The Value of Philosophy Essay Example for Free

The Value of Philosophy Essay Thesis Statement: According to Russell, the value of philosophy is that it frees our mind to think of other possibilities; unlike science which may provide us definite answers, but does not deal with other aspects of human soul.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Russell described â€Å"practical† men as individuals who only recognize material needs for the body, but not goods for the mind where the value of philosophy can be found. Russell is pertaining to the knowledge that can be achieved through the study of philosophy. This knowledge is different from what science can study or tell. Science can provide definite answers, but philosophy may not. Although, philosophy can deal with questions with no definite answers (Russell).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Philosophy has uncertainty in answering questions, but it allows for more consideration of the question, its importance, and extends the limitations of what are already answered by science; and because of this uncertainty, we find the value of philosophy (Russell). Given all the definite answers we have and needed, we tend not to raise questions, doubts, or think of other possibilities; but with philosophy or through philosophizing, we are able to think of other possible consequences or problems that may arise. Our thoughts are freed and liberated. It increases are knowledge through the reduction of dogmatism because dogmatism reduces ability to reason and expand in learning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Life with philosophy is free unlike a life that is bounded by the world because we are limited and controlled. We just accept what is given and live a life that we think is acceptable, a life that is dictated. The value of philosophy is that it helps us in finding the true meaning of life and not just living life as it is. With science, we are bound by its limitations, limitations to answer all our questions thus proving that science has weakness too or that it may not provide complete answers. On the other hand, philosophy allows human mind for more speculation of how things are and on how things will be. REFERENCE: Russell, B. Chapter XV: The Value of Philosophy.  Ã‚   Retrieved 17 September, 2007, from http://skepdic.com/russell.html

Literary Analysis of Romeo and Juliet

Literary Analysis of Romeo and Juliet Passage one is the prologue to Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet. The prologue to Romeo and Juliet is a significant piece of text in the play as both its form and content introduces and gives a rather detailed insight to the viewer about events that are to follow in the play and essentially prepares and establishes the viewer/audience for the two hours traffic on our stage which is and gives meaning to the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The entire prologue is spoken by the Chorus to the intended audience and eludes the viewer to the problems that arise throughout the play, as well as acknowledges existing problems prior to the ones that will eventuate. The location of the scene is established through the phrase in fair Verona where we lay our scene, as well as indicates central themes to Romeo and Juliet by mentioning themes of anger and revenge through the ongoing feuds of the two households, both alike in dignity and the central theme of love and tragedy, through the mentioned fatal loins of these two foes and star-crossed lovers being Romeo and Juliet. The passage may also be seen as significant as it depicts what is going to happen on the stage, creating a somewhat cathartic sense, as pity becomes greater if the viewer knows of the tragic events that will eventually occur in the play. The last lines of the prologue repeat the message that the lovers will die, and through this the feud is annulled. Unlike most traditional prologues, the one initiating Romeo and Juliet is in the form of a sonnet. It consists of 14 lines-following a crucial aspect of this structure, ABAB rhyming pattern within the initial 3 quatrains and a CC couplet at the end allowing it to be in iambic pentameter. Unique in form, poetic techniques are used cleverly as the sonnet breaks usual conventions of a love poem. Perhaps because the play is centred on love, Shakespeare wrote the prologue in this form in order to emphasise this concept within the play as well as the intimate relationship between Romeo and Juliet. In this sonnet, the 14 lines are divided up into 3 sections of 4 lines and the last section is made up of 2 lines. The sonnet uses 3 different ways to divide the sections from one another: punctuation, change of topic and the use of rhyming couplets. The first three sections begin and end as sentences lines 1-3 use commas then to close