Field Experience

“This is education, understood as a help to life; an education from birth, which feeds a peaceful revolution and unites all in a common aim, attracting them as to a single centre. Mothers, fathers, politicians: all must combine in their respect and help for this delicate work of formation, which the little child carries on in the depth of a profound psychological mystery, under the tutelage of an inner guide. This is the bright new hope for mankind.” - Maria Montessori (The Absorbent Mind, p. 15)

As I come into my heart, I reflect on what I look forward to in the field experience with the children that will be in my care. As an educator I commit to being present with what is before me.

The first thing that comes up is to honor the child's spirit. I look forward to instilling values that  will enrich the child's life. By creating a nurturing, loving and exciting environment for learning I look forward to helping children discover and keep a wonder for learning and to respect themselves and others.

The Child
As an educator, I will value and recognize the child's previous experiences, age, temperament, culture, and interests to better understand the way they learn and how they address things.
In thinking about the semester's field experience Unit 1  Chapter 1 Posner's Guide to Reflective Teaching discusses how every moment is a teachable moment. Whether or not your in a classroom or in an everyday situation with a child.

"Every student teaching experience is unique, because every learners is unique" - George Posner

I wish to observe, guide and encourage the children to understand their own learning style while respecting that of others. I look forward to guiding children toward self-love/self-compassion and to honor their learning through being loving and kind to themselves. I will utilize and teach Marshall Rosenberg's non-violent communication strategies so that children can honor and express their needs and feelings and also honor and listen to the needs and feelings of others co-creating and building understanding and empathy.

The Materials
In the classroom, I look forward to integrating The Montessori Method and apply what I have learned. I will be making my materials and I have asked the community for donations

In the school, I look forward to connecting with the staff, families and administrators.

The Families
In Chapter 3, it discusses about reflecting on a focus on a few experiences and its value.

"The essence of observation is the creation of insight  out of what may seem to be routine and commonplace. Hidden beneath the surface of this lesson and unresolved issues, that when made visible, reveal possible  beliefs, values and practice."

Reflecting on best practices as an educator it important to be mindful of experiences of all learners not only the children but the parents, grandparents and their caretakers. In establishing strong relationships this help to further develop the bond better the educator and the child.

"Bonding is very important in relating to teacher and child."- Jerry Richmond

Honoring the parent/s as the child's first teachers, I wish to be a resource  in which they too will feel heard and understand from their perspective, life experiences and culture. I will offer resources and work my best to be part of their support system.

"Compassion should be felt for the sorrow of others. Their difficulties should be felt as our own." — Amma

 I can all also further encourage possibly family involvement by incorporating a variety of books for the children that illustrate the theme of peace through understanding ones uniqueness and diversity.

The Educator
My effectiveness as an educator is also based on my student's learning. I will look how can I adapt? How can I learn more about this child? What am I observing? What are his or her likes? How is the child feeling today? Are there any change of plans in his or her routine? Many factor will be taken into consideration.

Through this I  will be a source of consistency and love  and  demonstrate care and concern  for each child.

I will also be looking if any internal triggers may come up for me so that I can observe my own thoughts and stay open, positive, centered and present for the child. Sometimes I may not know the answers, some times the children will give me the answers other time I will go research and together we will learn with each other. 

One of jobs is to help children to better understand and to  help themselves
while encouraging children to their best potential while giving them the space and independence to grow.

Also Personally I also look forward to incorporating  Mamma's Planet Earth book along with community partnerships and provide  resources to children and families in the community.

These are some of the things that I look forward but I also look forward to the mystery and beauty of life and the gifts these children will bring.