Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact Rationale/Reflection NAEYC Standard: STANDARD 2.

BUILDING FAMILY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS

Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs understand that successful early childhood education depends upon partnerships with childrens families and communities. They know about, understand, and value the importance and complex characteristics of childrens families and communities. They use this understanding to create respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families, and to involve all families in their childrens development and learning (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2011).

Brief Description of Evidence:

During the fall 2012 semester as part of my ECED 233 course, I created a family literacy calendar. This calendar was created to be sent home with children in a classroom setting. The calendar included activities that could be completed at home and in the community with little to no cost. These literacy activities include letter and word recognition, phonemic awareness, basic reading skills, and storytelling.

Analysis of What I Learned:

Through completion of the family literacy calendar I was able to provide children and families with literacy based activities that were simple and effective. During the 233 course I learned just how important it is to involve families and communities in a childs learning and developmental process. Through this artifact I have learned how to create respectful, reciprocal relationships that support family and community involvement in and outside of the classroom environment.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:

This calendar is one of the many assignments I completed in order to foster literacy development outside of the classroom as well a means to build stronger family and community ties. This opportunity has allowed me to become more confident in building family and community partnerships. Through completing the calendar, I feel more aware of the endless possibilities when it comes to extended learning and family communication.