Their statement showed an impressive understanding of the difference between play and reality, and how roles in imaginative games don’t define real life relationships. It reflected their ability to separate the story world from everyday life. From there, the game took off. They drove their tank toward me, moving quickly to “catch” me. I ran around the table, pretending to escape, but they worked together to trap me. Even as I playfully resisted, laughing and trying to break free, they eventually “captured” me and brought me to their imaginary jail. In that moment, their teamwork, communication, and creative thinking stood out; not just in how they built the tank, but in how they built the entire storyline together. The play was filled with laughter, negotiation, and shared purpose, making it an example of how children use imagination to explore social roles and problem solving.
Reflection – At the beginning of my practicum, I was a bit nervous and unsure of what to expect. Walking into a new environment with limited experience felt intimidating, and I wasn’t fully confident in how I would connect with the children or adapt to the daily routines. As the weeks went on, I began to feel more comfortable and found myself building strong, genuine relationships with the children through play, conversation, and shared activities. I learned how to be present in the moment, follow their lead, and respond to their interests in ways that supported their learning. I was also able to apply what we learned in class, such as the BC Early Learning Framework’s principles of fostering a sense of belonging, nurturing curiosity, and supporting play as a key part of development, as well as the ECEBC Code of Ethics to guide my interactions with respect and care. These practices helped me become more intentional in how I engaged with the children and approached each situation. By the end of my practicum, I could see how much I had grown; not only in my confidence and skills, but also in my ability to see myself as part of a learning community. I left feeling proud of my progress and more excited to continue my journey as an emerging early childhood educator.