A REFLECTIVE MOMENT

  1. My vision of working with children is…an immediate picture of me and the children smiling and laughing.  The professional vision includes the ability to apply the skills and strategies in an early learning environment.  Currently, choosing a strategy to implement has only been tested at an academic and hypothetical level – and thanks to my computer’s “delete” key I am afforded the time to plan my approach.
  2. In three years, I see my greatest strengths with children to be…well versed in utilizing Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding. Identifying where the child is in her developmental domains so that I will be able to start where she is and implement Vygotsky’s principles to build upon these strengths.
  3. I envision the early learning environment as…Wet Wellies Ink – an Outdoor Environment Plan created by Juanita and me. The component I appreciate the most in an early learning environment is providing options to children and their families.  There needs to be designated areas or zones but pockets of mini-zones dispersed throughout an environment allows for child-directed play.  Opportunities for explorative  play is met by providing sand and/or water tables.  Baskets of loose parts and yellow, blue and red Unit Blocks invite children to engage in constructive play.  And for that child practicing self-regulation, a quiet area with a basket of books, perhaps a stuffed animal or two, where the child is welcomed by soothing colours and/or materials; a safe place to de-escalate and become calm.  These environmental components would allow me and my colleagues to provide an experiential learning environment.
  4. I see children as…inquisitive and primed for learning.
  5. I view children’s families to be…a resource and a collaborative partner.
  6. I suspect that cultural diversity will…be a relevant discussion considering the social unrest and turmoil that is happening globally.
  7. I envision my colleagues as…supportive with similar core values and/or principles.