ECE 2 Cultivate Relationships with Children, Family and Community
A. You utilize effective communication strategies (oral, written, graphic, nonverbal). B. You use knowledge of family and community characteristics in developing respectful, reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships. C. You plan family involvement strategies to enhance children’s development and learning. D. You access community resources to support and empower families. E. You model appropriate interpersonal skills with children and families. F. You initiate positive and foster relationships with children and adults.
Reflection
While taking the Family and Community Relationships course, I developed a family newsletter which gave children and families in my childcare center information on what the first few weeks of school would look like. Not only did it give important information, but welcomed the families by offering them an opportunity to become part of the activities. I feel this newsletter is attractive and professionally done and shows my ability to effectively communicate in both written and graphic form.
While taking the Curriculum Planning course, I developed two anti-bias activities plans to address diversity, and differing abilities. The first activity involved the differences in skin color and how each of us are different. It provided each child the opportunity to actually see differences and create their own skin color with paint. The second activity was based on how communication with each other can be different. It provides children the opportunity to learn how to communicate with each other by using sign language. I feel both of these activities show my understanding of how to develop culturally responsive relationships.
During my Family and Community Relationships course, I developed a community resource file to provide families with the many resources and supports in our community. These resources include food programs, outreach facilities, advocacy centers, respite programs, mental health resources, and many educational resources. I feel this file shows my ability to provide and empower familes the community support available to them.
During Practicum 4, I took the role of a lead teacher in a kindergarten classroom. To prepare for this I completed a weeks worth of activity plans and taught each lesson. This experience provided me with the skills to communicate effectively as a lead teacher and shows I am capable of modeling appropriate interpersonal skills with children and their families.
While in the Family and Community Relationships course I developed a Conference Portfolio on a student in my Practicum 2 class. This portfolio includes two parts. The first part is for the teacher. It includes a checklist, tips for success, an outline, a parent/teacher conference letter, a conference report form and strategies to resolve conflict. The second part is a sample of a child's work with an overview. I feel this assignment reflects my ability to positively foster relationships with children and adults.