the section there is a full stop indicating the next. Once there is a full stop, the new sentence begins a new topic essentially guiding the audience through the plot in order to avoid confusion of the storyline. The ending pattern of the prologue, however, is different in comparison to other lines within the passage which in some regards reflects how the storyline of the play is structured. The two rhyming lines at the end of the prologue are typical of a traditional sonnet and are effective examples of combining form and content together in a simple enough form for the audience to understand and get meaning from the prologue and indeed the rest of th e play. When observing the prologue, it is evident where Shakespeare intended to put emphasis through the stressing of certain syllables such as fair, and star-crossed- these two particularly as they are crucial to the central themes associated with the concept of love and marriage. The crossd in star-crossd refers to the fact that their love suppressed, frustrated and eventually defeated. Such will be the love of Romeo and Juliet, because of the stars- implying that destiny causes the misadventured piteous overthrows within the play. It can also be noted that violent words are not stressed throughout the duration of the prologue. Aggressive words such as mutiny, blood and rage are unstressed in the sonnet possibly may because even though it is a story surrounding issues of conflict, it is love and Romeo and Juliet who are the central meaning behind the play. Within lines seven and eight Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Doth with their death bury their parents strife informs the audience that it required a tragedy to stop the families from feuding and to make them realise what they had been doing. In line 8 of the prologue, there is noticeable use of alliteration with the d and th sounds, which are repeated to make the line appear more noticeable and also contains its own rhyming section using doth with their death, using the th sound to make it rhyme. Metaphors such as the word bury, represents reconciliation between the Montagues and Capulets and that the burial of their past grudges has only come about due to the burial of their children. Meaning is created through these techniques as it poses the question to the audience of whether or not their ancient grudges and feuding are worth what will inevitably become the death of Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare also uses other literary devices within the prologue to draw the viewer/audien ces attention within this sonnet. In line 4, it is important to note the repetition of the word civil and its implications throughout the storyline. Civil blood can be seen as a paradox as the Montagues and Capulets engage constantly in civil wars which shed civil blood, which in turn would not really occur if they were civil in the first place. As the two sides share the grudge, they also share the guilt, both sides mutiny against the peace of the town, making their civil hands unclean. Repetition of words throughout the prologue such as civil, introduces alliteration to the text. Shakespeare decides to use the repetition of a particular sound in the next line, creating alliteration. Alliteration in line 5 has not only the repetition of f sounds but of bold words for example from forth the fatal loins of these two foes which contains words that begin with f as well as forth that tends to be used as a word of initiative in which Shakespeare could be playing upon the idea as mentioned previously that possibly, the storyline is already set and must go forth as it is destined to happen. A line full of harsh sounding fs and words of antagonism are pushed up against line 6 and seem to be more woeful than harsh which tells the viewer/audience of the predictable death of the lovers who were initially supposed to be enemies. Finally, enjambment in the prologue embraces the nature of the play being conflict and violence paralleling with love and inevitable tragedy. Form and content are significant aspects within any text as the combination of both inevitably produce the final meaning of the text. Meaning cannot be derived if there is no content in which to base a story on and a series of literary techniques such as those present in the prologue of Romeo and Juliet, place an emphasis on this particular content in order to convey the underlying message that Shakespeare is presenting to the audience. In the case of Romeo and Juliet, it is evident that Shakespeare intended the play to be a tragedy based on love, and the prologue spoken by the chorus depicts this clearly. The strong use of literary techniques engages the audience allowing them to become part of and understand the meaning of the storyline and allow empathy for what is happening on stage.

