Reflection #1: Goals for CD 10

Question: What motivated you to take this class? What do you hope to learn from this course? How will taking this course help you in your present day situation?

I am taking this class because it is a prerequisite for entry into the Cal State multiple subjects teaching credential program. I would much rather complete this course locally than at San Bernardino. It is far less expensive, it is closer if I need to stop by for anything, and the classes are generally smaller and more intimate. I have also found the professors at CMC to be generally more willing and available to assist students. 

I am hoping to learn more about typical and atypical child development, gain a deeper understanding of the young people entrusted to me, and thereby be a more effective parent and educator. This will not only help me as I pursue my teaching credential but will also be of great use to me now, in my work as a substitute teacher. Understanding child development helps with myriad aspects of teaching, including classroom management, behavior management, adaptive and differentiated learning approaches, and recognition of developmental inconsistencies. Being a substitute presents interesting challenges, as you usually walk into a classroom with no prior knowledge of the students, their backgrounds, and their individual needs. A solid, core understanding of child development helps someone in such a dynamic position assess students quickly and adapt accordingly. When you walk into a classroom with an educated guess about the likely behaviors you will encounter, you are better able to take and retain control of the classroom environment. 

For example, 6-8th grade students enjoy changing their seats so that the substitute cannot identify them by name. This gives them a feeling of control over the classroom. To correct this issue, I make a seating chart before class and quietly write their names in as I take attendance. I then inform them that I have done so and that I will be leaving the chart of where they were sitting for their teacher. It is amazing how quickly they will then return to their assigned seating. Smaller children, particularly grades 1-3, will ask to go to the nurse for headaches and hangnails in record numbers. A box of bandaids and a planned response for such requests is very useful. Knowing what to expect and planning accordingly is a lifesaver in this field. 

I am excited about and looking forward to this class.