The course EDUEYP3, EDUEYP4 and EDUPPPEYP2 played a major role in shaping my professional knowledge and teaching behaviors during my practicum time at the Emirates College of Advanced Education.

Taking the course EDUEYP3 helped me to learn the main principles of early childhood development and the process of children learning under the influence of interaction, exploration, and play. It stressed on the need to adopt developmentally sensitive practices that help children in their cognitive and social development. This is in line with the concepts of Jean Piaget who emphasized that children at a tender age build knowledge as a result of actively interacting with the surrounding. This knowledge was used in my practicum when we were teaching the letter O and I planned some interesting learning activities, including songs, movement, and I Spy.

The course EDUEYP4 also reinforced my knowledge of the lesson planning, differentiation, and classroom management strategies. It helped me to plan learning activities that would accommodate the various abilities and learning styles of children. As an illustration case, in my lesson, children were engaged in several activities including determining O-words, following the letter O, and group discussions. The strategies made sure that every child got actively incorporated in the process of learning.

Lastly, EDUPPPEYP2 gave me the chance to put theoretical knowledge into practical classroom. The teaching practice, observation, and continuous reflection enabled me to relate educational theories to my teaching experiences. The course also made me realize the significance of scaffolding learning which is put into properties by Lev Vygotsky whereby teachers facilitate learning in children by direct interaction.

Altogether, all these courses reinforced my professional identity and allowed me to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young learners effectively.