a â€Å"watchdog† to be less reactive, it’s simpler to go with a dog that’s little less likely to light up in the first place. Some dogs will also tend to bark or howl when left alone, so a good apartment dog should be one less inclined towards this kind of separation anxiety. The 21 Best Apartment Dogs Now that we’ve looked at some of the most important criteria of what makes for good apartment dogs, let’s see the breeds that make the cut for the best dogs for apartment living. Bichon Frise Cuddly and kind, the Bichon Frise is a popular toy breed that requires little exercise and isn’t prone to yappiness or other excessive barking. They are easily adaptable to new environments and are willing to listen to training and gentle correction. They can, however, be inclined towards separation anxiety. So you may have to be careful about separation whining or barking and look into separation anxiety training if this happens. Brussels Griffon Despite looking like they walk around with a perpetual cartoon frown, the Brussels Griffon is an extremely sweet breed of dog and wants little more out of life than love and cuddles. In fact, they will often demand love and cuddles (and play!) at home, but they don’t need a lot of outdoor exercise to be happy. They can be stubborn and difficult to train, so try to nip any bad habits- like watchdog barking, whining, or indoor soiling- in the bud before they become too firmly established. And a loving training regime will do wonders to curb any unwanted behavior. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel You’ll never be in want of love or cuddles with a King Charles Cavalier around. An extremely friendly and easy-going dog, some will greet guests by giving a couple of friendly barks and licks. But they aren’t inclined to bark excessively or at strange noises (unless they see a bird out the window). They’re a curious and playful breed, but don’t need much exercise beyond a daily walk. Their favorite place is in a lap- your lap, a friend’s, a stranger’s, any lap will generally do! Chihuahua Popular for their small size and big, sweet eyes, the Chihuahua is an often-seen apartment dog. Though their size and minimum exercise needs are perfectly suited to apartment living, they can also be prone to loudness if not well-trained. So be sure you know how to train against excessive barking before you take on Chihuahua ownership! Chihuahuas are probably best trained on a wee mat or turf since they can’t hold their bladders very long. Coton de Tulear Bouncy balls of cotton-fluff, Coton de Tulears are adaptable, friendly, and fun. They’ll make their own entertainment when you’re busy, but they will also take direction well if it’s time for training or games. They need to spend one or two days a week romping around a park to run, but otherwise are content with daily walks. They’re happy to be outside or inside snuggling, whichever’s on the menu. English Bulldog English Bulldogs are sweet, gentle, and fairly low-maintenance. Not much inclined towards exercise or barking, these dogs would rather be sleeping or lounging than running or sounding the alarm, making them one of the very best dogs for apartments. Do take care that these are brachiocephalic dogs, which means they have flat faces. This can make breathing- especially strenuous breathing- difficult, so be careful with exercise and hot weather and make sure to monitor them closely. French Bulldog Friendly, funny, and relaxed French Bulldogs will often be happy to entertain themselves. But they’ll almost never snub an affection pat, so don’t mistake independence for aloofness. Another brachiocephalic dog breed, so little exercise is needed or required here. Though do take care that the French Bulldog is inclined towards (over)eating, which means you’ll have to be careful of weight gain, since it’s difficult for them to run off those extra pounds. Glen of Imaal Terrier A spunky, curious breed, Glen of Imaal Terriers are eager to explore the environment around them. They are less inclined towards confrontation or hunting than other terriers are, so are a little less likely to get themselves into trouble. Glen of Imaal Terriers require some quick exercise to be happy, so in addition to a daily walk, they’d like a few days in the park, a jog, or other opportunity to run every week, but will be happy to spend the rest of the time indoors with the family. Greyhound Though they’re large, extremely prey-driven dogs, Greyhounds are happy couch potatoes and will be satisfied with a daily walk and playtime at home. This is especially true for former racing Greyhounds who are more than content to retire to a life of relaxation. Very sensitive, snuggly, and loving, Greyhounds are tuned into