Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact Rationale/Reflection

NAEYC Standard: STANDARD FIVE: USING CONTENT KNOWLEDGE TO BUILD MEANIGFUL

CURRICULUM Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs use their knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for each and every young child. Candidates understand the importance of developmental domains and academic (or content) disciplines in early childhood curriculum. They know the essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of content areas, including academic subjects, and can identify resources to deepen their understanding. Candidates use their own knowledge and other resources to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curriculum that promotes comprehensive developmental and learning outcomes for every young child (NAEYC, 2011).

Brief Description of Evidence:

My evidence is my Brain Project that I completed in my ECED 243 Cognitive Curriculum class. Throughout this project I observed and assessed children and environments provided to them based on the ways they learn in the use of documentation. I developed activities in which to use in the classroom which correspond with foundations for early childhood education. I implemented these activities in the classroom setting and made accommodations for the developmental stages of the children they were presented to. I used creative curriculum ideas and concepts to formulate a unit plan which can be sent home with families to get them involved in their childs development.

Analysis of What I Learned:

After taking part in the project I gained knowledge of cognitive curriculum which includes the domains of learning: math, literacy, science, physical, social, emotional, and creative. I learned about the multiple intelligence theory of Garner and the different kind of smarts children obtain. I used the domains of learning and areas of intelligence when creating lessons in which I implemented with children. Through reflecting on theories and results I gathered information on how to improve learning strategies and provide an environment in which all children can benefit from. I seek resources and ideas based on the strengths of a childs intelligence using strategies that will accommodate for their level of learning. I use Indiana foundations and information I learn through NAEYC as my main resources to create curriculum for young children. This allows me to provide them with challenges as well as success in their development of skills and over all learning.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:

This artifact demonstrates my competency in using content knowledge on intelligence and domains of learning to build meaningful curriculum in which children and families can use through the environment provided, lesson and unit plans developed, and my implemented teacher made activities. I gained knowledge in how children learn and respond to the opportunities provided to them.