The Pre-service Teacher should:
The Pre-service Teacher should:
Set two placement goals that align with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APSTs).
Clearly explain the links between the goals and APSTs.
Maintain a daily reflective journal that includes links to the APSTs and progress towards meeting these goals.
Reflect on experiences during placement with consideration for your own pre-existing bias, assumptions, previous knowledge, and how change might occur in the future.
Childcare Placement Documents
Goal 1: Implementing Effective Play-Based Learning Activities
To make sure this objective is accomplished, I will:
Research and Plan: Create educational projects that are in line with academic objectives and investigate different play-based learning theories and pedagogical techniques that are suitable for children between the ages of 3 and 5.
Observe and Learn: Spend some time examining professional educators applying play-based learning in kindergarten environments, making note of helpful techniques and approaches.
Practice and Reflect: In the classroom, carry out planned play-based activities while keeping an eye on the students' participation and academic progress. Then, evaluate how well the activities worked.
Seek Feedback: Ask mentor teachers, staff members, and management for feedback on how play-based learning activities are put into effect on a regular basis. Utilise this feedback to make adjustments and improvements to your practice.
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Connection with APST's:
Goal 1 is in alignment with APST 1.2, which highlights the need of establishing a secure and encouraging learning environment that promotes experimenting and discoveryqualities that are important to play-based learning.
It is related to APST 3.3 as well, which emphases the value of implementing teaching methods that are sensitive to students' learning needs and strengths. Play-based learning naturally resolves these issues through allowing personalised exploration and diversity.
Goal 2 - Building Positive Connections with Families and Students
To ensure the achievement of this goal, I will:
Establish relationship and trust: Establish a connection and confidence by interacting with students in a friendly, understanding manner and demonstrating an honest interest in their experiences, interests, and overall well-being.
Effective Communication: Communicate with children and their families in an open and transparent manner, providing updates on events, student progress, and classroom activities.
Collaborate with Families-By listening to their opinions, including them in decision-making, and respecting their cultural backgrounds and values, you may build partnerships with families.
Encourage Emotional Well-being- Offer children emotional support by encouraging, guiding, and supporting them through difficult situations and by encouraging a sense of acceptance and belonging in the classroom community.
Connection with APST's:
Goal 2 is consistent with APST 4.1, which highlights the need of having excellent teacher-student interactions as a means of fostering and supporting high standards for student behaviour and involvement.
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It also relates to APST 7.3, which emphasises the need of supporting parents' and carers' involvement in their children's education and involving them in the educational process. Developing strong bonds with families encourages cooperation and support between the home and the school, which improves the wellbeing and learning outcomes of the students.
PLAY BASED ACTIVITY Title: Wombat Stew Play-Based Learning
Objective:
The goal of engaging children in kindergarten in a play-based curriculum centred on the book "Wombat Stew."
To improve children's understanding of stories components, creativity, social skills, and literacy.
Materials required-
Copy of book "Wombat Stew" by Marcia K. Vaughan
Paper, colouring, and Art-craft material
Open space for dramatic play
Procedure:
Introduction (15 minutes):
Invite all the children for the group time and introduce "Wombat Stew book. Show the book's cover to the class and ask about their thoughts that what they think this story will be look like. Give a brief overview of the story and talk about the main characters.
2. Reading the Book (15 minutes):
Read "Wombat Stew" aloud to the group, promoting conversation and engaging dramatic voices. Take occasional breaks to think about what's happening or create ideas.
Discussion (10 minutes):
Take the lead in a discussion about the story itself, highlighting the events, setting, and characters. Find out which parts of the story the kids find most fascinating and why. Talk about the components of the story and the idea of stew.
4. Dramatic Play (30 minutes):
Create a scene for play with pretend materials, animal visualisations orcostumes, and the pot for the story.Encourage your children to pretend to be the characters in scenes from the book.Permit children to develop more scenes or different conclusions by using their thoughts and imaginative thinking.
5. Art Activity (15 minutes):
Provide students colouring material and paper.Inspire them to illustrate a scene from the story that they find most memorable or to make their own version on "wombat stew." Make a class book or display their artwork across the room.
Reflection (10 minutes):
Bring the class together to discuss their experience with play-based learning. Find by asking them what they liked best about performing this story and making their own variations of "wombat stew." Talk about any fresh perspectives or understandings they have from this task.
7. Extension Activities:
Inspire children to use puppets or other props to retell the story. Read other books about the wildlife and habitats of Australia. Use items from the story to create a sensory bin that encourages sensory play.
Reflective Journal for Placements: 10 Days in Kindergarten (Ages 3-5)
Day 1:
On this day, my placement at the kindergarten started, and I experienced feelings of enthusiasm and anxiety simultaneously. The classroom dynamics taught me that play-based learning is very important for engaging children. They were happy when they were able to interact with their environment through play. My intention next week will be to make up some practical activities based on play which can cater for every childs needs and interests.