your emotions and needs. They are quiet dogs, but they are also inclined towards separation anxiety and separation-based destruction. So start training them early how to handle your leaving the house if you don’t want to come home to the destruction of all your worldly possessions. Havanese Playful, spirited, and brave, the Havanese is a high energy breed that requires daily mental stimulation. But they don’t need much more than a short daily walk when it comes to physical exercise. It’s a good idea, however, to bring this dog on regular outings in the world- especially to different locations whenever possible- to feed some of that mental energy. But, otherwise, the Havanese will be happy to spend the day indoors, sticking close to their family and snuggling. Lhasa Apso The Lhasa Apso is a loyal, sweet, and gentle dog with model-like hair. They’re also smart dogs, though, unlike many clever dog breeds (such as terriers), Lhasa Apsos are not inclined towards mischief or destruction when bored. They will, however, seek you out to ask for playtime and attention when they need it. They will also sound the alert if startled, so some training may be necessary. But, even then, the Lhasa Apso has a fairly quiet, and less-than-intimidating bark. Miniature Pinscher Miniature Pinschers are clever, fearless, and affectionate. Give them love, play, and a daily chance to sniff and explore, and your Miniature Pinscher (or â€Å"Min Pin†) will have everything its heart desires. These are natural watchdogs, but easily trained, so you can curb excessive barking with a little know-how (and a lot of treats!). Min Pin’s need a chance to run at least once or twice a week, but are otherwise content with a daily walk and some playtime at home. Papillon The Papillon is a smart, responsive, and playful breed. They can be timid towards strangers, but once they love you they love you, and there’s no letting go. Graceful and energetic, they love to play with their families and need to run off some energy, but a daily walk and some time in the park will be enough for them. Pekingese The Pekingese is an affectionate, but not overly-needy dog, happy to spend time either alone or with people. A Pekingese will also alert you to any visitors that come a’knocking, but won’t get carried away with barking. They are sweet dogs, eager to cuddle and play, but who don’t need too much exercise. In fact, the Pekingese is another brachiocephalic breed, so be careful with hot weather and letting your Pekingese get too much exercise too quickly. Toy Poodle All Poodle breeds (Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Standard Poodle) are highly intelligent dog breeds that are easily trainable. But the Toy Poodle requires the least amount of exercise of the three types and is often the most even-tempered, so they’re typically the best choice of the three breeds when it comes to apartment living. Curious and playful, the Toy Poodle does well when provided with regular stimulus. It’s a good idea to take your Toy Poodle out and about with you when you’re running errands or are otherwise outside. Letting them see the world will help them focus all that mental energy, and will provide a daily dose of fun. Pug Pugs are generally quiet, laid back dogs that make great apartment companions. They’re sweet and goofy, and while they’re happy to play with you, most Pugs don’t need excessive amounts of attention throughout the day to be happy. They also don’t require much exercise and too much can even be harmful, as their brachiocephalic faces can cause breathing problems if they over-exert themselves or are out too long in hot weather. Do note that they can be prone to weight-gain, however, so be diligent in balancing out their meals and walks. Shih Tzu Friendly and relaxed, the Shih Tzu often has a large-dog temperament in a small-dog body. They’ll be happy to explore the world with you or chill out on the couch, depending on what you want to do that day. They’re also eager to learn and are highly trainable, so playtime is a must. But they don’t need too much in the way of exercise to be content. Silky Terrier Silky Terriers (or â€Å"Silkies†) are loyal and loving to their families, but are often wary of the world. So they can be prone to giving the alert by barking, both indoors and out, but training will help curb this tendency. Playful and energetic little dogs, Silkies are eager to play but will be happy with a short daily walk when it comes to their exercise needs. And when they’re not playing, they’re happy to curl up in small spaces, which makes apartment living perfect for them. Skye Terrier Pleple2000/Wikimedia Affectionate and fearless, Skye Terriers will take on the world, but they are sensitive to harsh words or reprimands from their families. Come at them gently and they’ll never be far from your side. Skye Terriers are mild-mannered and easily adaptable to city life and apartment living. They need daily walks but are otherwise content to play, explore, and snuggle at home. Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Spaniels are extremely easy-going dogs. Adaptable to new situations and environments, they are equally as happy to go on long walks as they are to snuggle on the couch. Though they may sound the alarm for visitors, a well-placed treat will silence any barking. And they’re otherwise quiet enough that your neighbors will wonder whether or not you even have a dog in your apartment. Yorkshire Terrier Like most terriers, Yorkshire Terriers (or Yorkies) are spunky little balls of mischief and fun. They’re loving and cuddly with their families, but they are often shy of strangers. Many will try to run away or hide if a stranger tries to pet them, so it’s a good idea to socialize them early. Yorkies are energetic and playful and are happy to run, but don’t actually require much daily exercise beyond a regular, half-hour walk. Many Yorkies will also sound the alarm by barking if they hear visitors or other â€Å"suspicious† noises, but training can minimize this tendency. How to Help Any Dog Adjust to Apartment Living Though these are the best dog breeds for apartments, most dogs can learn to live in an apartment with enough exercise and the right training. And even the best apartment dogs will need to learn how to cope with the unique circumstances that make up apartment living. So let’s look at what you need to do to teach your dog how to adapt to apartment living. #1: Train Them to Get Used to the Noise Apartments can be loud. There’s noise above you, below you, to the sides of you, and the noise from people walking down the hallway in front of your front door. To your dog, all these people making noise near your home is a flagrant breech of privacy, and they can induce fear, anxiety, and even fear-based aggression. Help your dog get used to the noise of apartment living by connecting the noise to positive stimuli. Give your dog a happy-sounding cue word (like, â€Å"What’s that?!†) and a treat whenever you hear the noise from your neighbors. You can also invite a friend over (one that your dog likes) to knock on your door. Give the cue word and the treat when your dog hears the noise, then give your dog an extra reward by letting your friend inside for happy pats and cuddles. #2: Give Them Their Own Designated Space Your dog is a part of your family, and the apartment is a den for all of you to share. But just like you need your own space away from other people sometimes, so too does your dog. Make the apartment seem larger for your dog by providing them with their own, human-free zone. This might be a crate, or a dog playpen, or even just a dog bed in the corner of the apartment. Just make sure it’s a space where your dog can retreat to when they want some time alone and that you don’t try to bother your pup when it goes there. #3: Introduce Them to Other Dogs in the Complex If your apartment complex allows dogs, then chances are there are a good number of other dogs living in the building. To help your dog feel comfortable with these dogs (especially hearing these dogs move, bark, or whine throughout the day), see if you can introduce your pup to the other dogs in the building. Try to take your dog to the places the other dogs go for bathroom breaks, or introduce yourself to any of your neighbors that you see with dogs. Set up doggy playdates to help your pup make friends with the neighbor dogs (and you may even make some human friends out of it too!). #4: Teach Them How to Use a Wee Mat or Train Them to â€Å"Hold It† for Long Periods of Time Wee mats smell faintly of urine and pheromones, so dogs will naturally be inclined to potty on them. But even so, you’ll have to train your dog on how to use the wee mat or the indoor turf to make the process fun and easy and avoid any accidents. If you choose to forgo wee mats and train your dog to wait until you can go outside together, then you’ll have to progress slowly. Many grown dogs can potentially hold their bladders for upwards of 8 hours, but not all dogs can manage this. Start by taking your dog outside every 2 to 3 hours and then increase the time between outings by half an hour every few days until you get up to between 6 and 8 hours. If your dog starts to have accidents indoors or sniffs or whines to go outside, then you may need to decrease the time between potty breaks. Alternatively, you may think about getting a doggy turf to place in your bathroom or on the apartment balcony.

