Standard 7: Early childhood field experiences.

Key elements:
7a: Opportunities to observe and practice in at least two of the three early childhood
age groups (birth age 3, 3-5, 5-8).
Course: Experiences with young child (1) & (2).
Fieldwork experiences should be planned for an early childhood candidate. I
consider practicum as a source of knowledge as well as a field to apply what is
studied. Thus, teachers can develop their skills and knowledge required to promote
children's learning. Training in the child care centre for three semesters were gradual;
it started with introducing an activity to the child and assessing him\her; then teaching
one session and ending with teaching full day.
Working with young children helped me to gain more understanding about
children's characteristics, individual differences, and needs. Moreover, I acquired
skills both in teaching and managing children at group activities, individual activities,
outdooretc. Moreover, I realized that my role in the classroom is to guide children
and to encourage them to be independent as possible. Besides, fieldwork experience is
a chance for the teacher to prove her abilities and improve her practices. I assumed
that teaching young children is easy but, through my study and practices I found that
it needs a lot of effort, patience and enthusiasm.
Preparation is an important part of practicum. Since the more prepared the
teacher is, the more effective teaching and learning will be. Another thing related to
dealing with children is that it is really enjoyable to talk with children, discuss with
them their thoughts about a specific topic and see the way they think. Indeed,
practicum gives the teacher sense of proud whenever she sees her children's success
and achievement.