Goal 1: Implementing Effective Play-Based Learning Activities
This days adventure enhanced my appreciation for play based learning as an essential component of early childhood education. The way the kids were so eager to take part in these playful events ranging from building blocks to imaginative role playing was really interesting and inspiring. I would like to design and conduct a play-based activities that are not only congruent with the curriculum, but also enhance overall development and thinking critically.
Day 2:
In my continued observation in the Kindergarten class, I deliberately focused on establishing positive student relationships. Every child that entered into my room greeted warmly with an intention of setting up a conducive atmosphere. However, I faced a challenge when another child came crying into the room with his care giver. Despite all our attempts to pacify him, he continued crying inconsolably until he decided to go back home together with his caregiver. This occurrence exposed how important it is to have support transition moments for children who are joining new schools as well as their parents.
Goal 2: Cultivating Positive Relationships with Students and Families
What happened today involving the new child pointed out an aspect of trust building that is necessary among students parents or guardians alike. It was painful for me because I felt powerless since we did not manage to drive away her grief. In future, I plan on engaging families directly instead of relying on administrators alone in this matter.
Day 3:
I noticed the effect of incentives on behavior and engagement when I interacted with students today. A few words of encouragement or appreciation served to raise their self-esteem and motivation. I tried as much as possible during the day to recognize their efforts and accomplishments, resulting in a positive environment for learning.
Goal 2: Cultivating Positive Relationships with Students and Families
Todays afternoon discussion on positive reinforcement has renewed my commitment towards cultivating strong bonds with these children. In this regard, I am inclined to acknowledge each childs accomplishment by emphasizing their individual strengths so as to promote a sense of identity within our classroom society . More importantly, I would like to ensure that there is constant communication between parents and teachers regarding the progress being made by their kids.
Day 4:
This morning, during play time, I was able to facilitate a small group activity. The one which I choose was about sensory exploration using different textures and materials. Observing them interacting with the sensory experiences was delightful because it showed me how engaged they were in these activities which helped them enhance their language ability and increase awareness through all senses.
Goal 1: Implementing Effective Play-Based Learning Activities
After todays experience, I realized that offering varied play-based learning opportunities such as the one we experienced is vital for students growth. So in coming week Ill engage with children with play-based activity.
Day 5:planning and excursion
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Day 6:
The final week of my placement in the kindergarten classroom began today. Upon reflection, my goals were to further foster strong relationships with families and students and to introduce successful play-based learning activities. In the early morning, I presented a play-based activity that drew inspiration from the children's book "Wombat Stew."
Goal 1: Implementing Effective Play-Based Learning Activities
The anticipation of implementing the "Wombat Stew" play-based activity has ignited my enthusiasm. I am eager to see how the children will engage with the story and its characters through imaginative play. As I prepare the materials and props, I am mindful of creating an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking among the children.
Day 8: planning day
Day 7:
Following yesterday's play-based activity, I took the time to reflect on the children's responses and interactions. Their creativity and collaboration were evident as they worked together to concoct their own versions of "wombat stew." Inspired by their enthusiasm, I decided to incorporate more open-ended and child-led activities into the curriculum, allowing for greater exploration and self-expression.
Goal 1: Implementing Effective Play-Based Learning Activities
Today's reflection has reinforced the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in planning play-based learning activities. By observing and listening to the children's interests and ideas, I can tailor the activities to better meet their needs and preferences. Moving forward, I aim to incorporate more opportunities for child-led exploration and creativity, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among the children.
Day 9:
As my placement in the kindergarten classroom nears its end, I took the time to express my gratitude to the students and their families for welcoming me into their learning community. During morning circle time, I shared my appreciation for the friendships and memories we have created together, and I reflected on the growth and learning we have experienced throughout the placement.
Goal 2: Cultivating Positive Relationships with Students and Families
Today's reflection has reaffirmed the importance of building strong relationships with students and families in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. By expressing my gratitude and appreciation, I hope to reinforce the sense of belonging and connection within the kindergarten community. As I prepare to say goodbye, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the relationships I have formed and the experiences I have shared during my time in the kindergarten classroom.
Day 10:
Today marks the final day of my placement in the kindergarten classroom. As I bid farewell to the students and educators, I am overwhelmed with a mix of emotionsgratitude for the invaluable experiences and connections I have gained, and a sense of anticipation for the journey ahead as a future educator. My time here has deepened my understanding of the importance of play-based learning and positive relationships in early childhood education, and I am eager to carry these lessons forward into my future practice.
Conclusion:
As I conclude my placement in the kindergarten classroom, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and passion for early childhood education. The experiences and reflections from the past 10 days have strengthened my commitment to implementing effective play-based learning activities and cultivating positive relationships with students and families. With the guidance of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST), I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact on the lives of my future students and contribute to the growth and development of the education profession.
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