Problem:
In this module, you have reviewed theory and curriculum development and how each affects overall child growth and development. For the second component of your portfolio, you will develop a professional philosophy.
When writing, think about what you believe. What is your vision for working with young children in a perfect world? Need Assignment Help?
A philosophy is:
A concise, written description of your beliefs and values specific to teaching and learning
A personal representation or vision of your ideal self and your aspirations
A checkpoint to see if your practices match your beliefs and provide evidence that accurately and authentically reflects your beliefs and practices
Instructions:
Write a personal education philosophy. Include the following components:
1. Define your role as an early childhood professional. (Standard 6) I'm state pre- K teacher assistance
Adult/child relationships - facilitator, coach, and/ or encourager
How will you create interest and spark curiosity to initiate the learning process?
Will you encourage child participation in creating the classroom rules?
Relationships with others - colleagues, families, community
How will you partner with parents?
How will you involve the community in the learning process?
Do you value colleagues as supporters, collaborators, and resources?
Do you value teamwork?
E.g., "I believe that the neighborhood is an extension of the classroom and offers many opportunities to enrich learning."
2. Describe your role to support children's learning, growth, and development. (Standard 1)
Motivation for learning, understanding how learning occurs
Why/how do people learn?
E.g., "Children are born with a natural curiosity to experiment with, explore, and investigate their environment."
3. Describe how you will address special needs, different learning styles, individuality, and diversity. (Standard 4)
4. Describe the approach to curriculum you will take and how you will meet DAP. (Standard 4 and 5)
Theoretical - the theories and research used to ground your philosophy
What theorists/theories do you identify with and why?
How do these theorists/theories explain/support what you believe?
E.g., "Consistent with Piaget's theory of cognitive development, I believe that infants and toddlers learn about the world through their senses and by interacting with their environment.
Philosophy - the nature, purpose, and value of education
What is the basis of early childhood education?
Where does knowledge come from?
What is its value?
E.g., "An integral part of education is to help children become lifelong learners."
Curriculum methods and models
5. Describe the methods/models to be used for observation and assessment. (Standard 3)
6. Describe how you will use positive guidance in your practices. (Standards 1, 3, 4)
7. Describe how you will engage families. (Standard 2)
Professional Philosophy Statement As an early childhood teacher of young children, I am responsible for providing toddlers and young children with positive experiences while in my care. I, at all times, model respect, am patience and care for children and also adults, such as the parents of the children in my care. My goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, high quality child centered environment. Being a teacher for young children has many challenges, frustrations, and responsibilities that you need to be able to fulfill. It is important for me to let the children know that they can make mistakes and learn from them, and to let them know that they will be loved even if they make mistakes. I believe children learn best through play which they learn both fine and motor skills. I see this every day watching the children learning to count while building blocks or learning colors while painting or coloring with crayons. I strive to make an environment for these children so they can excel in all their developmental milestones. Children are more motivated to learn when they are able to make choices. It's important for me to make sure they have an environment accessible to them that is stimulating and enriching to help them make choices. Learning to make positive choices is very important for children as it helps them see how their choices can, in fact affect the people around them. This can make children feel very independent and highly involved in their own learning experiences. Having daily routines for the children to follow is very important for the structure of the classroom. My role here is to help children with their abilities to make positives choices. My goal as a teacher for young children is to provide a safe environment for the children that I described above. To have children feel safe to explore, learn, and express themselves. I provide enriching activities for the children to make discoveries and learn about themselves developmentally. I strive to form relationships with every child in my care as well as their families. I believe that the relationships between families and caregivers is vital and helps better support the child's development not only in the center, but at home as well. For myself, teaching provides an opportunity to continue learning and growth. Teaching is a lifelong process of learning about new strategies from the parents and community, from my co-workers and from the most important the children's. I know that my philosophy and teaching styles may change throughout my teaching career and I want to remain open for improvement and to be open for any suggestions.