Controversial issues in education Literature review

Controversial issues in education - Literature review Example This group thinks that spiritual and ethical teachings play a significant role in schooling as it is contributing to the behavior of students in a positive way. The prayers and belief can help them in different stages of lives and therefore there is a need of religious motivation in our students. The other group of people who are not supporting prayers in schools think that organizing prayers that are against the children’s religious belief and can create confusion in the children’s mind about their religious beliefs, and therefore to avoid such matters prayers should be kept away from the public schools. According to a law in US, organizing prayers in school is considered illegal. Another controversial issue is whether sexual education should be a part of educational curriculum or not. This is the most challenging issue faced by different educational institutions around the globe. I think that the children should be given proper sexual education by their schools so that they can make accountable and decent decisions. However some people think that this knowledge should be provided by their parents, but in most cases parents are not comfortable while sharing this information with their children. By providing the children with sexual information they can deal with the stresses related to different sexual activities and can make responsible decisions. Therefore sexual education is made a necessary part of our education system to avoid young pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (Curtis, 2008). Another important issue related to education is whether uniform should be mandatory in schools. According to a research, uniforms should be mandatory for all the students as it represents the school’s image and esteem. The school uniform eliminates the gap between financially advantaged and disadvantaged students and it has been reported that 65% students

Organizational Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

Organizational Analysis - Essay Example Moreover, there are select Nordstrom stores that have furnishing and wedding departments and it is known as one of the most popular fashionable stores in the United States. Nordstrom Inc Company is big in size and has a variety of operating stores in different states. It has 252 stores which function in 34 states which consist of 117 full line stores and 132 Nordstrom Racks (Spector and McCarthy, 2012). The Nordstrom Company has future plans of opening 5 stores in Canada by 2014. The company competes with a number of luxury retailers such as Marcus, Lord and Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Dillard’s are in competition with Nordstrom’s, but do not carry the same high quality merchandise (Spector and McCarthy, 2012). Nordstrom has the largest number of stores and the largest geographic footprint. All of these retailers offer items such as jewelry, cosmetics, perfume, clothing, shoes, and accessories. Nordstrom is rated as a chief department store in the United States. According to Spector and McCarthy (2012) Nordstrom’s mission statement values the prosperity that diversity contributes to the workforce; thus, efficient service to the clients (Spector and McCarthy, 1996). Nordstrom’s mission is all about supporting their employees in order to give their customers quality services. They are focused in providing outstanding services to their client in order to remain on top. They hire and train the best staff in order to realize their mission of provision of effective service at all times (Spector and McCarthy, 1996). They value both their clients and employees and that is why they will always remain on top of their competitors. The role of the HR in fostering the organization’s mission statement is by hiring qualified staff and equipping them with the right knowledge in order to serve their customers excellently (Spector, 2005). Moreover, the HR can also train the staff occasionally on how to handle their cli entele and treat them with due respect and this will create conducive environment for them to serve the clients well. Moreover, the HR should make sure that the Nordstrom employees are well paid and this will make them feel valued an appreciated and they will do their work of serving customers outstandingly. Nordstrom serves wealthy customers in the United States. It has a highly trained staff that provides customers with superior customer service that no other store can compete on their level. They strive to make every customer’s experience enjoyable and upscale, so that the customer feels as if they are treating themselves upon every visit to the store. Nordstrom’s stocks are inclined to be more fashionable and upscale for their exclusive customers. Nordstrom also offers exceptional delivery on products upon request from a customer. Nordstrom’s carries a wide-ranging inventory on its floor, offering choices for men, women, and children (Spector and McCarthy, 2 012). Nordstrom faces challenges just like other retailers face in the current retail climate. Their number one challenge would be the downturn in the economy particularly because Nordstrom sells high end products. Nonetheless, Nordstrom is able to meet this challenge head on by making a customer’s experience rousing and fashionable, so as the clients feel owned y the organization’s management (Spector, 2005). One big challenge being faced by Nordstrom is the economy. This is forcing the HR department

The Impact of Child Abuse(Neglect) on a Child Essay Example for Free

