Inside A Pre K Classroom Education Essay

Inside A Pre K Classroom Education Essay In a Pre-K classroom how and what the children are taught is very important. This is when the foundation for learning in a school setting is experienced. The type of training the teacher has in early childhood education is imperative as well. The above factors work together to help the class have successful learning experiences. In this paper it I will discuss the theories and/or philosophies that reflect how I envision my classroom and curriculum for pre-k. The concepts I would teach in each of the academic area, and finally I will include two activities that I would do with the class that coincides with the philosophies of the National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards. There are a couple goals I would keep in mind as pre-k teacher when setting up my class. I d being able to provide a planned educational environment, which means not just teaching as I go. But actually use what I ve learned in classes, workshops, and other resources to provide the best learning environment possible. Secondly, make sure learning experiences are plentiful, so that a positive foundation for the future is supported. Some of the motivations behind my goals are coming from the works and studies done by earlier pioneers of education. One of them that definitely come to mind is German educator Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852) who was renowned for his pioneering work in developing a school for early childhood education. He was a philosophical idealist who believed that every child s inner self contained a spiritual essence that stimulated self-active learning in curriculum for kindergarten. (Eliason Jenkins, 2012) Play was an appropriate means of learning to Froebel. The time c hildren spend drawing, using manipulatives, sing songs, and finger plays it was allowing them to learn. The other pioneer that comes to mind is Jean Piaget (1896-1980) a Swiss psychologist, which made significant contributions to educational psychology and early childhood education. (Eliason Jenkins, 2012) He felt the teacher is designer of activities appropriate to child s level of development. Piaget s principle which states its through children s own exploratory processes, they are able to develop the power to generalize, differentiate, and coordinate their concepts of reality, building concepts based on their experiences of the external world. (Berk, 2003, pg. 219) Their understanding of the world changes as they grow. It s these theories and others from earlier educators helped us today and in the past get a better understanding of the children s development. Pre-K is where the experiences learned can help them develop a positive self-image along with the emotional, social, and intellectual skills necessary to be successful in the classroom. My curriculum would help create a stable foundation in the growth of independent learners. It s here that both teacher-directed and choice-based activities can create these independent learners. (Berk, 2003, pg. 342) The classroom s activities for the curriculum are designed to recognize the growth and development of each child while I m teaching. It will motivate the children to learn while also identifying the needs of the child individually. This way I m able to help them develop positive relationships with peers and adults, and encouraging them to express themselves creatively. They will get to develop language through listening, speaking, and dramatic play activities. The opening for physical growth can take place through gross and fine motor activities, also provide experiences to stimulate and develop cognitive skills. There are some basic concepts such as counting, colors, shapes, patterning, math, rhymes, and sequencing will be learned. Some of the academic areas of my class would include math, literacy, creative arts, science, and technology. Young children develop an everyday mathematics including informal ideas of more and less, taking away, shape, size, location, pattern and position. (Ginsburg, Lee, and Boyd 3-23) In math they will get the chance to learn things like numerals 1-10 and counting objects to 10. The children will learn to identify, describe and compare repeating patterns. This is actually the basis of our number system. The students get the chance to sort of objects such as color to help them to develop flexibility in thinking and problem solving. They will get introduced to shapes (circle, square, triangle, and rectangle), sizes (small, medium, large), shapes matching and time in reference to day and night. There is even an insight about using measurement. In the area for dramatic play there are pots, pans, and etc. to allow them to act out things they see in the kitchen. Well, when using the items they are able to try and see what fits into what and what doesn t. This is also allowing them to use problem solving skills. Literacy is what my class is able to read and write. It s at this age I know they can gasp good habits as their reading and writing level is starting to grow. My responsible is to create a literate environment and then use the best tools available to teach the components of literacy. (Eliason Jenkins, 2012) I will teach about each letter s name and sounds of the alphabet. They will work on spelling, writing, and recognizing their own name. Practicing writing will help them learn to hold writing utensils correctly. At this point they can understand and explain what the text in a story is about from its illustrations, repeat nursery rhymes and finger plays, respond to questions about stories, build new vocabulary and listening skills. The creative arts would defiantly be enjoyable when working with this age. They have such great imaginations