Let the games begin! Here is the collection of items required for this PD scavenger hunt:

Table of Contents

• GET ACEDEMIC:
  Share a recently published academic article or journal in your subject area that you would like to read and why.
• DEVELOP PROFESSIONALLY:
  Share an upcoming conference or academic event that you would like to participate in and why.
• BUILD LIFE SKILLS:
  Host a scavenger hunt activity for your students on life skills or social-emotional learning and take a picture of items collected by students.
• CREATE AWARENESS:
  Implement an activity with students to overcome any one stereotype towards culture, ethnicity, gender, or learning differences.
• CREATE A MEMORY:
  Take a picture with your cohort with any educational prop. 
• FIND COMMON GROUND:
  Show pictures of a hobby or interest that you share with a teacher colleague at your school.  (e.g. pictures of you and your colleague trekking)
• GET SOCIAL:
  Add a post on the Twitter hashtag #tncohort or on the Facebook Cohorts community page with one important thing you learned during your clinical practice. 
• SHARE AN ACHIEVEMENT:
  Share the biggest learning challenge you faced in the program and how you overcame the challenge. 
• GET PERSONAL: Share one professional ethic that you always live by.  

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GET ACEDEMIC

NAEYC: The National Association for the Education of Young Children, a professional organization that provides resources and information on early childhood education. While NAEYC primarily focuses on resources and professional development for educators, it’s a valuable organization for anyone interested in early childhood education.

Here’s why I’m diving headfirst into this early childhood education adventure with NAEYC:

1. Deep Dive with My Crew: 

Sure, I’ve honed my skills, but the world of early childhood education is a constant evolution. NAEYC offers a treasure trove of research and pro development opportunities to keep me ahead of the curve. We’re talking deep dives into social-emotional learning, language development, and play-based instruction, all with the stamp of approval from the experts.

2. No More Island Time:
Let’s be real, teaching kindergarten can sometimes feel like being stranded on an island. But NAEYC throws me a lifeline with their community of amazing educators. Online forums, local chapters, national conferences – it’s all there. I can share war stories (and triumphs!), swap lesson ideas, and find inspiration from colleagues who get the joys and challenges of this job like nobody else.

3. Championing My Tiny Titans:
I’m a fierce advocate for my students, and NAEYC amplifies my voice. They actively fight for high-quality early childhood education policies, ensuring every little one has the chance to thrive. By joining them, I become part of a powerful movement shaping the future of early learners.

4. Reigniting the Spark:
Remember when lesson planning felt exciting and new? NAEYC helps me reignite that spark. Their resources are packed with creative ideas, innovative approaches, and playful activities to keep my students engaged and learning.

5. A Lifelong Journey, Not Just a Job:
Teaching kindergarten is more than just a job; it’s a calling. NAEYC gets that, offering support and resources throughout my career. Whether I’m a newbie seeking guidance or a veteran looking for a refresh, they’ve got my back.

Remember, we’re not just teachers; we’re builders of futures. NAEYC can be our partner in that journey, providing the tools and support we need to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students.

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DEVELOP PROFESSIONALLY

I plan to attend the PYP Virtual Summit as it is an annual event specifically designed for educators working within the International Baccalaureate® Primary Years Programme (PYP).

It offers a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the world, learn from leading experts, and discover innovative approaches to teaching and learning within the PYP framework.

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BUILD LIFE SKILLS

Life Skills & Social-Emotional Learning Scavenger Hunt (Ages 6)

This scavenger hunt combines basic life skills with key social-emotional learning (SEL) concepts for my young ESL learners.

Preparation:

1. Choose themes: 

• Select 2-3 themes from life skills (e.g., hygiene, safety, chores) and SEL (e.g., emotions, friendship, cooperation).

2. Create clues: 

• Write simple clues in English with visuals to support understanding. 
• Use basic vocabulary and short sentences.

3. Hide items: 

• Based on the themes, choose around 10 items students need to find (see suggestions below). 
• Hide them around the classroom or school area.

4. Prepare rewards: 

Simple stickers, small treats, or certificates can motivate participation.

Activity:

1. Divide students into pairs or small groups.
2. Explain the activity: 

Briefly go over the themes and the goal of finding items based on clues. Show an example clue and discuss it together.

3. Start the hunt: 

Hand out the first clue to each group and let them begin!

4. Offer support: 

As needed, clarify clues, provide hints, or encourage collaboration.

5. Gather and discuss: 

Once all items are found, gather everyone and review the clues and themes. Use visuals or simple questions to prompt discussion about the skills and emotions involved.

