Self reflection is a tool that everyone has. The voice in your head that asks:
“Why did you do that?”
“What could you do differently next time?”
It’s your worst critic, but you have to cut yourself some slack. Not everything you reflect on needs to be negative. Remember to celebrate small wins too!
You’re amazing with children, even if some days feel harder than others.
February 6, 2024 at 1:55 pm
I created a connection with a child I was warned may take weeks to attach to me.
Her and I played on the slide, read books and built with blocks.
My mentor stated, “that’s the fastest I’ve seen her take to anyone.”
The speed in which the child warmed up to me is because of all of the work the other educators have done with her leading up to me joining the space.
February 11, 2024 at 2:26 pm
Reminder to self: Take a small notebook to practicum to document quick thoughts about the children instead of speaking about them in the moment.
This allows the focus to remain on the children until there is a quiet moment in the day (nap time) when it can be discussed with Melanie.
February 26, 2024 at 12:29 pm
The week of February 19-23 went by really fast. I spent my reading break continuing my practicum because I will be missing a few days this week. I am glad that I did, because these children are still getting to know me, and I feel that if I would have taken a week off, I would have been starting over with some children.
I had some very good and positive conversations with Melanie, and I’m happy yo report I’m feeling a lot more confident going in to the week of February 26.
March 14, 2024 at 1:30 pm
While outside in the yard, I noticed two boys sitting in a plastic water table. They aren’t supposed to sit on/innit because it’s flimsy and not for sitting.
Instead of saying no, or using the words above..I asked the children “should we be sitting on the water table?”
They said yes and I said, “maybe not.”
They said yes again, and so I said, “hmm, I wonder where else we could climb?”
They got excited, and pointed, so I said “you show me, and I’ll come climb with you.”
So in the end I was able to direct them away from the activity they weren’t supposed to be doing, in a way that didn’t affect their sense of self or confidence.
They were happy to go and climb elsewhere with me.