My Work

Please take a look at my assignments completed during my Masters Degree at the University of Moreland. I take great pride in my work, and always hold myself to a high standard. In these assignments you will be able get a good idea of my work ethic, as well as the effort I put into any task I do.

Introduction Video

This was one of my first assignments, the task was to create a video of my teaching journey and give my cohort a little insight into me.

An Evaluation of the Montessori Method

For this assignment I had to create a vlog on a theorist, and connect their theories to my teaching and practice. I had to include a brief description of the theory, compare this theory to another prominent theorist, explain why this theory resonates with me, give examples of how I would apply it in my classroom, how I would adapt it to my teaching, as well as any shortcomings or opposition to the theory.

Researching a Positive Early Childhood Learning Environment

For this assignment, we had to research and discuss elements and approaches that contribute to a positive early childhood learning environment. We had to create a blog post, which included elements of a positive classroom environment, a comparison of two schools of thought, as well as a deep dive analysis of one school of thought, examining how it helps foster a positive learning environment within our own classroom.

Identifying and Overcoming Bias in the Early Childhood Classroom

For this assignment, I had to examine any unconscious biases I may have, and work together with one of my cohort members to create an infographic about the importance of identifying, confronting, and overcoming bias.

Instructing Students with Varying Abilities

For this assignment we had to examine how to maximise instruction for students with varying abilities in a variety of settings in the classroom. In small groups with other member of my cohort, we had to create a "new teacher guide" that explored how to determine varying abilities of each student in a class, and how to maximise instruction for all students in whole-group and small-group settings.

Awareness and Infusion of Cultural Diversity

For this assignment we had to create a Biteable video that outlined how to create a positive classroom climate that embraces and celebrates cultural diversity. We had to include how we share culture with our students, how we learn about the culture of each of our students, and how we infuse, embrace and celebrate culturural diversity in the classroom.

Techniques for Addressing Challenging Behaviour

For this assignment we had to apply knowledge about Behaviourism and other theories to address challenging behaviours. We had to create a blog post on how to effectively manage a scenario of a student exhibiting challenging behaviour. In this blog post we had to reference a behavioural theorist and explain the strategies and actions we would employ to increase the engagement of the student in classroom activities.

Managing Aggressive Behaviours

For this assignment we had to explore different ways to address aggressive behaviors in Early Childhood, noting that children of different ages require different management techniques. We had to create a handout to share with caregivers to explain how to effectively manage various types of aggressive behaviours, for different age groups.

Investigating Early Childhood Education Libraries

In this activity we had to review and analyse our favourite children's book author (I chose Eric Carle) and determine how to choose appropriate books for the Early Childhood Education classroom. We also had to develop a plan that helps students access virtual books during online learning.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

In this assignment we had to examine the connection between childhood development theories and Developmentally Appropriate Practice in the Early Childhood classroom. I decided to explore Erik Erikson's theory on Psychosocial Development.

Meeting the Needs of Each Student

In this assignment we had to explore what Differentiated Instruction looks like in the Early Childhood classroom and examine the impact it has on student learning. We had to create a video presentation that looked at five ways to differentiate instruction in the classroom, giving specific examples for each.

Designing Curriculum Around Social Experiences

In this assignment we had to examine the benefits of social experiences in the classroom, as well as how it can be integrated into an early childhood curriculum (with and without the use of technology).

Analysing Early Childhood Curriculum Options

In this assignment we had to explore the options available for curriculum in Early Childhood Education programs and analyze the effectiveness of the different options. I decided to explore The National Swedish Curriculum as well as Reggio Emilia.

Themes in Early Childhood Education

In this assignment we had to create a blog post that analysed the different themes that can be incorporated into interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education curriculum. I explored two themes within the IB PYP program; "Who We Are" and "How We Express Ourselves".

My Ideal Early Childhood Program

In this assignment we were tasked to design our ideal Early Childhood Curriculum that encompassed our own philosophy of education. I was greatly influenced by some of my favourite educational theorists, as well as the IB PYP curriculum.

Policy Affecting Education

In this assignment we had to review one law or policy that affects the day-to-day functioning of schools, students, and teachers in the country we currently live in, or our home country. I decided to review South Africa's School Nutrition Program, exploring the many wonderful benefits this program has on education in South Africa.

Impactful Decisions in the Classroom

In this assignment we had to make use of Hattie's Influences to create an infographic explaining how to make the impactful decisions in the classroom to best support student achievement.

Identifying & Supporting Students with learning Difficulties

For this assignment we had to create a flowchart illustrating the process we would like to follow in our own classrooms to identify and help a struggling student.

The Future of Schooling

For this assignment we had to re-imagine schooling and learning, and put our thoughts into a podcast, detailing how we would like to see the future of education.

Students in the Digital Age

For this assignment we had to explore education in the modern digital age. The assignment was two fold;

1. Interviewing teachers to find out how to effectively incorporate technology into the classroom, and

2. Designing a survey to get to know our new students at the start of the school year.

Differentiated Instruction Strategies

For this assignment we had to do a case study on a student in our class requiring differentiated instruction. We had to create practical student-centered activities, approaches and practices to effectively address this student's learning needs, as well as enhance these strategies through the use of technology.

Game Design for Learning

For this assignment we had to design an educational game to help students meet a learning objective. I chose to design a game that can be used as a motivating tool to complete "Phonemic Awareness" activities.

STEAM Project: Water Filters

For this assignment we had to create a STEAM project that incorporated different components of STEAM, subject-specific learning objectives and 21'st century skills.

Managing the Learning Environment

For this assignment we had to create a Learning Environment Plan that factored in all elements that build a positive classroom climate.

Leadership Project

For this assignment we had to develop a project proposal for leading a team of teachers in our subject area at school. I chose to coincide my two careers; dietetics and teaching, to develop a "Nutrition and Wellness Club", with the potential of developing into a school-wide curriculum.