Professional Skills:
I was capable to adapt to the schedule the children had down at Lil’ Quills. Attendance was not a challenge for me as I thoroughly enjoyed my time and experiences I was given. Once I got the routine and got to know the children more, I was able to adapt to helping with the children and fitting in daily cleaning tasks throughout the day (ex. Loading/unloading dish washer, cleaning and sanitizing the floors, tending to the children.) Teamwork was a skill that came naturally with Denika as she was great to communicate and work with. I was able to take the constructive feedback I was given and built on it such as stop saying “hey maybe we can do…” and say, “I hear you, yet this is what we could/going to do or try instead.” Also supporting the centers choice in eating 1st then chat after was a challenge at first. Yet over practicum it became an easier task and I now finish my meals now also before talking. Being a good example is something I’m always going to work on and thrive to do as its important to be a good role model. I do need to work on my preparedness more frequently. Without access to a printer all the time I was unable to do my job in program planning. I will be purchasing a printer for myself and work as soon as possible as I do not want to see this as a problem in the future. I have started building my resources.
Practical Skills:
How is the student demonstrating an ability to take on all the roles and responsibilities specific to the role of the early childhood educator. Skills like daily tasks and duties, knowledge/practice of policies and procedures, planning implementing and evaluating appropriate programming for a group of children, relational, responsive care, guidance, group management, supervision, effective communication with children, colleagues, families, mentors, instructors, etc. (Please include specific examples)
I believe that over time and learning the routine I was able to do the following: Set up snacks and serve them, put dishes in dishwash, take out of dishwasher, put children down for naps, cleaning and sanitizing floors and counters, yard checks, engage with the children and parents.
Serving lunch on pizza Friday
I was fully aware of those who had allergies, and who could and could not pick up children. Guidance I did not do too bad. Denika was able to redirect me in some high emotion moments with certain children and tools that can help. Example: If a child is kicking someone to hurt them, lets ask “can you please stop. Or do you need help?” or when to let the children solve their own situations before we step in. Always important to have an eye and ear out so we know when to step in and give the help we offered earlier. Play with water someone always needs to be always by the puddle. So I would offer to watch over the kids, sometimes she would decline. Either way I am just happy to be there
I have evidence in my learning that I gained a lot more experience in my pedagogical narrations. I became more descriptive and observant. I was able to build on my experiences in teaching at the daycare. Example: Olivia’s Pumpkin Learning Story was a great example.
What I have learned from this practicum at Lil’ Quills are tools and skills ill be carrying the rest of my being. Like my teacher Deb, Denika sees the children as smart little beings with gifts. Denika encourages the children to do their best and to communicate. It is apparent that Denika is great at supporting Engaging with Identities, Social Responsibility, well being and communication. Which I learned and seen a lot of support to the children in their well-being and their learning through play, and group learning. I enjoyed this practicum placement the most because I got experiences, I did not get at Cayoosh Elementary. At the school the children do not nap like the little children do down at Lil’ Quills. So was an interesting learning experience and overall gained some soothing nap skills I did not knew I had.