Monday, August 24, 2015

Why I love being an Early Childhood Educator

I love working as a teacher of young children. I have worked in the field since 1986.

I enjoy creating warm and homey environments for young children in daycare. The reason for doing this is to create inviting spaces so children feel comfortable and at home and safe and  interested in learning - both with one or two other children, or alone.

As this picture shows - fall, and Halloween was in the air.  Hanging above the table are paper chains the children created with construction paper and glue. There are table cloths  made by me, to create a warmer atmosphere. I have always loved to take care in the way I provided materials, and set up a room for my children.






I have been a teacher of young children since 1986. Early Childhood Education has changed, and goes through its trends, but there are certain things that for me hasn't changed - children love songs, stories, games, and all kinds of art activities.




 In the past few years teachers of young children, have been providing more open ended activities, and lots of sensory activities - play dough, flubber, all kinds of sand, grains, pastas, etc. to manipulate. I love  offering sensory play for children.




 


  Providing natural objects for exploration and discovery can create an interesting invitation.

I find the small creations of children interesting. Children create meaning for themselves from simple materials, often in ways we wouldn't think show organization.













I enjoy reading about the Reggio Emilia way of early childhood education. Transparency is one part of this philosophy, as seen in art which allows light to shine through materials, as well as in the relationships between teacher and families - especially through documentation.





 








I love providing art for young children - from more traditional seasonal art, to open ended art . Art is best when it is about the process, not about a finished product. This was our instructors' mantra in the ECE course I took from 1986 to 1987 - "Process not product".


Children still do enjoy making seasonal art too, like" Hand print turkeys".

I provided these small easels and acrylic paint for the children to create Christmas gifts for their families.


And next the children used cookie cutters to create wrapping paper for their gifts.

I enjoy creating hand made activities using simple materials like boxes, and plastic containers.



A parent picked up this large box for the room, and it was much used as a quiet spot.

I enjoy science activities with young children, and creating the opportunity to experience wonder. My small group of 2 and 3 year olds and I forced tulip bulbs over one winter, and then planted them.




These are apple saplings. So often children wonder about planting their apple seeds or orange seeds. So one day we sprouted some apple seeds, and later planted them.

In the world of Early Childhood Education, teachers work to observe our children, become aware of their developing interests, and then facilitate play and learning opportunities based on what the children want to learn. We follow their lead.





It requires us to be open and flexible. And that is why I love working as a teacher of young children - it allows me to be open to new ideas and to see things from a child's perspective.
This is what I love most about teaching young children.






















9 comments:

The Boston Lady said...

Really nice Brenda! I can see you are a caring and creative teacher. I like the simplicity of the projects - hammering tees into the pumpkin. Gives the kids a chance to be creative but also works the hand eye coordination. Best wishes, Ann

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Thank you Ann!
I'm wanting to blog again, so time to write something.
It's something I love - so easy to write.
Thanks for your encouragement.
Brenda

Geraldine said...

You definitely have a passion for your work Brenda, that's wonderful. And yes, somethings never change like kids enjoying art, being creative, singing...it's how I remember being a kid in school too.

Hope all is well, have a great week,G :-)

Mr. Cheddar sends headbonks to the fellas!!!

Geraldine said...

PS: Wishing you and the fellas a wonderful Thanksgiving and week to come. I'm glad they gave the catitude list the paws up, Ched was happy too. He is sitting on my lap right now, "helping" me typing.

How is the weather there? Are you planning to blog again soon?

I'm craving some pumpkin pie today but don't think I'll bother making any, feel too lazy LOL.

Hugs and Headbonks, G and Mr. C

Geraldine said...

PSS: I forgot to mention, I loved the fridge box above, weren't those a hoot to plan in as kids? Im' glad to see that's not been lost along the way. Simple and cheap stuff can be more fun than the expensive gadgets and toys. ;-)

I also forgot to mention, I thought you might want to check out this book:
http://www.myreallifereviews.com/2015/10/a-body-at-bunco-myrtle-clover-cozy.html

as you can see from my review, I REALLY enjoyed it, plan to read more Myrtle soon.

BFN and again, Happy Thanksgiving, G

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Geraldine,
Thank you for your always encouraging comments. I'll check out thois book, and as well, I noticed that you have a couple of new books, so I'll need to check those out too.
I have exciting news, I am moving to Calgary next weekend, October 18. My son, Paul lives and teaches high school there, and so I'll be living within a 5 minute walk from him in SW Calgary.
He is coming here next week, and then we are driving to Calgary with the boys of course. I am in the process of making applications to work in child care in Calgary.
So, I will keep in touch, and as well might get back to more blogging too!
Happy Thanksgiving, again, Ger, and of course to Mr. Ched!

Geraldine said...

Oh, that is exciting news. I wish you all the best with the move and I hope Calgary turns out to be a good choice for you, in every way. :-)

LeeAnn at Mrs Black's said...

My early teachers made such impressions on me. I think the role of teachers on young minds is often overlooked. All that creative energy and curiosity just waiting for inspiration. You do a much needed job, love all of your images. x

Geraldine said...

PSS: How did your move go Brenda? Hope you are enjoying your new digs, how exciting to make a big move, sounds great.

I am posting reviews again on a regular basis at MRLR, if you get a chance to stop by, just posted one this morning.

Have a super weekend and hugs to you and the kitties (how do they like your new place?)