The Impact of Child Abuse(Neglect) on a Child Essay Background of the issue Many of you might wonder why many children attend school and do not say a word in your class. Today I am here to talk to you about the reasons why this may occur because many teachers are not aware of these problems that are affecting many of our children today. One of the social issues that I have chosen is Child abuse-neglected children. I chose child abuse because it is a silent killer that tends to have a major effect on our children at the primary and secondary school level. Many of us might not know the problems that our children are faced with at home with parents, step parents or guardians. They might appear really calm or they might just be the one child in our class that is always on a bad behavior level. We are the only ones that can help these children but first we need to know how to recognized and point out if these children are in the category of child abuse or neglect. I will first begin by informing what child abuse is and then I will continue by explaining other things that will help teachers to assist these type of children in the classroom. Child abuse in Belize continues to be a serious and ever-increasing problem. Although the media report extreme and tragic examples of abuse, many children are living in less newsworthy, but alarming circumstances. The statistics are shocking. An incident of child abuse is reported—on average—every 10 seconds. The most recent government national study reported that more than 2.9 million reports of possible maltreatment involving children were made to child protective services in 2003. The actual incidence of abuse and neglect, however, is estimated to be three times greater than the number reported to authorities. Every day more than 4 children die as a result of child abuse in the home. Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. There are several types of child abuse that is happening to our children either at home or school, but the core element that ties them together is the emotional effect on the child and the deep, long lasting scars that they leave on a child. Some children might be so detrimental that they seem to block out their peers and other social groups. Children need predictability, structure, clear boundaries, and the knowledge that their parents are looking out for their safety. They need to be love so that they can succeed in the outside world. Problems identified There are many problems that children can face inside and outside of the classroom when they are being abuse or neglected. One of the most heart breaking things in life is when a child is hurt, whether by accident or by abuse. A lot of the time, there are visible signs of abuse such as bruises, cuts, and broken bones, but sometimes it isnt easy to see signs. Some of the invisible signs can seem to be withdrawn, angry, quiet, and/or violent are just a few. These are warning signs for parents, teachers, and caregivers that something is wrong. If abuse is suspected then it should be reported to the proper authorities. But not all children that seem to be withdrawn and shy are abused; they could simply lack the social cognition to interact in society. When this is the case working with the child can help them to feel more comfortable in society. Children that need help with social cognition will be the ones that are so quiet that you forget they are there. They are the ones that do not seem to participate in activities in and out of school, and do not seem to have any friends. There are surveys to determine if a child fits in this description, but it could damage the child even further if he feels that he is singled out. That is the problem in the first place; he does not feel like he fits in. Simple observation can determine whether the child is feeling neglected. Neglected children are very passive and unable to be spontaneous, have feeding problems and grow slowly, find it hard to develop close relationships, be over-friendly with strangers, get on badly with other children of the same age, be unable to play imaginatively, think badly of themselves, and be easily distracted and do badly at school. It can be hard to detect long-standing abuse by an adult the child is close to. It is often very difficult for the child to tell anyone about it, as the abuser may have threatened to hurt them if they tell anybody. A child may not say anything because they think it is their fault that no one will believe them or that they will be teased or punished. The child may even love the abusing adult, they want the abuse to stop, but they dont want the adult to go to prison or for the family to break up. Neglect can have a strong impact on, and lead to problems in, a childs emotional, psychosocial, and behavioral development. As with other effects already mentioned, these may be evident immediately after the maltreatment or not manifest themselves until many months or years later. All types of neglect and emotional neglect in particular, can have serious psychosocial and emotional consequences for children. Some of the short-term emotional impacts of neglect, such as fear, isolation, and an inability to trust, can lead to lifelong emotional and psychological problems, such as low self-esteem. A major component of emotional and psychosocial development is attachment. This behavior may in turn cause teachers or peers not to offer help or support, thus reinforcing the negative expectations of the neglected child. One mitigating factor, however, may be having an emotionally supportive adult, either within or outside of the family, such as a grandparent or a teacher, available during childhood. Another mitigating factor may be having a loving, accepting spouse or close friend later in life. Neglected children who are unable to form secure attachments with their primary caregivers may: Become more mistrustful of others and may be less willing to learn from adults, have difficulty understanding the emotions of others, regulating their own emotions, or forming and maintaining relationships with others, Have a limited ability to feel remorse or empathy, which may mean that they could hurt others without feeling their actions were wrong, Demonstrate a lack of confidence or social skills that could hinder them from being successful in school, work, and rel ationships, demonstrate impaired social cognition, which is ones awareness of oneself in relation to others and an awareness of others emotions. Impaired social cognition can lead a person to view many social interactions as