Early Reflections - Seminar 1

As I reflect on the first few days of my very first practicum experience, I admit, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going in, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the opportunities to explore, learn, and reflect; especially through videos and research on topics that have long sparked my curiosity.

During our seminar, many of my classmates spoke about classroom design and the frustration of not being able to experience it in person. Like then, I’ve found it hard to ignore the abundance of beautifully decorated classrooms that often pop up on social media. These spaces are filled with soft lighting, neutral tones, and comfortable furniture. While visually appealing, I’ve often wondered how practical these spaces are once filled with busy children. This curiosity led me to a video by Dr. Sandra Duncan titled How to Design Inspiring Early Learning Spaces (Early Learning Nation Studio, 2019). Her discussion on the connection between aesthetically pleasing environments and a child’s sense of wonder deeply resonated with me. She emphasized that wonder is the starting point for all learning; an idea that makes the beautiful more practical. I was inspired to design a large, multi-use classroom that reflects these principles. Realistically, I know I’ll likely be working with a much smaller space, where every area will serve more than one purpose. Still, the process reminded me of how much I enjoy being creative, especially when designing a space that can inspire both myself and my students.

Another aspect I’ve enjoyed so far has been the instructional videos available online. I’ve appreciated having the ability to choose what to engage with, selecting videos that directly relate to what I’m currently teaching in my own classroom. One area I continue to struggle with is teaching Indigenous culture. While I fully recognize its importance in the curriculum, I often feel that I lack in knowledge and resources to do it properly. Taking time to explore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s website gave me a starting point. I found valuable resources and gained a deeper understanding of how I might respectfully and meaningfully bring Indigenous perspectives into my teaching. Moving forward, as an educator, I want to make it a regular practice to schedule time for this kind of professional exploration and growth.

One last thing that impacted me was hearing during our seminar was the story about a school that celebrates its sports teams with a “victory lap” around the building while students stand outside their classrooms to cheer them on. That simple tradition struck me as such an impactful way to foster school spirit and a sense of community. It reminded me that sometimes, the most memorable school experiences aren’t elaborate lessons, but the small, consistent rituals that build connection and pride.

As I continue this practicum, I’m learning that teaching is not just about delivering content, it's about creating an environment where students feel seen, inspired, and connected. I look forward to the weeks ahead, knowing that each day brings new opportunities to grow not just as a teacher, but as a lifelong learner myself.

References:

Early Learning Nation Studio. (Dec. 2019). Dr. Sandra Duncan: How to Design Inspiring Early Learning Spaces [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/rdTSgE2Bx_4?si=ltDzP3CKmTy3dJmU