Running Head: BOOK REFLECTION #1 1

Book Reflection #1

Abeer Abdulahad

Pacific Oaks College

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I enjoyed reading the book, Learning Together With Young Children. I liked reading

the 8 problems that early childhood education faces with their wrong curriculum for children.

Each problem has its unique philosophy that teachers should follow for a better education and

future for the children. One of the problems was about the importance of play in childs life. As

educators, we need to contribute and respect the time when children play as a source of learning.

In the quote, Teachers dont always recognize the learning possibilities unfolding or

know how to facilitate play for deeper learning, I agree with the author that teachers lack

confidence to support childrens interest. In other words, teachers need to recognize the

differences in cultures and how children learn through play. Professional teachers need to have a

strong relationship with the children and their families to better support the child in the

classroom, by proving them with the curriculum that best fits their needs and supports their

interests. Teachers need to pay attention and recognize that a classrooms culture often

influences the children in it and their ability to learn.

In chapter 2, I enjoyed reading and learning about how teachers need to fit the childrens

needs into the class schedules. Teachers need to stop hurrying children because they want to

follow the curriculum on time. Instead, teachers need to pause and wonder and look at the time

closely to pay attention to what is most important to the children. Teachers develop the culture in

the classroom, set the tone, reflect, and express who they are to learn with the children.

Teachers need to pay attention to the quality of time they spend with the children and

their families. It is important to focus on the relationships, not rules, by giving the children the

ownership of the routines and schedules. Also giving the children the opportunities to express

their ideas and help them to see themselves as learners. Setting up routines and rules by

encouraging the children to work together to contribute to each others knowledge is very
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important rather than doing it individually. Also trusting the children and putting them in charge

and valuing their ideas gives them ownership and to express their feelings and encourages them

to communicate to and with each other.

I liked teacher Lynns story and how she involved the children in designing the new

playground by giving them the opportunity to express their ideas and thoughts in the place they

are going to play. Teachers have to trust the children and their efforts while planning for their

learning curriculum. At the end, it will either be good or bad experiences and either good or bad

memories will be made, but we have to give a chance and reflect on how we do thing during the

day with the children and what to expect from that child in the future.

This book reminded me what I used to do years ago when I started my career, sticking to

the curriculum and not being flexible and rushing the children to finish things. Now I learned to

take my time and learn about the children, their families, and their interests. Teachers can make a

difference and play is an important role in a childs life when we trust, give a chance, and

support childrens interests and give them the time to enjoy their learning experience.