Advice for Future ECE Preschool Practicum Students

These past 8 weeks in the preschools have been an unbelievable roller coaster of emotions and events. My adventure was not typical for this practicum experience. I began in a Head Start setting. Halfway through the experience I was abruptly moved to a private religious preschool setting. Although I had a rough start to my practicum, I ended in a wonderful setting that truly respected children. 

My roller coaster of preschool practicum.

What would I advise an ECE student to do during their practicum?

1. OBSERVE OBSERVE OBSERVE

The first few days in each classroom I observed the entire day. I observed the role of the children, teachers, and other staff in the building. I wanted to get a feel for what the children were allowed to do in the setting and how to adults communicate and interact with the children. These two things tell you a lot about the experience you are going to have. This is not to say that you should sit in a corner and do nothing. Introduce yourself to the teachers, staff, and children. Arrive early so that you can explain to the teachers that you would like to observe for the day. Of course you can help with tasks and interact with the children! It is just helpful to sit or walk around and watch the day unfold. I found that it is particularly effective to sit with children as they engage in play, art, and reading. It gives you time to check in on each child and begin to build relationships.

2. RECORD

Taking notes on what is happening in the classroom is a great way to gather information for your blog, Day in the Life Project, and for self-reflection. I found it helpful to note what centers and invitations were available for the day (especially if these changed frequently), the activities and books used at circle time, songs the teachers and children sung, helpful phrases you notice from the teachers (Ex. Instead of telling a child what something is when they ask, pose the question “What do you think it is?”), and begin practicing documentation by recording what certain children play with and do with certain objects. If your center allows it, take pictures, videos, and audio recordings. These will help you practice authentic documentation, remember how your teachers set up certain invitations, and will help you in transitioning out of the preschool by having reminders of the children you served.

3. JUMP IN!

This is your only preschool practicum experience in the program, so make the most of it! This is your time to try new things, make mistakes, and practice the art of teaching. Instead of asking your lead teachers, “What can I do?,” ask, “What should I be doing right now?” This shows your teachers that you are eager to get your hands in the classroom. Go beyond the required assignments. Help clean, set up, lead small group activities, and teach circle time. Many teachers will be happy to help you do these things. If your teachers are apprehensive or not letting you get as hands-on as you would like, contact your practicum advisor for advice. They are there to help you navigate this experience. If possible, sit in with your teachers as they plan for the day/week/month. If your teachers or center offer chances for you to attend staff meetings, in-house conferences, or the IAEYC conference, attend! These are amazing professional development experiences that will help you learn more about being the early childhood professional you are becoming.

4. IT’S NOT FUN/GREAT/EXCITING/WONDERFUL ALL OF THE TIME

Just like every other part of life, preschool practicum is not this wonderful haven of joy every single day. While you will have fun and enjoy your experience, there are days that are harder.

You will get tired. You will question why you are there and what your place is in the classroom. There will be days you will dread coming in because you know that nap will be rough again or that a certain child in your class will cry all day long. Do not let these days bring you down. Teaching is hard work and hard work is exhausting. You will not be thrilled to get up at 6:30AM to drive 45 minutes away every single day. It is important to remember that this is just like any other aspect of life. There are good days and bad. You will make it through and it will be worth it in the end.  

5. ENJOY!

Enjoy all of the wonderful and challenging experiences you will have. Bond with your co-teachers and the children in your classroom. Learn all that you can and look for the positives in your experience.