Related Academic Work
Significant Assignments
This assignment was from my first year in college. I was encouraged to write an anecdotal observation of the clip and discuss the educator’s strategies to support the child’s self-regulation. This assignment allowed me to build a foundation to run an objective observation and documentation, which now serves as a foundation for planning activities that effectively support children’s interest and learning experience.
For this group assignment, my group members and I identified the child’s strengths and needs from the case study that was provided. Then we identified the top priority long-term goal and objectives to effectively support the child’s needs and the planned curriculum, including recommended strategies. We demonstrated our understanding of how to support inclusion within an early learning and care program by creating a resource for parents and educators afterwards. This assignment allowed me to clearly identify an individual's abilities and create and modify the curriculum based on the objectives and goals.
I wrote a paper connecting my personal experience to political perspectives and discussing how current social policies are affecting children and families everyday lives. This assignment allowed me to gain a thorough insight into myself and possible social factors that can affect ECE settings and related individuals.
Annotated Bibliography
Halseth, R., & Greenwood, M. (2019). Indigenous early childhood development in Canada: Current state of knowledge and future directions. Prince George, BC, Canada: National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health.
This document discusses the importance of investing in the quality of ECDC programs for Indigenous children to address health imbalances that are rooted in the socioeconomic context. This document has provided a deeper understanding of Indigenous ECE programs and suggests ways to heal the damage done by assimilation policies as an educator. I have tried to include materials such as books that talk about Indigenous families into the curriculum to provide opportunities for children to learn about indigenous history and culture.
Janmohamed, Z., & Campbell, R. (2009). Building Bridges: Queer Families in Early Childhood Education. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/atkinson/UserFiles/File/Resources_Topics/Resources_Topics_Diversity/BuildingBridges.pdf
This document is a resource tool for early childhood professionals and students interested in including queer families in early childhood settings. This document discusses the history of frameworks in terms of queer rights in Canada and suggests practical frameworks and considerations for educators and students. This document enlightened my perspective as an educator because it shows the importance of inclusive and safe learning spaces for children, families, and staff in childcare settings. I reflected on my own practices and curriculum materials on a daily basis to ensure bias-free and safe learning environments for them.
Ministry of Education. (2014). How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years. Retrieved from,
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/howlearninghappens.pdf
This document provides resource guidance and a framework for childcare professionals. It highlights the importance of four foundations of learning: well-being, belonging, expression, and engagement, which are the core elements of positive learning environments. This is one of the main resource documents that I utilize in order to create and implement a curriculum by creating play-based and curiosity-based activities.
Björklund, C., & Ahlskog-Björkman, E. (2017). Mathematics learning integrated with art in thematic work: Teachers’ approaches in early childhood education. International Journal of Early Years Education, 25(2), 98–111. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09669760.2017.1287061
This article emphasizes the significance of thematic work in early childhood education and its potential to deepen children’s knowledge and understanding. The study contends that the integration of mathematics and art offers diverse learning opportunities for children. This research aligns with my interest in exploring creative approaches beyond conventional paradigms. The integration of creativity and math, or other concepts, can stimulate a holistic approach to education, encouraging children to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning.
Bolden, B. (n.d.). Talent [Editorial]. the prelude. https://courses.torontomu.ca/content/enforced/802730-cld315_f23_03/Talent_Bolden.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=Dq8Bz7Pgmp5zNWr5u9VvdAe6a&ou=802730
This article discusses the concept of talent in the context of music education. The author challenges the conventional understanding of talent as an innate, fixed quality and emphasizes the role of hard work, practice, and deliberate effort in developing. As an educator, it is important to praise children’s effort rather than their perceived innate abilities, fostering a growth mindset that encourages resilience and willingness to embrace challenges. This approach aligns seamlessly with my commitment to creating an atmosphere where every child feels empowered to explore their potential, knowing that their dedication and hard work are keys to unlocking their potential. In embracing this mindset, children will acquire essential life skills such as discipline, determination, and a passion for lifelong learning.
Pushor, D. (2007). Parent engagement: Creating a shared world. Invited research paper at the Ontario Education Research Symposium, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK.
The article explores the concepts of "parent involvement" and "parent engagement" in education, emphasizing the transformative potential of the latter in fostering collaborative relationships between parents and educators. The research presented highlights the positive impact of genuine parent engagement on student achievement and various educational outcomes, advocating for a shift from traditional structures to more inclusive educational environments. Embracing the concept of "parent engagement" resonates with my belief in the power of collaborative learning environments. This approach aligns with my philosophy of creating inclusive and participatory spaces where both educators and parents contribute their funds of knowledge to ensure children’s educational journey and overall well-being.