Mathematics Teaching In Early Years Settings Education Essay

Mathematics Teaching In Early Years Settings Education Essay Learning is a fundamental process, and one believed to be life long. Subsequently, education allows for learning to be progressed through the acquisition of knowledge and development of reasoning and judgment. Providing children with the necessary attributes to both read and communicate fluently, as well as count and calculate confidently are of significant importance, hence, to review progression, the Government insist on the analysis of frameworks. In July 2007, the Secretary of State asked Sir Peter Williams to review the teaching of Mathematics within Early Years and Primary schools. Through extensive research, Williams (2008) made ten final recommendations about how to improve the teaching of mathematics, addressing its distinctive requirements. Williams (2008) expressed that, The high standards achieved in mathematics in recent years can be maintained and improved further only by addressing the unique needs of this subject, a discipline which is not always embraced with enthusiasm and confidence. (ibid 2008 p.1) The recommendations highlighted that the improvement for the quality of mathematical teaching should not solely rely upon teachers and practitioners. Parents and families are of significant importance, particularly where an intervention programme is required. In addition, Head Teachers and members of Senior Management play an active role in ensuring that every child receives the best mathematical education. The accomplishment of this is very much dependent upon children having an unassailable start to their educational journey; hence, Williams (2008) proposed three specific recommendations for early years. Recommendation six highlighted that there should be a continuing increase in the proportion of graduate practitioners in early years settings: The review agrees that the presence of someone with Qualified Teacher Status, with early years specialism, working with children wherever possible is vital. (Williams 2008 p.38) This recommendation could signify considerable changes for early years education, encouragingly echoing a key aim outlined within The Childrens Plan; Building brighter futures (2007), that there shall be a graduate early years professional in every full day care setting in England by 2015. Furthermore, practitioners would require a firm understanding of mathematical pedagogy, expressing distinctive features that would support high quality learning. Children require an array of opportunities to learn in an environment that is stimulatingly rich and appropriate to their development, achieved through positive enthusiasm and direct teaching of mathematical skills and knowledge. There is significant value for the understanding of how the range of childrens educational experiences, during their first five years, can have profound implications on their mathematical learning. Consequently, Williams (2008) expressed there was a broad consensus on the importance for the need of uniformly good early years environments providing quality teaching. Central to that are the teachers and practitioners creating enabling environments and positive relationships, adopting effective pedagogy throughout all aspects of learning. Williams (2008) explored how childrens experiences with mathematics should be built upon play and spontaneous learning, fostering their natural interest in numeracy and problem solving. Achieving this requires the understandin g of how the use of childrens own graphical explorations, though mark making, is highly significant and of great value to practitioners. Williams (2008) however discovered that support for mathematical mark making was very rare, needing specific focus, as allowing children to develop their ability to extend and organise their thinking was defined as highly important. Williams (2008) commissioned recommendation four to highlight the significance of early years practitioners having specific mathematical mark making materials to support their professional development. Previous research into childrens mathematical graphics lays further emphasis on the value of these materials as Worthington (2008) expressed: The emphasis with childrens mathematical graphics is very much on children making sense of the written language of mathematics and effective pedagogy to support their thinking. (Ibid 2008) Worthington (2008) highlighted the importance of understanding how mathematical mark making could have dramatic effects on childrens learning, as allowing children to adopt their own form of mark making to symbols, will in future years, encourage them to combine their representations with that of standard mathematical symbols. As children progress through the primary curriculum, it is clear how there is a logical pattern to teaching and learning. Williams (2008) stressed the significance of children receiving excellent teaching and a high quality curriculum: each relying on the other for successful learning. Furthermore, within the mathematic curriculum, Williams (2008) believed there to be a well-structured programme that took into account how to develop most childrens learning. From this, Williams (2008) proposed, under recommendation nine, that the primary national curriculum for Mathematics should continue as currently prescribed, subject to any changes proposed by Sir Jim Rose. On the other hand, however, Williams (2008) identified how the transition from Early Years to Key Stage one can lead to discontinuity in learning through attempts to match early learning goals to the National Curriculum. A preceding review to Williams (2008) report expressed the importance of smooth transitions, conveying furth er certainty of its significance. The Childrens Plan: Building brighter futures (2007) expressed, Smoothing these transitions will benefit all children and allow each child to progress at a speed that best suits their needs while they are adjusting to their new environments. (ibid 2007 p.63) The effects of this transition on childrens mathematical learning may generate significant problems, leading to a loss in interest, omitting the opportunity to develop good attitudes towards the subject. Ensuring that a positive approach towards mathematics is a predominant feature, Williams (2008) outlined his key recommendation; a mathematical specialist in ever school. Engaging with a deep mathematical knowledge, the specialist would be central to effective teaching and learning, aiding quality instruction and intervention. The specialist would encompass attributes and characteristics that could advance mathematical learning, developing enthusiasm across the school. