I believe that all children can learn if given the chance and I am committed to giving each child the gift of education. I encourage children to regard learning as a life-long process. There is always something more to learn and knowledge to gain. My time with the students is only the beginning of their journey so I'd like to make it as memorable as possible. My main goal is to teach children to be good thinkers, to always ask questions and "shoot for the stars" when setting goals.
Some ways I promote thinking include: setting a climate conducive to learning by providing a flexible room arrangement, modeling good behavior, having a positive attitude and simply being a good listener. I believe the physical surroundings need to be sensory-rich, free from distractions, organized into distinct areas for learning and kid friendly.
I help students process information and interact with the material through flexible and varied group structures including small, whole and cooperative groups based on the needs of the students. I actively model appropriate actions through the use of character traits. I use positive reinforcement and acknowledge those displaying these behaviors. "I like the way Mary has her eyes on the speaker and is actively listening." I create well thought out lesson plans with clear objectives.
I am a firm but caring leader of the class. By creating procedures for coming in, sitting at the rug, working in groups, etc. the students will know what is expected. By having student developed rules with assigned roles and responsibilities, students become members of a caring environment and part of a school family where they will learn to work independently along with working together as a cohesive team.
I believe in a student-centered approach to learning using manipulatives as concrete tools for learning. As the Chinese Proverb says, "I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand." If children have a good understanding about a concept then they can more easily more to more abstract thinking. The goal is to always make connections! I teach skills explicitly and bridge skill application into relevant situations through well defined objectives, guided practice and continual assessment (formal, non-formal, and alternate assessment plans).
I also have learners think about their thinking (metacognition) through thinking logs, journals, higher order questioning and application. Dialogue, discussion, is an important part to learning and is done continuously. I also individualize my curriculum to meet the needs of every individual in the class and supplement learning with technology. I use all available resources including computers to complement my lessons.
I also believe that risk taking is essential to growth in independent thinking. To help foster this attitude in the classroom I continually model appropriate questions and ways to take risks. "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you'll be among the stars." That is not a bad place to be.
In conclusion, I feel that it is my job to help children grow, I plan to do this through integrated themes and creating meaningful experiences that the children for years to come. I have many past students come to me and say I remember when we.... I want children to explore the world using technology and exploration. As Goodlad said, "take the children fro where they are and take them as far as they can go." That is my goal. I want my students to become team players and appreciate and learn from one another and lastly, I want school to be fun!
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