ECDC observations

When observing and working in the 3's classroom, I have noticed that they really emphasis that the children be able to do things independently. They are expected to be able to eat their lunch independently, as well as clean it up and prepare/clean their nap belongings. Kids are tying shoes and putting things away without the help of others. For 3 years old this really impressed me. They are also expected to behave certain ways, and already learning manners, like staying seated while eating and sitting with others until they are done eating, before leaving the table. This too, seemed very advanced for a three year old. Before transitioning from inside to out, as well as to the multi-purpose room, the kids always line up. I have noticed that this way of "self regulation"(?) or self control is being taught in many different ways throughout.


I noticed some things about the classroom environment as well. For example, the classroom does not even have a television (or at least I did not see one)and only during nap time do the children listen to audio tapes to calm down or fall asleep. All of their activities are very interactive with the teacher or other kids. Even book sharing routines with the teacher involve not only the teacher reading aloud to the children, but also asking them literal & inferential questions about the text, and helping them to personally relate to the text. A lot of time is spent outside playing and working on motor skills as well as social skills. With regards to the setup of the classroom, like in a montessori classroom, all the furniture in ECDC is scaled to a much smaller size that is appropriate to the child. Even the dress up clothes are hung at a very low level. Their environment is catered to them.