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) would incorporate a specifically designed programme, facilitating critical reflection on how to implement learning practices, and how to interrelate all strands of the mathematical curriculum. Williams (2008) also expressed how such programmes of studies could build upon complimentary Government aspirations, leading to the introduction of teaching becoming a Masters level profession. Through greater access to valuable recent research into mathematics, the specialist would offe r head teachers an array of opportunities to circulate effective practices and models of learning. Consequently, the mathematical specialist would become an invaluable constituent to primary schools; however, Williams (2008) needed to address the necessary training and professional development concerns. Williams (2008) proposed that mathematical specialists would receive an additional five days for Continuing Professional Development; however, the logistics could raise considerable barriers, and therefore still require further analysis. Effective learning through curriculum and pedagogy are central to both classroom practice and teachers knowledge and beliefs. Predominantly, pedagogy should be learner centred; embracing models of learning that encompass a collection of technique and effective assessment. Implementing this is very much dependent upon the teacher and through Williams (2008) recommendation, in future years includes the mathematical specialist. Assessment for Learning (AFL) is a tool used within schools to establish the progress of all children, aiming to improve individual attainment levels. Allowing children time to question, as well as answer and try out their own strategies, ensure that assessment becomes a collaborative procedure, offering teachers an array of opportunities to develop childrens learning. From reviewing evidence of mathematical achievement, Williams (2008) concluded that it appeared there was no single cause for under attainment, consequently leading to no single answer. One solutio n adopted by the Government is intervention programmes, aimed at children who are failing to achieve the basics. Intervention occurs across the curriculum, through, as the National Strategy describes, the three waves model. Wave one outlines the necessity for quality, inclusive teaching, targeted at all pupils needs. Wave two furthers this with group intervention, designed to accelerate the learning for particular groups of children expected to draw level with their peers. The individualised programme of intervention occurs during wave three, when teaching becomes specifically targeted and personalised. According to Williams (2008), the importance of intervention to the subject of mathematics, is paramount. There is a growing body of international evidence showing that a carefully considered response to these problems of under attainment in mathematics can restore young learners to a successful pathway for future study in the subject. (Williams 2008 p.45) Throughout his review, Williams (2008) put forward a strong recommendation for early intervention and under recommendation eight, outlined that children with serious difficulties should receive daily intensive one to one teaching from a qualified teacher. Previous research into early intervention can lay further significance on Williams (2008) recommendation. Dowker (2004) set out general principles outlining that intervention should ideally take place during the early stages of a childs education, aiming to reduce the risk of negative attitudes. Subsequently, Williams (2008) review sincerely welcomed the new initiative Every Child Counts (2008), a coalition partnership, between the Government and the charity Every Child a Chance, aiming to engage in the search for solutions for mathematical under attainment. The Every Child Counts (2008) programme is aimed at the lowest attaining Year two children, imposed at this stage, as it is believed to have maximum impact at a timely and prac tical period of a childs learning. In January 2009, Ofsted released the publication, An evaluation of National Strategy intervention programmes, incorporating a small-scale survey concluding on the impact of intervention. Ofsted explained that: Intervention is most successful when confident leaders and well organised teachers select from the National Strategy programmes and develop a curriculum that meets the needs of pupils and the circumstances of the school. (Ofsted 2009 p.18) Building upon this, Williams (2008) outlined that intervention should be led by a qualified teacher, generally involving one child, and incorporate the appropriate use of multi sensory resources and diagnostic assessment. Achieving this lays further emphasis on the importance of having well-trained teachers, with support from mathematics specialists. Leading an intervention programme would require significant support from head teachers and senior management, but additional to this the child must be committed, supported comprehensively by parents. Although this encouragement and assistance should occur for all children during their educational journey, it has been made evident how parents can further aid a child with mathematical difficulties. Williams (2008) identified that parents often miss the opportunity to help their child, as they are not aware of current mathematical teaching methods. Addressing this, teachers and practitioners should encourage parents, bringing them up to date on how they can support. Furthermore, Williams (2008) expressed the imperative need for teachers to recognise the wealth of mathematical knowledge a child learns outside of school, therefore, aim to encourage parents to use this out of school knowledge to participate in mathematical activities together. Williams (2008) review of mathematics