Journal Analysis
Teamwork. Intention. Enjoy!
After reflecting back on my journals, the three most prevalent lessons that I gained were: the importance of teamwork and communication, that teaching must be intentional, and that I truly enjoy working with preschool-aged children. My master teacher, student teachers, as well as fellow practicum students have done nothing but support my progress throughout this semester and the entire process has been nothing short of amazing. I feel
any student that experiences practicum with Cathy Gray cannot go wrong-she is collaborative and always open to any questions or suggestions that we as students may have. She is definitely an asset to Columbia College, the childcare profession, and children!
Adrienne stressed that our activities with the children must be based on our observations in the first weeks of class and I definitely see the benefit of that. If the children are not interested in the topic that YOU would like to cover, your activity will not be as successful as a topic that the children care about. The practicum process, while at times
stressful, makes the student slow down and use a thoughtful approach while teaching. I think this is the only way teachers and students alike can truly thrive together. It has been a pleasure seeing my thoughts about a topic start
as a brainstorm and come to fruition.
Lastly, practicum has shown me that I am following the right path for me. I knew how I felt about my own children, but it shocked me how much I felt the same feelings for other children. I am so proud and excited when I get to witness an “aha moment” and I just hope that the children I work with can feel that positive energy and want to continue learning. There have obviously been times that were difficult--these are little people with huge emotions--but the benefits outweigh the hardships by far. I cannot wait to take everything I have learned here at Columbia College from people I am proud to call mentors and continue on successfully.
After reflecting back on my journals, the three most prevalent lessons that I gained were: the importance of teamwork and communication, that teaching must be intentional, and that I truly enjoy working with preschool-aged children. My master teacher, student teachers, as well as fellow practicum students have done nothing but support my progress throughout this semester and the entire process has been nothing short of amazing. I feel
any student that experiences practicum with Cathy Gray cannot go wrong-she is collaborative and always open to any questions or suggestions that we as students may have. She is definitely an asset to Columbia College, the childcare profession, and children!
Adrienne stressed that our activities with the children must be based on our observations in the first weeks of class and I definitely see the benefit of that. If the children are not interested in the topic that YOU would like to cover, your activity will not be as successful as a topic that the children care about. The practicum process, while at times
stressful, makes the student slow down and use a thoughtful approach while teaching. I think this is the only way teachers and students alike can truly thrive together. It has been a pleasure seeing my thoughts about a topic start
as a brainstorm and come to fruition.
Lastly, practicum has shown me that I am following the right path for me. I knew how I felt about my own children, but it shocked me how much I felt the same feelings for other children. I am so proud and excited when I get to witness an “aha moment” and I just hope that the children I work with can feel that positive energy and want to continue learning. There have obviously been times that were difficult--these are little people with huge emotions--but the benefits outweigh the hardships by far. I cannot wait to take everything I have learned here at Columbia College from people I am proud to call mentors and continue on successfully.