Christine Dalman

Frame of Reference
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
change the world.” –Nelson Mandela
Educators today are responsible for preparing students for our fast changing world. I believe that

the heart of teaching starts with your students. Our whole purpose as educators is to provide opportunity

and tools for our students to grow and expand their minds. I recognize that as a teacher we are preparing

our students for something bigger, the world outside of the classroom.

I strongly value the concept of student centered learning. Education is, in fact, all about the student,

we as teachers are facilitating and guiding our students. To get the most out of your students learning we

need to provide them with an opportunity to have purpose and

reason, without this there is no engagement. When we practice

student centered learning we have an opportunity to bring our

students’ passions and interests to life. Not every single

student will learn the same way, and that is something to

celebrate. In order to be able to allow different learning styles

to shine and grow we must provide a variety of approaches to

our teaching practice, giving multitudes of opportunity to explore. If we give our students projects or

assignment that they care about it will create student ownership which enables them to become lifelong

learners with the essential skills that they will need in the real world. As the world around us has changed

so has the education system. Students have the ability to become innovative and produce, rather than simply

consuming and repeating information. We want our students to be able to have the essential skills to

critically think and problem solve. I value the purpose and journey of learning: the process. Students

learning is all about how they are going to get to their end goal. Many students may have the same end

goals, but what is so fascinating is how many different ways students will find to get to the same end result.
 Christine Dalman

I believe that there is huge value for your students to integrate different subject areas. This will

allow for your students to dig deep in their inquiry and find meaning in what they are learning. Thus,

demonstrating to your students that we can study the world we live in through different lenses. Integration

provides limitless opportunity for students to make real world connections to their learning. In our day to

day lives we don’t live linear, everything we do weaves and connects to other areas of life. Weaving of

subjects provides a solid connection to how the world is woven together. There is now evidence that neural

pathways in children's brains are influenced by and advanced in their development through the exploration,

thinking skills, problem solving, and language expression that occur during play.” (The Kindergarten

Program 2016) Play helps children to discover and make sense of the world around them. Its universal

continuous and versatile in the outcomes its brings to students learning and is “not bound by culture.”

(Knowing Home)

A huge part of how well your classroom management skills are is based on how you have

established your classroom environment. When you are thinking about how your classroom will function

there are some key components to incorporate: strong classroom routines, management strategies,

classroom setup, classroom tasks, parent communication, learning environment, and consequences. One

component that I value most when it comes to the classroom environment is the sense of community. aving

a strong community in your classroom will make your classroom management minimal. When students

become a part of the learning community, you will start to build a learning partnership between you and

your students, and student to student interactions. I hope by establishing a learning partnership with my

students that it creates mutual respect and a strong connection. It is important to reinforce your community

of learning by carrying out the four C’s within your classroom (Communication, Commitment,

Compassion, and Co-operation). As a teacher I know I will make a difference in student’s lives by building

strong relationships. I will empower my students with the confidence and encouragement that they need to

be successful.
 Christine Dalman

A huge part of who I am as a teacher has been greatly influenced by collaborating with other

professionals. This is a powerful tool in how we grow and allow for interdisciplinary instruction to develop.

We are role models to our students. It is important that we live by what were are teaching, and demonstrate

to our students the power of collaboration by doing it ourselves. When teachers use collaboration as a part

of their own learning they are able to create innovative teaching strategies that will further benefit the

students. Collaboration provides multiple perspectives to the classroom, and will give you the opportunity

to find support from other professionals.

There are so many different aspects of being a teacher, and that is what makes the teaching

profession so rewarding. In this profession it is important that we develop a growth mind set, as we will

find that the education system is always developing and growing. We can't predict advancements in

technology or what our world will look like in the future but it is essential that we always remind ourselves

that we are teaching our students to be prepared for the unexpected. As professionals we have control over

deciding what and how we teach because of this we need to ensure we think critically of what is in our

students best interested. With just one year with a child you can make a huge impact on their life. I strive

to leave a footprint on all my students’ hearts and change their lives for the better. I strive to be the teacher

they never forget, and a role model they can look up to. Each student will take a different path to

accomplishing tasks. We have the power to inspire our students and build a community that continues to

support them through their journey.

References

Ontario.ca. (2017). The Kindergarten Program 2016. [online] Available at:

https://www.ontario.ca/document/kindergarten-program-2016/play-based-learning-culture-
inquiry [Accessed 26 Sep. 2017].

Snively, G., & Williams, W. L. (2016). Knowing home: Braiding indigenous science with western
science. Victoria, BC: University of Victoria.