could implicate significant changes within the structure of primary education and training of new and established teachers. Having an extensive knowledge of how effective interaction and instructive teaching can extend childrens thinking, with particular attention to their use of accurate mathematical language, lays further importance of having highly qualified and skilled teachers. Furthermore, Continuing Professional Development, with predominant reference to mathematics, is essential; with Head Teachers ensuring teachers have many opportunities to progress. With regard to intervention programmes, it is clear how essential training may need implementing, with specific focus on Initial Teacher Training and Continuing Professional Development programmes. As intervention is more widely adopted across primary education, it may become apparent for the review of Initial Teacher Training courses, ensuring that all trainees experience an intervention p rogramme. With regard to my personal teacher training, the Williams (2008) review made it evident how securing curriculum knowledge and effective pedagogy is paramount in aiding children to achieve their potential. Building upon the standards outlined by the Training and Development Agency (2009) it is apparent how knowing and understanding relevant national strategy frameworks can aid with the execution of inclusive teaching, overcoming barriers to learning and assessment. Furthermore, with the proposed national roll out of the Every Child Counts (2008) scheme in 2010 2011, the Williams (2008) report would become of significant value to my teacher training and future career, providing substantial information about the importance of effective mathematical teaching, encompassed with a positive and enthusiastic approach.

benefits of technology :: essays research papers

Ever since it developed, there has been controversy over whether or not mechanical inventions benefit our lives. Doug Rennie’s article, â€Å"Faxed to the Max†, says â€Å"the timesaving devices we created give us more freedom to do what we want have instead imprisoned us in our own technology.† Although this may be true to some people, everyone has the power to resist technological devices. People can chose to use these tools to enhance their lifestyles, like they can chose to use a hammer or a saw for a project; they don’t necessarily need it, but it would save time and energy. It is the ability to mistreat these inventions that makes some people uneasy towards about using technology in their daily lives. Although it can be abused in many ways, technology used properly is a tool that aids in education, health and communication.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Our physical health has benefited greatly from technology. Through inventions like the pacemaker and artificial limbs, a tremendous amount or people have had better physical conditions. This biological technology is not favorable to all. Some say that it is better for nature to do its work and people should not interfere. The spread of new inventions can soon get out of hand. For example, if we have the ability to clone humans, our lifestyles will change. People will abuse this power by being careless about their health. They believe people think technology can save them in the end, so they can exercise less and eat more unhealthy foods. On the other hand, curative inventions have saved lives and allowed people to lead healthier ones. There can be ways to make technology accessible to only certain people, but there is no reason to stop the usage of these medical products if they can help save lives. An example of one of these products is the pacemaker, invented by Canadian electrical engineer, John Hopps. Because the heart stops beating when it cools, he found that mechanical or electric stimulation could make the heart start up again. Since then, many were given healthier lives. Prosthetic limbs have also played a great role in helping the lives of amputees. Artificial limbs with sensors and microchips have recently been designed so that these people can maintain an active lifestyle rather than being confined to wheelchairs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Technology plays a very important role in the communication of people today. With the touch of a button, the Internet and the cellular telephone can allow us to transmit our message to someone on the other side of the planet.

Horse Dealers Daughter :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The short story, â€Å"The Horse Dealer’s Daughter,† by D. H. Lawrence is about Mabel Pervin and her three brothers who are left with debts to pay after their father’s death. Once the horses are sold Mabel’s brothers decide where their lives would lead them and advice her to seek the home of her sister. Realizing their rejection and acknowledging an uncertain future, she visits the graves of her mother and father. Feeling depressed and helpless, Mabel walks into a mucky pond not cognizant of Jack Fergusson’s presence. Fighting his fear of water, Jack saves Mabel from an attempted suicide and has become a part of Mabel’s plan to remain where she wants to be. She decides to take advantage of the situation by expressing her love and convincing Jack that he loves her as well. Mabel’s love, in this story by D.H. Lawrence, is her escape from having to leave her town and live with her sister in a less desirable fashion. Sh e uses love as a means of obtaining the comfortable lifestyle that she once lived. She can once again have luxuries in life now that she will be marrying a doctor.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Just as in the previous story, James Joyce’s short story â€Å"Araby† also suggests love as an escape. In this short story, the young boy’s existence surrounds a dreary and harsh environment. He lives with an uncle who drinks and an aunt who suffers from the heartache of an unhappy marriage. The boy’s friend Mangan has a sister who he is infatuated with to the extent of following her every move. He is so empowered by his feelings for her, he decides to go to Araby and buy Mangan’s sister a gift. On the day of the bazaar, his uncle forgets to be home on time to give the boy money and therefore causes him to be late.

