My Philosophy of Early Childhood Education is:
In Jennifer Wolfe’s text, Learning from the Past, she introduces one of Dewey’s ideas that “The goal of education was growth. The end of growth was more growth”. I believe that being an early educator, I will model to the children that we focus on the process of learning but not the results nor the competitions. Also, an effective teacher will help the children become team players. In the classroom, I will encourage children to work with others so that they learn from each other and learn that in order to achieve a goal, everyone can share his or her contribution.
I believe children learn through Play! As a teacher, I will create an environment where children feel safe, well cared for, and being child-centered. It provides the children many opportunities to explore and look for the answer to their own questions. Children also learn through exploring and discovering. Nowadays, one of the significant needs for children is rebuilding the relationship with the natural world. The opportunities for children to explore and discover the natural world is decreasing as a result of more and more technologies are introduced to their environment and lives. As a teacher, I will provide opportunities and experiences for children to learn the natural world, such as planting a garden and caring our environment through recycling. In the classroom, I will also provide varied, open-ended, creative, and developmentally appropriate activities for children. (Beneke, Ostrosky, & Katz, 2019) In a classroom, the schedule provides a big picture for the children what main activities happen daily. It should be based on children’s age, interest, but be flexible at the same time. The schedule should also help children learn about the classroom actives and understand the classroom expectations. In addition, the classroom schedule should help to reduce behavior issues and increase children’s engagement.
In addition, besides support the children’s learning by following their interest, I will incorporate aspects of culture and diversity into the curriculum. This does not only increase the connection between children, families and teachers but also provides more ideas and opportunities for me to teach and learn.
Definition of Early Childhood Inclusion - Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, communities, and society.
-Early Childhood Inclusion: A Summary
As an early childhood educator, I will provide developmentally appropriate environment with no physical barriers for all the children. I will promote a sense of belonging for each child and his/her family. An effective teacher will also build trusting relationship with parents and collaborate with families and professionals in order to provide high quality inclusion.
Beneke, S. J., Ostrosky, M. M., & Katz, L. G. (2019). The Project Approach for All Learners. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
Habib, D. (2008). Including Samuel: The Story of Samuel Habib. Retrieved from The MyChild: https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/inspiration/movies/including-samuel
NAEYC, D. a. (2009, April). Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. Retrieved from NPDCI: https://npdci.fpg.unc.edu/resources/articles/files/ips/EarlyChildhoodInclusion-Summary
Wolfe, J. (2002). Learning from the Past . Alberta : Piney Branch Press.
- Role of teacher
In Jennifer Wolfe’s text, Learning from the Past, she introduces one of Dewey’s ideas that “The goal of education was growth. The end of growth was more growth”. I believe that being an early educator, I will model to the children that we focus on the process of learning but not the results nor the competitions. Also, an effective teacher will help the children become team players. In the classroom, I will encourage children to work with others so that they learn from each other and learn that in order to achieve a goal, everyone can share his or her contribution.
- Role of child, Environment, Materials, & Schedule
I believe children learn through Play! As a teacher, I will create an environment where children feel safe, well cared for, and being child-centered. It provides the children many opportunities to explore and look for the answer to their own questions. Children also learn through exploring and discovering. Nowadays, one of the significant needs for children is rebuilding the relationship with the natural world. The opportunities for children to explore and discover the natural world is decreasing as a result of more and more technologies are introduced to their environment and lives. As a teacher, I will provide opportunities and experiences for children to learn the natural world, such as planting a garden and caring our environment through recycling. In the classroom, I will also provide varied, open-ended, creative, and developmentally appropriate activities for children. (Beneke, Ostrosky, & Katz, 2019) In a classroom, the schedule provides a big picture for the children what main activities happen daily. It should be based on children’s age, interest, but be flexible at the same time. The schedule should also help children learn about the classroom actives and understand the classroom expectations. In addition, the classroom schedule should help to reduce behavior issues and increase children’s engagement.
- What should be taught
- Role of families
In addition, besides support the children’s learning by following their interest, I will incorporate aspects of culture and diversity into the curriculum. This does not only increase the connection between children, families and teachers but also provides more ideas and opportunities for me to teach and learn.
- Inclusion
Definition of Early Childhood Inclusion - Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, communities, and society.
-Early Childhood Inclusion: A Summary
As an early childhood educator, I will provide developmentally appropriate environment with no physical barriers for all the children. I will promote a sense of belonging for each child and his/her family. An effective teacher will also build trusting relationship with parents and collaborate with families and professionals in order to provide high quality inclusion.
- Major influences on my ECE philosophy
Beneke, S. J., Ostrosky, M. M., & Katz, L. G. (2019). The Project Approach for All Learners. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
Habib, D. (2008). Including Samuel: The Story of Samuel Habib. Retrieved from The MyChild: https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/inspiration/movies/including-samuel
NAEYC, D. a. (2009, April). Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. Retrieved from NPDCI: https://npdci.fpg.unc.edu/resources/articles/files/ips/EarlyChildhoodInclusion-Summary
Wolfe, J. (2002). Learning from the Past . Alberta : Piney Branch Press.