An
inspirational quote on advocacy that I chose is "Children are great imitators. So give them something great
to imitate”- Anonymous. I chose this quote because my advocacy plan is on the
integration of play and the arts into the curriculum. As teachers we are their
role models and the ones to give the opportunities to explore and investigate
learning as they play.
I am most excited about my advocacy
plan for the children and teachers. By providing a wide variety of play, music,
gross motor movement, and art, we develop well-rounded children that are
interested in what they are learning. The children get exposed to different
learning materials and activities that benefit each child individually and they
will participate with their peers and learn to communicate effectively. I love
to be with children and watch how they interact and learn with and from each
other. From my own experience, when the children are provided with materials
that are age appropriate and constantly throughout the day, the students tend
to be more interested in their learning.
In my thirteen years in the early
childhood field, I had never really considered myself to be an advocate for any
one cause. As I started this process in Internship 1, I have recognized the
importance of advocating for the benefit of those that need your help and
support. I feel very confident, happy and proud to be able to work for some
changes in the curriculum of the students of my center in an effort for them to
have a more enjoyable, relatable, personal, and interesting education. I feel
that in this way they will also mature their communication and social
development.
I am not a very good public speaker
and I feel anxious when I have to speak with the various targeted audiences. I
feel that once I start speaking I can keep moving from there, it’s the worry of
what their reaction might be; will they agree? Disagree? Not understand? Will
they think that it’s not worth it? I really want to be prepared with as much
research and information and responses to all their questions so that I can
really persuade them.
I think that being fully prepared,
have the information, lesson plans, activities, web site resources, articles,
observations, and professional feedback will be most effective in helping me
overcome my challenges and anxiety. Also, I think that once I help the teachers
to implement the curriculum into their daily schedules, they will feel more
comfortable as will I, seeing it all fall into place. I feel strongly and
passionate about this action plan therefore I think that will also help me
overcome any anxiety because I am confident that it is for the benefit of the
children so that they feel comfortable in their learning environment, one that
is meant for them to explore and learn.
As a team of teachers we can
encourage each other by providing suggestions, ideas, and constructive
criticism. We come from various different backgrounds and experience which can
be helpful to those that may be new at this or just need a new pair of eyes and
ears to put a different perspective to our plan for us. I always appreciate
feedback and believe it to be necessary for an effective Advocacy Action Plan
to happen.