Effects of Women Incarceration on Young Children Essay

Number of women putting in prison has increased drastically in recent decades. Approximately 600,000 women were incarcerated in 1990. This number has increased to more than one million in 2000. Though women are less likely to get imprisonment, the rate of their imprisonment is rising drastically (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2001). Majority of women put in prison are mothers. Families of incarcerated women are badly affected and face challenges such mental illness, poverty, substance abuse and child abuse. Sometimes, permanent changes in children of incarcerated women take place even when their mother has returned home. Such children lose the hope of having their mother for the rest of life with them. They think that their mother will go to jail sooner or later (Greene & Hurtado 2000). Children of incarcerated mother are subjected to go through troubles in their adolescence. Such children may commit a crime, may involve in substance abuse, mental illness may be profound in them, may leave schools in their early life and may receive inappropriate adult care. Criminal behavior of mothers brings damaging effects in children. They are badly affected when they see their mother arrested and put in prison (Young & Carrie 2000). This paper provides information about the effects of women incarceration on young children. Different age groups of children are taken into consideration and the effect of their mother’s incarceration on them is discussed in detail. This paper describes how children try to cope up with the incarceration of their mothers. Changes in policies are required and this paper recommends such changes to provide support to such children and to keep them away from the harm. Effect of Women Incarceration on Young Children Majority of the incarcerated women are mothers. The effects of mother’s incarceration on young children are not much known. Such children are not considered when their mothers are put in prison. Researchers, policy makers, communities and service providers do not think about the affected children and thus, nothing is being done for the well-being of those children. Children at different development stages are affected to a different extent. Infants and toddlers are affected in a different manner, where as, pre-schoolers, school-aged children and adolescents are affected in entirely different manner to a different extent (McClellan 1994). Impact of Mother’s Incarceration on Infants and Toddlers Babies are not able to understand the imprisonment of their mothers but people around them come under stress due to the incarceration of the baby’s mother. Such stressed people’s behavior tells the babies that something wrong has happened. The stress period begins when the mother is arrested, put in prison and the stress continues even after the mother’s return. Care givers do not take care of the babies the way a mother can do. Such babies do not receive breast feeding that is essential for their growth. Their routines are badly disrupted. Infants and toddlers are more likely to receive neglecting and abusive care. They are most likely to receive very less capacity to regulate them. They have to face severe stress that is often imposed by their family. They may also have to face poverty. Children of this age group are not able to understand the arrest and imprisonment of their mothers. Some children of this age group forget their mothers and become attached to the caregiver. So, the bond between mother and the child will be broken for ever. When children of this age group are taken to penal settings, they are unable to understand why they cannot touch their moms though their moms are in front of them (Marcus-Mendoza 2001). Impact of Mother’s Incarceration on Pre-Schoolers Pre-schoolers’ age ranges from three to five years. Children under this age group need the development of skills that are essential for them to get success in their academics and society. Individuality seems to be prominent and such children need to live independent life. Discipline development is essential at this stage and certain routines need to be set at this age. Children under this age group are also not able to understand much about the incarceration of their mother but they can catch the feelings by the notions of people surrounding them (Greene & Hurtado 2000). Children’s limited understanding power does not let them connect crime with imprisonment and thus they simply tend to focus on the results of the incarceration. For example, they start disliking the police just because their mother was taken away. They do not like judges because they are responsible for putting their mothers in jails. Sometimes, such children start disliking their mothers because they think that their mother has done something wrong. They need time to settle their minds again to have the same picture of their mother as they had before; the mother who was used to take good care of them. Children under such circumstances usually consider the criminal justice system quite unjust and they consider them as the victims of the criminal justice system (Hagan 