In 1990 at the World Conference on Education for All, they discussed how education needed to be meet the learning needs of all young people and adults. They also discussed the importance of  life skills. I found this interesting as there is a needed to develop practical life skills globally.

As I read this, I began to reflect on my experiences here locally in the school I was in.

3-6 class: During lunch children went to the kitchen got their cups filled it with water drank, cleaned up the cup and hung it up to dry.
6-9 class: I saw a child pick up a squish ball and heard a child say "Someone left their work out" and then he put it away with out asking. This shows he was internally motivated to help keep the environment in order.
9-12 class: Children were doing their weekly jobs such as "cubbieologist" some one who check the cubbies.

I found that through the different years Montessori instills this love and care for the self, other and the environment and many children seemed confident in their abilities to assist.

This week during class we continued to discuss the importance about professionalism and then we discussed practical life. I feel that through grace and courtesy Montessori is laying the foundations for that child to grow up into a professional. I like to further assist children in the growth development by offering an opportunity to use charts and role play for example:
 
Here is a chart that illustrates this point.  I came across this when I worked in the Beekman International School. This chart brings self-awareness into the vicinity of the child. First the child/children identify the factors of what what went on then they choose an appropriate column. As the children learn how to cope with their emotions, they are also problem-solving along with practicing decision making skills.

I feel that practical life allows the child to become full involved in their learning activity/ work. It all provides children invaluable life skills they will use everyday. Through this they will continue to practice and become functioning members of society.

Reference
UNESCO (1990, March 9). Regional handbook on life skills programmes for non formal education.Retrieved fromhttp://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002175/217507e.pdf
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"Professional Ethics helps us as early childhood educators to think about our responsibilities towards children, families, communities and society..." NAEYC

Self
It is important to conducting oneself in away that allows one to preform ones job to the best of ones ability. It is also vital to treat others with respect and to have discernment and understanding for ones own boundaries and the boundaries of others. Its also necessary to know and understand ones triggers so that one can be present and handle adversity with grace and poise. 

Others
In supporting staff members, its important to maintain boundaries to avoid any perceived nepotism. These boundaries will maintain harmony in the class room and break areas as it encourages everyone to work together and to participate equally. It is also important to maintain a pleasant and friendly attitude towards each other and resolve conflict promptly and peacefully.  

Families and caretakers                                                                                                                                                     It is important to remember that the parents and caretakers are the child's first teachers. These roles must be respected for an effective teacher/parent  and teacher/ caretaker  relationship to develop. Through mutual respect an open line of communication can be maintained and the teacher can be seen as a resource to the parents or caretakers. While different households will have different views we must maintain our professionalism through compassion and understanding while maintaining the values of the school.

Children 
Each child is unique and should be valued as an individual with gifts and talents. The educator's tone should be kind, pleasant and patient to allow for the child to feel safe as they learn and progress. Positive discipline, redirection and teaching children self-regulation is a way to resolve conflict successfully.

Superiors 
Maintain rapport with superiors through open and honest communication while adhering to boundaries. Receiving direction and constructive criticism with openness and grace and responding accordingly. While presenting new ideas make sure to present  them with respect. 

Commitment to professionalism in education can be reached through consistent interpersonal rapport, communication skills along with demonstrating respect for one values and understanding the values of others. 



                                                                             References

Feeney, S.(2014) Ethics today in early care and education: review, reflection, and the future retrieved fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/201003/FeeneyWeb0310.pdf

“This is education, understood as a help to life; an education from birth, which feeds a peaceful revolution and unites all in a common aim, attracting them as to a single centre. Mothers, fathers, politicians: all must combine in their respect and help for this delicate work of formation, which the little child carries on in the depth of a profound psychological mystery, under the tutelage of an inner guide. This is the bright new hope for mankind.” - Maria Montessori (The Absorbent Mind, p. 15)

As I come into my heart, I reflect on what I look forward to in the field experience with the children that will be in my care. As an educator I commit to being present with what is before me.

The first thing that comes up is to honor the child's spirit. I look forward to instilling values that  will enrich the child's life. By creating a nurturing, loving and exciting environment for learning I look forward to helping children discover and keep a wonder for learning and to respect themselves and others.

The Child
As an educator, I will value and recognize the child's previous experiences, age, temperament, culture, and interests to better understand the way they learn and how they address things.
In thinking about the semester's field experience Unit 1  Chapter 1 Posner's Guide to Reflective Teaching discusses how every moment is a teachable moment. Whether or not your in a classroom or in an everyday situation with a child.

"Every student teaching experience is unique, because every learners is unique" - George Posner

I wish to observe, guide and encourage the children to understand their own learning style while respecting that of others. I look forward to guiding children toward self-love/self-compassion and to honor their learning through being loving and kind to themselves. I will utilize and teach Marshall Rosenberg's non-violent communication strategies so that children can honor and express their needs and feelings and also honor and listen to the needs and feelings of others co-creating and building understanding and empathy.

The Materials
In the classroom, I look forward to integrating The Montessori Method and apply what I have learned. I will be making my materials and I have asked the community for donations

In the school, I look forward to connecting with the staff, families and administrators.

The Families
In Chapter 3, it discusses about reflecting on a focus on a few experiences and its value.

"The essence of observation is the creation of insight  out of what may seem to be routine and commonplace. Hidden beneath the surface of this lesson and unresolved issues, that when made visible, reveal possible  beliefs, values and practice."

Reflecting on best practices as an educator it important to be mindful of experiences of all learners not only the children but the parents, grandparents and their caretakers. In establishing strong relationships this help to further develop the bond better the educator and the child.

"Bonding is very important in relating to teacher and child."- Jerry Richmond

Honoring the parent/s as the child's first teachers, I wish to be a resource  in which they too will feel heard and understand from their perspective, life experiences and culture. I will offer resources and work my best to be part of their support system.

"Compassion should be felt for the sorrow of others. Their difficulties should be felt as our own." — Amma

 I can all also further encourage possibly family involvement by incorporating a variety of books for the children that illustrate the theme of peace through understanding ones uniqueness and diversity.

The Educator
My effectiveness as an educator is also based on my student's learning. I will look how can I adapt? How can I learn more about this child? What am I observing? What are his or her likes? How is the child feeling today? Are there any change of plans in his or her routine? Many factor will be taken into consideration.

Through this I  will be a source of consistency and love  and  demonstrate care and concern  for each child.

I will also be looking if any internal triggers may come up for me so that I can observe my own thoughts and stay open, positive, centered and present for the child. Sometimes I may not know the answers, some times the children will give me the answers other time I will go research and together we will learn with each other. 

One of jobs is to help children to better understand and to  help themselves
while encouraging children to their best potential while giving them the space and independence to grow.

Also Personally I also look forward to incorporating  Mamma's Planet Earth book along with community partnerships and provide  resources to children and families in the community.

These are some of the things that I look forward but I also look forward to the mystery and beauty of life and the gifts these children will bring.