In this essay, I am going to reflect on my learning and the way it has informed my practice in developing a positive learning environment. I am going to demonstrate my understanding of the need of promoting enabling environment in early years and the changes in my practice since attending university. I will critically evaluate on my own reflective and evaluative skills and I will offer examples of implementing these skills into my practice. I will explain why I decided to nurture the areas from the action plan and how I can achieve the recommended proposals. I am going to evaluate other modules and I will identify the areas I found interesting and would like to study in more depth. At the end of this essay, I will reflect on the learning journey and the way it helped to shape my personal and professional life. I will include references, which review related issues, where eligible.
I presented my setting to the peers at University and was pleased with the comments they made in regards to being a positive and enabling environment. After their presentations, I have realised how different settings are and yet how similar is the process of developing a positive environment that was visible in all presentations. We discussed various ideas and practices which we will implement in our own settings. It is not always easy to change practice in the setting that is already functioning to children’s, parents’ and management’s satisfaction, however, there is always room for improvement and listening to experiences of others encourages me to try it too. The work-based modules are beneficial for me and although I have learnt about methods that have been already present in my setting, I have realised why they are important and how to apply them...
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... and thinking about various tasks I complete during the day more than I have done in the past. I have learnt not to jump to conclusions quickly but look at different aspects and reasons first. I also feel more confident when suggesting new practice to my colleagues and I believe that I slowly gain their respect in this area. I have realised how much I have changed as a practitioner when Ofsted visited our setting. I have always been anxious when talking to inspectors, however, this time I was calm and proud to present my practice in the way I perform it. I believe that the knowledge I have gained since attending University has made me more confident as I know that what I do is proven to contribute to children’s development. “Practitioners who feel confident and competent have a more positive approach to teaching and learning.” (Blandford and Knowles 2009: p.142).
The Strengths-based Approach provides a foundation of influencing confident and capable learners and their “unique qualities and abilities” (DEEWR, 2009, p. 9). Both models can be used in partnership with one another to provide a complete overview of the child. The two take into account the influences and connections that society brings and understands how some influences might affect other children differently. Utilising learnt strengths focuses on the ability to strive towards achievement, a strong sense of identity and wellbeing, become connected to community and be confident learners and communicators. These examples are reflected in the Early Years Learning Framework (2009) developmental outcomes. A shift towards using the approach requires a commitment to change and an evaluation on the means of working with and facilitating positive influences on a child 's commitment to process
Whalley, M.E., and Allen, S. (2011). Leading Practice in Early Years Settings (2nd ed). Exeter: Learning Matters.
Upon reflection of Module QF5000 I have improved my ability to work collaboratively, acknowledged my own management style, made changes to both my own practice and my setting and contributed to the continuous professional development of my colleagues. I have learnt that my strengths are organisation and leadership and that public speaking is an area I would like to improve upon. My ability to reflect has facilitated change that will ultimately improve my practice as an Early Years Practitioner.
Moon, 1999, p. 161, defined reflection as: “a mental process with purpose and/or outcome in which manipulation of meaning is applied to relatively complicated or unstructured ideas in learning or to problems for which there is not an obvious solution.” Reflective practice, according to Fulton 2015; p. 9, should be “integrated into what practitioners do. Reflective practice should be a continual and ongoing, a real part of life.” Reflective practice and continual professional development are highly important in early childhood settings as they are a fundamental processes that ensure high standards of quality service. Some theories can help practitioners in their reflective practice.
When working with children it is essential that all members of staff are aware of the different polices that the setting follows and they must also ensure that they correctly follow them in their own practice. There are many different polices to follow within the setting to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and also to ensure that practitioners are aware of polices that concern us and our rights. The framework that the setting follows is the EYFS, this states how children need to be cared for and ways in how their needs and requirements can be met based on their development stages. Good. It also consists of the seven areas of learning and outlines outcomes of learning which are expected for the different age groups within the setting. The demand for childcare has increased within the UK for due to different influences such as an increase in single parent households and government aims to ensure that parent’s find employment or training to support them with looking for jobs. To meet the different needs of the families the early years sector needs to ensure that they are fulfilling the requirements through providing appropriate services. Parents require suitable care for their children so that they are able to return to work, provide a setting for their child where they are able to learn and make progress with their development.
