21DECVE406 Wall of Encouragement! We did it! by Sharon Oi Hoe Toong

(Sample) Name of Student

tso2 — 2022-01-27 09:07:19 UTC

(1) Share your highs and lows points during your practicum experience. How did you cope and overcome these challenges?

(2) What inspires you to learn from one another? Leave a note of encouragement for your course mates to continue their journey as an early childhood educator.

Nurfalizah

2022-04-01 06:15:09 UTC

High
spend more time with children and able to finish the artwork as a class.
More responses and participation from the children .
Able to participate in staff meetings and training on certain days. Felt the bond with other colleagues .

Low
I just recovered from covid and i had to start working immediately so i dont clash with other modules .
workload + school load + just recovered .

Simone

2022-04-01 06:20:15 UTC

The high- it got done! It went well!
The Low- Anxious, worried about how it would go, covid

But we are all in this together and we all did it!

Chakita

2022-04-01 06:20:57 UTC

High - was very excited , the supervisor was very very encouraging
Low - there was room for improvement

Believe in yourself and be positive . We can bring positive changes in child only if we are calm and positive . Don't give up , All the best and wish you all success.

Yan Da

2022-04-01 06:21:08 UTC

High
Able to bond and build relationship with the children
Seeing the children benefit from the lesson plan
Being able to enjoy and have fun with the children
Had a mix class (N2 and K2) had to ensure variation (further challenged my classroom management in a good way and on the spot variation)

Low
Covid - affect attendance
Planning what types of activity will suit the class in particular
rushing the learning activities out

How did I overcome
Do my best and also work closely with the teachers to make arrangement and remember my WHY.

Eugenia

2022-04-01 06:23:44 UTC

highs: the objectives that i set were met, and children were engaged and enjoyed the activities

lows: i could improve on classroom management. i should set specific and simple rules and expectations and ensure children follows

message for fellow educators:
True teachers use themselves as bridges
over which they invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing
joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.
-Nikos Kazantzakis

Syahirah

2022-04-01 06:23:58 UTC

(1)
High
My highest point would be that I got to work with the same group of students from my Practicum 2 which is K2 this year and all of them actually had the basic knowledge on what the theme is about and what has been taught. Hence, they were still able to meet the objectives of the activities prepared for them.

Low
My lowest point would be in managing the class. They seem to be quite restless on the day of implementation of the activity and I had to stop one child from doing something which would distract the other children. However, they still had the tendency to follow each other.

I did apply using the technique of “eyes on me” which they seem to be familiar of from the environment of the centre and I did get to attract their attention for a moment.

(2)
I have listened quite interesting experiences from my group and I’ve got to learn useful tips such as using songs to attract their attention etc. By doing this, I get to learn from each other and apply in my daily routine of work in the future.

Encouragement:
Do your very best and keep up the momentum! It does get hard but with every hard work, things do get payoff.

Zann

2022-04-01 06:24:29 UTC

High
Everything was over and it went well despite the anxiousness and constant worrying about the lessons.
Being able to see children interact and learn among each other.

Low
Half way through the practicum, and due to the rising cases. My centre decided that non teaching staff are unable to enter the school, hence would need to look into alternatives for evaluation. Adding on to the anxiousness.

Annabel

2022-04-01 06:24:44 UTC

Felt I was successful in my implementation in terms of reaching my objectives. Enjoyed the process of seeing the children carry out the activity and enjoying it too. Was worried at certain points where the children were not doing so well but sup said they were rather well and engaged so my fears were put aside. ^.^

the low is when sup said that I could be more firm with the children and be better with classroom management. I guess with more practice, it'll get better.

Ferania

2022-04-01 06:24:44 UTC

The high - Able to complete my practicum 3 successfully. Manage to finish class activities and work since being full day in centre.

The low - Stressful and time management was hard.

