Resources Used in Practice
How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years
During my ECE program, I consistently referred to the four foundations of "How Does Learning Happen?": Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression. These principles guided my approach, helping me create environments where children feel connected, promote their well-being, foster exploration, and enable meaningful self-expression. I included this in my portfolio to showcase my commitment to these foundations and how they influence my support for children's development, highlighting the intentional practices I bring as an educator.
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The Four Foundations (OMEd, 2014a, p. 8)
The “Number Hunt” activity I created for preschoolers was a fun and interactive way to support their counting and problem-solving skills. By searching for hidden numbered sheets outdoors, children engaged in hands-on exploration and applied their number knowledge. This activity catered to their interests in organizing materials and exploring patterns while building on their problem-solving and early numeracy strengths. Through collaboration and individual exploration, children boosted their confidence and independence in a supportive environment. The activity reflects the four foundations of “How Does Learning Happen?” by fostering Belonging through collaboration, promoting Well-Being with outdoor physical activity, encouraging Engagement through curiosity, and enhancing Expression during follow-up discussions. By thoughtfully designing this activity, I have created an inclusive and meaningful learning experience that aligns with the foundational principles of early childhood education.
Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education (2nd Edition)
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Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education (2nd Edition)
Throughout my ECE program, I frequently referenced Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education (2nd Edition), which significantly influenced my educational philosophy and practice. The book emphasized play-based learning and child-centred approaches, providing practical strategies for fostering creativity, exploration, and critical thinking that I applied during my placements and coursework. Additionally, it deepened my understanding of educational philosophies, particularly the Waldorf approach, which focuses on creativity and holistic child development. This inspired me to incorporate nature-based activities and open-ended play into my practice, supporting children’s curiosity and individuality. I included this reflection in my portfolio to highlight my commitment to evidence-based practices and diverse methods for nurturing children through meaningful play-based learning experiences.
In my current placement at a daycare that follows the Waldorf philosophy, I have incorporated colourful chalk to encourage the children's imaginative and creative expression. This approach aligns with the Waldorf educational model, which emphasizes nurturing the whole child through artistic and hands-on experiences. Drawing from Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education (2nd Edition), I recognized that open-ended materials like colourful chalk could facilitate creative play, allowing children to explore their imaginations and express their emotions and ideas. Inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy (Dietze & Kashin, 2019, p. 223, para. 1), I created opportunities for children to freely make imaginative drawings, fostering their individuality and connection to their environment. This activity reflects the Waldorf philosophy and supports the book's emphasis on creative play as a vital tool for holistic development. It reinforces my understanding of how artistic exploration can promote emotional, social, and cognitive growth in early childhood.
Lifespan Development (7th Edition)
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Lifespan Development (7th Edition)
Throughout my Early Childhood Education program, especially during the child development course, I often referenced the book Lifespan Development (7th Edition) as an essential resource. This book offered a comprehensive understanding of developmental milestones, theories, and processes, which helped me analyze and interpret children's behaviours and needs at various stages of their development. Its detailed explanations of cognitive, emotional, physical, and social growth enhanced my ability to create age-appropriate learning experiences and support each child's unique developmental journey. I have included it in my portfolio to demonstrate my dedication to understanding child development through a research-based lens. By showcasing how this book informed my practice, I emphasize my commitment to providing developmentally appropriate care and education grounded in a deep understanding of children's growth and learning.
Lifespan Development (7th Edition) significantly enhanced my understanding of child development and guided my practice throughout the Early Childhood Education program. While completing assignments, such as the one based on the Babies documentary, I frequently referenced the book to explore the interconnected influences of genetics, environment, and caregiving on child development. Its insights into the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains helped me analyze developmental milestones and connect real-world observations to theoretical frameworks. For instance, the book deepened my understanding of how genetic traits, like Hattie’s eye colour, interact with environmental factors to shape a child’s growth. Additionally, it provided a solid foundation for evaluating caregiving practices, such as secure attachment bonds and culturally specific child-rearing strategies highlighted in the assignment. Applying these concepts to my observations and reflective practice made the book a cornerstone of my learning, enabling me to approach child development from an evidence-based perspective.