Educational Philosophy

Children have the ability to learn and grow when given the tools and
environment to do so. Every child has a purpose and something to offer this world,
and the early childhood memories will influence their future selves in guiding them
on their path. The physical, social, emotional, cognitive, motor, spiritual, and
adaptive skills must be nurtured and addressed in these early years. The classroom
will be inviting, secure, safe, and developmentally appropriate. The classroom is a
place where play, imagination, and growth will be cultivated.

Not only will I stress the importance of education and exploration with my
students, but with the families as well. The care takers of the children will be
welcomed into the classroom community. Family involvement is of the utmost
importance. There will be volunteer opportunities, community outings, and I want
to collaborate with parents through conferences and communication, other
educators in professional development, therapists on intervention ideas, and any
other professional or adult who also values the importance of the child. Multi
sensory engagement with curriculum will allow the childs mind and skills to expand
upon itself. Using the childrens interests, likes, dislikes, arts, movement, music, and
academics, we as a classroom community will experience the world through
different modalities. Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles will all be
adapted for students and instruction will be differentiated based on the needs of the
child. Technology will be readily available for the child to create, communicate, and
learn. Independence will be promoted and encouraged through peer and adult
interactions.

My role as a teacher is to guide students through the learning process. By

taking the whole child approach, we will address multiple developmental areas
through academics and the arts. Formal and summative assessments will be a
constant process through observation, projects, and written statements. To facilitate
learning I will assess students through whatever medium best suits their needs and
abilities. I will help my students learn a sense of intrinsic motivation as opposed to
solely extrinsic, and helping them find their own way of motivating depending on
the students needs. Through group and individual instruction, my students will be
provided the supports and tools they need to succeed and perform at their highest
potential.
This program is focused on the arts s being as equally important as
academics, we combine influences of Montessori, Suzuki, Gestalt, Flemming, Piaget,
and many other theorists. Providing the students with an organic environment,
children will have the chance to explore, learn, and grow. Through art, movement,
music, drama, the center will combine the arts to develop social, emotional, physical,
and cognitive skills. Through the arts, subjects such as mathematics, science, social
studies, reading, writing, and spelling will all be tended to.