Learner Callie Houghton
LearnerForum Replies Created
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What are some creative ways to get children engaged in active, meaningful learning?
- Relate the curriculum to student’s interests.
- Provide more opportunities for small-group and child-initiated activities and interactions.
- Keep large group instruction brief to maximize engagement.
- When large group instruction occurs, provide breaks and opportunities for partner discussion.
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Do you have any tips or advice on creating and maintaining a daily schedule for children?
- Stick to your schedule and routine once set.
- When creating a daily schedule, by aware of transition time from one activity to the next.
- Post the daily schedule in a place that is accessible to students.
- Consider adding movement breaks within the day to help with the class’s energy.
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Are there any components of a good early learning environment that you think are important?
A good early learning environment should include a logical classroom layout, encourage exploration and play, a variety of interest centers, emphasize routine, and promote a safe environment to learn.
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What are some good ways to approach a parent about developmental screening of their child?
1) Find a private place and meeting time to discuss with the parents. This supports confidentiality and allows time for parents to ask questions if needed.
2) Provide documentation of evidence to parents and express your concern. Be respectful and base the conversation on evidence.
3) Relate observations to developmental progression for the age of the child.
4) Be patient and open to answering any of their questions.
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How does observing and documenting a child’s development help early learning providers?
By observing and documenting a child’s development, we can use this information to shape our instruction and care. Additionally, by observing their progress, we can provide scaffolds that help them meet developmental goals and milestones. Finally, through documentation, we can track our students’ progress and growth over time and compare it to earlier skillsets.
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As mentioned in the class, I think screentime should be reserved for at home. When in childcare or preschool, children are surrounded by peers and teachers in which they can learn and develop with support. Additionally, learning is more meaningful when students are actively engaged in their learning and interactions, which is not supported by screentime. Thus, I like to minimize screentime as much as possible in childcare settings.
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One example of how to create a “serve and return” environment includes completing an interactive read-aloud with a child. This can include sharing the focus on a story, supporting the child with their curiosity, naming things within the book, taking turns pointing to illustrations, and practicing beginning to read by opening the book and ending the story by closing the book. Thus, a shared and interactive read aloud can help to practice service and return.
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I would schedule a time to talk with the parent in private. I would begin by asking why she continues to pick up her child late without judgement. Then I would acknowledge their perspective, including possible traffic while coming or having to pick up an extra shift to provide for the family. Next, I would explain how being 20 minutes late to a child can be overwhelming and anxiety provoking, because all their classmates are gone, and they are the only kid left. Additionally, I would explain the child’s emotions or vocabulary during those twenty minutes, such as saying “my mom left me” or crying and feeling alone. Then I would mention how this affects our staff, in which they need to stay 20 minutes later while unpaid waiting for them to pick up their child. Finally, I would acknowledge how I understand that it can be difficult to arrive on time, but in order to respect my staff and support you child, I ask you do your best to come at the closing time. If possible, I will also mention after care programs that may be a suitable choice if their late pickup is to be continued.
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1. Which WACs address diversity and collaboration with families?
The following WACs address inclusion and equity within childcare: WAC 110-300-0030; WAC 110-300-0160; WAC 110-300-0300.
2. What big messages do the WACs give regarding diversity and collaboration?
A main takeaway includes that childcare centers must not discriminate based on identity, background, and more. Additionally, educators must include diverse and culturally appropriate activities into the curriculum. Finally, an individual care plan must be developed for each child to meet their background and cultural needs.
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Four Corners <div>
1. A multicultural education curriculum should be in place in every school. – SA
2. Families should not be expected to be involved in classroom activities. – D
3. All learning programs should accommodate all children with special needs. – SA
4. Some extended family members may confuse children, so they should not have a voice in raising or educating the child. – SD
5. My curriculum should be based on each individual child’s current interests. – SA
6. Diversity definitely includes race and culture, but doesn’t include age, ability or family make-up. – SD
7. Media in general delivers fair and accurate accounts of events around the country. – D
8. The United States should discontinue relations with countries that engage in human rights violations. – A
Point of View -> Religion, experiences, upbringing, age, relationships, culture, personal health, media, education.
Do we ever change our views? -> Yes, as we have more experiences, our point of view and opinions change as a result.
What kinds of things influence us to change our perspective? -> I believe our change in perspective is most largely influenced by new experiences, but also education and growth of knowledge.
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Name: Callie Houghton
1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity?
I learned of the different components that make up the Washington Administrative Codes. This includes the training required for employees within childcare facilities, when training is required by, the definitions of different childcare related vocabulary, legalities related to storing student records, licensing requirement for childcares, and more.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs?
I would not say I was surprised by any of them, but instead they broadened my understanding of the legalities related to being a childcare facility employee and those required for childcare facilities to run. For example, I knew that student records needed to be stored for a set amount of time but was unaware that this time frame is a minimum of three years.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in care for children? Why or why not?
After completing this activity, I can see how familiarity with the common WACs can be beneficial. While it is impossible to memorize every single one, it is important to be familiar with the in order to meet the legal standards and expectations for childcare centers as set by the state. Additionally, if a parent was to ask me why I do what I do and the legal rules our center has to follow, I would be able to share these codes with them.