that actually get to allow them to share it with each other. I would make sure while they are learning I embraces all of their creativity with positive reinforcement. I d let them try art processes like painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, and collage. I would encourage them to sing songs that enhance their curriculum. During music time allow them to use scarves, rhythm sticks, and bean bags to practice rhythms. I encourage them to play with children s instruments. As we learn about different animals I d have the class act out the sounds they make. It s so many ways to bring out their artistic side but these are just a few I would do with them. In the science area they are at a developmentally appropriate age to explore science tools such as magnets, prisms, magnifying glasses, and etc. I can take them on nature walks, gardening, and other explorations. Plan activities where they can measure and mix ingredients in cooking activities. I can allow them to identify basic colors and explore color mixing to see how certain colors are formed. Teaching them about how we use our five senses to explore different things. Then there s sharing different types of animals with the class. But also going even farther by informing them about the types of homes they live in, and the food they eat. It seems that the world is become more and more dependent on technology as time goes by. Today even pre-k can get a start on using some of the devices. Computers play a huge part in our lives nowadays. My students would learn things like creating picture with computer programs to tell stories. They will be working on improving their fine motor skil ls by using the keyboard. Also while controlling the mouse to click and drag to different points on the screen. They would be allowed to explore kid friendly websites on the internet that is developmentally appropriate. The first activity I would do with them is called Autumn Collage The day before we do the activity I would complete an example for them to see. The materials needed are treasure sacks (brown paper bags), flour, oil, salt, and water for collage background, plastic spoons, heavy paper plates, hold puncher, and yarn. The morning before we go outside I would pass the sacks out and tell the children we are going on an autumn nature walk to look for treasure. The items we will be looking to put in our sacks are leaves, nuts, acorns, grass, small flowers, and seeds. The two objectives for my class will be to measure and mix ingredients for collage background, and sort and place items from their treasure sack onto the collage. Once back inside and we get ready to start the activity the procedure would go in this order select a paper plate and have students write their names on the back of their plate, discuss the word Autumn and that we are going to make a special display for the items they have in their treasure sacks, show how to measure and mix the glop for the collage background and how the mixture changes, then allow them to spread the glop onto the paper plate with a spoon, take items from the treasure sack and place it onto the glop to make a pretty autumn collage, and finally let the collage dry and explain how the water will evaporate and their collage background will get hard just like mine. I will then take finished collage to a drying rack. When it is dry in a couple of days, I will then punch a hole in the edge of the plate and put a yard through it so it can be hung. The concepts the children learn from this activity are fine motor, language development, measurement. The second activity I would do with my students is called Name that Sound . This activity is great to do for science to work on our sense of hearing. This can be fun and encourage the children to use their listening skills. It s also designed to make the class aware those different things that have sounds of their own. They are also able to learn we can name different things by recognizing the sounds with their ears. The materials needed for the activity are paper, chalk, pen, zipper, jar with screw lid, bell, book, and other objects that make noise. I would use this activity when we are working on learning about our five senses. Before getting into the activity I would go over some vocabulary words used during this activity. They would include words like loud, quiet, sharp, soft, and sounds. The steps for this lesson are to take turns with a group or with an individual; asking each child to close his eyes, wad up the paper while his eyes are closed and ask the child to identify the sound, and then repeat with a different object. Once completing this activity the children will become more aware of sound. The National Association for the Education of Young Children Standard (NAEYC) is a 103,000-member organization of early childhood educators. NAEYC has created a set of standards that specifies what a program s characteristics that meet the developmental and individual needs of young children of varying ages, based on current research and the consensus of experts. (Berk, 2003) The two planned activities above encourage the children to be active and engaged. (Berk, 2003) It is so important to Implement a curriculum that is thoughtfully planned, challenging, engaging, developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically responsive, comprehensive, and likely to promote positive outcomes for all young children. (NAEYC, 2003) You are now aware of how I would prepare the appropriate curriculum to teach a pre-k class. I have shared the goals of providing a planned educational environment, and creating rich learning experiences to form a positive foundation for the future. Plus, instructions on how the goals are applied in each academic area and two different lesson plans.

