AboutTonya Expertise I can help with the following categories: infant-toddler care,curriculum for two through four year olds, child development associate (CDA), teacher-parent concerns, classroom projects and ideas, developmental questions, lesson planning, developmentally appropriate practice, child care director questions. I can give information based on my experiences, opinions, and education although I cannot answer questions that require psycholgical or developmental diagnosis.
Experience I have worked in the field of early childhood education for fifteen years. I previosly taught preschool and kindergarten. I am currently an administrator for a center accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. I also conduct and attend parent and teacher workshops on various topics related to early childhood.
Organizations National Association for the Education of Young Children
Publications Mailbox Magazine
Local Community Association Newsletter
Newsletter for local chapter of National Association for the Education of Young Children
Education/Credentials BS in Psychology with Early Childhood Credits
Infant-Toddler Certification
Currently working on MS in Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) Advisor
Level Six Maryland Credential
Question Dear Tonya,
I am currently working on and am in the final stages of getting my CDA credentials. I am currently a PRE-K assistant in a private nursery school. My assignment is to describe 9 learning experiences for 3,4, and 5 year old children (three for each age group) Each experience should promote physical, cognitive and creative development. I have to describe the goals, materials and teaching strategies used. For some reason I am having a tough time with this one. I could use some new ideas. This is the only section of my resource file that is not complete. I have two classes left and I will be having my observation next week. Thanks for your help.
Sincerely,
Diane
Answer Hey Diane,
Congratulations on your achievement thus far. I know the section you are referring to for your resource file. I can't (in fairness) tell you what to write but I can hopefully give you some inspiration and ideas.
First of all, you said you work with preK students, right? So most likely your students are around 4 years old. Use your experience to think about what types of things you do with this age group. Take what you know about 4 year olds and adjust it for the other age groups.
Here are some examples of activities:
Physical - balance beam activities, ball activities, fine motor activities such as stringing beads
Cognitive - think of math, language, or science activities
Creative - focus on art and music
