Internship
Children were raising their hands to answer a question. Faces of the children are blurred for privacy reasons.
Assistant Preschool Teacher
MY World @ Yishun Northland
August 2020 - February 2021
For my 6-month internship programme, I was attached to the Kindergarten 1 class and subsequently, following them up to Kindergarten 2. I was required to be at the centre every day. I was given a monthly roster for my work hours.
What Did I Do?
During this period, I was tasked to do weekly lesson plans. Apart from that, I also had to observe a child and create an action plan to support his development. I also had on-site deliverables which included assisting the host teacher with daily routines, helping to prepare lesson resources as well as decorating the centre during celebrations. My host teacher and I also collaborated in coming up with a calm down corner in the class.
Here, I am helping to create the mooncake skin during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Art Lesson Plan
Language and Literacy Lesson Plan
Numeracy Lesson Plan
Lesson Plans:
During my internship, I was tasked to create ten weekly lesson plans across the six learning areas. While planning the lesson plans, I have to consider the theme for the term. I also discussed with the class teacher on which lessons I am able to take over. Here are some of the lesson plans which I conducted with the children:
Art:
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I planned an Art activity based on the book "Thunder Cake".
Language and Literacy:
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I focused on sight words and we read the book, "The Giving Tree" and children are to spot the sight words they see according to the checklist.
Numeracy:
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I focused on number bonds and different ways to make 10. I used the book "Ten Little Butterflies" and created a teaching aid to guide children in exploring the different ways to make 10.
This is a part of the calm-down corner. Children were welcomed to use this corner whenever they feel overstimulated.
Calm Down Corner:
The host teacher had an idea to create a calm down corner for the children. I was on board with the idea and we discussed on the materials that we wanted to include in the area. We looked through the Internet to search for inspirations. I offered to create an emotion chart as well as coming with the rules for the area. I also created a sensory bottle for the children to use in the area. It was a memorable experience for me as this is my first time creating a calm down corner.
Take Home Kit:
One of the intern deliverables was to create a take-home kit. I decided to link the kit to the Chinese New Year theme. Based on the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals, I created an activity where the children and their parents create a paper bag animal.
I consulted my host teacher on some pointers when creating a take-home kit. She noted that the activity has to be simple and a parents' letter detailing the activity. It was imperative to submit the idea proposal and parents' letter to the principal for approval.
Drafting out the parents' letter was difficult as this was my first time doing so. Nonetheless, my host teacher guided me and provided me with a sample. From there, I was able to craft my version of the parents' letter. When submitting the proposal and parents' letter draft, I was nervous that the idea will be disapproved. Thankfully, the principal liked the idea and gave the green light to distribute the activity.
I also created a lesson plan to introduce the children to the zodiac animals and the story behind the sequencing. Click on the pdf icon on the right to view the lesson plan!
A child is sharing with her peers about her animal. Face of the child is blurred for privacy reasons.
Take Home Kit Lesson Plan
Skills I Have Developed:
Classroom Management:
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The internship provided me with more opportunities to take on a full class. This is a big step from the second field practicum where I was only required to take eight children. Hence, I asked for advice from my host teacher on how she manages the class. Not only that but the senior teacher also conducted a workshop on effective classroom management. Some of the content of the workshop were similar to a module I took, Learning Environment and Classroom Management. It was a good refresher and at the same time, some of the content was new to me. With the advice and newly acquired knowledge, I put it in place during my lessons.
Creativity:
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This time around, I had to plan ten weekly lessons and incorporate the theme into the lessons. I consulted the senior teacher as well as the class teacher on the topic of my lessons. I also had to think about how to deliver the content of my lesson in a fun and engaging way.
Communication:
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I communicated with both the children and the staff during the practicum. I learnt how to get my message across more effectively. For example, I made eye contact and use gestures. When talking to the children, I made sure I got down to their level. There was also a lot of opportunity for me to interact with the staff, especially with my host teacher. We discussed with each other our observations of some children and discussed the calm-down corner. Apart from communicating with the children and the staff, I was encouraged to talk to the parents. I made small talk with the parents during arrival and dismissal. I will inform them about any school announcements as well as details about the take-home kit.
Time Management:
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I had to juggle between internship requirements, assignments and time with my loved ones. To manage my time well, I jot down any important tasks and events in a planner. I also had to make sure I end my lesson within a stipulated time so that I do not affect the teachers' schedule.
This is one of the teaching aid that I made during my internship. It is used during a Numeracy lesson about different ways to create 10.
I am explaining to the children how to play the game. Faces of children are blurred due to privacy reasons.
I am observing a child's motor skills development. Face of the child is blurred due to privacy reasons.
Challenge(s) I Faced:
A challenge I faced was communicating with parents. Since this was my first time communicating with the parents, I lacked confidence in doing so. However, with encouragement from the Chinese Teacher and principal, I was able to build confidence in communicating with them.
What Did I learn?
At the end of the internship, I was given the opportunity to hone my skills in time management, creativity and communication skills with the children. Not only that but I was grateful to be given the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge such as drafting out a field trip proposal and communicating with parents.
The teachers performed a short dance for the children during Children's Day.