Pre-Kindergarten Helper

2013-2014 School Year

Description
The artifact included is a picture of me while helping 2 out of the 20
students in the classroom, and a letter from the teacher who I assisted.
Once or twice a week I would go to the elementary school for 1 2
hours to help with basic classroom activities such as reading and
writing, and I would help the teacher with cleaning up the classroom
and preparing activities.
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment
My experience in the pre-kindergarten classroom best aligns with
standard ten of the Wisconsin Standards for Teacher Development and
Licensure. Standard number ten, collaboration, states: The teacher
fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in
the larger community to support pupil learning and well-being and acts
with integrity, fairness and in an ethical manner.
This artifact aligns with standard ten because I was able to form
positive relationships with different elementary faculty and students. I
had to build trusting relationships with the teacher and the students so
that they would listen and allow me to help and teach. While helping in
the classroom, I had to opportunity to gain experience and learn how
to build positive relationships with both students, and the faculty
around me.
UW-Platteville Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement
Alignment
Alignment Statement KSD2.c: Managing Classroom Procedures: The
candidate values and has the ability to manage self-motivated
students and instructional groups whoa re productively and
independently working at all times with the classroom transitions and
routines occurring smoothly. The teacher, volunteers, and students
share the responsibility for the classroom environment.
During my time in the classroom I had to help manage the classroom
and lead the children in activities. Sometimes I was the only teacher in
the classroom, resulting in me being in charge of the atmosphere of
the classroom. It is very important to be able to be organized and to be
able to have authority in the classroom while helping teach.
This

also addresses the following KSDs

KSD2.a Creates an Environment of Respect and Rapport
KSD3.a Communicates Clearly and Accurately
KSD4.d Contributes to the School and District
KSD4.e Grows and Develops Professionally

What I learned about teaching/learning from this experience:

Helping in the pre-kindergarten classroom really opened my eyes to

how elementary classrooms really work. I learned how to collaborate
with the students and the faculty by using good communication skills
and by forming positive relationships. It also taught me that you have
to learn to be patient with the children and to always give them
positive feedback so that they do not get frustrated. Each student has
a different way of learning and as a teacher you always have to be
willing to readjust to his or her learning style.
What I learned about myself as a prospective educator as a
result of this experience:
Throughout this experience, I have discovered that as a teacher, I will
be able to collaborate with my students and co-workers to create a
positive learning environment. Every classroom has an atmosphere
that you must adjust too and from this experience I have learned how
to adjust. I know now that classrooms require structure and respect,
and that someday I can and will be a great teacher.