I interviewed two teachers of early childhood
education. They were both concerned as teachers about the lack of resources
they have. They feel that with more materials and manipulatives they can provide
a greater variety of activities and support to their students. They have been proactive about this and share
materials with other classes, ask for parent donations, bring things from home,
and recycle items. The kindergarten teacher has concerns that many children she
has taught are coming from either low income households or divorced households
and it affects the children greatly physically, socially, and in their education. This teacher works very close with the school and tries to help each family as much as she can.
I think that these issues are of concern from the
teacher, parent and child perspective. I think that choosing to be an educator I
have chosen to be an advocate for all children because I want the best for all
of them, every child deserves a chance and voice. It is not realistic to think
I can fix all issues; I want to be a supporter and advocate in every way
possible.
I am thinking about doing my paper on the
integration of play and the arts in the classroom and curriculum. Related topics
would be, the social awareness impact on the child, different ideas of implementation
of play and the arts, and different styles of learning or development of each child, needs different
approaches such as from play and the arts.
Is it too broad of a topic? Did I make myself clear as to what my concern is or my advocacy issue is?Any suggestions, thoughts, and/or ideas about this topic would be appreciated
I have been working with children for over ten years in many different settings. One thing that I have noticed is that materials are always hard to come by and you end up spending your own money to buy them. Your host teacher is on the right track by using resources within the school and community. I think that you have to be creative about materials and plan lessons around what you come across. We have made guitar out of old newspaper, paper towel roll, tissue box and rubber bands.
ReplyDeleteI think that art in the classroom is very important because it gives children a positive way to express themselves. Also is helps them physically, mentally, and emotionally. Your topics are important because I think that those are the main focal points that parents and others need to be aware of. Good luck on your paper!!
I do not think the integration of play and arts in the classroom is too broad. It may be too narrow - do some research to make sure you have enough information.
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