Vermont Core Teaching Standards

Standard 4.

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

4.2 The teacher creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

Evidence 1:

Your Space/Their Space: Creating Inspirational Child Care Environments, Workshop, 2 hours, 2014, Professional Development Certificate

Description:

Workshop discussing the ways educators support education, inspire children, provide safety, and minimize conflicts in their early childhood classrooms. Ages for children birth to 8 years.

Analysis/Reflection:

This workshop, presented by Melissa Riegal-Garrett, discussed the many ways educators can create enriched learning experiences for children in our programs. In order to secure a solid foundation for learning, children need to have enriched learning experiences, not only to explore different avenues of disciplines, but to reflect the personalities and preferences of the children in the program as well. I am always aware of what the children's interests are, and feed off those interests to build my curriculum. This ensures the activities I present/offer to the children are developmentally appropriate for the ages I care for.

One example would be when the children became interested in building in the block area. One child asked how to build a pyramid. Together we looked up the different types of pyramids around the world. The next day I acquired a few books on pyramids and structures in different cultures to spark interest for their building exploration. Tracking those interests and experiences on paper for later use helped make their interest become concrete and meaningful.

4.2

4.2

Evidence 2:

Picture of the Science are with a focus of Birds and Bird Feeding, Picture

Description:

One of the science area themes during the winter focuses on winter birds and what they need to do/eat to survive during the long winters in Vermont. It is set up with many different types of birdseed, books about winter birds, and other such materials to explore and learn from.

Analysis/Reflection:

Life science is a very prominent focus in my program. One of my main focuses is the nature-based learning through a hands-on discipline. Learning experiences for young children need to be readily accessible and placed into the learning environment for hands-on mastery of the specific content studying. I had set up the science are for easy access and independent study of this topic. Placing the bird seed in the baggies and tubes allowed the younger children to explore the materials safely, and having all the materials accessible throughout the day for the children to explore and revisit allowed them to learn on their own terms.

4.2

Evidence 3:

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics: A Toddlers Dream Curriculum, 1.5 hours, 2015, Professional Development Certificate

Description:

This workshop explored the multitude of ways educators can create environments for toddlers to tap into their natural curiosity about the world of STEAM. Ideas for provocations, which includes ramps, inclines, tubes, pulleys, and containers, were discussed.

Analysis/Reflection:

Understanding a child's sense of wonder and natural curiosity in their environment helps guide my curriculum as an educator. In understanding developmentally appropriate practice for young learners, I can provide an environment rich in sensory-based exploration. Every day I present an activity on the large round table for a provocation when children arrive in the morning. This not only provides a distraction for an easy drop off transition, but also allows the children to explore something new and exciting for the free choice exploration time in the morning. I may provide blocks and animals, pegs and pegboards, puzzles, trains, or paper with many different types of art media. Enriching the child's day with activities and materials through STEAM, children are able to master multiple areas of content.

Making a trap for saber tooth tigers. Math activity with pegboards and pegs, counting.

4.2