The early years of schooling are the building blocks for the children’s future. From the very beginning I want to encourage children to become lifelong learners by teaching them how to think (and not what to think!) I will do this by creating an environment that is multi-sensory, play based, authentic and collaborative. I will strive to encourage children to think outside the box by challenging them in an environment that they feel safe in. I will be a positive role model by modelling accepting behaviours and using positive reinforcement in the classroom.
I will be supportive, passionate and get to know students at a deeper level by finding out their interests and strengths. I will be in partnership with the parents and the community by building a positive and open environment, that parents feel comfortable to share their ideas and thoughts. My classroom will be filled with children’s work and achievements! The children will experience intentional play based activities that are developmentally appropriate and engaging. I will make time for imaginative play, as researched by Vygotsky, to develop their cognitive functions and problem solving skills. Children will be assessed on an ongoing basis to be able to progress each child at their own pace. Assessments will be engaging (such as using manipulatives rather than worksheets) and children will not fear getting assessed. My classroom will be fun, engaging, purposeful, passionate and will encourage students to love learning! |
My final PIP and PI classroom encouraged students to learn about the farm and where produce comes from. I used positive reinforcement (gem jar) to encourage appropriate behaviour in the classroom. It was very successful! |
** My teaching philosophy has been derived from Vygotsky's theory. I definitely think children learn best through a play-based and collaborative environment. Vygotsky states that children can learn through peer scaffolding and hands on activities. He says that children learn first through their social environment which helps them to further develop cognitively.
This information has been taken from http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/articles/play-the-work-of-lev-vygotsky/
This information has been taken from http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/articles/play-the-work-of-lev-vygotsky/