Weekly Reflection Form

Please upload the link to this document weekly to the Dropbox by Friday 11:59pm

Date Success Challenges Action Plan (Goals) Critical Moments of Learning Faculty Feedback
Please write about at least two things that you felt went well at Please write about at least two challenges/concerns you may Please create an action plan for each of the challenges that you Pls share at least one thing that you learned this week, making a connection Here is where your faculty will provide
placement this week. have encountered at placement this week. identified to help set you up for success. Action plans should reflect to something that you were taught in the program. you with feedback on your reflections and
what you learned about S.M.A.R.T. goals in FLPL 246. your goals.

Exam -The children! I loved being with the -I was very nervous to meet the parents. I -I will greet 2 parents a day at the door and Well, I get it now. There are different types of
ple: children. I was surprised with how quickly was so nervous that when parents began to introduce myself as an ECE student from Engagement. In EDUC 130, we learned about these and
Week they seemed to warm to me; it was quite easy pick up their children, I made sure that I Fleming. I will tell each of them one thing that this week I saw them in action! One little boy, HP spent
1 to build rapport with most of them. I can’t was situated far away from the door so no I did with their child that day or noticed their so much time trying to construct a ramp for his car. He
wait to keep working at it! one would ask me questions. child do that day. used a block at first and then a wrapping paper roll and
-My get to know me experience was a huge -There is one child who won’t respond to -In my scheduled meeting this week, I will talk then he was able to figure out how to put them together
success. The children were so interested to me. She won’t answer my questions or to my Host Educator about the interests of the to make this incredible system of ramps. He had to
look at the photo album of the cakes that I even look at me. child who is acting so shy around me. My plan really think divergently and problem solve to do that and
have decorated and they enjoyed making and is to associate myself with something that she he really was motivated to complete it. No one
decorating their own playdough cakes. I have is very interested in so that she is more likely instructed him or told him what to do but he had all
a few different ideas to extend their interest to gravitate towards me. I will ensure to not kinds of theories and he really spent the time working on
to continue their learning and can’t wait to push her. it. Cognitive Engagement! Wow.
try them out next week.

Week One of my accomplishments this week was At my placement, there is a strong To strengthen my observation writing skills, This week, I realized how critical it is to establish
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interacting confidently with parents. I emphasis on observations and I will set aside 15 minutes per day to solid, reliable connections with children in their early

introduced myself as a student of ECE and programming, which requires a lot of practice writing short observations. My goal phases of development. I discovered that it was

mentioned some great things about their written work. On my first day, I was is to be clear and detailed in each easier to connect with them when I made more

children. The parents were responsive and required to write an observation. While I observation. I will also look over examples efforts to understand their interests and needs. This

pleased to hear about their child's day, felt proud of completing it successfully, I from my Host Educator or course materials relates to what we learned during the program about

which boosted my confidence. This event was also a bit nervous about whether I to better grasp the writing requirements. By the importance of creating a secure and responsive

made me realize how important was doing it correctly. Also, writing the end of the week, I hope to have written environment. When children feel protected and

communication is in developing strong extensive and correct observations is at least one entire observation appreciated, they are more prepared to interact and

connections with family. new to me and I want to be sure that I independently and will seek comments to express themselves. One girl even told me what she

achieve the requirements while also enhance further. enjoys doing at home, which allowed me to connect

Another achievement was organizing and improving my skills in this area. with her on a deeper level. This experience taught

engaging children in dramatic play Further, in order to build stronger me the importance of taking the time to learn each

exercises. I came up with the idea of Developing relationships with each child connections with the children, especially child's individual personality and interests, which we

conducting interviews in which the was another difficulty I faced. I was able those I find harder to connect with, I will covered in our studies on establishing connections in
 youngsters pretended to apply for jobs to establish an immediate connection spend 5-10 minutes each day observing early childhood education.

and I asked them entertaining and creative with some of them, which was really their interests and joining their activities. I

questions. Meanwhile, their responses motivating. However, It took longer to will also consult with my educator for ideas

were incredible. One child firmly stated build a relationship with some and I am on how to connect with certain youngsters

that he wanted one million dollars per still attempting to get connected to a few who may require additional time. My

hour to work for my company. It was very children. Although I am aware that each objective is to have at least one positive

great to see children totally engaged in child is unique and that developing interaction with each of these youngsters by

their roles and offering their independent rapport and trust may take some time, I the end of the week that allows me to build

thoughts. Overall, this practice also still want to make sure that I provide a better relationships and trust.

allowed me to discover more about their welcoming and encouraging

creativity and interests. environment for each and every one of

them.