Ethics for Teachers Essay

Educators are held to a higher standard of behavior than other professionals. The behavior of teachers is judged more harshly. While some wrong behavior is excusable for others, unethical behavior is inexcusable for teachers. Teachers are authority figures, role models, behavioral examples and surrogate parents (Weldon 2003). In some instances the teacher is the only authority figure in a child’s life, so if that trust is broken where is a child to turn? There are many instances of unethical teacher behavior, I have found just a few. In school district 52 in B. C. two teachers are facing charges of sexual exploitation of students. One of the teachers was employed for five years and was charged on Dec. 23 with three cases of sexual exploitation of a young person (Schumacher, 2008). Another teacher was charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of sexual exploitation of a person with a disability (Schumacher, 2008). Upon the completion of the districts investigation the first teacher was fired with cause and the second teacher was suspended from his duties. Lisa â€Å"As with anything, it’s until something happens that you look a little closer at all of the policies that you have,† said Last. â€Å"I’m assuming as a parent and community member that here is a code of conduct for any teacher. Like doctors have their code of ethics, I’m assuming teachers have their own as well. †(Schumacher, 2008). Last is the chair of School District 52. After the charges the school district began reviewing practices to help avoid future issues. In Bakersfield, CA a teacher was charged with two felony counts of oral copulation with a person under age 18(Kotowski, 2008). â€Å"If we just say that we kissed that we made out, at most we made out we kissed we just kind of held and caressed each other ten that’s not statutory rape,† Neal said. â€Å"And that saves me from a hell of a lot of trouble. †(Kotowski). Neal told the student to lie about what had happened between them and was not aware that he was being recorded by police. He taught for 10 years and is on administrative leave. In Ontario a teacher had his license revoked because he made racist comments about Jewish people while he was off duty. â€Å"The Supreme Court basically said that, as a teacher, your off-duty conduct can impact on your roles as a teacher if what you’re doing is engaging in behavior that could create a poisoned environment within the school system,† said Brian Kenny, a lawyer with MacPherson Leslie and Tyerman in Regina. (Klie, 2007). He had been engaging in racist activities for years, but still kept his job until the board was sent a tape of him speaking at a Heritage Front rally in front of a swastika flag, extolling the virtues of a neo-Nazi who was convicted of violating the Canadian Human Rights Act. (Klie). Teacher’s returning to school in Woodstock, GA were greeted with a copy of Georgia school’s version of the 10 Commandments: the Teacher Code of Ethics. (Jonsson, 2001). During the summer one teacher was convicted of child abuse, while two others were indicted, they were soliciting students at school for sex. While there seems to be quite a few examples of sexual misconduct that is not all the unethical things teachers do. One teacher changed the answers to a test of a student because she felt she did not deserve to get promoted. Another teacher found that a student’s hyperactivity medicine worked so well she gave it to other students. (Jonsson). Teachers should be held to higher standards than everyone else they are molding the people who will one day be our future. I don’t agree that their life should be under a microscope, but I do agree there should be some standard of ethics that teachers should follow. References Jonsson, P. (2001). More school districts warm to lessons in correct conduct, hoping to stem a tide of ethical lapses. The Christian Science monitor, 11. Klie, S.(2007). Teacher loses license for off-duty racist conduct. Canadian HR Reporter, 20(22), 3. Doi: 1408253031 Kotowski, J. (2008). Teacher taped talking about sexual relationship with student. Bakersfield Californian, NA. Schumacher, K. (2008). Students are district’s top priority following charges school district 52 conducting its own probe into abuse allegations. Daily News p. 1. Doi: 1408253031 Weldon, J. A. (2003). â€Å"But it was on my own time! † Professional consequences of off-duty behavior. Retrieved November 2, 2005, from http://www. eric. ed. gov.

