I felt incredibly fortunate to be placed in a kindergarten class with Mrs. B. at Uplands Elementary School. It was truly an honor to learn and grow under her guidance. She exemplified what it means to be a dedicated, caring, and professional teacher—the kind of educator I aspire to become. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to learn and to embrace a growth mindset throughout my practicum.
Reflecting on my summative practicum, I have mixed emotions. I’m proud and happy to have completed my program, but I also find myself missing the students and the classroom that became such an important part of my journey. Those ten weeks shaped my development as a teacher, and I’m truly thankful for that experience.
Exploring how materials, sizes and shapes affect sinking and floating
My kindergarten students had a hands-on exploration to understand how different sizes, shapes, and materials of objects can affect their ability to sink or float.
ADST
Kindergarten students experienced building boats using aluminum foil/paper/popsicle sticks and testing their ability to carry marbles before sinking by integrating design thinking, hands-on construction, and scientific testing.
“When I grow up, what will I be?” Exploring future jobs and careers
Through listening to the story What Will You Be? and discussing different jobs and careers, kindergarten students can consider what they enjoy and what they might want to do when they grow up, helping them build confidence.
Counting from 1 to 10 in Sm’algyax
The kindergarten students were introduced to counting from 1 to 10 in Sm’algyax, the language of the Ts’msyen people since we acknowledge that we live, learn, and work on the traditional unceded and traditional territories of the Ts’msyen, Haisla, Gitxsan and Nisga’a nations.
English Sm’algyax
1 ḵ’üül
2 gup’l
3 k’wilii
4 txaapx
5 kstuuns
6 ḵ’ool
7 t’apxoolt
8 ’yikwdelt
9 kstamoos
10 kpiil
Exploring Friendship and What makes a good friend
Through watching the video Sesame Street: How to Be a Good Friend, discussions, role-playing, and a hands-on craft activity, the kindergarten students could develop social-emotional skills that promote kindness, sharing, and inclusivity. They learned to build a positive classroom environment where students understand the importance of being a good friend and apply these qualities in the classroom.
