Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection
NAEYC Standard:
STANDARD 4: USI NG DEVELOPMENTALLY EFFECTI VE APPROACHES
Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs understand that teaching and learning
with young children is a complex enterprise, and its details vary depending on childrens ages,
characteristics, and the settings within which teaching and learning occur. They understand and
use positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young
children and families. Candidates know, understand, and use a wide array of developmentally
appropriate approaches, instructional strategies, and tools to connect with children and families
and positively influence each childs development and learning (NAEYC 2010).
Brief Description of Evidence:
During the fall semester, as part of my ECED 103- Early Childhood Curriculum course, I
created a prop box about chefs and baking. The prop box contained all kinds of real household
cooking utensils, pots and pans, baking ingredients and supplies, milk, and other materials. I
provided opportunities for writing, making menus, and cookbooks for reading. I also created a
lesson plan to accompany the prop box.
Analysis of What I Learned:
Through completion of this project, I learned children learn best when they are able to
use real items in the classroom. I learned real items allow children to have the experience to use
everyday materials that they see at home. I learned that real items help expand their learning and
development through play. I learned that lesson plans are not as hard as I thought; it just takes
time to put all the information together.
How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:
As an early childhood professional, a caregiver needs to be aware of what toys, books,
and learning materials are appropriate for the age of the group they are teaching. Caregivers
should use everyday real supplies in the classroom to help expand and create new activities for
childrens learning. Caregivers should have positive connections, feedback, and communications
between them and their families. Since each family has different views on raising their children;
caregivers should be supportive and encouraging when working with the children and each
family. Caregivers must use different techniques to help each child met his/her individual need.
Caregivers must be aware and understand the most suitable strategy for the childs development.