Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection
NAEYC Standard:
STANDARD 4. USING DEVELOPMENTALLY EFFECTIVE APPROACHES Candidates prepared in
early childhood degree programs understand that teaching and learning with young children is a
complex enterprise, and its details vary depending on childrens ages, characteristics, and the settings
within which teaching and learning occur. They a) understand and use positive relationships and
supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children and families. Candidates b,
c) know, understand, and use a wide array of developmentally appropriate approaches, instructional
strategies, and tools to connect with children and families and d) positively influence each childs
development and learning (NAEYC, 2010).

Brief Description of Evidence:

During the fall semester of 2017 during my ECED 243- Cognitive Curriculum course, I created a
web based on the needs and interests of a small group of children that I had previously observed. Next, I
formulated a plan to engage the children in an open-ended activity based on these shared interests. After
creating the plan, I gathered the supplies and implemented it with the children. During implementation, I
stepped aside and let the children explore my Invitation. While doing this, I took pictures and noted the
childrens dialogue, reactions, and overall learning process. I also reflected on areas I could have
improved in order to receive the desired outcome of my Invitation. Lastly, I used the feedback,
documentation, and notes I received during implementation to design a documentation panel showcasing the
childrens experience.

Analysis of What I Learned:

Before starting this project, I learned valuable information regarding the Reggio Emilia approach
and how to create this type of inspired classroom. Using this newfound knowledge, I learned how to
design lessons and activities that were based on the Reggio idea. Additionally, I found ways to take a
simple idea and expand it to create enriching curriculum.

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:

I have proven my competence by my ability to design and implement a developmentally
appropriate activity that also catered to each childs needs and interests. During the implementation
process, the children made positive interactions with each other and used each others strengths to
complete the activity. Additionally, my competence has been proven by the overall positive learning
experience that I provided for the children. Once they had finished the activity, the children expressed
their enjoyment and expanded knowledge of the subject area. Using the Reggio Emilia approach also
helped to enhance the childrens learning and made it possible to provide them with an idea they had
never experienced before. Lastly, I was able to establish a connection with the children and their
families through the Documentation Panel.