Week 8 (Day 16)

My final day at the childcare centre began with morning tea, where I reflected on the bonds I had formed with the children and educators. Through storytelling, painting, and sea creature exploration, I invited children to share their best memories from the previous weeks. The significance of designing relevant and captivating learning experiences was reinforced by this discussion. The children liked playing in the sandpit during their outside free play period after morning tea. They demonstrated cooperation and teamwork by digging tunnels, making sandcastles, and sharing tools, all of which support EYLF Outcome 1: children forming relationships and a sense of belonging (Department of Education, 2022).

Once lunch was over, I got to formally say the children and teachers farewell. In addition to exchanging embraces, some of the children gave me drawings as parting presents, which really moved me. The lead educator, who provided positive input on my growth and development during the placement, also signed on my attendance sheet. As I considered how much I had learnt and contributed throughout my time at the centre, this moment of closure was both emotional and fulfilling.

On my last day, I became aware of how much the placement experience had changed the way I thought about early childhood teaching. I have acquired useful knowledge about promoting holistic development, putting creative activities into practice, and attending to each child's unique requirements through deliberate interaction with children and cooperation with educators. Receiving my host report and encouraging comments confirmed my development as a teacher. As I observed how relationships enhanced my own and the children's educational experiences, Vygotsky's emphasis on the social context of learning struck a deep chord with me (Berk, 2022). I'll use these lessons to my future work with the goal of continuing to establish supportive and welcoming learning environments.

References 

Department of Education. (2022). Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. Canberra, ACT: 

       Australian Government.