Andrea Chang - Essex Junior and Senior Public School

What was your initial reaction to working with children in this placement?

In my kindergarten classroom placement, I observed how my FE created a learning environment that reflected children’s learning. This inspired me to also plan learning activities that can showcase children’s creativity and teamwork in the classroom, such as creating a class banner or hanging paper leaves on our class tree. I also learned to program and plan child-led learning experiences that reflect children’s needs and interests. For example, if we observed that a child was struggling with their letters, we would implement a letter identification game. 

How did you overcome these hurdles — and what did you learn about yourself and your practice?

Before my placements, I had always felt extremely intimidated by my mentor teachers. I would never speak up or question anything asked of me. I put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure that I do everything right and meet every expectation given to me. However, my placement experiences have taught me the importance of communicating my role as a student educator and advocating for myself. I have learned the importance of allowing myself grace to make mistakes and learn from them. 

How did this field experience influence your plans for working in the early childhood sector?

As an aspiring elementary teacher, my goal as an educator is to create learning environments that reflect children’s diverse experiences, needs, and interests. In my work, I always adapt and change my teaching to fit children’s needs and interests. I aspire for my future classroom to be a place where children can truly be themselves and contribute to their learning.