Professional Skills:
- I have learned that you have to be flexable and move past your comfortzone.
- I normally come in for my practicum by 8:30, so I make sure to be there at least 5 minutes earlier to settle in.
- I have seen how Communication is VITAL!! We have a communication book and when we come back in the middle of the week, I make sure that I find time to read it and catch up on it. I have also seen how talking to the each educator and letting them know and hearing from them about their thoughts on a particular matter can be so helpful. Also another important communication skill I think a person needs and I try to follow is making sure to email and let my mentor know if I will be missing a day, if I am under the weather or something has happened.
- When is comes to problem solving, I have had to stop a physical altercation that could have gone badly. I was not even sure, if I was guiding the children correctly. I was so nervous, but had to step and remain calm and make sure that both children are unharmed.
- I always approach the educators and especially my mentor with questions and try to learn as much as I can. Theory is great, but real life experience throws out the theory and you are left to find your own resource. There is no hard and fast rule, each child is different and you need different guidance with the children.
- When it comes to taking initiative, I have starting taking on more roles, like helping during lunch and snack, helping the children change if they’ve had an accident, helping the children through their big moments.
- New:
- I have learnt the importance of documneting. Not just for PN’s, but behaviours, accidents, and other incidents.
- This practicum, I have also learnt a lot about building relationships, with families. Why that is so important. I have seen a big difference in the way both parents and the children see me now.
- I think, I will still say, communication is KEY! Can not stress that enough!!
- And make sure to talk things out with your co-workers too. Everyone has their own perspective and just because you don’t agree with something, doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity for growth.
Practical Skills:
- I think I have slowly started taking on more duties around the classroom. I am so grateful for the educators and my mentor for helping me find the confidence that I have and allowing me to take chances and being with me and walking me through each step.
- New:
- I am still learning that sometimes, you just need to swap with someone else and it isn’t you. A change of face and space, makes all the more difference.
- Talking to families about difficult conversations is something you have to do too. Not just your lead.