Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection
NAEYC Standard:
STANDARD 5. USING CONTENT KNOWLEDGE TO BUILD MEANINGFUL CURRICULUM
Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs use their knowledge of academic
disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive
development and learning for each and every young child. Candidates understand the
importance of developmental domains and academic (or content) disciplines in early
childhood curriculum. They know the essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of
content areas, including academic subjects, and can identify resources to deepen their
understanding. Candidates use their own knowledge and other resources to design,
implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curriculum that promotes comprehensive
developmental and learning outcomes for every young child. (NAEYC, 2010)
Brief Description of Evidence:
In the fall 2011 semester of ECED 235 preschool practicum we were required to do
a unit plan. A unit plan is a long or short collection of activities and experiences around a
common larger goal. I was to plan a unit and create activities to teach many subjects using
one theme. I chose to use an ocean theme.
Analysis of What I Learned:
When planning a unit plan you have to use all of the standards. As the teacher I had to build
a relationship with the children, plan a curriculum for the children, teach the children,
record child progress, keep it safe, and I had to keep the family informed of my plans, keep
a relationship with families and the community, keep the children active and physical, and I
had to play the role as a leader.
How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:
I believe this standard and assignment relate most to Maria Montessoris theory that
children learn by using their senses and that they learn best by pursuing their interests.
Children need to be given objects to manipulate so they can exercise their sensory learning.
By setting up a unit plan I was able to see how children gravitate to things that peak their
interest. After setting up the activities I was able to make changes to gain interest of the
children. This assignment also taught me how to use the foundations to the Indiana
academic standards for young children ages birth through 5 to ensure lessons wer
meaningful and challenging for every child.