![\"IMG_20160220_104656\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/educatorcsham\/files\/2016\/01\/IMG_20160220_104656-225x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMy name is Cynthia and I am currently a student in the Montessori cohort of the Bachelor of Education Elementary program. I have recently completed a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology at Simon Fraser University.<\/p>\n
I chose to enter the Montessori cohort in the Bachelors of Education program because I believe that children should be free to explore themselves and their environments in their own unique way. Growing up, my parents<\/p>\n
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provided me with the opportunities to explore a variety of extra-curricular activities I attended which allowed me to explore my own interests. I think that the ability for a child to discover their own interests and develop their own independence is a wonderful event that should be encouraged.<\/p>\n
I volunteered at Chaffey Burke Elementary school in a Kindergarten classroom, a Kindergarten\/Grade one classroom and a Grade 5\/6 classroom. I contributed to the compilation of in-class work material, provided students with encouragement and support while they are working on their respective assignments, and helped organize class activities. During \u201ccenters time,\u201d in the K\/1 classroom, I lead my own arts and craft table where I taught the children how to fold origami. Another learning experience I obtained from volunteering at Chaffey Burke was the chance to teach a two-part lesson on healthy living in the grade 5\/6 class. I was given the opportunity to work with children with autism, attention deficit, limited English, and a variety of learning disabilities as well. It was through this experience that I was truly able to develop my passion for teaching.<\/p>\n
I worked as a behavior interventionist at an Autistic center where I worked one on one with clients under the age of six. I carried out the behavior intervention plans that were put in place by the occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists and the behavior consultant. One of the children that I worked with attended a Montessori daycare where they had their intervention sessions. Here, I was able to observe a Montessori daycare classroom and it was interesting to watch how the children were able to learn independently. Through this experience I learned the importance of patience and flexibility because sometimes one child may not learn the life, social, or academic skill as quickly as others. As a result, I was able to learn about the diverse range of abilities individual Autistic children may have and it provided me with an awareness of learners of all levels.<\/p>\n