Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection

NAEYC Standard:
STANDARD 4. USING DEVELOPMENTALLY EFFECTIVE 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 (2010).
Brief Description of Evidence:
As part of my ECED 235: Preschool Practicum course during the fall semester of 2014, I created
a classroom expedition for a class of three to four year olds to explore the autumn season and put
together a class project. I began by reading a book to them about leaves changing color, then we
went for a walk along the schools hiking trail. We gathered sticks and different shapes and
colors of leaves, and took them back inside to recreate a fall tree. I handed out a stick to each
child and set a small pile of leaves in the center of the tables. Then I laid out bread ties and small
pieces of pipe cleaner for the children to tie the leaves onto the sticks. After each child made one
branch, I collected them all and placed them in a clear plastic vase to create a new autumn tree.
This project falls under the expeditionary learning curriculum approach as the children went on a
brand new excursion to learn more about the environment.
Analysis of What I Learned:
I learned the importance of children being fully engaged and interested in the work that they are
doing. By taking them outside to explore, they were able to stay engaged in the idea of the
project, while freeing some of their energy as well. Any time there is an opportunity to take the
children out into the environment to explore for themselves, it is the best possible means of
promoting fully engaged learning, and it helps to relieve vigor in young children as well. Having
a classroom voyage is a developmentally appropriate approach to promoting hands-on learning,
as well as physical interaction.
How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:
My competence in this standard is demonstrated by my ability to create and implement a project
based on curriculum as well as childrens interests. I am able to take developmentally
appropriate approaches to teaching young children about the environment surrounding them, and
integrate a classroom project to reflect their expedition and learning experiences. I am proficient

in my ability to transform an ordinary lesson plan into a hands-on classroom excursion, and to
create an experience for the children that is meaningful and thought-provoking.