Placement location………………………………………..………………1 Classroom environment……………………………………….…………2 Becoming a teacher…………………………………………..…3 My job as a teaching assistant……………………………..4 Classroom tasks…………………………………………………5 Things I learn……………………………………………………6 Tie courses and expectations……………………………7..8 Occupation analysis…………………………………………..9 Introduction to independent study……………………10 Creation of kindergarten…………………………………11 Functions of kindergarten………………………………..12 Kindergarten in Canada……………………………………..13 Kindergarten in Ontario……………………………………14 Sources…………………………………………………………….15

‘Together we strive to enable all students to become contributing members of society empowered with the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to meet the challenges of a changing world, by providing the highest quality educational experience we can envision’ 1

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 To become a teacher, the education varies slightly from province to province, so depending on where you are located for post secondary school, you might need to upgrade if you plan on moving school boards around Canada.  The most popular route to becoming a teacher is to get a 3 year bachelor in university, and then single year of teachers college.  The other route would be to attend a concurrent education program (such as o.t.t. program at nippissing) which combines academic studies with teacher training while earning a bachelor. Often, when taking this route, students have a higher chance of getting into teachers college. Taking a concurrent education program allows you to graduate with a 3 year bachelor and an education degree.  one of the main differences between elementary verses high school teachers is in the subjects they teach. High school teachers focus on one or two individual subjects while elementary teachers must have a more brood range of knowledge of teachables. 3

 everything the classroom was based around routines. Routines for young children make everything much easier to accomplish since they are aware of what is going on.  5 days a week  2 hours during the afternoon  My routine: 1:00- arrive at Vincent Massey, write down my hours for the day 1:10- children come in from recess, help take off outdoor clothing 1:15- attendance, story 1:30- take class to either library, computers, or gym 2:10- class arrives back at classroom where they wash their hands and get their snacks 2:30- activity time begins 3:00- activity time ends, clean up begins 4

Fun tasks Not-fun tasks  organizing crafts, getting supplies, creating activities  tidying up the classroom, makes afternoons much easier  being around the children  Babysitting  cleaning up after snack  children who don’t listen  unorganized afternoons  bringing children to the bathroom  not getting along with supervisor/ employer 5

 Experience means knowledge; co-op is a great opportunity to avoid future career choice mistakes.  children are always right.  kindergarten is spelt with a “t”, not a “d”.  when beginning work in a classroom you will catch every cold passing through the school.  getting married in kindergarten is the thing to do.  if you get angry at a child they will make you feel very, very bad that you got angry at them.  if you are nice to children they will become very clingy.  it’s important to teach children simple things ( such as hygiene, tidying up, using manners) at a young age.  teaching children who are 5 gives you appreciation for interacting with peers.  imagination is the key to having fun.  red is the best colour, apples are the best fruit, carrots are the best vegetable, dinosaurs are still alive.  having a good employer/employ -ee relationship is the key to an enjoyable, and successful co-op experience 6

the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.  Socialization patterns  social structure  influence of majority  communication  Canada's education  Knowing how to observe and gather sufficient information on the understanding of why individuals form groups, use social institutions, function in society, and rely on communication. 7

 studying the mental, physical, emotional, moral, intellectual and social development of children between ages 0 and 7.  mental: Looked at the growth of the brain, creation of neurons and the importance of making “pathways” in the brain, teaching the necessities of life, and using routines at a young age.  physical: Looked at the capabilities of children through out the ages, importance of play, and the interrelation between physical and social development.  emotional: looked at the relationship between child and parents, importance of showing a child love and attention.  moral: looked at the influence of others on children, influence of right and wrong, beliefs and thoughts.  intellectual: Looked at the capability of children throughout the ages to learn letter & number recognition,  social: Looked at the patterns that individuals group themselves in, the way they interact within social groups. 8

Likes.. Dislikes..  Positive attitude in the classroom.  Teaching is a global occupation.  You continue learning as a teacher. You never get bored as a teacher.  Salary  Benefits, such as paid maternity leave.  Vacation time, march break, summer holidays.  How little academic material is taught when in a kindergarten classroom.  Hectic environment.  Classroom clutter.  Frustration of working with young children.  Friday jean days. 9

looking at..  who created kindergarten?  what are the functions of kindergarten?  when did it become integrated into Canada and Ontario's education system? 10

Who created kindergarten?  Friedrich Wilhelm August Fröbel laid the foundation for modern kindergarten based on the recognition that children have the unique needs and capabilities.  In 1840 he created the word “kindergarten” for the “Play and Activity” Institute he had founded in Germany in 1837 for young children.  Friedrich Froebel wrote a book based on his theories and practices concerning the kindergarten environment. The book was disregarded by the German community because they did not believe children needed to play in order to learn.  Frobel designed the educational materials such as geometric blocks, and patterning activities. 11

What are the functions of kindergarten?  Children, usually aged 3–6 years old, attend kindergarten to learn to communicate, play, and interact with others appropriately.  A teacher provides various manipulative materials and activities to motivate these children to learn the language and vocabulary of reading, simple math, and computers as well as that of music, art, and social behaviors.  For children who previously have spent most of their time at home, kindergarten may serve the purpose of training them to be apart from their parents without anxiety. . They usually get their first idea of friendship while they play and interact with other children on a regular basis.  Kindergarten program can provide children the opportunity to spend more time engaged in active, child- initiated, small-group activites. 12

When did kindergarten come to Canada?  Freiedrich Froebel opened world’s first kindergarten in Germany  Margarethe Schurz opened first english speaking kindergarten in Wisconsin  First public kindergarten in the United States. This caused a big movement and push for the education program.  First kindergar t-en opened in Canada 13

 In Ontario there are two grades of kindergarten; junior kindergarten and senior kindergarten  In Ontario, both the senior and junior kindergarten program, under the umbrella title of 'Early Years' are optional programs. Mandatory schooling begins in grade one. 14

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