Week This week, I experienced two significant This week, I faced two challenges during To address the problems, I faced this week, This week, I learnt how to study children objectively,
2
successes during my placement that my placement that helped me learn and I developed an action plan based on the which is directly related to what we learned in EDUC

helped me strengthen my connections reflect on how to improve my practices S.M.A.R.T. goal technique. This strategy will 134, Week 9, about observing to understand. During

with the children and support their as an Early Childhood Educator. To allow me to enhance my talents and better my placement, I highlighted focusing on what was

development. To begin, on Friday, we begin, I created a paper crafting prepare for future events. For the first happening in the moment without allowing my

walked to the park for a snowboarding activity in which the children would challenge, when the paper craft activity personal prejudices or assumptions to influence my

session. It was not only a joyful and create flowers. Initially, I assumed this proved too challenging for some children, views. For example, I ignored concerns how parents

thrilling experience, but it also allowed me would be a simple and enjoyable task for my goal is to develop simpler and more age- would respond and instead focused on the children's

to form strong bonds with the youngsters. them. However, I quickly discovered appropriate activities. I will make sure that actions and relationships.

By actively participating in the activity, I that the initial phase of the activity was the first stages are simple for all youngsters I also used the concept of specificity, paying attention

was able to connect with nearly all the too difficult for several of the youngsters to do independently. To achieve this, I will to specifics such as the number of children

children as we played and laughed to complete independently. As a result, do research and select activities with participated, the materials used and the duration of
together. This shared experience served to not all the youngsters participated in the detailed and step-by-step directions. Before the activity. In addition, I tried to use simplicity by

foster trust and comfort, both of which are activity. Furthermore, I found it tough to introducing the activity to the entire group, taking notes on direct quotes from the children to

necessary for developing strong lead everyone because I had to explain I will test it with a small group to ensure better grasp their thoughts and feelings. Observing

relationships with children. Furthermore, each process multiple times. With so that it works properly. My goal is to have at the mood of the scenario was another important

it allowed me to better understand their many youngsters involved, they kept least 80% of the youngsters actively learning aspect. I concentrated on observing tones of

interests and personalities that make it asking, "What now? What now?" which participate in the activity. Therefore, I will speech, body language and facial expressions without

easier to assist them in the future. made it difficult to control the group and implement this plan within the next two interpreting or judging them. Finally, I assured that

In addition to this, another success took keep their attention. This experience weeks to ensure better participation and my observation was comprehensive by describing

place during the afternoon snack time. I showed me the importance of creating smoother group management. the activity in an order of beginning, middle and end.

took the initiative to organize and guide activities that are appropriate for the This experience taught me how objective and precise

the snack routine, and I was delighted that children's developmental level and observations can provide significant information

everything went almost perfectly. The offering clear and basic directions. about children's learning and growth.

mood was peaceful and joyful because the Another challenge was extending my

children paid close attention to what I was activities for three days. While I was

saying. Additionally, this period offered a able to accomplish this, it was

fantastic chance for deep discussions. We challenging for me to keep the children

talked about the food they were eating, interested and involved throughout.

and I used the opportunity to teach them Finding strategies to keep their interest

polite phrases like "please" and "thank over multiple days needed a great deal

you." It's interesting to note that snack of effort and imagination. This

time is a time when children are more experience taught me the value of

attentive and attentive, which makes it a flexibility when designing and changing

great opportunity to teach and foster activities to match the interests and

relationships. We talked about the food requirements of the youngsters.

they were eating, and I took the

opportunity to teach them proper

 manners like saying "please" and "thank

you." Interestingly, I discovered that snack

time is when children are most attentive

and receptive which make it a great time

for teaching and bonding.

