Hello,

Introduction
   My mother is a retired teacher, and I have been exposed to many aspects of this profession. What inspired me the most was the satisfaction she experienced when she realized how she had impacted her students’ lives. I originally started teaching via swimming lessons and preschool soccer camps. I got classroom experience with the Birmingham Public Schools Autism Extended School Year program working with children of all ages, I knew this was something that I wanted to do.
How children learn
   Early childhood is a time of rapid development, and children thrive when they are actively involved in their learning through hands-on experiences. When they engage with their environment, whether it's through physical play, interacting with peers, or exploring new materials, they develop essential skills across many areas—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical.
   Through play and exploration, children discover how things work, make sense of the world around them, and experiment with different concepts. For example, when they stack blocks or try out new art techniques, they are not just having fun—they’re also learning about spatial relationships, cause and effect, and developing fine motor skills.
   The role of teachers and educators is critical in this process, too. By being actively involved, offering guidance, and providing a safe and supportive environment, teachers help children navigate these experiences and encourage curiosity. Positive interactions with other adults also help children build secure relationships, which are essential for their emotional development and sense of safety in the world.
   When children are free to explore, discover, and interact, they learn in a way that feels natural and exciting, setting the foundation for lifelong learning.
The role of play
   The role of play plays a critical role in early childhood development. It's a natural way for children to explore their world, test their limits, and learn new things, all while having fun. Unstructured play gives children the freedom to use their imagination, make their own decisions, and solve problems in creative ways. It's amazing how play allows them to navigate complex emotions and develop essential life skills like cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution.
   Additionally, when children engage in play, they often take on different roles and perspectives, which can help them build cognitive skills like critical thinking, memory, and attention. These skills form the foundation for future academic success and overall well-being. It also helps them build resilience and adapt to change, as they encounter new situations and find ways to manage them.
   In fact, whether it's through pretend play, building with blocks, or engaging in group activities, unstructured play offers a variety of opportunities for growth. It's incredible how much learning and development can occur through something as simple as play!
Teacher’s role in guidance and development
   As a teacher, I play a significant role in guiding the behavior of young children. I am learning to recognize the opportunity to consider young children's strengths, temperament, skills, development, and family culture as I develop my approaches and strategies. I can support and influence their behavior by creating a supportive learning environment, fostering social-emotional skills, and supporting active learning through play and exploration. I can do this by actively observing and participating in the children’s play and exploration as well as introducing ways to incorporate their own home life experiences by providing classroom materials from books in their native languages, and dramatic play items such as empty food containers from their different nationalities.
Learning Environment
   Before a child or someone else can start learning new skills, their basic needs must be met. One of these needs is to have a sense of belonging. Feeling safe in the classroom is essential for the student's well-being and emotional well-being. This can be shown with graphics or images of children showing the diversity of students in general not just those in the class. Students should feel safe bringing photos of their families to school as that is where they spend most of their day, which increases safety and comfort. It is not necessary for children to be surrounded by electronic devices in schools or beautiful educational designs covering the walls. Instead, the classroom should be filled with artwork or children’s activities. The classroom should be a celebration of learning and awakening children's thoughts. Providing children with spatial voices gives them a sense of solidarity in their education.
Overall Reflection
   I want to make a difference in each child's life that I teach. At the end of the year, I want to see growth academically, socially, and psychologically. I would like to install the joy of learning and discovery that sometimes gets lost in the process of assessments and teaching. I will partner with a child to assist him or her in the journey towards independence by relating classroom instruction to the real world they live in every day and to their future aspirations. I also believe that the school must form a team working with their family and their community to give the students the best possible chances for success.