How have you grown as a teacher from this experience so far (skills, understanding, or knowledge gained) (lesson planning, classroom management, demonstrations, etc…)?

This internship has helped me grow as a teacher in many ways. I believe one of the biggest things it has done for me is helped me become more confident as a teacher and in my lessons. I have grown in both teaching lessons and addressing behaviors. Before I was nervous to take action when it came to addressing unwanted behaviors, however, I am now gaining the confidence to do this and take action.

What new understandings do you have about children/education/your role in the classroom?

Through my internship I have been working with another pre-ECE teacher to plan and teach lessons. I have learned the importance of teamwork with teaching. Before I believed that teaching was something that you had to plan by yourself. Now through the internship I am understanding that communication with other teachers can be just as important as the work that you do directly with the children.

What has made you happy about teaching this quarter?

The thing that makes me the happiest about teaching is seeing that the children get excited about the lessons I have planned for them. I love watching their faces light up when they are experiencing a lesson they enjoy doing. In the infant room I can even see that the infants get excited with new experiences that I provide for them.

What is something that you would like to work on improving by the end of the semester?

I would like to work on trying to find more of a variety of art lessons. I enjoy doing crafts with the children but have really only managed to do painting lessons. I have also only done a couple music and movement lessons, so adding some more of those types of lessons to step out of my comfort zone would be a goal of mine.