Prompt 2: Evaluating the Environment and Role of the Teacher

Arriving at West Goshen Baptist, I was extremely nervous and anxious. Although I have had a lot of experience with children, I had never worked in a Pre-K setting. Upon my arrival, I was welcomed with open arms by the director Arlene Flye. She was extremely friendly and caring and took myself and the other girls into one of the meeting rooms. In this room she explained how grateful they were to have us there and how important we are to them. Once we got the paperwork out of the way, she took us on a tour around the school and gave us a packet about the information. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed with how welcoming they were within seconds of our arrival. When I first met my teachers Mrs.Wujcik and Miss Tricia, I noticed how positive they were. They both seemed very pleased to have me in the classroom with them.

 I immediately asked what I could do to help out and they told me I could help set up before the kids arrived. Once the kids arrived they seemed very interested as to who the “stranger” was standing in their classroom. Miss Tricia introduced each child to me as they walked in the door and some of them were very shy while others couldn’t stop talking. Throughout the rest of the day I involved myself in everything that went on. I helped the students make their crafts and I played/read with them during other times. One thing I really enjoyed about the classroom was the openness of space. As soon as you walk in there is a big open area where the kids have space to play, read, and meet up for “circle time”. Beyond all of the open area are two tables (one for the boys and girls). I really liked how the teachers used the open space to their advantage. The children also had child size furnishing and toys around the room. According to the Bullard text classrooms are arranged like this thanks to the theorist Montessori. Montessori states that the child needs to find the environment motivating, so they are interested pursuing the activities. Altogether, the classroom is child friendly and the students seem to excel in their environment.

Some of the primary goals/mission of this program include (listed on their website):

• ·         Provide a positive first school experience that focuses on the social, physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth of the students
• ·         Ministering to the children, parents and families in the West Chester area
• ·         Strengthen families and cultivate friendships through Jesus Christ

All of these goals align with the idea of Developmentally Appropriate Practice. DAP has 3 core considerations which include; knowing about child development and learning, knowing what is individually appropriate, and knowing what is culturally important. DAP also states that children learn best when they have positive relationships with teachers/adults and their classmates. All of these factors are implemented in Goshen Baptist Preschool.

I think the video The First Five Years is a great example of how early childhood education can impact a child’s life. If it weren’t for some of these early childhood programs a lot of children wouldn’t be given the great opportunities they receive in school. This video was extremely touching and opened my eyes to the effect that these programs have on young children.

The schedule of my classroom looks something like this:

• ·         9-9:15 Activity sheet, attendance Velcro board, free play time as students arrive
• ·         9:15-9:35 Circle time
• ·         9:35-10:20 Centers(once a month chapel from 9:30-9:55)
• ·         10:20-10:40 Bathroom/snack
• ·         10:40-11 Recess
• ·         Tuesday music class 10:55-11:20
• ·         11-11:20 Bible story
• ·         11:20-11:30 Prepare for departure

The children begin the day with unguided free play. They use this time to run around and play with all of the materials provided in the classroom. Throughout the day the students will have time to go off on their own and “read” a book. Recess is extremely beneficial for them because they take that time to run around and get all of their energy out without many consequences. The children seem to work very well with this classroom schedule. They are very aware of what comes next and sometimes they line up at the door without being asked. I have noticed that the schedule is not exactly set in stone. Some things might take longer than expected which shortens another activity.

            The Bullard text mentions some tips to take when planning an effective schedule. Some of these tips that my teachers portrays include; respect children’s needs, include scheduled times, provide balance of child initiated and adult initiated activities, plan transition times, include extended center times for engaging in in-depth learning, include large group time, and meet the needs of the families. All of these factors are crucial to developing a healthy schedule.

            I have noticed during my time spent at Goshen Baptist, that the teachers are very close. The teachers meet up in the morning every day for a prayer which starts their day off on a positive note. They go to each other for guidance, ideas, and positive interaction. When it comes to the students, my teacher is VERY patient. She makes sure to allow children to share their opinions, but also knows how to control them when it is time to learn. Although it is extremely difficult to control a room of 15 Pre-K students, she does a wonderful job. The children in the classroom have a mutual respect for their teachers. They respect the rules that they are asked to follow and rarely show any kind of disrespect. Bullard includes a list of ways to support children’s learning through interaction which is observing, scaffolding learning, supporting peer interactions, acknowledging them as learners, assisting them to follow rules, keeping them safe, and documenting their learning.

           

http://www.goshenbaptist.org/Preschool