Amelia Saunders

Summative Reflection

Over my years in the department, I have been provided with opportunities to explore the

lives and development of young children. I have been challenged to think creatively and

critically about the manners in which we engage children and their families. I have researched

and evaluated theorists, assessment methods, and pedagogies. As a result, I believe I am prepared

to move forward with my aspirations of becoming an effective elementary school teacher, as I

begin a Multiple Subjects Credential Program. With the professional skills gained and my

passion for supporting young children, the future appears bright and full of learning.

The Early Childhood Studies program is designed in a way that introduces students to the

varying elements of early childhood education from diverse lenses. In each of the courses, we

discussed and practiced effective assessment methods of young children. These skills are not

only invaluable to the educational development of children, but highlight the important areas of

potential change within the classroom. From the program, I gained a love for observing children

and evaluating programs through assessment tools such as anecdotal and running records. These

observation tools allow for educators to document the happenings within the childrens natural

environment of the classroom. They encourage objective recording and can enhance an

educators overall understanding of the varying levels of development within the classroom.

With this skill and treasure chest of tools, I am prepared to evaluate the manners in which

curriculum needs to be supported for individuals students.

Similarly, the program has enabled me to thoughtfully plan to meet the needs of students.

This planning includes creating a positive learning environment for children to explore and

engage in numerous activities. These opportunities allow all children to be curious and question
the world around them. In an effort to do this, I have gained a great understanding of the ways to

enhance the physical learning environment. For example, it is appropriate for all elements within

the classroom to be developmentally appropriate. This includes appropriately sized furniture as

well as the materials in which children engage. Furthermore, the program has enhanced my

planning skills by giving me strong understandings of the methods of displaying materials in

effective manners. For example, it is beneficial for areas of the classroom to address different

subject matters and competencies. Therefore, I will continue to plan spaces that allow children to

engage in music and manipulative play in distinct areas. With this skill, I will be able to provide

comforting environments that enhance childrens opportunities and desires to explore the world

around them.

Finally, the program has supported my success in mastering a necessary skill not often

advertently identified within the courses. With numerous elements to keep track of, organization

is an invaluable skill for educators. Furthermore, it is imperative for educators to effectively

address varying areas at one time. From the courses, we were challenged with group projects,

reading assignments, lesson plans, and observations, often at the same time. This enhanced my

organizational skills to complete such projects, as I become an educator. The life of late nights

writing reports, furthering my knowledge of theories, and observing students will be far from

over as I work to become a teacher. Luckily, the program prepped me to tackle every element or

project within the classroom. While this skill may seem mundane in relation to the various other

skills gained throughout the program, I truly believe this skill will have the strongest impact on

my effectiveness as a teacher. Throughout these years, I have become a well-oiled, organized

machine and I am ready to tackle the future projects that I am going to face.
 As I look to the future, I am hopeful of my abilities in reaching my goal of becoming an

educator for young children. In an effort to move toward this goal, I will be attending Sonoma

State Universitys Multiple Subjects credential program, beginning this coming fall. I will

hopefully develop a clearer understanding of practical practices in elementary classrooms. I hope

to use the skills of creating engaging activities for young children as I work in the classrooms. I

believe my creativity and knowledge of child development will assist me in effectively meeting

the developmental needs and interests of the students I teach. I intend to graduate from the

program and register for my credential, allowing me to teach transitional kindergarten through,

realistically, fifth or sixth grade. At this point in time, I am leaning more toward teaching

younger elementary-aged students but am open to the experiences with all ages within the

program. After graduating, I hope to begin teaching children within an elementary school,

embedding the skills gained from the program as I create the physical learning environment and

curriculum. Eventually, I plan on returning to higher education in order to obtain a Masters

Degree in Education. Thus far, I have been able to make great strides toward obtaining these

goals but am cognizant that these goals may diverge from my original plans. Even still, I am

eager to begin moving toward my educational goals and support the lives of young children.

While I have identified various professional strengths, I hope to strengthen more

challenging areas as I work toward becoming a teacher. One area I hope to enhance is my ability

to effectively communicate with families of children within the program. While I feel I can

effectively communicate with others, I have had limited opportunities to communicate about

children with families. I intend to support my ability to share the developmental elements of

children with their families by engaging in more of these opportunities as I begin student

teaching. I hopefully will gain greater techniques and practical application opportunities from my
future mentor teacher. I believe it has been greatly beneficial to discuss the different methods of

communicating with families, but I am eager to apply the knowledge in real classrooms. Despite

this challenge, I believe through my future plans, I will be greeted with numerous opportunities

to refine my communication skills. In the end, these communication skills will only enhance my

ability to successfully support children in the classroom.

Overall, the program has provided me with engaging experiences to explore the lives and

abilities of young children. I truly intend to take the skills gained and apply them in the

educational field as I work toward becoming a credentialed, elementary school teacher. I am

incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded by my teachers, peers, and

observational sites. I eagerly look toward the possibilities of my future, knowing that learning

will always be at the center of my goals.