ARTIFACTS

Community-Based Organization 

 

For our Community Collaboration course, we were assigned a two-part project that involved creating an infographic and building a website to provide an overview of key services and programs offered by a community organization, along with demographic insights about the surrounding area. I chose to focus on the Etobicoke Brighter Futures Coalition for this project.

The Etobicoke Brighter Futures Coalition works tirelessly to support children and families within the community. Their mission revolves around fostering collaboration among various agencies to ensure that programs are inclusive and culturally responsive. The Coalition focuses on reaching out to isolated communities, coordinating services, and offering preventative initiatives. By sharing valuable knowledge and resources, they strive to continually enhance the quality of their programs, ultimately improving the overall well-being of children and families.

This project provided me with the opportunity to delve deeper into the coalition’s impact and gain a better understanding of the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in community service programs.

 

 

Exploring Science: Bubbling Magic

 

I conducted a science experiment with the children to demonstrate the volcanic fizzing effect by mixing baking soda and vinegar. As the two substances combined, the children observed an exciting bubbling reaction. I explained that the fizzing occurred due to the release of carbon dioxide gas. To extend their understanding, I introduced the concept that humans exhale carbon dioxide, while trees absorb it, creating an essential balance in nature.

I have chosen to include this experiment in my portfolio because it showcases my ability to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity and scientific inquiry. This activity not only introduced children to basic chemistry but also helped them make meaningful connections to the world around them. By integrating science with real-life applications, I supported their cognitive development and problem-solving skills while fostering a love for exploration and discovery.

Promoting Environmental Responsibility: Waste Management and Litterless Lunch

I conducted a science experiment with the children to demonstrate the volcanic fizzing effect by mixing baking soda and vinegar. As the two substances combined, the children observed an exciting bubbling reaction. I explained that the fizzing occurred due to the release of carbon dioxide gas. To extend their understanding, I introduced the concept that humans exhale carbon dioxide while trees absorb it, creating an essential balance in nature.

I have included this experiment in my portfolio because it showcases my ability to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity and scientific inquiry. This activity introduced children to basic chemistry and helped them make meaningful connections to the world around them. By integrating science with real-life applications, I supported their cognitive development and problem-solving skills while fostering a love for exploration and discovery.

Creating Calm Nights (Responsive Resource): Supporting Better Sleep for School-Age Children

During my interactions with families, I had the opportunity to interview a family struggling with their child's behavior, which was significantly impacted by inconsistent sleep patterns. Through our discussion, I identified that sleep disturbances contributed to challenges such as difficulty focusing, emotional outbursts, and overall irritability in the child. Understanding the importance of restorative sleep for children's cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being, I took the initiative to create an informative infographic to guide families in establishing better sleep habits.

The infographic provides research-backed strategies, including creating a consistent bedtime routine, reducing screen exposure before bed, and incorporating physical activity daily to improve sleep quality. It also highlights the role of a peaceful sleep environment and stress management in promoting better rest. By visually presenting this information in an engaging and accessible format, I aimed to empower parents with practical solutions they could implement at home.

I chose to include this artifact in my portfolio because it reflects my ability to assess family concerns, apply research-based knowledge, and create resources that bridge the gap between home and early childhood education settings. This experience reinforced my commitment to holistically supporting families by addressing factors impacting a child's development. Through this initiative, I guided one family and developed a resource that can benefit many others facing similar challenges.