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.
(NAEYC, 2010)

Brief Description of Evidence:

During the spring semester of 2014 my EDUC 210 Planning Elementary Education course required us to
create and implement a lesson plan for second graders. I worked with a partner and together we designed an
art lesson plan that had students involved in learning fun facts about spring, playing a game, listening to a
story, drawling a picture that represented spring, and experimenting with different colors and textures. The
finished product was a foil art collage that resembled a stained glass window. Families were invited to attend
an art exhibit set up at their childs school.

Analysis of What I Learned:

Throughout this process, I learned how to write a lesson plan that included more detail, a variety of
resources, how to incorporate new ideas, as well as turn cheap household items into a fabulous piece of
artwork. After implementing the lesson I observed techniques that worked and some that did not, this
allowed me to make changes for the next lesson on supporting art.

This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:

This artifact demonstrates that I am competent in my ability as a teacher to plan and implement a lesson
plan. My competence in this standard is proven by my ability to provide educational games, books, and hands
on activities that are developmentally appropriate that encourages each child to expand on their creativity,
thoughts, ideas and personal interests. I would relate this project to Froebels approach to education that
emphasized Children need to b e active learners and engage in self activity.