Alyssa

2022-04-01 06:25:02 UTC

High
The moment the implementation ended.
Grateful for my practicum superviser as well as the teachers in charge of the class that I was assigned to.

Low
Need to be more aware of children's interests as the activity that I did with children, they were a little restless. Was encouraged to do more hands-on activity.

What inspires me to learn from one another?
It broaden my perspective so that I won't be too fixated and think that I am correct always.

Encouragement
Take one day at a time and do your best on that day!

Tiffany

2022-04-01 06:25:07 UTC

High:

Being able to bond and build strong relationships with the children
Have fun with the children during lessons and after
Children understand and benefit from the lesson

Low:

I was very nervous and flustered
Children were shy as there was a stranger and did not really want to participate as much, compared to a normal day

Shannon

2022-04-01 06:26:25 UTC

High - completed the practicum successfully. Had the opportunity to observe an experienced teacher's way of managing the class.

Low- some children that I picked according to their interest of the practicum activities were absent on the actual day.

Sharmela

2022-04-01 06:27:38 UTC

1) high - When children get more attached as they see you more often, it feels like a place filled with care and love.
Low - the multiple things teachers have to manage before, during and after work hours.

2) Hi everyone.. i am sure it was not easy managing this course, work, group work, and personal issues all at once. Life goes on despite the hardships, but you have done great changing lives of little children. They may not remember you when they grow up, but a part of you lives in them <3

Thank you to some team members who make group work easier, and to Ms Sharon and teachers who respond quickly to emails.

Aida

aidasanusi95 — 2022-04-01 06:27:40 UTC

The High
Interacting with the children was a joy, especially when they get excited and look forward to use the resources made.

The Low
It was very stressful juggling the assignments
Challenged my time management skills :'D

To my classmates,
Hearing your stories and sharing throughout the course truly is humbling and rewarding. I have gained so much insights that will definitely help me as an early childhood educator so thank you! Lets end this final lap with a bang! All the best <3

Shahirah

2022-04-01 06:27:45 UTC

High

Able to bond and build a stronger relationship with the children
Being able to enjoy and have fun with the children from the preschool years.
Children enjoyed themselves during the implementation

Low

Have to move between the Early Years and Preschool due to insufficient manpower
Nervous for practicum 3 as we need to preparation

Overcome the challenges

Follow the manpower movement provided and ask for help when it gets overwhelm so that I could take a toilet break
My mentor/host teacher assure me that everything will be alright!

Inspiration
Things may not go our way on certain days but it is okay! Take things one step at a time, everyone.

Siew Ting

2022-04-01 06:27:48 UTC

High
it was nice seeing and interacting with another class of an older age group

lows/challenges
it was interesting but challenging finding the middle ground for implementation in a setting that is international, reggio and adopts an emergent curriculum

Junaidah

2022-04-01 06:28:58 UTC

The fact that the implementation went smoothly, meeting all the objectives and all the children were all generally engaged and participative would be my high point.

I guess for me, the low point was when it is such a common thing to be down on manpower everywhere and we often would just need to float around and help which sometimes kills our momentum with our own class...

Lynn

2022-04-01 06:29:12 UTC

High - It was over!
Low - I was too nervous during the implementation day.

Mei Ling

2022-04-01 06:29:24 UTC

High point
- Could engage children in the lessons and activities

Low point
- A few children had misbehaviors during lessons/activities, they kept talking or playing without listening to instructions.

Ways to overcome the challenge
- By enforcing classroom rules before the lessons/activities

What inspires you to learn from one another
- We share the similar experiences when going through the practicum, and get to learn from each other.

Pursue your dreams, and never give up!

Joy

2022-04-01 06:29:36 UTC

1.
High: I really learnt a lot from this practicum experience and what I should practise on, like my weaknesses.

Low: I took a challenging batch, it was difficult for me to manage the class, as the class dynamic is challenging, even up till implementation day. Each child has their own challenge. Furthermore, my class teacher manpower was down, so I have to frequently be at my own class and my practicum class so I could bond with the children.

