Student Teaching: Early Childhood Practicum Guide

Student teachers will find this text a complete guide to their early childhood practicum field work. It introduces the mechanics of the student teaching process and describes how the students personal and professional values and philosophy affect their beginning and evolving style of teaching. Varied supervisor observation of developing teaching competencies is explained and reflective analysis is emphasized. Reviewing child development milestones and instructional planning chapters serves student teachers immediate needs in training classrooms. Classroom management goals and techniques are offered in two chapters - a welcome resource for new teachers. Case studies and the special needs of children, the changing American family, parent relationships and home visit particulars are discussed in detail. The problems common to student teaching situation and the communication skills and problem solving skills necessary are covered with strategies provided. Students are urged to recognize professional concerns, trends and issues, and develop a commitment to life-long professional growth through planning and action activities. A concluding chapter details the particulars of student teaching in infant and toddler programs.