Upk 1 Reflection

Over this past spring semester, I have obtained a total of 75 hours of field experience in the CCC Childcare UPK 1 classroom. My overall impression of the experience is that it truly exposed me to what it’s like caring for and teaching young children, and all the responsibility that accompanies it. I truly enjoyed my time in the UPK 1 classroom and after being there six hours a week, sometimes more, I feel a genuine connection to these children and the classroom. This entire experience taught me a lot, not only about early childhood education, but about myself and what I’m capable of. Working with four and five year olds opened my eyes to a way thinking that I had lost. These children were so imaginative and creative whether it be in their dramatic play storyline they created out of thin air, or the games they create outside with dirt, grass, and twigs. Watching these …show more content…
In comparison to my self evaluation, there were no “needs improvement” on my host teachers evaluation whereas in mine I thought there were a few areas that I could improve in. However, it seems my strong areas defined by my host teacher and myself are in my personal and professional qualities. My communication, interactions with children and staff, and personal qualities like appropriate dress and poise were all areas that my host teacher and I both checked as very good or outstanding. On the other hand, I wasn’t surprised when my host teacher marked my weak spots similar to my own evaluation. I struggle with directing a large group and I had trouble running some of my lessons because I was uncertain on how to handle disruptions or things not going according to plan. I’ve accepted this weak area though, because my host teacher explained to me that these skills “will come through experience and practice.” I agree with her on that, and hope refine my weak area in years to