2.
To never give up and be more firm when needed. I think some of us are quite worried that we are too firm with the children, but when they display unacceptable behaviours, we should be firm. Most importantly, don't give up despite the challenges!

Ivonne

2022-04-01 06:29:39 UTC

High Point
- The children were enjoying and engaging during the activity.
- able to complete the practicum 3

Low Point
I got the covid during the practicum.

Puay Leng

lizngk2021 — 2022-04-01 06:30:48 UTC

Low:
1. Fluid Covid19 situation
2. Insufficient chosen children
3. 'Burnt' weekends
4. Not seeing my lunch Kakis on weekends for a month.

High:
1. Seeing how the materials I made engaged the children positively.
2. Learning techniques from the more experienced teachers.
3. Encouragement from practicum supervisor
4. Maximum support from preschool on implementation day
5. Implemented plan

Iffah

2022-04-01 06:31:57 UTC

1. High: Familiar with the class, have been with them since late last year. Understands the children pretty well, easier to manage the class.

Low: During implementation day, when children saw a stranger in the room, they started acting up. Some of them ran around and I could not manage the situation as I will normally do. I was worried that I could not give a consequence or use a stern voice. However, I found out that I actually could use a firmer voice from the practicum supervisor.

2. I was inspired that others faced similar difficulty, which allows me to relate to them better.
Words of encouragement: There are other teachers who are facing the same difficulty as you. Don't get discouraged, be open to seek help!

Aini

2022-04-01 06:32:29 UTC

High
- The children were engaged and enjoyed the lesson
- The feedback given from supervisor was positive and supportive and i was able to learn from it.

Low
- Anxiety from preparing and planning for the lesson
- Some children were distracted and walked away during the activity.

What inspires me?
All the successes - big and small, when interacting with the children.

We are ending our course soon and going to be full-fledged educators!

Ferninda

paulczijian — 2022-04-01 06:32:59 UTC

High

I had a great time doing the activities with the children. I used air dry clay for one of my DOW activities and the children told me that it was their first time using it. So I'm happy that I gave them a chance in my practicum.

I also felt LOTS of support from my colleagues. They were so flexible in swapping some schedule to fit the practicum and even told the children, "You help Ms Ferninda, okay?" so sweet...

Low

A lot of prep...Laminating and cutting only is ok, but cutting materials with the thought of it's not gonna be used anymore felt super wasteful for me (because my school doesn't use thematic approach). There's no other way to go about it because I still need to laminate it so the children can use it properly, and thematic approach requires certain personalisation to the materials.

Anyway, I managed to give away to my colleagues and friends so that the materials can be re-used. =P My child is using the pattern cards at home and my colleague will be using my rhyming card for transition.

Indah

2022-04-01 06:34:13 UTC

1) highs- got to experience how it feels like to teach the children and also bond with them.
lows- had difficulty managing the children when i was teaching them because they get distracted easily. What i did to overcome it is using of puppets/sing songs 'if you are ready and you know you cross your legs'.

(2) What inspires me?
Knowing that we are all in this together and we are all experiencing the same thing and i am not alone!

Yen Pin

patsim041 — 2022-04-01 06:34:25 UTC

High
Children are always high-spirited, and seeing them cheers me up. They are always eager to learn. The N2 children enjoy the activities set up for them and want to play longer. The Chinese teacher helped me in the transition during the practicum, as the children need to go to the toilet halfway through the process.

Low
The host English teacher left soon after I joined, so I had to follow the Chinese teacher instead. Additionally, due to a shortage of manpower, I sometimes had to assist the playgroup and N1. Therefore, I had insufficient time to build rapport with the N2 before the on-site assessment.

Encouragement
The going gets tough, but you will be okay! Lean into your interest in early childhood to motivate you through this journey. We are all in this together, jiayou!

