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 fall semester of 2013 during my ECED 243- Cognitive Curriculum
course, I created fifteen teacher made activities. These activities were created with little
to no cost, and are developmentally appropriate for the toddler age group. I developed
these activities based on the theme of colors. These activities focus on all subject areas.

Analysis of What I Learned:

Through the completion of these fifteen teacher made activities, I was able to
create hand made activities to incorporate into my classroom. Through developing this
box, I now am able to use a wide array and variety of developmentally appropriate
practices and use materials in the classroom that encourage the children to be hands on
through learning. Through this artifact, I have learned how to utilize the concept of
creating activities that are able to be brought into the classroom, and created on a
budget.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC

Standard:
This project shows that I am able to teach young children and families through
hands on approaches. I am able to focus on each childs development and learning by
providing them with an experience that supports their interactions and positively
influences learning. I have used my knowledge and experience to create an atmosphere
that is fun, engaging, interactive and developmentally appropriate for the children that I
serve.