stressful. Different other problems that teachers can encounter in the classroom that may be a sign of neglected abuse are difficulty paying attention, not listening when spoken to, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, being easily distracted, being forgetful, excessive talking, difficulty awaiting their turn, bullying or threatening others, being physically cruel to people or animals, stealing and destroying others property. Review of the issue Child neglect is the most common type of child maltreatment. Unfortunately, neglect frequently goes unreported and, historically, has not been acknowledged or publicized as greatly as child abuse. Even professionals often have given less attention to child neglect than to abuse. In some respects, it is understandable why violence against children has commanded more attention than neglect. Abuse often leaves visible bruises and scars, whereas the signs of neglect tend to be less visible. However, the effects of neglect can be just as detrimental. In fact, some studies have shown that neglect may be more detrimental to childrens early brain development than physical or sexual abuse. How neglect is defined shapes the response to it. Since the goal of defining neglect is to protect children and to improve their well-being not to blame the parents or caregivers—definitions help determine if an incident or a pattern of behavior qualifies as neglect, its seriousness or duration, and, most importantly, whether or not the child is safe. Although specific causes are not known, a significant body of research has identified several risk and protective factors. Multiple risk factors are more likely to increase the probability of abuse. For example, lack of preparation or knowledge of the demands of parenting can lead to abusive or neglectful parenting. Parents may lack understanding of their childrens developmental stages and hold unreasonable expectations for their abilities and behavior; they may be unaware of effective discipline or alternatives to corporal punishment and may also lack knowledge of the health, hygiene and nutritional needs of their children. Individuals who have difficulty in single parenting, in controlling anger in relationships, who have mental health or substance abuse problems, financial stress or housing problems can appear uninterested in the care of their children and are also at risk for abusive behavior. Child abuse and neglect represent a problem of alarming proportions, with tremendous psychological and economic costs to both the individuals involved and to society. Early identification and treatment is important to avoid or minimize the long term consequences of abuse. Through treatment the abused child is helped to regain a sense of self-esteem and trust, and the family learns new ways of support and communication. It is critical to support ongoing and new research to point the way to effective strategies of prevention and intervention to change the course of the lives of victimized children. Abused children cannot predict how their parents will act. Their world is an unpredictable, frightening place with no rules. Whether the abuse is a slap, a harsh comment, stony silence, or not knowing if there will be dinner on the table tonight, the end result is a child that feel unsafe, uncared for, and alone. However, by learning common types of abuse and what you can do, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life. The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not perpetuate the cycle. One of the main types of abuse that see happening in our schools today is child neglect. Child neglect is a very common type of child abuse, it is a pattern of failing to provide for a childs basic needs, whether it be adequate food, clothing, hygiene, or supervision. Child neglect is not always easy to spot. Sometimes, a parent might become physically or mentally unable to care for a child, such as with a serious injury, untreated depression, or anxiety. Other times, alcohol or drug abuse may seriously impair judgment and the ability to keep a child safe. Older children might not show outward signs of neglect, becoming used to presenting a competent face to the outside world, and even taking on the role of the parent. But at the end of the day, neglected children are not getting their physical and emotional needs met. While child abuse and neglect occurs in all types of families—even in those that look happy from the outside—children are at a much greater risk in certain situations. All parents upset their children sometimes. Saying `no and managing difficult behavior is an essential part of parenting. Tired or stressed parents can lose control and can do or say something they regret, and may even hurt the child. If this happens often enough, it can seriously harm the child. Children are usually abused by someone in their immediate family circle. This can include parents, brothers or sisters, babysitters or other familiar adults. It is quite unusual for strangers to be involved. Analysis of the issue Child abuse and neglect is a problem that has existed for many years. Laws make it necessary for the teachers and other adults to be aware of the definitions that describe abuse and neglect. In addition, it is necessary to review the characteristics of the child and caregiver to ascertain who may be at risk. Physical signs, such as specific types of fractures, burns, scalds, and bruises, should act as a key to suspected abuse. In 2005, the National Organization for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NOPCAN) in Belize carried out a study which was aimed at raising awareness among the general public about the use of corporal punishment in schools and the home and the damage this does to children and to generate interest in the use of alternative measures. Information on the views and experiences of children aged 7-15 years was gathered through focus groups (87 children) and questionnaires (292 children). In focus groups, 45% of children aged 7-10 years felt that adults should immediately address wrong behavior, and 