Xin Tian

2022-04-01 06:34:31 UTC

High:
-supportive colleagues
-children were more or less exposed to exploring with the learning centres before the observation

Low:
-having to see and evaluate my lesson via the video
-ploughing through the assignments :P

What inspires me to learn from one another..
I think in the teaching journey, because of how dynamic the setting is e.g. every child is different, there will always be learning and improvement. So to be able to support the children's learning and development more effectively motivates me to learn from one another.

To my fellow coursemates, am thankful that all of us are done with practicum and hopefully with the assignments too haha.. The lows might be a discouragement to us, but may we see it from the perspective of learning and see it as how it can help us grow as a teacher.. thats what i need to remind myself too.

Jieying

2022-04-01 06:35:13 UTC

High:

Able to do up learning corner activities with my host teacher and it helps me a lot in regards to preparing it.
I got the chance to handle the class by myself while the host teacher is on MC.
The practicum supervisor was very warm and suggested improvements!

Low:

Low student attendance - stress!!
Postponing my practicum assessment more than twice :(
Not conducting transitions well.

Overcoming:

Be more flexible - having to make accommodations for unexpected circumstances (low attendance rate)
Good communication with supervisor and host teacher.
Using musical instruments or changing of tone to capture children's attention.

Inspiring moments from my team!

Having a heart for the children and really enjoyed the practicum with children. I think it's very important, especially in this industry.
Preserving; even when it can get challenging!!

Goodjob on completing practicum everyone!!

Sheila

2022-04-01 06:35:34 UTC

High

As my supervisor was not allowed to visit the centre for the activity implementation, I had to do a video recording instead. I was very nervous about it, but receiving positive feedback and suggestions from the host teachers that were there really helped to motivate me.

Low

When the host teacher was not around, I had to conduct lessons / activities, and based on how the children reacted during lessons, it made me second guess the way that I approached different situations. However, after they warmed up to me, I realised that I just needed time to get used to things, and everything turned out okay.

As a pre-service teacher, I saw the practicum experience as a way for me to learn a lot about what would work and what I needed to improve on. So with time and experience (both good and bad), things will eventually get better.

Sharon Aw

2022-04-01 06:35:44 UTC

Low:
- Low turn up rate (end up doing a mix class from N2 to K2)
- 1 student accidently hit his head onto a furniture, caused by another student
- Students were not cooperative and were sitting properly.

High:
- Manage to meet all the objectives of the lessons
- Another teacher from the next class brought the ice pack without me having to leave the students in class.
- The students could be at the learning center independently after giving them instructions and they enjoy the activities.

Asrinah

2022-04-01 06:40:05 UTC

Highs:
Was glad to experience managing a class of children and implementing various learning areas lessons.
Applying interactive classroom teaching strategies also enabled me to appreciate the outcomes and observe how engaged the children were during their learning process.
I felt more fulfilled whenever I experienced the above, and look forward to managing my own class and setting up inviting learning environments.
I really enjoyed learning about the different ways to engage kids and create resources, as well as the various teaching strategies used by my host teacher.

Lows:
I was not given the freedom by my principal to implement any ideas that I felt best suited the children's needs. I had to go through countless vetting and redoing of all my lesson plans until my host teacher gave the green light, and by then it was already the end of week 2. I was under a lot of stress as it was very challenging to find common ground with the school team and my assignment criteria. They also tried to deploy me to other classes, but I stood my ground that I needed to be in the original class, as the change would have affected my rapport with the children, being a pre-service teacher.
Thankfully I managed to rush my materials preparation over the weekend with help from my family, after which I had contracted Covid and had to be away the following week. Nonetheless, I implemented the lessons once I returned and everything went smoothly. I am glad it is over!

Encouragement:
Stay positive and have faith that what is mean for you will happen. In the face of adversities, we have to keep going and doing our best. We have to stay motivated and know where our interests lie, and chase that!