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Philosophy of Education

For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed talking with children, playing with them, reading to them, and teaching them new things. My desire to become a teacher started with a love for children and a love for learning. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a child who struggles with reading advance into the Talented and Gifted program. I have a desire to help students gain the knowledge and life skill they will need to be successful in society. As an elementary teacher I will focus on teaching my students the basics in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and visual & performing arts. Teachers are said to be the second most effective person in a child’s life. As a teacher it is my goal to be a positive role-model for students at all times.

Communication skills are an important quality of a teacher. As a teacher I will collaborate with teacher assistants and special education teachers. In addition, I will discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators. Creativity is beneficial for elementary school teachers, I will creatively plan lessons that engage students, adapting the lessons to every student’s learning style as much as possible. Instructional skills are a necessity for elementary school teachers, as such I will explain difficult concepts in terms that young students can understand. In addition, I will engage students in learning and adapt lessons to each student’s needs. Patience is a must for all teachers to be productive. Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. As an elementary school teacher I will respond by being patient when students struggle with material.

            As a teacher I anticipate my students will come from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether it be ethnicity diversity, socioeconomic status, non-traditional families, or no matter the differences, I will treat every child equally and encourage my students to do the same amongst themselves. Another thing I believe is important for teachers to remember and embrace is the fact that we are investing our time into lives not things; everything we say and do is going to effect our students in some way. As a teacher I will seek to answer as many questions of my students as I possibly can, if I do not know the answer I will tell the student I will get back to them with the answer later after I have had a chance to research the topic. 

            Technology has become a major aspect of education in today’s world, as a teacher I will demonstrate and instruct students how to use technology in the classroom and at home. I will teach my class basic computer skills and will then prepare assignments that require the use of a computer and have students work in groups to complete them. It is important for students to learn how to work together with others, as a teacher I will plan activities that include group planning, discussion, and activity. As a teacher I will ensure that my classroom is a safe and welcoming environment; I will enforce rules in a matter that is friendly yet strong, I will not tolerate disrespect of the teacher or of other students.

            In conclusion, as evidenced by my teaching philosophy I am certain I am a well-qualified candidate for an elementary teaching position. I have had the opportunity to work in a local elementary school assisting in the America Reads program, thus I have experienced many different teaching philosophies being acted out on a daily basis. I believe that by treating all children with equality and patience, teaching them cooperation amongst themselves, teaching them how to use technology, teaching them respect and social skills, and most of all instilling in them a desire and love for learning I can and will be a positively effective teacher.

Thanksgiving Acitivities in the Classroom

My Thankful Place Mat
This is an art activity in which you can take a piece of construction paper (fall colors) and let the child glue on leaf shapes and then let them tell you what they are thankful for and you can dictate they're answers onto the leaves. Put they're names in the middle and laminate the place mat for years of use. To give it they're own special touch, they might want to color it.
Thanksgiving Feast
A fun feast idea for any age of student. Each year my Kindergarten children churn butter using an antique churn and whipping cream. While the children are churning they are also practicing their counting to 100. My churn is an English crank-type so it is easy for the children to sit on the floor and turn the handle. A parent volunteer usually holds the base of the churn steady as each child takes a turn churning and counting 100 revolutions. Whipping cream is used as the only ingredient for the homemade butter. As the butter is being churned, we also stir up a large batch of cornbread, which we bake in the classroom in a toaster oven. The cornbread smells delicious as it bakes.
After the butter is churned and the cornbread has cooled, the children eat the products dressed in their Indian and pilgrim costumes that they have made during the unit. The children use popsicle sticks to spread the butter onto their cornbread and stand up around the table, since little furniture and few utensils would have been had by the first settlers. Water or apple juice could also be served.
These activites were found at: http://seasonal.theteacherscorner.net/thanksgiving/

Inspirational Quotes

For wisdom will enter your heart,

and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

-Proverbs 2:10

~

If you think you are beaten,
you are;
If you think you dare not,
you don't;
If you'd like to win,
but think you can't,
it's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose,
you've lost;
For out in the world
we find success begins
with a person's faith;
It's all in the state of mind.

Life's battles don't always go
to the stronger or faster hand;
They go to the one
who trusts in God
and always thinks
"I can."
~
A wise man is strong,
Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.
-Proverbs 24:5
~
I love to learn in order that I might teach;
and I get no joy from learning if I alone
am to know about it.
-Seneca, Roman Philosopher
~
A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel
-Proverbs 1:5
~
Pleasure in the job puts
perfection in the work.
-Aristotle, Greek Philosopher
~
If students do not learn the way we teach,
then let us teach the way they learn.
-Kenneth Dunn, Expert on Learning Styles
~
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
-Jeremiah 29:11