45% of all involved felt that it was wrong and ineffective for adults to use corporal punishment as a means of controlling children. Responses to the questionnaires revealed that 91% 7-10 year olds had been lashed at home/school, and 87.7% were still being punished in this way. The most commonly used implement for beating was a belt (59.9%), followed by a slipper (42.2%), a rope (16.4%), a ruler (11.9%) and a stick (11.3%). Some of the children were scarred from the beatings. Of children aged 11-15 years, 97% said that corporal punishment had been or was still being inflicted at home and school, with punishments including having to kneel on bottle stoppers and being hit on the head. More than two thirds (69%) considered corporal punishment to be cruel and inhumane, and a similar number said that when the punishment was administered they felt hurt, shameful, fearful, upset, vexed, bad, angry and resentful. Students explained that they were told by their parents and teachers that they were being punished out of love and this led many to believe that it was right to administer corporal punishment to them. However, they stated that they cannot learn when there is the threat of the whip, and that they need to feel loved not threatened with violence. Children who have experienced neglect have been found to demonstrate higher frequencies of insecure, anxious, and avoidant attachments with their primary caregivers than non-maltreated children. In fact, studies have demonstrated that 70 to 100 percent of maltreated infants form insecure attachments with their caregivers. Often, emotionally neglected children have learned from their relationships with their primary caregivers that they will not be able to have their needs met by others. This may cause a child not to try to solicit warmth or help from others. I believe that child abuse and neglect damages and break apart a child’s life. It is our role as teachers to help these children overcome these dying situations. We must realize that when a child appears to be, not of a normal child and acts in a rather calm or aggressive mode than he or she usually appears, that something might be wrong. There are many children each year in our classroom that seems to have some kind of problems in their household. Statistics have shown that 4 out of every 10 children in a class have some kind of abusive relationship especially neglect. The maltreatment of children does not occur within a vacuum. In nearly every case, it is important to assess the functioning, strengths, and needs of a child within several contexts. Usually the dominant context of the abused child is the childs immediate family. However, there are also many other contexts or cultures that may have a greater or lesser influence on the abused child depending on the childs age (social networks, extended family, etc.). In many cases of child maltreatment, therapists have a negative perception of the family (i.e., parents) because of the harm they have caused the child. The therapist may be angry or think less of the childs parents if they are the source of the childs maltreatment. However, the therapist should negate neither the importance of the family (from the perspective of the child) nor each family members ability to contribute important information concerning the childs level of functioning. Whether or not they are involved in the abuse, parents are usually one of the most informed sources of information about the childs daily functioning and presenting problems. Similarly, an assessment of the childs functioning within settings such as school, social gatherings, daily after school activities and day care provide information about the maltreated child from several sources and in several environments. One benefit of developing a multi environment, multisource assessment of the child is that patterns of behavior, identified across contexts, increase the validity of the presence of a particular behavior or characteristic. For example, reports from a parent that a child is frequently belligerent and noncompliant might be supported by reports from his/her teacher that indicate that the child is frequently involved in physical fights with peers, has temper outbursts, and refuses to complete schoolwork. A valid conclusion that could be drawn from these reports is that this child possesses a relatively stable pattern of oppositional or defiant behavior. Conclusion Although child neglect is the most common type of maltreatment, its causes, effects, prevention, and treatment often are not as prominently discussed and explored as are those for physical or sexual abuse. Neglect, like other types of maltreatment, has many contributing factors at the individual, familial, and community levels. The complexities of neglect present difficulties not only for an overburdened child welfare system, but also for community- and faith-based programs, researchers, legislators, and other service providers. It is key, therefore, that these groups work collaboratively to develop promising and effective practices for preventing neglect and for mitigating its effects on children and society. Part of this process is providing individuals, families, and communities with the knowledge, resources, and services to deal with the challenges associated with neglect. Neglect must be viewed not only as an individual or a family problem, but also as a community issue requirin g a community response. Teachers that observe signs of neglect in the classroom must inform the childs parent of what is going with their child. Parents will have valuable information that will help the child. A child may feel uncomfortable in a social situation, but be a completely different child at home. This would indicate that the problem is at school. Information gathered by the parents and teachers will assist in forming a plan to help the child. This should be done in collaboration between parent and teacher. If a child does not get the necessary help that need in order to be successful in life and education they will suffer the many years that they have to pass