A day in the life of a student on centre placement – Jessica
Jessica was accepted into the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) programme at the Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College after completing Year 12.
Jessica comments that at the time “It was hard leaving school one year earlier than all my friends, but I’ve never looked back, as Rangi has been an amazing journey for me. I have found out so much about myself, my capabilities, how to extend myself and opened up new doors to my future.”
“Practical placements for me are a great way to put theory into practice. When you are working with children, it’s not all about head knowledge; it’s about a good mix between head knowledge and heart knowledge. Through the practical placements I have been able to grow and mature as a teacher, reflect on my practice, as well as test out my teaching skills and have a lot of fun learning from the children.”
Here is Jessica’s story of a day on placement in an early childhood centre:
Working with children one-on-one allows for meaningful child-centred interactions that are focused on the child’s interests.
“We had just written a story about a warthog. Lydia told me the story and I wrote it down in a book we made together. "
"The warthog ended up down a drain. It was a most enjoyable experience for both parties. Lydia is an amazing artist.”
“ Lydia and I doing the Warthog illustrations and having a giggle about that cheeky warthog falling down the drain.”
"Poppie and I were having great fun making patterns on the ‘chocolate’ play dough with the stamps."
“Trying out every single stamp on the play dough.”
"Angus and I were matching puzzle pieces to make ‘funny bodies’ "
Jessica enjoys the opportunities to work with children in outdoor active play.
“Burying treasure in the sandpit was lots of fun. The ‘solid gold’ rocks were heavy though.”
While on placement in the centre Jessica is under the guidance of a trained associate teacher, one of the teachers who works in the centre.
Review meetings are an important aspect of the student’s practical placement programme
“Constant communication with my associate is essential. I need to know where I am heading and how I have gone so far. Renee is scaffolding me with encouragement and critique to improve my practice.”
Story times provide opportunities for students to foster children’s literacy awareness and to develop confidence in interacting with and managing small groups.
“Reading one of my favourite books, 'The Gruffalo' by Julia Donaldson and Axel Shleffler. "
"I like to use a lot of voice variation, tone and pitch to give the characters' life.”
Jessica ensures she is available to greet children and parents/whanau at the start of the centre day.
“Interactions with parents are very important as they know their child best and can help extend interests from home.”
“Communicating with parents at the end of the day is as important as at the start of the session.”
As she enters the final stages of her three-year teacher education course, Jessica reflects on her personal accomplishments. “From my studies I’ve gained practical knowledge and skills to apply, not only in early childhood, but also in general life and for one day, parenting my own children.”
A day in the life of a student on home placement – Rachel
Rachel was accepted into the Nanny programme at Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College after completing Year 12. Rachel shares her experience of a three week live-in placement in a semi-rural setting close to Christchurch.
Under Lizzie's guidance Rachel had many opportunities to experience first-hand the responsibilities of a Nanny.
Here is Rachel's story of a day on placement in a rural setting:
At the start of the day Rachel discussed her plans with Lizzie, the placement mother.
"Having the all important daily chat with my placement mother about my planning for the week."
“Discussing the family routine and ideas for activities I might like to do with the children. Amelia is helping me!”
"I am developing my skills in providing a successful experience that each child would enjoy and learn from."
Being involved in a range of outdoor experiences is important for the nanny who needs to be adaptable in her work.
"Learning about farm life and feeding animals is part of the rural placement experience."
"Adapting to farm life includes feeding the pigs- someone has to do it!"
"Exercising the dogs and developing an awareness of water safety."
"With the help of Charles I am learning to dribble a soccer ball and improve my kicking skills."
"Hanging out on the stump, sharing stories about the day at preschool and school."
While on placement, the student nanny is visited by a College tutor, who provides guidance and support to the student and placement parent.
"Checking in with my tutor is really important to ensure I am up to date with my planning."
"Assisting with a literacy activity and learning about the colours of the balls."
"Working together on a counting game."
"Running home with all three children after a busy day playing in the hut."
"The end of day - we have checked all the animals."
"Family time at the end of the day."
Every placement is unique and brings its own rewards.
