5.0 Learning Objectives

Course Description: In a school-aged setting (typically a Kindergarten classroom), students will have opportunities to build on the foundational experience gained during the first field practicum. Working collaboratively with educator teams, students consolidate knowledge in observational methods, pedagogical documentation, play-based learning in a culture of inquiry curriculum planning and building responsive and inclusive relationships with children and families in a Kindergarten Classroom. Students have opportunities to discuss program-related issues and evidence-based pedagogical practices in the kindergarten classroom. Students engage in self-reflection to develop professional goals and increase responsibility and knowledge as emerging leaders. Respectful and reciprocal relationships with children, families and the school community will be emphasized as foundational elements of practice. Reflective practice will be utilized as a method to enhance the integration of the field experience.

A 2-hour weekly seminar course taken in the same semester as your Field Practicum (Jan-April). Please see your Winter term student schedule for dates and times.

Course Description:

Students build on the foundational knowledge gained during the first field seminar in an Early Years learning environment to the School Age Learning environment (specifically the Kindergarten classroom). Working collaboratively, students reflect on their consolidated knowledge in observational methods, pedagogical documentation, play-based learning in a culture of inquiry curriculum planning and building responsive and inclusive relationships with children and families in a Kindergarten Classroom. Opportunities to discuss relevant academic literature related to early years education and care and to problem-solve related program issues occur. Students engage in self-reflection for the purpose of developing professional goals to increase responsibility and knowledge as emerging leaders. Respectful and reciprocal relationships with children, families and the school communities will be emphasized as foundational elements of practice.

Course Description: In this course, students examine the theory, research, and current pedagogical and curriculum documents that inform practice within kindergarten learning environments (3-6 years). Students explore their skills in designing a curriculum that supports children’s learning through an inquiry play-based approach in both outdoor and indoor environments. Observation, pedagogical documentation, and reflective practice are key concepts that are explored and evaluated through this course. Co-construction of curriculum and pedagogical practices in the early primary learning environment as it connects to the child, family, and community are also themes that are central to the learning in this course.