Part 1: Visually Representing Environmental Systems

Choose two of Bronfenbrenner's environmental systems. Using a tool such as Publisher or a free online infographic maker, such as Canva, create a visual representation of each environmental system.

For the first system, create a visual representation of your personal ecological system, which includes people, experiences, and influences in your life.

For the second system, create a visual representation of the ecological system of a child, from birth to age 8, that you know and with whose personal environmental influences you are familiar. (Use a pseudonym to protect the identity of the child.)

Part 2: Reflection

In 500-750 words, reflect on the value of knowing more about your students' external environment and the influence it might have on the learning and development of the children you teach. Include the following in your reflection: 

How your own life experiences and influences may affect your attitudes and perceptions of the children and families you work with and how to prevent biases as a teacher.  

At least three examples of family and social or community group interactions that influence early learners.

How various sociocultural factors, including language and culture, can affect learner development and needs in the school environment.

How knowing the family and background information of your students can help in designing developmentally, culturally, and linguistically responsive instruction to support individual learning outcomes. Include what type of information would be helpful and how you would collect it.   

Support your visuals and reflection with 3-5 scholarly resources.