Journal Reflection on the image of the child

Reflective Journal
Assignment 1
Alba Miranda Garcia Campos
Journal Reflection on the image of the child
On my first day of class, I met Iliana, one of my teachers. She started describing the
education she believes in, but not the normal education that most of us grew up in, this was
something different. She talked about how she believes kids can do anything! climb trees, work
with hot glue guns and decide when they want to eat. She stood up in the chair, looked down at
us and questioned us "Why children can't stand on chairs if we do it?" she made us think about
the "rules" that adults are supposed to have for kids. But two things that stuck in my head, were
“stop saying stop to kids” and “treat children as you would treat adults.” wow! This made me
rethink the image of the child that I had and confirm that definitely, I was in the correct program!
I work as a nanny with many families, and what I have lived with children is that they
are capable of everything, strong in their emotions and physical, curious always following
the little voice inside their hearts, and unique individuals who deserve respect and
autonomy as a right. For me, this is the image of the child that I hold. I understand that they are
like a small seed growing up and is our responsibility as adults to guide them in their journey of
life. For this reason, is important to make them active participants in their learning, through
exploration, interaction, and play.
Practical impacts on practice:
1. Design a learning environment that promotes autonomy with exploration.
My image of the child is a capable and curious kid, for this reason, I would design a space that
encourages exploration. This could involve an open-ended play, such as a construction zone with
natural materials like wood blocks, water and soil. I would encourage independence by giving
access to materials that children can get on their own. By doing this, I am affirming their
competence, and promoting their curiosity, as recommended by principle 2 of the ECEBC of
ethics- drawing on diverse perspectives.
2. Intentional use of language with respect.
Reflective Journal
Assignment 1
The language I use with children must reflect my values and beliefs in their
competence and individuality. This reminds me of one of the questions that Ileana, my teacher
asked us, “Why, if you wouldn't do it with an adult, would you do it with a child?” Instead of
giving instructions and directives, I would ask open-ended questions like “What do you think
will happen if we try this?” and I would listen actively to his important opinion. This approach
follows Principle 6 -of the ECEBC of ethics, which calls for human dignity and fundamental
rights. This can be demonstrated through respectful, inclusive and assertive language.
3. Offers materials that reflect Diversity and Individual Expression.
Following Principle 6, which emphasizes respect for diversity and celebrates diverse qualities; I
would include multicultural books, materials and activities from the diverse backgrounds of the
children. This would allow children to see themselves and the roots of their families represented
in the class. We would encourage respect for diversity and the different ways of communication.
In addition, we would assign a specific activity to let the children share about their identities.
4. Supporting Opportunities for reflection
I would encourage a 15-minute circle time for educators every week, to share reflections on their
experiences of that week. Also, to share some pages of professional literature or an article that
we might think can help to be more professionally competent. By incorporating these moments,
we support an ever-expanding knowledge of working with children, which ties into Principle 7
of the ECEBC of ethics.
I believe everyone should reflect on their image of the child and talk about it. Children are
valuable members of our communities and the future, so a strong image of the child is needed for
a better humanity. Also, it’s not only to think about it, but we also have to believe in it and prove
it in our everyday.
References:
Code of ethics: Early childhood educators of BC. (2021) Early Childhood Educators of
BC. Available at: https://www.ecebc.ca/resources-merchandise/code-of-ethics
Government of British Columbia. (2019). British Columbia Early Learning Framework.

Available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/teach/early-
learning-framework

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Reflective Journal

Alba Miranda Garcia Campos

Journal Reflection on the image of the child

Government of British Columbia. (2019). British Columbia Early Learning Framework.

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