Personality Reflection - 976 Words

Delawrence Reed Psy/250 Version 6 Professor Wilkerson Personality Reflection Personality cares for the important, strong measures of a human being’s psychological vitality. Traits relates to an individual being merry or depressed, active or care less, brilliant or ignorant. There are many different definitions about personality. Most definitions are on mental system which is a cluster of mental pieces implicating purposes, feelings, and thinking patterns. The meanings alternate a little as to what those pieces may be, it comes to the concept that traits have patterns or worldwide operation mental systems. Let’s read a few of systems: Personality is the entire mental organization of a human being at any stage of his†¦show more content†¦Personally, I have to disagree with some of the predictions made by these tests. Some of the predictions made by these tests I feel are not accurate. An example would be that I scored high in the extravert section, but I do not feel like I would enjoy an interactive job with many people. As stated abov e I scored high on the self-monitoring test but I really do not do whatever it takes to get positive reactions from people. Basically, I do not think that by answering a series of question determined and person personality. Why you ask, the word change. Now, Well-designed and thoroughly tested personality assessments afford an extra element of information in the decision-making process that other forms of assessment are unable to offer. Specifically, when used in conjunction with a formal job-analysis, personality assessments become legally-defensible methods of selection in countries where unsuccessful candidates are able to appeal such decisions. Not all personality assessments are the same of course and the degree of validity afforded by an instrument will vary. Before investing in tests, it is important to understand the purpose for which the test was designed and in which different populations it has been tested. There are a huge number of free personality tests available on the internet and whilst these may be fun to complete, they usually are unsuitable in work situationsShow MoreRelatedPersonality Reflection649 Words   |  3 PagesPersonality Reflection Paper Ronald Aliangan PSY/250 September 13th, 2014 My personality can be defined as an amiable person that really cares about others. I am outgoing, sensitive, emotional, and direct. I have been known to put other people’s needs in front of my own. I am not usually short on things to say. Also I love being around friends and family, but also really love to have my alone time. I have two older sisters that ironically have very different personalitiesRead MorePersonality Reflection791 Words   |  4 PagesPersonality Reflection PSY/250 Personality Reflection In this Personality Reflection, I will define personality and define personal features of my own personality structures. Personality is what defines our characteristics as a human being. Individuals have different personality traits that make up our behavioral characteristics, which may include how we think or react. Some characteristics are inherited in our genes. For example, I have a mannerism of always chewing my tongue ever since IRead MorePersonality Reflection1076 Words   |  5 PagesPersonality Reflection Katie Smit PSY/250 August 20,2011 Dianne Hinz Personality Reflection Every individual has a different idea and thought about self and how self makes up their entire being. Self is made of the human’s own biology his or her cognitive process and perception of oneself compared to others. This paper is going to look at the concept of self and how this relates to real-life; situations affect a person’s self-efficacy and esteem. Personalities are made up of the characteristicRead MorePersonality Reflection Paper939 Words   |  4 PagesPersonality Reflection Paper Debbie Cooper PSY/250 July 30, 2012 AnneySnyder Personality Reflection Paper The following will reflect this researchers understanding and reflection on personality, how it defines one, what it means, and if one’s personality changes to fit certain situations. At the end this researcher may have a better insight into herself as well as the personalities of others. This insight can help her in her future endeavors. Personality I would define personality asRead MorePersonality Reflection Essay694 Words   |  3 PagesPersonality reflection Melody Jones PSY/250 April 14, 2011 Murray Johnson What is a personality? A personality is a reflection of a person identity of a human being but we don’t share the same type of personality. There are so many different type of personality in the world some people have outgoing, shy, crazy, and settle personality. There are some people where there culture and surrounding shape their personality traits. In my culture and surrounding it has help me shape my personalityRead MoreReflection Paper On Personality1427 Words   |  6 PagesFor this paper, I wanted to get an analytical point of