NAEYC Standard: STANDARD 4.

USING DEVELOPMENTALLY EFFECTIVE APPROACHES Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs understand that teaching and learning with young children is a complex enterprise, and its details vary depending on childrens ages, characteristics, and the settings within which teaching and learning occur. They understand and use positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children and families. Candidates know, understand, and use a wide array of developmentally appropriate approaches, instructional strategies, and tools to connect with children and families and positively influence each childs development and learning. (NAEYC, 2011) Brief Description of Evidence: During my Generalist Practicum in the summer of 2011, I implemented a dinosaur unit plan with preschool aged children. I used developmentally appropriate activities to nourish development and enhance the learning experience. The activities were implemented over one week and I used multiple centers to provide learning opportunities. Dinosaurs were incorporated into circle time, arts/crafts, math, music and movement, pretend play and language and literature. I was able to enhance the centers in positive way and provide a variety of learning experiences. Analysis of What I Learned: Through the completion of the unit plan, I was able to provide a positive experience for the children and their peers. I allowed the children to work as a group and individually to learn about dinosaurs and promote all aspects of development such as; large motor, fine motor, language, literacy, math/science/discovery and music. I worked alongside the children allowing them to be the creative drive behind the activities. I provided the children with multiple environments and experiences that enhanced their learning as well as mine. I now understand the developmental limits of multiple age groups and how the interest and ability level changes from age 1 to 5. How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard: This project had multiple aspects I developed through my knowledge of Piagets Stages of Cognitive Development. According to Piaget intelligence in toddlers and preschoolers is demonstrated through the use of symbols, language increases, and memory and imagination being developed. Through this theory of cognitive development I was able to develop activities that encouraged language development, imagination and pictures as well as words to represent objects. I am now able to provide resources and activities to families in order to participate in the unit plan at home. I received feedback on the new information their children learned and expressed about the unit plan. Through this family interaction and communication I am able to interact with families in a positive productive way, provide families with effective resources and receive feedback from parents and caregivers enhancing my ability to provide stimulating and enriching activities. I am more knowledgeable in research, proper teaching practices, stages of development and proper implementation of activities that are developmentally appropriate for all toddlers and preschool aged children. I feel confident my teaching practices and activities can increase and enhance positive environments and development for children and their families.