This little plant plushie was actually my artifact for getting into the education program, so it feels kind of like a full circle to use it again at the end of the program, just with a completely different meaning now.
At the beginning, it represented the idea that all students need the basic conditions to grow and succeed. Things like feeling safe, supported, encouraged, and cared for. I still believe that, but now I think about it much differently.
What I have learned over the past few months is that while students may all need those same foundational things, how they get there can look completely different. Some students need more structure, some need more flexibility, some need extra supports, and some need space to build confidence in their own way. Just like plants, some need more sunlight, some need less, some need constant care, and others grow best with a little independence. There is never one perfect formula for growth.
This artifact also reminds me of one of the first times I really pushed myself outside of my comfort zone during practicum. One of our learning indicators focused on plants, and my cooperating teacher honestly did not want to do a big plant project because it felt overwhelming. I remember really advocating for it and saying we should just try it and figure it out together.
We ended up going all in with giant greenhouse boxes and grow lights, and somehow connected science, French, math, and even social studies into it. Both of us ended up loving it, and honestly, I think the students did too.
That experience taught me a lot about teaching. Sometimes the best learning opportunities happen when you stop overthinking, trust yourself a little, and just try something new, even if it feels messy at first.
Now this plushie does not just represent student growth to me anymore. It also represents my own growth and confidence as a future educator.
