Due to COVID-19, teacher candidates in the 2019/20 Bachelor of Education program have had to quickly adapt their teaching and learning styles through the use of online platforms. We are showcasing some of the wonderful examples of projects created by them as part of the community field experience.
Karina Thiessen, Amy Scott & Meredith Witosky
BEd Elementary & Middle Years (French)
- What is the name of the community partner or group you are working with?
- Creating Kindergarten bilingual resources for fellow teachers and parents centered around our inquiry question: benefits of exploring mindfulness in the classroom
- What is your project’s subject area(s)?
- French Immersion, FSL, FLA, all subject areas, bilingual resources
- Tell us about your project!
- We are three teacher candidates in the elementary French cohort who have decided to create an Instagram page “@kindersuccess” to help fellow teacher candidates, teachers, and parents/guardians teach online during this unprecedented time. Our resources are Kindergarten focused and designed to be easy-to-follow and deliver at home. Most of our posts are in French but are followed by a detailed post in English so that they can be available to both French and English Kindergarten teachers.
Our philosophy: We believe in educating through holistic practices, inquiry-based learning, and practical skill building. Mindfulness is a great way to begin introducing self-regulation and the exploration of social and emotional learning, which are crucial to the development of early learners.
- Did you face any particular challenges in the planning, making or delivery of this project?
- We did not face any challenges, we brainstormed and felt that Instagram would be a unique and insightful approach to the online teaching world during this pandemic.
- How was the project received? Did anything surprise you about the outcome?
- We have been blessed by all the support we have received and followers that appreciate our posts. This project has helped us to better the delivery of our teaching by the process of filming and reviewing.
- Can you tell us about a highlight of creating this remote lesson plan?
- The biggest highlight of this project has been the aspect of collaboration between me and my fellow Kindergarten cohort candidates, we have worked very hard to brainstorm together to ensure we are delivering the best possible resources that can be fully done in the comfort of the home or the outdoors. We have also worked on creating a balance between academics and mindfulness activities.
- What media did you use to create your project?
- Where can we view your project?
- @kindersuccess
#kindersuccess2020