Week
3

Week This week, two things went exceptionally 1. Managing Time Effectively To address my time management difficulty, I This week, one critical moment of learning for me was
4
well during my placement in early childhood One of the most difficult issues I plan to use an organized method that includes realizing the importance of effective communication

education. experienced was managing my time creating S.M.A.R.T. goals. By the end of my when interacting with parents. While asking for media

effectively during my assignments. I felt next three placement shifts, I hope to enhance consent forms, I had to be clear, professional, and

The first success came when I requested rushed at times due to my various my time management skills by generating a patient in my conversations. This experience directly

parents for a media consent form. This responsibilities, which included engaging prioritized task list at the start of each shift. connected to what I learned in my program about

required me to communicate politely and with children, helping educators, and This will allow me to do all required duties building strong partnerships with families. In my

professionally with each parent. I had to completing paperwork. There were times efficiently and without feeling rushed. To do coursework, we discussed how open and respectful

properly explain the form's purpose and why when I had to swiftly transition from one this, I will spend five minutes before each shift communication helps create trust between educators and

it was vital. I was successful in collecting the work to another, making it difficult to reviewing the day plan and listing my parents. I applied this knowledge by using a polite and

necessary consent by remaining respectful remain fully involved in each activity. This important responsibilities, prioritizing them informative approach, ensuring parents felt comfortable

and patient. This experience increased my experience taught me the value of time according to urgency and importance. asking questions. This experience reinforced how

confidence in speaking with parents and management and prioritizing activities in For my second challenge, dealing with essential communication skills are in early childhood

demonstrated the value of clear and an early childhood setting. unexpected events with children, I plan to education, especially when working collaboratively with

professional communication in an early 2. Managing Unexpected Situations with improve my ability to handle children's families.

childhood setting. Children emotions through positive guidance tactics

 The second achievement was my Another issue I had was coping with such as redirection, active listening, and

performance at the PPM evaluation forum. I unexpected occurrences involving presenting options. I will observe experienced

obtained good grades, which made me happy children. For example, there were times educators, apply at least one new method per

of my efforts and comprehension of the when youngsters disagreed during activity shift, and evaluate its success. Seeking input

policies. My PPM also provided input on or grew upset over minor concerns. While from my supervisor will allow me to improve

areas where I may improve, but overall, she I attempted to utilize positive guidance my approach and gain confidence in serving

commended my work highly. This input was tactics, it was often difficult to settle them children's emotional needs.

useful because it allowed me to see my own down immediately. I understood that

strengths while also identifying places for dealing with children's emotions required a

improvement. Learning about policies and great deal of patience and quick thought.

procedures is essential for being an early This experience taught me that each child

childhood educator because it allows me to is unique, and as an early childhood

follow requirements and provide a secure, educator, I must constantly improve my

supportive environment for children. capacity to serve their emotional needs in a

calm and effective manner.

Week This week, two things went well during my This week, I encountered a few difficulties To address the issues I faced, I developed an This week, I learnt how vital it is to pay attention to
5
placement. First, I encouraged spontaneous throughout my placement. First, I action plan. To prevent the ice from melting children's interests and use them to generate learning

play by including natural elements such as organized an outside exercise in which the during the first challenge, I will put it in a cool opportunities. For example, when the children were

sand. The children were eager to investigate children placed animals and other items spot, such as a shady area or an insulated box, interested in building crowns, I gave them a variety of

and play with it, using their hands to from the environment into a bin of water until I am ready to reveal it to the youngsters. I materials to experiment with and encouraged their

construct, shape and interact with the sand in and left it overnight to observe what will check on it at least twice throughout the creativity. This relates to what we taught during the

a variety of ways. This not only boosted their happened. The next day, the water had day to ensure it remains frozen. To ensure that program about following children's interests and

creativity but also helped them to develop frozen, but I had to figure out how to keep the ice remains unbroken, I will store it for allowing them to express themselves. This allowed me

their sensory abilities. The experience the ice safe and show the children later in around six hours before serving it to the to assist students in developing skills such as creativity,

allowed them to feel different textures and the day. I needed to keep it in a cool and children. This allows me to show them the
 investigate how sand behaves, which sparked safe place to prevent it from melting too frozen objects without worrying about them hands-on learning, and collaboration.

their interest and provided an opportunity to soon and ensure it remained intact until I melting too quickly.

learn through exploration. could present it to the children.