IDEAS – Life Skills:

• Hygiene: Washcloth, toothbrush, hand sanitizer
• Safety: Band-aid, safety pin, reflective sticker
• Chores: Feather duster, dustpan, sock (folded as towel)

IDEAS – SEL:

• Emotions: Picture of smiling face, paper heart, crumpled paper (sad face)
• Friendship: Two connected paper figures, picture of children playing, friendship bracelet
• Cooperation: Puzzle piece, picture of people working together, two halves of a toy

Extensions:

• Have students draw pictures or write small sentences about the items they found and what they learned.
• Act out scenarios related to the skills or emotions discovered during the hunt.
• Create a class chart reflecting the themes and key learnings from the activity.

📸 Class photo pending start of new semester (current on CNY break till mid-February)

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CREATE AWARENESS

Activity: Busting Stereotypes in Storyland!

Target Stereotype: I can choose any stereotype relevant to my class or local community. For example, “boys are better at math than girls” or “people from certain countries are not good at English.”

Objectives:

• Raise awareness about stereotypes.
• Challenge negative assumptions.
• Promote empathy and understanding.
• Celebrate diverse identities and abilities.

Materials:

• Construction paper or cardboard cutouts of different shapes and sizes.
• Markers, crayons, or paints.
• Glue sticks or tape.
• Pictures of people from diverse backgrounds (optional).
• Books that celebrate diversity (optional).

Steps:

1. Introduction:
   • Begin by discussing what stereotypes are (simple explanations about assumptions based on group identity). 
   • Share a relevant example (without reinforcing the stereotype). Ask students if they have ever heard or experienced stereotypes.
2. Character Creation:
   • Divide students into small groups. 
   • Each group gets construction paper or cardboard cutouts. 
   • Tell them to create a character using the shapes, drawing a face, and adding details like clothes, hair, and accessories. 
   • Encourage them to be creative and represent diverse identities.
3. Storytelling:
   • Each group shares their character and creates a short story about them. 
   • Emphasize unique qualities and abilities unrelated to stereotypes. 
   • For example, a “boy” character could be a great dancer, or a character from a specific culture could be a scientist.
4. Discussion:
   • After each story, ask the class: “Does this character fit the stereotype?” 
   • Discuss why or why not. 
   • Encourage students to challenge assumptions and appreciate individual differences.
5. Extension Activities:
   • Use pictures of people from diverse backgrounds and have students create stories about them, focusing on their individual strengths and talents.
   • Read a book celebrating diversity and discuss how it challenges stereotypes.
   • Create a “Wall of Respect” where students write or draw ways to show respect for others regardless of their background or abilities.

EXTRAS:

• Keep the activity age-appropriate and avoid using language that reinforces stereotypes.
• Focus on positive messages of inclusion and acceptance.
• Encourage students to share their own experiences and perspectives respectfully.
• Be prepared to answer questions and address any concerns students might have.

By engaging in this activity, I hope my students will begin to understand the limitations of stereotypes and appreciate the richness of diversity in the world. 

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CREATE A MEMORY

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FIND COMMON GROUND

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GET SOCIAL

Constructive feedback (from students & mentors) helped me refine my teaching & truly impact their learning. #GrowTogether Twitter

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SHARE AN ACHIEVEMENT

When I started the program incorporating differentiation into my teaching seemed like an unscalable mountain. But through the course of the program I learned that this is a manageable task that involves a series of manageable steps:

1️⃣ Variety is key: 

Offer multiple ways to learn the same concept. Think visuals, activities, and assessments catered to different styles.

2️⃣ Choice empowers: 

Let students choose how they’ll demonstrate their understanding. Presentations, written work, even digital creations! ✍️

3️⃣ Tech tools are your friends: 

Leverage educational apps, games, and resources that adapt to individual needs. Technology personalizes learning!

4️⃣ Collaboration magic: 

Encourage group projects and peer learning. Students build on each other’s strengths while understanding diverse perspectives.

I now know that differentiation is a journey, not a destination. That by keeping an open mind, seeking support, I can watch my classroom blossom! 

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GET PERSONAL

Fairness and Respect For All – I treat all my students with respect and dignity, regardless of background, ability, or behavior. I believe in promoting inclusive classrooms and that avoid biases.

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Here are some infographics you might find useful:
InfoGraph 💐: Classroom Behavior Strategies (M4U2A1)
InfoGraph 💐: Everyone Learns Differently (M5U4A2)
InfoGraph 💐: Reading Activities Resource for Families (M5U4A2)
InfoGraph 💐: Digital Citizen Poster (M2U1A3)

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