A practicum is where you do a placement in a preschool, daycare, school etc (whatever is relevant to what you are studying). Often it starts with a day or two per week, then leads into a block of 2-4 weeks. You will have tasks set that you have to complete whilst you are there, which include but are not limited to observations, lesson plans that you need to implement, gathering of information ie policies and procedures. You are overseen by a supervising teacher where your practicum is, and also by someone from university/college where you are studying. You are assessed on your practicum as part of your course.

If you are an undergrad, practicum should be the first official experience you get in the field so that you get exposure. During practicum you choose a location where you are not employed because you do not get paid for it. For me, i had to keep a journal of the things i did while at the practicum, very detailed and some examples such as lesson plans, activity sheets, etc. I was also allowed to teach and supervise once i got used to the classroom structure. Have fun!

Practicum is the “real life” experience you will get working with children at the college’s center. Usually it is split into two classes… the first one which involves more observation, and the second which involves more hands-on with the children. It will give you a basic understanding of what preschoolers are like, how to interact with them, how to develop curriculum, how to lead a group of children, and how to do assessments. Often, you will be part of the menial tasks that make a center operate, such as cleaning up after the children, serving meals, and preparing activities. All these will give you a good basic idea of working with preschoolers.

First of all in most ECE programs there is a Practicum class. When you take the class the teacher will help you find a school with what is callled a Metor Teacher; This is a teacher wil wiil allow you in to his or her classrom. Then help you lean the skills that you need to work with children. He or she will need to observe you an d you will need to observe them. You need to find a preschool that the parent will allow their children to be observed which meand the teacher will need to geat a frorn signed form from the parents.

I think it’s the practical experience you gain by working in the classroom with a teacher present. It’s the type of experience that one gains by practicing teaching while someone else is in the classroom with the other person to assist her if she makes a mistake or needs help. Maybe they talk it over after class to have a review. I hope you have a great experience! Best of luck to you!!

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