Common Questions for Teachers answered by Shiala

1. What did I do in class? As the English teacher of PG class 2019, I teach and take care of the children. I nurture them to the best that I can. 2. How was the classroom set up? I could say that our classroom is conducive for learning and safety of the children. We provided different manipulatives and learning corners which are age-appropriate to help them develop holistically. Though our room is quite small and the class is getting bigger as there are more enrolees coming, we might decide to change some areas in the future. 3. How did the children utilise the resources/space provided? The children show interest in the different toys available in the class, nevertheless, they will play with a certain toy for a little while then they will decide to change to another after few minutes. PG class have short span of attention which is actually normal for their age. 4. What were the learning activities that were carried out? Pasting, painting, colouring, watching, dancing, playing instruments, storytelling, playing bubbles, ball, jumping with hula hoops… 5. How did the children behave, respond and react? The children behave, react and respond differently depends upon the situation. Most of them cried on the first day of school, some were on the second day, while others never. Some are not able to sit during our circle time, while there is a boy who only sits for the whole circle time, not participating even after calling his name many times and even carrying him to stand on his feet, he will just sit again. Some copies what the teacher says, some never react at all. 6. Did the children manage themselves independently at the learning centres? We see to it that we are always around to assist and look at the children while they play. 7. What are my values, beliefs, biases, expectations and past experiences? Values- Committed, reliable, humble, compassionate Beliefs- Every child is unique Biases- too much watching of movie/youtube, social media Expectations- I expect the children under my care to be good citizen in the future. Past Experiences- been in the profession for 8 years, in PCS for 3 years. 8. What are the consequences of my action? Too much watching makes me sleep late at night, result I feel sleepy in school and sometimes I come late at work. 9. How can I observe and assess children’s needs and learning? By using different assessment tools and keen observations. Paying attention to what they are trying to say. 10. How can I found out about children’s past experiences, interests and preferences? Through observations, by asking the parents. 11. How can I gather information about children from multiple sources? Asking and observation 12. How do my beliefs, values, expectations and past experiences affect my practice? They do unconsciously. Everything that we are will reflect in the works of our hands. 13. How do my beliefs, values, expectations and past experiences affect my relationship with professionals, children and families, especially those who may be different from me? We are all artist in our own way, we address people differently depends on who are they in our lives. 14. What can I do to create meaningful and relevant learning experiences for children? By giving them opportunity to explore, talking to them using positive tone of voice and encouraging words, making the learning process fun and exciting.15 15. How can I extend children’s learning and thinking? Giving them ample opportunity to apply what they have learnt. By asking higher order thinking skill questions 16. How can I document and evaluate what I have learnt? Writing them down, monitor and update 17. What can I do next? consistency 18. How can I change my practice to achieve what I set out to do? Discipline Shiala, discipline!! 19. How can I plan my learning experiences that allow the children to utilise the resources/ space provided? Be resourceful and innovative 20. How can I develop alternative strategies to work with families or professionals who may have different views/ beliefs from me? Talking in a respectful way, showing proofs. 21. Are there professionals I can approach to help me? When I talk to parents who are mandarin speaking, I ask lao shi to help me translate the message 22. How can I learn more about others who may have different teaching philosophies/beliefs in how children learn? Through reading different resources, make research, be thirsty on learning.