For the second challenge, in which youngsters

Second, the crown-making exercise was a The second hurdle occurred when I become cold while interacting with the ice, I

great success. The children thoroughly liked showed the children the ice the next day. will ensure that they wear gloves or mittens to

creating their own crowns with items such as As it melted, the children were excited to keep their hands warm. I will keep a tight eye

paper bowls, markers, scissors, and colourful touch it, but they did so while wearing on them to ensure they're not too

paper shapes. It was incredible to see how gloves. While they were thrilled to uncomfortable. Meanwhile, I will encourage

they used their creativity to adorn and investigate, the ice quickly chilled their them to take pauses. I will also check in every

personalize their crowns. Some even added hands, causing significant discomfort. I 10-15 minutes to ensure that they are still

personal touches, such as writing notes or had to strike a balance between allowing warm. This manner, I can keep the youngsters

exchanging crowns with others. This practice them to experience the melting ice and secure and allow them to enjoy the activity

helped the children improve their fine motor keeping them comfortable throughout the without becoming too cold.

abilities, particularly with tasks such as activity.

cutting and glueing. They also practiced

sharing and working together with their

peers. They were clearly involved and proud

of their projects, which encouraged a sense

of accomplishment and creativity.

Week
6

Week One of my successes was talking to the One challenge was balancing To increase communication with parents, I This week, I learnt how important it is to plan inclusive
7 children and gathering their responses about conversations with parents while handling will schedule times to speak with them rather and culturally appropriate activities for children. While
their cultural backgrounds. On the first day, I other responsibilities. As I needed to ask than trying to handle everything at once. I plan preparing and implementing the flag-making activity, I
asked them which country they were from, parents about their child’s cultural to speak with at least three parents per day observed how involved and thrilled the children were to
and many of them eagerly shared. Some background for the flag-making activity, I during quieter times, such as after drop-off or represent their cultural backgrounds. This experience
children said they were from Bangladesh, had to find the right time to talk to them. before pickup. To keep the conversations short confirmed what I had studied in my curriculum about
 Jamaica, Canada, India, and Afghanistan. For However, mornings and afternoons are and to the point, I will prepare my questions the value of diversity and inclusion in early childhood
those who weren’t sure, I followed up by often busy, children were arriving or ahead of time. This will allow me to obtain the education. In class, we spoke about how children feel
asking their parents the next day. This getting ready to leave. Thus, managing necessary information while ensuring that my like they belong when their identities are recognized and
experience helped me build connections with these conversations while ensuring other responsibilities are not hindered. I'll try valued in the classroom. I was able to use what I had
the children and learn more about their everything else ran smoothly was difficult. this strategy next week to see whether it learned by questioning children and parents about their
diverse backgrounds. It also made them feel Sometimes, I had to pause what I was improves communication. histories and putting that information into an activity.
valued, as they got a chance to share doing or quickly shift my focus, which This experience taught me that humble but significant
something personal about themselves. made it a bit stressful. To address the winter clothing issues, I plan to activities may make children feel seen, appreciated, and
develop a simple system for children to dress connected to their classmates.
On the third day, I implemented the flag- Another major challenge was the snow. more efficiently and keep track of their
making activity, and it was a great success! Even though the snowstorm had occurred belongings. Before heading outside, I will
The children were excited and fully engaged last week, there was still a thick covering remind the children to verify that they have all
with the materials. They carefully made flags of snow on the playground. It wasn't easy of their winter clothing, including gloves, hats,
that represented their cultural backgrounds, getting the kids ready to go outside. They and boots. If possible, I will label goods with
showing creativity and enthusiasm. It was had to wear many layers, including snow their names and create a specific area for
wonderful to see them recognize and take pants, coats, boots, gloves, and hats. Some misplaced clothes. I'll also advise the children
pride in their countries. The activity not only kids forgot things, so I had to help them go to double-check their stuff before leaving. I
supported cultural learning but also back and find what they needed. Some expect that by employing this technique over
encouraged fine motor skills and teamwork people even lost their belongings, making the next two weeks, I will be able to smooth
as they worked together. the process much more time-consuming. It out the process and reduce the number of
took a lot of care and effort to ensure that objects lost.
all the children were clothed appropriately
and ready to play outside.

