Week 1:

One of my concerns going into Placement 1 was that the children might not adjust to me quickly
enough. However I was pleasantly surprised to find that they grew to like me quickly. By the
second day most were coming to me for help, hugs, and questions.

Out of the 4 foundations, I decided to work on engagement first. Once the children became
comfortable with me by participating in activities and play, the other 3 foundations would follow. I
saw this happen when the children started coming to me for hugs or to sit in my lap, by the
second day. These things in turn play a role in their belonging and well being.

Week 2:

I decided to write my week 2 journal about a specific incident I saw happen on the playground.
One of our children is on the spectrum and typically doesn’t engage with or has trouble
engaging with the other children. Today he approached another child and hugged him. A girl
said “look he’s hugging you!” And joined the hug. Soon they were a group of four playing a
game where they would have a group hug then fall on the floor laughing. They followed this with
a game of tag. It made me very happy to see that such young children were able to be so
understanding of and loving to a child who they know has different needs, and who doesn’t
always engage with them. From the happiness on his face I could see that they played a key
role in his belonging and well being in that moment.

Week 3:

For this weeks journal I will write about how I try to contribute to the belonging and expression of
one of the children. The three preschool classes play outside together. I noticed one little girl
from another class who was very quiet and shy and seemed a little lost. First I observed her for
a while to see if she was just one of the kids who prefer to play alone, as I myself was like that
as a child. When I still felt like she could use a little support, I went to talk to her, play with her,
and read to her. Other children joined us but I made sure to give her attention/eye contact when
I felt like she had something to add to the conversation. It made me very happy to see her open
up to us and look more lively, and less nervous.