Differentiated Instruction Blog 4

            Throughout this module I was able to observe the enrichment teacher.  She plans activities for different groups of children in each classroom.  The parents get to choose which extra curricular activities they wish to have their child join.  Some of the options are cooking, math, and phonics.  The students get to leave their classroom to work in small groups in the activity they are signed up for.  I think the enrichment activities are great for the children for many reasons.  One major reason is the social interaction. The children are encouraged to participate and work with other students throughout the fun activity or lesson.  Another great benefit of the enrichment activities is it allows the children a break from the classroom and the children can fun as they gain new experiences and learn.  I asked the teacher how the groups of children are selected and decided upon.  She explained that one major factor of which children get to join her and with which other students is all depending on which activity they are signed up for.  When the students are in math or phonics, the enrichment teacher will assess them and learn their abilities and then plan accordingly.  I really enjoyed learning about this part of the program; not many programs offer these experiences to young children. 

            The enrichment teacher explained to me that the groups of children for math and phonics can be mixed with children three to five years old.  I explained the teacher that I was advocating for differentiated instruction and that I feel she sets a great example for my topic.  She expressed her thoughts in how all children are different and know different things, so it is important to her that each child is receiving the appropriate challenges and assistance.  She explained that she feels her job is important and beneficial to the children because she gets to have more one-on-one time and small group time with the children.  Most of the caregivers have many other children to care for and interact with, so they may lose some opportunity to observe, assess, and differentiate when needed.  I feel I learned a lot about my topic throughout this observation. 

            I asked the teacher how, and if, she communicates with the children’s parents and families.  She explained that she tries to communicate with the parents and families when she sees them, but since she does not get to see them on a regular basis, she communicates through writing notes and typing newsletters.  She explained that she communicates through posting important information around the school, and sending it home.  If there is a problem or concern she can schedule a time to meet with the parents.  She makes sure to share what the children are learning, and how each individual child learns.   

Blog 3 Sarah Peregrin

              For this blog I interviewed and talked with the director of the center.  I explained to her that I am an advocate for developmental appropriate activities and that I strongly believe that developmentally appropriate practices positively impact young children’s development.  The director agreed with my thoughts.  She explained that each room is developmentally appropriate for the children currently in it.  She explained that if there is a child that has a need that the classroom is not currently meeting, they will modify to meet the child’s need.  The director said, “It is great that you are aware of developmentally appropriate practices.  All child care professionals should be educated on this topic and how to implement developmental appropriate practices.”  I feel the same way; early childcare professionals should understand how providing children with developmentally appropriate practices and experiences benefits their learning and development.   

              I asked the director to explain some examples of developmentally appropriate practices within her center.  Her first example was the curriculum.  She explained that the curriculum is pre-written and designed to meet the developmental needs of children in different age groups and developmental stages.  She also explained that all of the teachers in the center have been trained and also have experience in modifying the curriculum and lessons to meet the individual needs of each child.  Another example she provided was the environment.  The equipment and the available materials differ in each room.  The equipment gets bigger as the children gets bigger, and as the children become more independent and develops the ability to use new materials they will have access to more of a variety of materials.  I explained to the director that the appropriateness of the environment was on of my main topics, because I know that it is important in the development of the young children, but also for the safety of the children. 

              Through this field work experience I hope to gain different points of view on my topic for my research paper.  I am passionate about making a difference in young children’s lives, and I promote positive and appropriate learning experiences.  I hope to encourage and motivate other educators to become an advocate for developmental appropriate practices.  I feel that all educators should work toward improving the quality of child care and practices.  I enjoyed talking with the director; it was interesting to hear her input since she does not actually work in the classroom everyday.  She was able to explain her role in providing developmentally appropriate practices for each child at the center.  She has to make sure she offers appropriate equipment, materials, curriculum, caregivers, food, policies, and so on.  The director has to observe and be sure the caregivers in the center are using developmentally appropriate practices through all parts of their care for the children.