Week This week at placement, two things went This week at placement, I had two My action plan for the first challenge is to be This week, I learned the value of providing a safe and
10
exceptionally well. The first was a trip to the challenges. The first challenge appeared more organized and prepared which is to healthy environment for children, particularly during

Aquarium. It was a lovely experience for during our trip to the aquarium. We used ensure the safety of the children during the outings such as our visit to the aquarium. In EDUC 135,
both the children and me. At placement, the GO train, so it was difficult to manage trip. Before the trip, I will make a checklist we learnt how a child's environment influences their

visits like this are excellent for encouraging and keep the children secure. It was that contains safety guidelines, group entire growth and well-being. I was able to make the

learning via exploration. The youngsters difficult to keep them together and safe on assignments, and a strategy for overseeing the children's trip more enjoyable by ensuring their safety

were pleased to view the various sea the train, but it showed me the importance children. This will ensure that I am and comfort. I learned that making the atmosphere safe,

creatures, which helped them learn more of planning ahead of time and exercising continuously focused on their safety. My whether on a trip or in the classroom, makes children

about the natural world. It was a fun and caution while taking children on public objective is to have this plan ready before each feel more secure and allows them to concentrate on

informative event that let children to interact transit. I had to keep attentive and trip and to check in with children on a regular learning and exploring. This relationship showed me the

with what they were seeing, ask questions, continuously verify that everyone was basis to ensure everyone's safety and well- importance of always considering children's health and

and learn through hands-on activities. where they should be, which was a being. This will allow me to keep organized safety in any circumstance.

significant duty. This event also helped me and feel more competent in guiding the group.

The second successful activity I performed develop my leadership and communication

with the children was making jewelry out of abilities. My strategy for the second challenge, which is

clay. Meanwhile, the children thoroughly to offer open-ended questions during the

loved sculpting the clay into various patterns. The second challenge was when we movie without distracting the youngsters, is to

It was a creative exercise that allowed them watched a movie with children. While it be more careful of timing. I'll watch the movie

to express themselves and improve their fine was enjoyable, asking open-ended and look for instances when the children are

motor abilities. Working with clay is an questions during the movie was difficult more calm or less concentrated on the screen.

excellent approach to foster creative and because I didn't want to distract them from At these times, I will ask one or two questions

problem-solving skills while also allowing their viewing. It was difficult to locate a to engage children without disrupting their

youngsters to create something they are good moment to address questions without experience. My goal is to improve my ability

proud of. It was encouraging to see how disrupting their concentration on the film. to ask questions naturally and in a way that

much they enjoyed it and were proud of their This showed me the importance of timing maximizes their learning while avoiding

efforts. when trying to interest children in distractions.

activities. I had to think of unique methods

to ask questions without disrupting the

flow of the film, which was a valuable

 learning experience.

Week 11 The first was my Tug of War activity. The The first challenge was that my PPM was To handle situations where my PPM is not This week, I learned the importance of helping

children were very excited to play, and in another room due to an emergency. This present, I will work on building more children to manage their emotions, especially

they had so much fun working together. I meant I had to be on my own and make confidence in making decisions independently. when they feel upset. During the Tug of War

explained the rules in a simple way, and decisions without her. Even though she had My goal is to ask more questions in advance game, some children felt sad after losing, and I

everyone understood how to play. already explained everything about my and take notes on key expectations. I will also had to encourage them and teach them that it’s

Moreover, it was great to see them using duties and expectations, it was still a reflect on my experiences each day to improve okay to lose sometimes. This connects to what I

their strength and teamwork. The best part challenging to handle things alone. I did my decision-making skills. have learned in my Children’s Social

was their happy smiles and laughter. my best, and everything went well, but it Competency course. In this course, we discuss

was a new experience for me. how children develop social and emotional

For the Tug of War challenge, I will focus on skills, including handling disappointment and

The second special moment was when a teaching children about good sportsmanship. building resilience. By supporting the children

parent shared something with me. They The second challenge was during the Tug My goal is to introduce a short talk before with positive words and encouragement, I was

told me that their child talks about me a lot of War game. Sometimes, children got games about how winning and losing are both helping them develop these important life skills.

at home and really loves me. This made upset after losing. It was not easy to cheer part of playing. I will also use positive words

me feel so happy and appreciated. It means them up and help them understand that it’s and examples to help them handle losing in a

that I am building a strong bond with the okay to lose. I tried my best to motivate fun and encouraging way.

children, and they feel comfortable with them and remind them that playing and

me. Moments like these remind me why I having fun is more important than winning.

love working with children. It was a learning experience for me to

handle their emotions in a positive way.

We recognize that there has been some inconsistency amongst the faculty team around professional terminology used. We apologize for this. Kindly note that the following terms can be used interchangeably: Invitations, Provocations, Experiences, Activities, Plans.