Here are the brainstorming notes from our first get together on September 19, 2012.  We brainstormed the necessary "growing conditions" to lead to both developmentally appropriate practices and student success in our classrooms and mentoring sites.

COLLEGE OF THE DESERT

Early Childhood Education Program Meeting

September 19, 2012

Brainstorming:  Best Practices with Students and Mentees

Gardening Space:  How do we create/use/maximize  “space” to promote developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) and student success?

·      Natural materials/no plastic

·      Carpet in the classrooms

·      Round tables for group discussions and cohesiveness

·      Computer lab next door

·      Use outdoors whenever possible

·      Welcome new and different ideas

·      Meditative/mindful practices

·      Understand the student

·      Observation:  Change cannot be the same we grow

·      Think outside the box to expand limited space re ”indoors/outdoors”, potted plants, creative minds collaborate

·      Build upon children’s interests & experiences

·      Let others define space not just fit into yours

·      Look into your own heart and place you came from

·      Play, move, improvise  = a natural way for kids to learn

·      Everyone contributes

Time:  How do we make/find/create/set aside/organize time to allow DAP and student success?

·      Children need alone time, too

·      At least 1 hour of “protected” free play

·      Be a good listener

·      Adult provide choices in my class

·      Be intentional about time and planning

·      Plan with the end in mind

·      Make time for humor and fun

·      Make all day DAP

·      Be fully present for class

·      Time in lab for listening (not talking) about what went well, what didn’t, what to do next time

·      Engage along with children

·      Have a plan:  child’s directed review at the end of the day

Materials:  How/what/where materials to enable DAP and student success?

·      Fully electronic and computer lab for project work by students

·      Music—cultural background, songs, games, movement, research:  music education

·      Use all available supports for students:  DSPS, computer lab/tutoring center

·      Found not bought

·      Youtube

·      Free resources

·      Add a mixture of audio, video and group work

·      Storage space

·      Sand in water

·      Open-ended materials

Context and Growing Conditions:  What light/rain/temperature elements need to be present for the best growth to occur? 

·      My heart ready and student commitment to be fully present

·      Use the outdoors

·      Versatility

·      Parent commitment—excited to be part of

·      Adapt

·      I need to be prepared and excited for things to grow

·      Willingness to do what is needed, not just “What I’m paid to do” or “What’s in my job description”

·      Enthusiasm and willingness to learn yourself

·      No distractions

·      “Intentionality” -  being intentional

·      Well-rested, well-cared-for teachers

·      Share personal experiences

·      A positive attitude

·      A comfortable environment

·      Support the student

·      Develop an authentic attitude

·      Willingness to do what is needed;  Not “what I’m paid for”

·       

Additives:  What do we ADD to time, space and materials to enable developmentally appropriate practices and student success?

·      Clear understanding of what DAP is

·      Time with students/mentees outside of class

·      Positive attitude towards new experiences

·      A welcoming heart

·      Understanding

·      Confidence

·      I like to add the story to what I’m teaching”  Making things personal and relatable

·      Provide examples in class

·      Family experience

·      Ourselves fully present

·      Experience with mixed ages

·      Appreciate the student’s experiences

·      The playfulness in all of us

Welcome to Fall Semester, 2012!

The joke around faculty inservice this week is about a new t-shirt that has come out for faculty to wear the first week of classes.  The caption on the shirt simply says:

It's on the Syllabus! 

All ECE faculty, the teachers and staff at the McCarthy Family Child Development Center and Mentor Teachers welcome new and returning students to our College of the Desert Early Childhood Education Program for our new autumn semester, 2012!  We looking forward to walking alongside students as they seek an education to change their lives!   It is an honor and a privilege to be with you in the process!  

We have started this blog to make more of our information most easily accessible to you and encourage you to sign up to receive e-mails any time information is posted.  See the "gadget" on the bottom left to do so!  

We want this blog to hold the information you need to make you successful--- as a faculty, an Advisory Committee member, as a Child Development Specialist, a Mentor Teacher, as an ECE professional in our Coachella Valley or an ECE student!  We want to share the information you wish to access so please e-mail Donna or Wendy if you have things to post or things you would like to see added!