HEADING OUT ON ECE PLACEMENT?




3-2-1 READY FOR PLACEMENT – Set Up a Stellar Morning Routine
1.   CREATE A TO-DO LIST THE NIGHT BEFORE
  • Not only will this allow you to clear your mind so you can sleep better, it will also keep you on track the next day: list activities you'll be creating or implementing, field trip plans, special gym or outdoor play, planning meetings etc. 
2.   PLAN WHAT TO WEAR SO YOU TAKE WHAT YOU NEED
  • Check the next day’s weather forecast so you take the right outerwear; sunscreen, hats, runners, boots, coats etc.
  • Make it easy to choose your clothes, according to centre dress code by streamlining your wardrobe – take out and keep out (easily accessible) only the clothing you'll need over the placement.
3.   ORGANIZE YOUR BAG
  • Organize the contents of your bag, or get a bigger one to accommodate placement materials: books, activities, lunch bag, looseparts, binder and all the other 'stuff' you'll need to take in everyday
  • Pre-pack your bag and your children's (if you have them) the night before and keep them by the exit door.
4.   KEEP DISTRACTIONS DOWN IN THE MORNING
  • Resist the temptation to turn the TV on in the morning.
  • Fight the urge to ‘take a minute’ to check your email; it always takes longer than you think. If you just can’t avoid checking email, set a timer for 5 minutes and step away when time’s up.
5.   MIND THE TIME
  • It’s easy to lose track of time. Consider placing a clock in your bathroom, kitchen or any other area where you spend most of you time in the morning.


 

HOW TO ORGANIZE A PLACEMENT WEEK

MONDAYS – good day for MESSY PLAY activities, especially art so it has time to dry over the week.  Also a good day to introduce new themes and theme related activities.

TUESDAYS – introduce NEW BOOKS for the week.  The books can be read during group time and then stay out for the week.

WEDNESDAY – get the children interested in INVESTIGATIONS.  If using emergent curriculum or project approach, Wednesday is a good day to go out and conduct the research portion. Monday and Tuesday are great days to generate ideas, Wednesday is the day to try the ideas out.

THURSDAY – Collect information. EVALUATE Play.  Enjoy activities with the children.  Observe the room and decide how things are going.  Thursday is a great day to complete your observations.

FRIDAY – Presentation day.  Summarize the play that stemmed from your activities.  Wrap things up and plan for next week.  Meet with your onsite to discuss and plan.




5 TIPS TO GET YOUR PLACEMENT ASSIGNMENTS DONE

·         HAVE ALL TOOLS READY and WORKING: manual and weekly schedule printed, consistent computer and online access.  As a placement advisor I have had many a student stall because they lost internet connection submitting assignments or their printed quit on them when the last observations were due.

·         HAVE A BACK UP:  Just in case your computer walks off the job, have somewhere you can go for computer, internet, Wi-Fi, and/or printer access. 

·         BUILD IN WORK TIME: set out a half hour a day that is dedicated to assignment completion: daily journals, activity write ups, observation type ups, program plan webs, competencies.  These things take time to write out and complete.  The work can build up quickly and get away from you leave everything to the end.

·         KIDS AT HOME? Collect child care resource options and be prepared to use them.  Take up all offers from friends, parents, siblings who are willing to provide you some respite and work time.  It's amazing how much can be done in 60 minutes of uninterrupted work time.

HAVE A PAD and PENCIL ready to jot down observations and other notes during the day that will help you get your assignments done:  what the children interested in. How did your provocations go?  That inquiry area you set up, what can you add to 
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