Child psychology, also known as child development, is the study of psychological growth of children; how these mechanisms develop from infancy to adolescence and why they deviate from one child to the next. Child development is associated with biological, psychological, and emotional diversity that occur in humans. Although there is a different advancement for each child, these developmental changes may be greatly determined by genetic factors and experience during prenatal life. The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Parents, health professionals, educators, and others can work together as partners to help children grow up to reach their full potential.
From the perspective I have at this stage in my journey in the early childhood education field, I would like to share what I have come to value and believe in regards to early learning and care by looking at my philosophy statement. To begin we will look at the statement and highlight three key features and find out why they are important to me, then we will see what they will look like in my practice, and lastly we will examine these ideas closely by looking at where they originated. By taking an in-depth look at my philosophy statement we will better understand the motivation behind my practice which I hope to continue to refine and refresh as I gain more knowledge and experience.
This essay is about a child’s development and learning, focusing primarily on language development. It will describe the main stages of developmental "milestones" and the key concepts involved for children to develop their language skills, discussing language acquisition and social learning theory. The essay will also look into the key theorists involved in language development, primarily Vygotsky and Chomsky, and how these theories have had an impact on the way society views language and their implementation within schools. The essay will describe the factors affecting language development, both biological and environmental. While also discussing key arguments among theorists, one being the nature vs nurture debate, and how these play a part in the teaching in schools.
When taking the context of my placement preschool, the children should be learning a range of positive dispositions, expressing feelings, gaining knowledge and refining skills. Within the next three months, the children will be supported by the educators, peers and environment to make progress to achieve the learning outcome:
Child development and growth observation can be quite fascinating considering the uniqueness of each child. As children grow, they normally develop and acquire new skills whether complex or not. The abilities experienced by each child progresses differently that is it depends on the nurturing given by the parent or guardian and on the characteristics that they inherit. Proper development and growth of the child occurs when basic needs are provided by the reliable adult guardians, including such things as love, food, encouragement, shelter and warmth. The essay evaluates child development and growth through observation conducted by myself on my nephew. The essay will include physical development, general health, emotional development,
The importance of early childhood development is found in the emotional, social, and physical development of the young children and how education has a direct effect on their overall development. Early childhood education is most beneficial for children ages three through five and is also often referred to as preschool, pre-kindergarten, day care, nursery school or early education. Early childhood education is necessary for the preparation of young children for their transition into elementary school and beyond. Sending children who are of preschool-age to an early education program can have a positive impact on the child's life and give them a noticeable head start towards a bright future.
Robert-Holmes, G. (2011). It’s the bread and butter of our practice’: experiencing the Early Years Foundation Stage, International Journal, 20(1), pp. 30-42.
The purpose of early childhood education is to firstly learn about one’s self and agency, how one’s actions can affect and impact others; to develop a sense of identity; who you are and how you fit into this world. Experience a sense of belonging through interactions with peers and teachers whilst celebrating and sharing diverse cultures whilst embracing others. Children need to have opportunities to explore, experiment, to gain insight and knowledge in numeracy, literacy, science and social structure through innovative and richly supported curriculums (DEEWR, 2009). I have very high expectations of all children as I believe that this assists in building self-confidence and
As I personally take the time to have a reflection over the course of “Child and Adolescent Development” I find myself intrigued with the amount of knowledge I gained during this course this semester. I wanted to take the time to concentrate on three specific areas in which I felt I had the most growth, but also came as a challenge to me as well. It is important when reflecting over a course that I look at what I found to be challenging, as this was an opportunity of growth for me individually. In this paper I will review some of the main topics that I found to be interesting but also resourceful for my future aspiration not only as a family life educator but also a mother one day.
Lyons, G., Ford, M., & Arthur-Kelly, M. (2011). Classroom Management: Creating Positive learning environments. South Melbourne: Cengage Learning.