view on what my personality is. To do this, I took two personality tests from the Similar Minds website. The first one I took was the Big 45 Test. That personality test consisted of 225 questions that gave me the answer range from ‘very inaccurate’ to ‘very accurate’. My results were nearly similar in percentage; for Extroversion I got 59%, Accommodation is 67%, Orderliness is 59%, Emotional Stability is 51%, and Open-m indedness is 73%. WhatRead MorePersonality Reflection Paper821 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Jungian Typology Test confirmed my introvert personality, along with even more relevant information regarding other aspects of my personality. I literally am reading the information you (Professor) posted in my discussion post about INTJ’s in the workplace and clapping aloud in amazement. I have always been captivated by astronomy, I absolutely love watching documentaries on the universe, dark/matter, black holes, etc. Seeing that my personality is the same as inspiring people like Stephen HawkingRead MoreReflection Paper On Personality2330 Words   |  10 PagesPersonality is a big part of who we are. Each personality is different. They all very in their strengths and shortcomings. Whatever type of personality a person may have, it is going to affect every aspect of their life. This is very true when it comes to their chosen career path. Your place of employment is one of the only pl aces as an adult, that you can’t control who you interact with. It is great to understand how your personality can shape your career path, your leadership style, and how youRead MorePersonality Profile Reflection Paper1336 Words   |  6 Pagestests are designed to inform us of our personality, and advantages and disadvantages that may come with it. The goal is to characterize patterns of behavior, emotions, and thoughts that a person has carried throughout their lifetime. Understanding these patterns of yourself and of those around you is beneficial for group dynamics. The more you know and understand your personality the better you will be able to see how others view and react to you. Personality assessments can help us locate and changeRead MorePersonality Profile Reflection Paper1743 Words   |  7 Pagesperformance in the workplace. To provide a personal perspective of personality characteristics, the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) assessment was used to m easure aspects of my personality and how these traits relate to working with others and life within an organization. Key observations provide specific insight into how these are applied to workplace behavior and interactions with others. Personal self-reflection related to workplace behavior is offered, including lessons learned

The Market For Generic Drugs - 1663 Words

Introduction The market for generic drugs has been increasing recently, with a large share of total prescriptions being dispensed in the United States. At the wholesale level, the generic drug market has typically been viewed as very competitive, such that prices approach marginal costs1. Therefore the availability of generic drugs is perceived as beneficial to consumers who have to pay for these drugs. However, at the retail level, generic drug prices seem to exceed marginal cost even by a wide margin1. In the last few decades, â€Å"the fraction of drug spending paid for by public and private payers has grown from 34% in 1980 to nearly 80% in 2000, and 92% in 2010. Thus cash-paying consumers currently account for only 8% of payments†1.†¦show more content†¦However, because the AWP is somewhat ambiguous and does not really provide a true drug-by-drug average price across major wholesalers, there is a lack of trust from the government and private payers regarding its validity3. Th e federal government, in an effort to establish a more equitable and uniform pricing platform for Medicare Part B drugs, elected to utilize pricing based on ASP3,5. Background Before the introduction of the AWP-based reimbursement by California s Medicaid program in 1969, its predecessor, the cost-based reimbursement was first used. This reimbursed pharmacies the exact amount they were charged by manufacturers to purchase the drug plus a fixed dispensing fee to cover labor and capital costs1. This resulted to multiple reimbursements amounts for identical products. More importantly, since pharmacies would receive the same profit margin from reimbursement regardless of their acquisition costs, drug manufacturers could in turn set high prices without reducing pharmacies demand for their product. This led to the introduction of the AWP-based reimbursement at a time when public and private insurers were just beginning to pay for prescription1. The AWP is a publicly available list price used as the basis for setting payment rates to pharmacies. The AWP is reported by generic producers themselves, and until recently has not been subject to any independent verification. Consequently, the AWP â€Å"is neither an average nor a price