1996). Impact of Mother’s Incarceration on School-Aged Children When children come to an age between 6 to 12 years, they become more aware of them and people. Their thinking abilities are enhanced and concepts about rights and wrongs become clearer to them. Such children begin to establish relations with their caregivers and go away from their mothers. In fact, such children should be able to rationalize that their mother is a good person. This can be done when the image of their mother is portrayed to them in a positive manner. They tend to justify that the acts of their mother were quite fair and the criminal justice system has been unfair to them or they may even complain of a biased behavior. Such behavioral developments in children of this age group are quite alarming as criminal behavior may also be developed in such children (Fejes & Miller 2002). Children of this age group do not share this bitter reality of their life with others. They hide as their weak point. Thus, they are less likely to receive any kind of support from others such as teachers, and care takers. They tend to minimize socialization. Aggressive behavior may also develop in such children and they feel difficulty in putting their efforts in their education resulting in more absences (Feldman et al. 1999). Development of Criminal Behavior in Young Children of Incarcerated Women Children of incarcerated women may develop criminal behavior. Following are some factors that determine the likelihood of criminal behavior. Coping Strategies Children of all ages go through extremely hurtful situations. They begin to implement coping strategies to get out of the awkward situations resulting from their mother’s incarceration. They begin to suffer from anxiety, feelings of shame and anger and financial problems. They begin to deny the reality, show aggressive behavior, blame themselves, get involved in substance and alcohol abuse and find ways to escape from the situation by running away. These strategies may benefit kids on temporary basis but they leave long lasting bad effects. These issues may lead to criminal behavior (Casey-Acevedo 2002). Giving Good Reasons This is another strategy that children of incarcerated mothers use to portray their mothers as very good persons. They do so to hide the reality of their mothers. They deny the fact that their mother had committed a crime and that is why she was sent to prison. They justify their mother’s position by insisting that people saying bad words about their mother are indeed bad themselves. They even begin to justify the crime committed by their mother. They insist that crime may be permissible in certain circumstances such as they justify that stealing is a right act if done to provide clothing and food for family. They consider themselves and their mother as a victim of situations such as poverty that had forced their mother to commit a crime. Criminal justice system seems unfair in their eyes. As a result, anti-social behavior begins to develop in such children (Feldman et al. 1999). Poverty Usually incarcerated mother had been the finance provider for children. Incarceration of mother results in lack of funds. They do not get proper nutrition and basic things that are the rights to get by all children. As children face poverty, they consider stealing as permissible and thus commit crimes to fulfill their needs. They want to get the things that children living with their mothers usually get; proper nutrition, good clothing, education, healthy environment etc. The absence of such facilities fosters the likelihood to commit a crime (Greene & Hurtado 2000). Absence of Adult Guidance When mother is sent to prison, children do not receive any guidance and supervision from an adult any more. Adults know better how to guide young children so that they become a part of a safer environment. The absence of adult supervision make children suffer and struggle in society and school. They stop going to school, face difficulties in their jobs, and get involved in relationships that exploit or abuse them. They may get involved in drug culture and even in the sex trade (Gabel & Shindledecker 1993). Strategies for the Minimization of Harm There is a great need to implement strategies that can minimize the harm posed to the children of incarcerated women. Following are some useful strategies to combat this issue: Mothers Should Not Be Incarcerated There is a need to keep the whole family together and for this purpose the mothers should not be incarcerated. In case they commit a crime, there should be some alternatives in place of incarceration. Community based interventions should be implemented. The threat of imprisonment will lead towards betterment. Conditional sentencing will not require any imprisonment and justice system will accomplish the goals that were expected to be obtained from the incarceration of women. Training should be provided to important professional groups Educators, child protection workers, mental health professionals should be trained in a way to support the children of incarcerated mothers. They should be able to explain the children about the connection of crime