Throughout my three practicums, from Grade 1 to Grade 5/6, I saw firsthand how important it is to understand student growth and development at different stages. In Grade 1, I focused on foundational skills, providing hands-on learning opportunities and using repetition and positive reinforcement to support emerging literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills. I adapted my teaching to meet students where they were, ensuring they felt confident and engaged in their learning.
With my Grade 5/6 students, I saw the shift toward more independence and critical thinking. I adjusted my approach to challenge them while still providing the support they needed, encouraging them to make connections, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning. Across all grades, I recognized that every student learns at their own pace, and I was intentional about using differentiation, scaffolding, and relationship-building to help each student succeed. By applying my understanding of student development, I was able to create meaningful learning experiences that met their needs and helped them grow.