ECH 321 Wk 4 – Signature Assignment: Classroom-Management Observations

Classroom management will appear very different in a daycare or preschool setting compared to a K–3 setting. For example, daycare and preschool settings highly encourage social play and exploration. That’s not to say that K–3 settings don’t offer those options, but these grades usually incorporate more academic and structured learning.

Source and schedule observations of 2 early childhood education programs that meet the following criteria:

• 1 observation must be in an early childhood setting that serves children from birth through preschool, such as Head Start, a Montessori school, a licensed daycare, or a preschool facility.
• 1 observation must be in an early childhood setting that serves K–3 children.

Ensure each observation:

• Is at least 1 hour in duration
• Includes an indoor and outdoor play setting, if possible

Submit your observation locations to your instructor for approval by Week 3.

Please note:

Due to Covid-19, many schools will remain closed in 2021, and may have strict rules concerning allowing visitors inside of the school buildings. If this is the case in your state/area, OR if you are uncomfortable visiting a school for an in-person observation, please refer to the following two attachments for alternative Field experience instructions & Helpful hints for My Time Log as approved by the College of Education.

EI Instructions for Field Experience 8.21.20.docx

Helpful Hints for My Time Log.docx

Additionally, because of the ongoing effects of the pandemic, I am also permitting students to observe classroom videos online via YouTube and/or Teacher Tube. If you elect to watch videos on either of these websites, ensure that you cite the videos correctly in APA 7th ed. format on your reference page. Visit our University library for help with citing APA 7th ed.

Also, I will need to approve any observations done via YouTube or TeacherTube. Yes, these observations may be included on your Time Log, however, you will use my email address to send to for approval: agmiller@email.phoenix.edu

If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to message me directly.

Use the Observation Chart to guide and document your observations.

Important Note: The observation chart is worth 30% of the total grade, and must be submitted along with your reflection paper. Submit the chart on a seperate page, or as a “second attempt”.

Write a 525- to 700-word reflection paper that compares each observation and provides the following information:

• Describe each setting. Include the type of setting, the grade or age level, the classroom demographics, and the philosophy, model, or approach the school/program follows.
• Describe the classroom organization at each observation and determine how it impacted classroom management and promoted physical, social, and cognitive development.
• Describe the student engagement or non-engagement at each observation and determine what factors contributed to that. Include any evidence of efforts made to help engage the students.
• Describe the classroom expectations and interactions at each observation, and determine whether they were clear and developmentally appropriate. Provide examples of evidence of positive reinforcement, mutual respect, and positive interactions between the children and the teacher.
• Describe the schedule, transitions, and routines at each observation. Determine whether the schedules were developmentally appropriate, and whether or not the routine activities and transition practices between activities were effective.
• Summarize any insight gained from these observations, and identify if there was anything surprising to you about either of the observations. Explain how you will apply it to your future role as a teacher.

Cite references to support your reflection paper.

Format your citations according to APA guidelines.

Record your field experience observations in My Time Log in TK20.

Submit your observation chart and reflection paper.