Reflection #2 Designing Coherent Instruction and Meaningful Learning Experiences

Reflection #2

Designing Coherent Instruction

 And

Meaningful Learning Experiences

By

Darcie Pike-Wilkie

          As I consider the many factors that contribute to meaningful learning experiences for the children in my class, I am reminded of a quote I heard from a friend and colleague of mine. The rules for teaching went something like this...”know your stuff, know whom you are stuffing, and stuff them elegantly”.

          In order to “know my stuff”, I went to university to attain my Bachelor of Arts and then my received my Early Childhood Certification. I have been teaching kindergarten for eighteen years and participate in workshops, in-service and professional development to keep abreast of new developments in teaching and learning. It is imperative that I know and understand what it is I am responsible for teaching the students in my care. It is also important that I am able to relay this knowledge in a way that is developmentally appropriate and engaging. The curriculum outcomes are achieved through a play-based, emergent, integrated curriculum. Through inquiry, the children are motivated to participate in “hands-on, minds-on”, purposeful activities.  I am there as a guide, to scaffold their learning. When I transferred to Alberton Elementary this year, I felt a self-imposed pressure to know what materials and resources were in my classroom, to know what resources I had access to in the school, and to make connections with other staff- all in order to be better prepared to meet the needs of my students.

          To “know whom I am stuffing” not only implies understanding the developmental characteristics of four and five year old children in general, it also implies knowing the children in my class as individuals. In order to get to know the children, I invest time to find out each child’s interests, learning style, strengths, and challenges. In genuine effort to get to know the children, I need to be aware of special needs, medical issues, family concerns, and cultural diversity. I have high expectations for all my students, just as I have high expectations for myself. I want to see each child reach their full potential. Through careful observation and assessment I am able to know my students as individuals. In my class, I use authentic assessment tools such as portfolios, anecdotal notes, observational records, photographs and videos, and rubrics. The children really enjoy helping choose the pieces they would like to include in their portfolio (and parents love seeing it too...) Using such tools helps me to know where each child is and where we can go next.

          The last rule for teaching is “to stuff them elegantly”. I think that the way we teach is just as important as what we teach. When children think back to their kindergarten year with me, I hope they recall a feeling of complete acceptance and appreciation for who they are. I hope to provide a caring, nurturing environment where a love of learning flourishes.