My understanding has grown so much compared to my first year
of studies. I now understand why I have to respect children’s art. I realise
that the creating part of the art is a very important part of the process. How
I respond to the art can encourage or discourage the child.
I have been observing the toddlers interest in scribbling
with felt pens, crayons and chalk. I realised that this experience is providing
them sensory enjoyment. They are also interested in the marks they are making
and of course the main experience is the tasting. I have recognised that the
act of scribbling can serve several useful purposes for the toddlers.
With toddlers I have to be very observant in order to
understand what developmental learning is taking place. Toddlers scribbling
develop their small muscle co-ordination and control movement. Their cognitive
abilities are being exercised; opportunity for social interaction with their
peers is developing during this activity.
By providing a rich environment and colourful material it
promotes opportunities for toddlers to scribble and promotes their physical
skills. This opportunity allows babbling in a natural way for language
development also a gateway to muscle control and co-ordination termed
scribbling motor babbling (Crafty, 1986). I have observed that intellectually
toddlers are concerned with both the process and results of their art. This has
made me realise that technology is in fact influenced by the context in which
it occurs (Smorti 1999). To encourage toddlers I have been sitting alongside
them and scribbling as well. I also have
observed that each child’s creation is unique and I am able to support each
stage appropriately. The art in every toddler begins with scribbling in this
stage the child enjoys making marks on the paper. Scribbling allows the child
to discover he has hands and learns how to hold things like pens and crayons.
Once this discovery is learnt they are able to hold a pen and apply pressure to
make marks (Brownlee, 2007). Technology contributes to experiences toddlers
gain in using crayons, paintbrushes, pencils, calculators, books and computers
(Ministry of Education, 1996).
Having knowledge about critical reflection has impacted on
my understanding of being an effective teacher. I am aware that teaching
strategies work differently in different contexts for different children. I
also understand that effective pedagogy requires us as teachers to inquire how
our teaching impacts on our students (Ministry of Education, 2007). Looking back
at my life I am able now to understand the purpose or stage of development with
respect for the child.
Reference List:
Brownlee, P. (2007). Magic Places. Auckland, New Zealand: Playcentre Federation.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā
mokopuna o
Aotearoa: Early childhood
curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand:
Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand curriculum. Wellington,
New Zealand: Learning Media.
Smorti,
S. (1999, Autumn) Technology in early childhood. Early Education, No. 19.
Gloria it was good to see that your knowledge expanded regarding children’s creativity and realising that creativity is an important part of children learning process. Good to see you reflecting the development which takes place when toddlers are scribbling as technology is influenced by the situation. It was good to read that you did get involved in the child’s learning process by getting down to his or her level. As I have not had any experience working with toddlers I came to gain knowledge about the fact that art for toddlers begin with scribbling and allows them to discover he his or her hands. It was good to see you reflecting on your teaching and realising teaching strategies work differently in different circumstances for different children and I also agree to this statement of yours because every child has its own requirements or needs toward learning. Good use of reference overall pleasant reflection.
ReplyDeleteHi Gloria
ReplyDeleteI glad to read your blog. It is nice to see that you understand the importance of children’s art and give respect of their art. Children also discovered different colours, shapes and sizes. This could be extending their mathematic skills. I completely agree with you creativity is an important part of children’s development learning process. I believe we all are born with the unique ability to create, to express our uniqueness in a way that allows us to connect with those around us. Children share individual massages allows them to feel more confident. Creativity promotes feeling self-confidence and self-worth. These are good for emotional well being and healthy for social development. Overall, your reflection is pleasant. Great work.