Initial Post 2

        I am doing my field work at a center-based program that serves children 6 weeks through 6 years.  I really enjoy my time at this program.  The directors and all the teachers are friendly and welcoming, and each room I walk into, the children appear to be engaged with at least one caregiver.  For this course I am observing preschool children and their teacher, Ms. Paulette.  Ms. Paulette has been teaching and caring for children for about twenty years.  I asked Ms. Paulette if she enjoys her job, and she expressed how passionate she is for making a difference in all the children's lives.  I also feel that the special part of my job is being able to be a positive influence in a young child's life, or even in a parents or other family members life.  Ms. Paulette was conducting circle time as I arrived and the children were gathered on a large rug.  The classroom was full of the children's work displayed on the wall, and there were labels and other print at eye-level for the children to see and identify.  There were ten children and as they finger painted paper plates to make pumpkins, I was able to speak with the teacher.

       Throughout the last two weeks I have interacted with the director, my host teacher Ms. Paulette, her assistant teacher, the enrichment teacher, and many of the children.  I was able to ask the director about the program and how she felt about getting to know the families and children and building relationships with them.  She shared her thoughts by explaining how communicating and welcoming the families and children is one of the most important parts of her day. She explained how she wants each family to feel comfortable leaving their child in that setting and feeling welcome each time they enter.  I learned more about the program when I spoke with the enrichment teacher.  She is in charge of the classes the children and their families have selected.  The day I was observing the children were being taken to cooking class.  I think it is a great idea to offer children the opportunity to get out of the classroom and gain new experiences.

       During my observation I was able to see developmentally practices in play.  The teacher modified the activities for individual children by providing alternative materials, or offering more assistance to complete a task.  I observed a teacher that was patient and offered positive feedback as she spoke with the children.  I learned from observing Ms. Paulette's positive reinforcement strategies.  I feel my observations will help guide me through my research paper on developmentally appropriate practices, because I can see it in action.  I like how the teacher corrected children and allowed children the chance to make a choice by asking what they think.  For example, as the children were transitioning from circle time to table activities some of the children became loud and restless; Ms. Paulette calmly asked the children, "If you can't sit on the rug and listen, how can you sit at the table and listen?"  The children immediately sat back in their spot and said, "We can!"  The teacher told them to show her how they can sit nice, and they did just that.  My final thought or insight based on my observations and talking with the teacher is that children need to have developmentally appropriate practices in order to develop appropriately and safely; so it is our job to give them this opportunity!