Megan Grable

Journal Week 4
February 4, 2020
ECED 398

1) The two suites you would find most useful in preparing your My Ideal ECE Environment
and why;
I watched the video Redirecting Behavior. I selected this video because working with one to two
years old, I see a lot of opportunities to redirect behavior whether children climbing on a table or
throwing toys. Learning how to redirect is important to teach children how to do the same act in
a better way. “Teachers can use redirecting behavior along with classroom rules and clear
expectations to help maintain a well-organized and productive learning environment.” (ECKLC)
I selected the schedules and routines video because the use of routines and a scheduled day is
important to instill in children from a young age. Even if they are not yet able to verbalize what
the next step is in the schedule, children begin to understand routines quicker than most realize.
“Children feel more secure and comfortable when they know what to do and what happens next.
Schedules and routines can increase children's participation and engagement in learning
activities.” (ECKLC)

2) How can you use the planning concepts in Chapter 3 - Approaches to Learning, Epstein
(2014) to create an environment in which children's approaches to learning are respected
and child guided experience is prioritized?

Looking at the recommendation to use materials in the classroom that are open-ended. We can
see how the environment can be more child guided. “Open-ended materials, which can be put to
multiple uses, lead to sustained engagement and spur a child’s imagination.” (Epstein, pp. 39) By
allowing the materials to be used in a variety of ways by the child we are supporting their
creativity in the way they are interacting with the environment. The use of photographs of the
children using these materials and displaying them in the classroom would be more meaningful
for the children while they are using materials.

3) Name two insights from Chapter 5 - Physical development and Health from Epstein
(2014) which you will utilize in planning for your physical development outcome and
explain how.

I am going to focus on fine motor skills. I would like to use the strategy of modeling for the
children, first hand over hand, and then allowing them to try. “this demonstration technique is
especially useful for children who do not easily process verbal instructions, who have limited
vocabulary, or who are dual language learners.” (Epstein, pp. 74)
I plan on providing a variety of materials that will support fine motor skills, such as tongs, pom
poms, a variety of puzzles and more large lacing materials. The book suggested ways I can have
items in each area of the classroom that support fine motor skills such as items that have Velcro
in the dramatic play or stacking blocks.

4) How do the Head Start in-service suites support or contradict the concepts in Epstein
(2014)?
I feel the in-service suites support the concepts in Epstein’s work. The overarching theme
adheres to the idea that Engaging interactions and environments are the basis for any program.
The suites talk about them being the foundation, and in Epstein’s work, it is described as one of
the most important teaching strategies. Teachers need to set up these adult-guided strategies
before children can successfully navigate a child guided activity.

Engaging Interactions and Environments. (2020, January 16). Retrieved from

https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/teaching-practices/article/engaging-interactions-
environments

Epstein, A. S. (2014). The Intentional Teacher: Choosing The Best Strategies For Young
Children’s Learning. Washington (D.C.): National Association for the Education of
Young Children.