through this burden. Recommendations A child that feels neglected needs to feel that they are important. Allowing them to read to a younger group of children may help them to feel that they are needed. Putting them in charge of a group project can help them to build confidence. Pairing them up with a more socially comfortable child can help to learn about proper social behavior. Many children will learn more effectively from their peers. After working with the child using the plan agreed by the parents and teacher, a follow up meeting should be scheduled. If what is being used to help the child is not working, then something else should be agreed upon. The important thing to remember is parents and teachers should work together. As a teacher, it can be overwhelming and difficult to adapt your classroom for abused and neglected children. It is possible to create a positive environment for all students. It is important to know how to appropriately interact with abused and neglected children in order to make your classroom a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. In order to help a neglected student, teachers need to gather as much information on the student as possible however is careful not to define the student by their past history and behaviors because it is easy to treat abused and neglected children differently. We often pay them more attention, feeling sorry for them and minimizing their behaviors due the abuse and neglect. Although it is good to be sensitive to their individual needs, it is important to treat them like any other student in your class. Responsive adults, such as parents, teachers, and other caregivers make all the difference in the lives of maltreated children. They need to be held, rocked, and cuddled. Be physical, caring, and loving to children with attachment problems. Be aware that for many of these children, touch in the past has been associated with pain and torture. In these cases, make sure you carefully monitor how they respond — be attuned to their responses to your nurturing and act accordingly. In many ways, you are providing replacement experiences that should have taken place during their infancy — but you are doing this when their brains are harder to modify and change. Therefore, they will need even more bonding experiences to help them to develop attachments. . Abused and neglected children will often be emotionally and socially delayed. And whenever they are frustrated or fearful, they will regress. This means that, at any given moment, a ten-year old child may emotionally be a two-year old. Despite our wishes that they would act their age and our insistence to do so, they are not capable of that. These are the times that we must interact with them at their emotional level. If they are tearful, frustrated, or overwhelmed (emotionally age two), treat them as if they were that age. Use soothing non-verbal interactions. Hold them. Rock them. Sing quietly. This is not the time to use complex verbal arguments about the consequences of inappropriate behavior. Many abused and neglected children do not know how to interact with other people. One of the best ways to teach them is to model this in your own behaviors, and then narrate for the child what you are doing and why. Become a play-by-play announcer: I am going to the sink to wash my hands before dinner because†¦ or I take the soap and put it on my hands like this†¦. Children see, hear, and imitate. . One of the most helpful things to do is just stop, sit, listen, and play with these children. When you are quiet and interactive with them, you will often find that they will begin to show you and tell you about what is really inside them. Yet as simple as this sound, one of the most difficult things for adults to do is to stop, quit worrying about the time or your next task, and really relax into the moment with a child. Practice this. You will be amazed at the results. These children will sense that you are there just for them, and they will feel how you care for them. It is during these moments that you can best reach and teach these children. This is a great time to begin teaching children about their different feelings. Regardless of the activity, the following principles are important to include: (1) All feelings are okay to feel — sad, glad, or mad (more emotions for older children); (2) Teach the child healthy ways to act when sad, glad, or mad; (3) Begin to explore how other people may feel and how they show their feelings — How do you think Bobby feels when you push him? (4) When you sense that the child is clearly happy, sad, or mad, ask them how they are feeling. Help them begin to put words and labels to these feelings. References †¢ Carr, A. (ed) (2000) What Works with Children and Adolescents? A Critical Review of Psychological Interventions with Children, Adolescents and their Families. London: Brunner-Routledge. †¢ Jones, D. Ramchandani, P. (1999) Child Sexual Abuse Informing Practice from Research. Oxford: Radcliffe Medical Press. †¢ Monck, E. New, M. (1996) Sexually Abused Children and Adolescents who are Treated in Voluntary Community Services. London: HMSO. Out of print. †¢ NOPCAN-BELIZE CITY BRANCH

Comparing Frances Zefferilli’s Hamlet and Shakespeare’s Hamlet Essay ex

Comparing Frances Zefferilli’s Hamlet and Shakespeare’s Hamlet I believe Frances Zefferilli’s version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, made in 1990, is one of the best versions of the play to be put onto screen. The film, starring Mel Gibson as Hamlet, and Glen Close as Queen Gertrude, takes a different look to the play. Zefferilli explores the physiological stability of Hamlet very well, especially in Act 3, Scene 4. My interpretation of that scene in the text was different to the one given in the movie. After reading the scene, I had the notion that Hamlet was already quite confused - he had just come out of a scene where he could have killed the king, but his blunted purpose gets in the way. The killing of Polonius in the text gave me the idea that Macbeth was anxious to find out who h...