March 20
Highlight: I spent the morning outside playing with whoever wanted to play with me. It was fun to along with their imaginations. I will miss these children.
Challenge: Going back this afternoon was difficult. Melanie gave me some feedback that I don’t entirely agree with. I can feel some tension in myself.
How am I feeling?/What am I thinking? Frustrated. I was under the impression that I was ding well, as I hadn’t heard anything from Melanie or the other educators. I didn’t know how she felt until I read it on WordPress this afternoon while on my break. I specifically hadn’t sat down with Melanie since last week when Deb came in. Knowing that there is often gossip happening, I worry there will be negative talk about me now that I’m done my practicum.
Question: If these were issues, why didn’t I hear about any of it until my last day of practicum?
March 19
Today is my second to last day of practicum here at Cariboo. I am so thankful for my time here. The staff has been wonderful with feedback and guidance. They really do have a beautiful community in this center.
Highlight: I was sitting in the quiet area in the Marigold’s room when the children were finishing lunch. A neurodivergent child came over while I sang Twinkle Twinkle, and when I was finished she exclaimed, “Yay!” We opened the book and sang the song again. Afterward, we explored a tow frog. If you squeeze the frog, air comes out the mouth, so she was blowing air on my face and arms, then on herself. It was a good moment of quality time.
Challenge: I set out an activity, where the children would pain with different teas. Each one smelling different, with a slightly different color. The idea of painting on paper towels outside wasn’t working because the wind kept blowing them away, and when I tried to weigh them down with rocks, the children threw the rocks away. I brought out a big piece of thick brown paper to use instead, and although the colors don’t show, the children seemed to like that material more.
What am I thinking?/How am I feeling? I have mixed feelings today. I feel like aspects went really well, and I may just be being too hard on myself about the moments that didn’t go as smoothly. I am hopeful to enjoy more exploring this afternoon with the children outside.
March 18 *
Highlight: It was absolutely beautiful outside today! The children were engaged and content in the yard this morning. I was able to sit and play with a couple different children. I balanced on beams with one, and played in the dirt with some others. We went for a walk around the outside of the building with all of the children. I feel it went really smoothly.
Challenge: I am not predicting any challenges. Getting my group outside this morning went really well. I didn’t feel rushed, which means I’ve grown as an educator. In my last position it was always stressful and rushed when getting the children outside. Here at Cariboo I’ve been able to change the way I am thinking and take things slower when doing transitions.
What am I thinking?/How am I feeling? I am feeling very good about today. It’s nice to leave and still feel so refreshed at the end of a day. I’m feeling very thankful and grateful for the opportunity to complete my practicum here at Cariboo.
Questions: How am I going to say goodbye to these children? It’s always tough leaving a group of children. Especially when they’ve started to trust you and develop relationships with you.
Leave a Reply