ALL ABOUT ME

Hello! my name is Jessica Stechmann I am Currently studying my Certificate 3 in early childhood education; I have completed my two placements and have one left! I should have finished by the end of February then I'm a qualified educator. I am born and raised in New Zealand from a small town called Greymouth/mawhera, I lived there for 18 years then decided to move to Melbourne VIC with my partner to explore new opportunities we couldn't experience back home. I've always had a caring and compassionate nurturing side to me as being the eldest of my three siblings on my mother's side and the eldest to my 4 other siblings on my father's side, growing up my childhood was rough and unsteady always moving, having to care for my siblings being a second mum to them Aswell as. When I left high school in year 12 gaining my NCEA level 1 and NCEA level 2, I applied for job advising an assistant educator in a small childcare Centre in my hometown I ended up working there for about 8 months, I created so many wonderful memories and friendships while working there and gained so much information, with children, and parents, I will forever be thankful for my Centre manger and coworkers for giving me the opportunity to work with them unqualified. I am currently working at another childcare Centre in the outer suburbs of Melbourne called Sandringham, I've been working there for over a year now, they helped me and offered me my study through selmar to gain my certificate 3, I did all my placements through there, I was an assistant educator there last year 2023 with another assistant educator and a very experienced room leader, working with 2-3 year olds, I am now currently in a different room and age group (toddler 1's) which I'm loving at the moment. In my spare time I love scrapbooking, journaling and reading on a rainy day, when the hot sunshine is out, I love being at the beach soaking up the sun, and swimming in the water, I also love collecting shells and rocks (I have a very large collection!), I also love going on road trips, being in nature and looking after plants.  

ME AS AN EDUCATOR 

Why I love being an Educator

Being an early childhood educator/teacher involves far more than just our daily responsibilities and the various roles we may play. I could not have asked for a more gratifying job. Because when I arrange an experience for a child that keeps their interest while offering a foundation for learning, I feel a sense of accomplishment. When I do something as easy as change a baby's diaper, I am greeted with a grateful smile. This is why I love what I do. Because of the children. Because of the reward I receive every time a little hand rests itself in mine for comfort, a small smile is aimed at me in recognition, or I see little faces light up with wonder and excitement. I get to be a part of their life and shape them for a brighter future. I have a great deal of responsibility.

 I appreciate the way they look at the world. I enjoy watching children grow and learning new things, as well as being amazed by what they discover. That innocence is what makes them so unique I enjoy seeing how genuine they are while also learning from them. Even though they are small, they are excellent instructors simply because of the way they perceive life. 

CHILD THEORIST I FOLLOW

I flow through two children theorists Lev Vygotsky and Maria Montessori, 

Vygotsky emphasized the importance of relationships and interactions between children and more knowledgeable peers and adults. He believed that children’s cognitive understandings were enriched and deepened when they were ‘scaffolded’ by parent, teachers or peers. 

• Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development means that children learn with the guidance and assistance of those in their environment.

• Educators will know that children will need assistance and will know when to step in and guide the child to support them in the learning process.

• Children need interactions on a one-to-one basis and these conversations will assist their learning.

Montessori stressed that children learn best by using their senses and pursuing their interests, rather than forcing them to learn what is expected. Children have innate skills and talents. There are sensitive periods that indicate when the child is ready to learn. To maximize children’s learning, Montessori believed that teachers should provide the necessary resources for children to learn independently and intrude on the children’s learning experience as little as possible. If children are guided with love they will learn on their own.

• Children are given hands-on learning opportunities.

• The program and environment will be ordered, and the children will have the opportunity to be involved in the routine life of the service including meal preparation and cleaning.

• Encourage independence - let the child choose

• Be non-directive; the child will show you what they need

• Do not yell at the child for unintentional mistakes

• Educators should construct the child's learning environment

• Absorb learning through different experiences

MY TEACHING PHILOSPHY 

My teaching philosophy is centered on teaching and assisting children in identifying their own needs and finding themselves. As an educator, I will enable children achieve their full potential, ask questions, learn from their mistakes, accept feedback, be questioned, create, and always aim for the highest outcomes.

My teaching methods will help the children learn, such as play-based learning, which I find to be a very powerful and important teaching strategy that allows children to learn through play. It encourages exploration, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By incorporating play, learning can be made fun and engaging for the children. Play-based learning may take several forms, including imaginative play, sensory play, and outdoor play. It gives children the opportunity to improve their verbal, social, and cognitive abilities while having fun. Play allows children to explore their interests, express themselves, and make sense of their surroundings. 

My beliefs as a teacher are based on the idea that every kid is unique, and I will appreciate and cultivate each student's unique qualities, interests, skills, and knowledge to further their education. I believe in cultural diversity. I will help each child see and appreciate their unique characteristics while also celebrating the many advantages of diversity. Children need the assurance of being loved and cared for while they are enjoying an educational environment. Teaching children is my passion. Security and trust are very important components as well, of my relationship with each child.

As an early childhood educator, my goals include helping kids develop connections, helping them gain trust, and focusing on their fine and gross motor abilities, for example. Put together a puzzle, hold tiny tools or toy pieces, feed themselves, zip or button their own jackets, tie their own shoes, use the restroom, and climb on a play structure to develop their coordination and balance. Throw and catch a ball. assisting children in gaining self-assurance and autonomy.