Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection
NAEYC Standard:
STANDARD
4 . U S I N G D E V E L O P M E N T A L L Y E F F E C T I V E A P P R OA C HE S
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 of 2013 during my ECED 243 Cognitive Curriculum course, I created an
engaging Brain Project that consisted of an elementary and preschool observation, child assessments, teacher
made kits, an activity implementation reflection, and a unit plan framework. The activity kits were made by
using fifteen cognitive skills. After completing the kits, I was able to implement two of them at my practicum
site. Implementing the kits allowed me to reflect on their effectiveness. The child assessments, activity kits,
and observations required me to be actively hands on and creative with my work.
Analysis of What I Learned:
Through the completion of the engaging Brain Project, I learned how to create specific lessons and
activities that were DAP for all ages. There are many steps and guidelines I created for myself to make sure
each child would retain knowledge and understand all activities brought forth. Not only did I learn how to
create lessons and activities, but also how to implement them. During young stages in life, most students are
unique with their own preference of learning, which is supported by Howard Gardeners Multiple
Intelligences. It was helpful knowing what the children in my practicum class enjoyed before beginning to
create the kits. Before making my approaches, I made positive relationships with the students to better
understand their level of development. Not only did I provide enough material for the children, but I supplied
extra material so they can enjoy these activities were their families at home.
How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:
My artifact demonstrates my competence in the teaching and learning standard by getting experience
with lesson plans, learning concepts, creating activities, and learning about classroom structure. Each activity
covered one skill, such as math, and was linked to a state standard. The standards were based upon the grade
level of the students. The child assessments allowed me to actively assess if the students understood the
knowledge I brought forth. Also, assessments in the classroom help teachers observe children to understand
their level of intelligence, and communicating with families about their childs work.