My Philosophy of Teaching
“Children shape the way I teach.”
This is the feeling that I want people to have when they walk into my classroom.
The room should be open and inviting with evidence everywhere that this is a
learner-centered environment. I have yet to see a child who said, “Mom, I can’t
wait to show you this worksheet.” Students, however, are bursting with
excitement to show off the pop-up book they made or the power point that they
created on frogs.
I believe that learning should be an
active as well as a social process. Small group instruction and learning centers
are a must at any age level. Think back to your college instructors, which ones
are the most memorable? Sure you remember the ones who sat and lectured but do
you remember what you learned? The classes that stand out in my mind are the
ones in which we interacted with other students and were given choices. Centers
and flexible, small group instruction are methods that meet the needs of all
learning styles not to mention the fact that students love them.
I’ve always believed the saying,”
Attitude is the latitude between success and failure.” My attitude each day sets
the stage for my students. I feel that what makes our learning environment
successful is that it isn’t my classroom but rather our classroom.
T.E.A.M. stands for Together Everyone Accomplishes
More. This isn’t just a saying but something that my students and I try to live
by each day. We start out each morning by greeting each other individually then
coming together as a group. During our daily news or sharing time, students are
given the opportunity to express their thoughts. So much meaningful learning
goes on during this time. While giving me insight into the student’s individual
backgrounds and interest, the students themselves are learning to appreciate
each other.
My goal is to develop an environment in
which the students feel pride and ownership. I believe that we, as teachers,
should be facilitators in helping each child understand his or her own learning
style. We have to create a place in which each child is given numerous
opportunities to be successful.
For many children, particularly the
at-risk, achieving success on their own is a difficult if not seemingly
impossible task. This is where the cooperative learning or team concept is so
essential. Kids have to feel comfortable with themselves, their peers, and the
teacher. We have to provide a support system in which students aren’t afraid to
take risks and make mistakes.
I believe that all children can learn and that
the process should be a fun and exciting experience. This may mean that my hands
are green for two days from making goop or that my classroom resembles an
aquarium or at other times a zoo. Funny, I thought everyone had plants growing
up the window sill, sea monkeys that multiply, butterflies, frogs, or ladybugs
that got loose. My job is to be willing to do whatever it takes to help my
students achieve success. I am just fortunate that I get to have so much fun
along the way!
“Children shape the way I teach.”
This is the feeling that I want people to have when they walk into my classroom.
The room should be open and inviting with evidence everywhere that this is a
learner-centered environment. I have yet to see a child who said, “Mom, I can’t
wait to show you this worksheet.” Students, however, are bursting with
excitement to show off the pop-up book they made or the power point that they
created on frogs.
I believe that learning should be an
active as well as a social process. Small group instruction and learning centers
are a must at any age level. Think back to your college instructors, which ones
are the most memorable? Sure you remember the ones who sat and lectured but do
you remember what you learned? The classes that stand out in my mind are the
ones in which we interacted with other students and were given choices. Centers
and flexible, small group instruction are methods that meet the needs of all
learning styles not to mention the fact that students love them.
I’ve always believed the saying,”
Attitude is the latitude between success and failure.” My attitude each day sets
the stage for my students. I feel that what makes our learning environment
successful is that it isn’t my classroom but rather our classroom.
T.E.A.M. stands for Together Everyone Accomplishes
More. This isn’t just a saying but something that my students and I try to live
by each day. We start out each morning by greeting each other individually then
coming together as a group. During our daily news or sharing time, students are
given the opportunity to express their thoughts. So much meaningful learning
goes on during this time. While giving me insight into the student’s individual
backgrounds and interest, the students themselves are learning to appreciate
each other.
My goal is to develop an environment in
which the students feel pride and ownership. I believe that we, as teachers,
should be facilitators in helping each child understand his or her own learning
style. We have to create a place in which each child is given numerous
opportunities to be successful.
For many children, particularly the
at-risk, achieving success on their own is a difficult if not seemingly
impossible task. This is where the cooperative learning or team concept is so
essential. Kids have to feel comfortable with themselves, their peers, and the
teacher. We have to provide a support system in which students aren’t afraid to
take risks and make mistakes.
I believe that all children can learn and that
the process should be a fun and exciting experience. This may mean that my hands
are green for two days from making goop or that my classroom resembles an
aquarium or at other times a zoo. Funny, I thought everyone had plants growing
up the window sill, sea monkeys that multiply, butterflies, frogs, or ladybugs
that got loose. My job is to be willing to do whatever it takes to help my
students achieve success. I am just fortunate that I get to have so much fun
along the way!