This video is old (posted in 2009) but it still help to live up my passion, when i suddenly feel lost. My interest in ECE begin while assigned to teach two Pre-School classes during my teaching practice. Well, technically I was inspired by the two of the ECE cooperative teachers. I see the different teaching styles use, and i was very curious about it. It was challenging to teach Malay phonic (literacy) coz I was more comfortable by English and it was the 1st year that they introduced Malay phonic officially (SPN21). Through observation and practical, I think i did well for a starter. Its hard (teaching about 50 pre school kids a day), but the cuteness of these little children help to overcome it. Both ECE teachers had help me a lot. Because of its excitement, I can be found at the preschool class most during my free periods.
Management, caring and fun are the keys. The same year, I helped to organise a reading room “Sehati Membaca”, and a community outreach workshop on Malay Phonic; attended by parents and the community from Belimbing and Subok Village. I worked with the best of the best of ECE expert. She is now currently the leader of ECE in Brunei Education. Am I lucky and proud? Heaven yes. Through these experience, I find my love to teach Lower Primary especially on reading. I still have respect on ECE and Counseling in my profession. Sometime you touch a student’s life through academic; but sometime its the love, caring, social intact and the good rapport with them that means a lot. Trust me, as for my own experience, being not so excellent in Chemistry subject, does not mean i can’t appreciate and love my Chemistry teachers. They are the great and always at heart.
I wish I could take this course in the future, for the great understanding of teaching children in Lower Primary. FYI, NAEYC, define ECD from 0-8 years Old. ECE psychology, care and pedagogy does not limit benefit for ONLY in Preschool. Continuous care and handling by ECE methodology is encourage towards the age of 8. However differential and increases of learning styles through age (development stage) should be expected. 1 of my interest is using ECE understanding and ICT tools for developing Critical thinking – Lower Primary learners; specifically on teaching Literacy (Reading).