to punishment. Children should be taught about rights and wrongs. School attendance should be encouraged. Caregivers should be trained in a way to provide the children of incarcerated mothers the best nurturing environment. The visits of children to their mothers should be supervised and motivated in positive manners. Conclusion Children of incarcerated women are at a greatest risk of being traumatized and get involved in criminal behavior. Their personalities are badly affected due to the absence of their mother in the time of their needs. Caregivers are not providing the required care. Criminality of women can be reduced by using effective strategies. Children of incarcerated women should be given under the supervision of an adult to help them grow in a safer environment. Strategies to cope up with the bitter reality of their mother’s incarceration should be implemented in a positive way. Schools and society should be encouraged to help such children instead of making fun of them or taunting them. Good neighbors can also play good roles. Children should be provided with the basic facilities that are essential for nurturing them. Mothers with offensive background should be provided with the support to get reasonable jobs to fulfill their basic needs. This way the crime rate among women can be minimized. Society should let such women improve their criminal behavior by motivating them to quit their crimes. Such women should be appreciated to do meaningful activities that can help them become mentally healthy. Children should never be taken away from the children due to incarceration.

Ink and Paper Communication Essay

People say that the art of letter writing is dead. But my idea of heaven is writing a letter to a dear friend in a far away town, a note to my cousin saying â€Å" thankyou † for the dinner we had this weekend, a fan letter to the writer whose story I read and admired. I love to write something, be it a short story, a poem, a serious article or just letters. It is so magical to gather the right words and put them together on the paper†¦ I write a couple of letters a day, and suffer from bouts of guilt, thinking I may perhaps be over burdening my friends and relatives with my written material. Letters have been very important in my life, those that I have written and received. I have treasured the ones which are very dear to me, to read them again and again reveling in the magical spell they cast on me every time unfolding something new. It was a hobby that started from my childhood, when I wrote letters to my school friends, teachers, relatives and strangers as well. I std lX, when suddenly half the nation was consumed by the passion of acting, I too was one of them. I wrote my first fan letter to the great ‘Amitabh Bachchan’ and received from him a typed reply and his autographed photograph. His letter, the special handmade greeting card, and the letters written by my friends are the most treasured possession. Recently when I revealed my letter writing habbit to my friend, I was told, †but my dear, no one writes letters anymore! Where’s the time?† Agreed! I know people who never write letters for whom its just a waste of time. How easy it is to reach for the telephone type a few digits and talk to person miles away from you†¦ no pondering over thoughts no addressing of envelopes and no waiting for response. No doubt, the telephone is more efficient and instant but I doubt whether it is, on the whole as effective as a letter. Letters have a certain power, your heartbeat ticks rhythmically with every comma and a full stop†¦ you can preserve a letter , read it study it, carry it around like a cherished possession. It is not momentary as a telephone call, quickly done and quickly forgotten. As I have grown over years, I have matured and hopefully become wiser. I have learned to think twice before dropping a letter written in a melancholic mood. I have regretted it because by the time the letter is received the gloominess is banished and then one is left anxiously thinking about the reaction at the other end. There were moments when shyness led me to writing letters. I would have never been able to make friends with strangers had I not been a keen writer. I cannot dream of calling up a writer, actor, painter whose work I admire, until and unless I know them personally. But without hesitation I write them letters of appreciation, and if my letter is welcomed, it is answered and if not, I’ve got nothing to lose. Its funny but I’ve maintained friendships solely through letters that may, I fear, break if there is a face to face encounter. So keep in touch. The pen and paper you use does not matter— the voice coming from the heart does. The next time when you write a letter notice for a second the magical tune that your pen plays on your paper , the rhythm of the flow of your thoughts, like the first raindrops touching the mother earth. You feel as if you are actually sitting in front of the other person reading out thoughts, collecting thoughts, coloring them with ink and presenting them paper to loved ones†¦.. anxiously waiting for the reply†¦. Letters have their special brand of magic.