Station Philosophy

Teaching is About Literacy Development
      First and foremost, children need to be taught how to read and write. The whole concept of school is based around the abilities of children to read and write text. How can a student become educated unless they learn these fundamental skills? The whole purpose of early childhood education should be literacy development and the integration of these literacy skills throughout the rest of a child's curriculum and exposure within their learning environments.
      Literacy development needs the child's family support within their homes and communities. There has been research after research proving that a supportive literacy environment at home results in stronger overall literacy development. Homes need to be literacy-rich, with plenty of materials and opportunities for children to use their reading and writing skills. Families need to be communicating about literacy topics and applying these skills throughout the child's everyday activities.
      Literacy development needs to take place in all subjects taught throughout the day. Students should be using reading and writing strategies and skills while they are learning about plants in science or the 23rd president in Social Studies. Students should be thinking, brainstorming, reflecting, reading, and writing about all topics and subjects they are taught across the curriculum. The endless amounts of opportunities teachers have to integrate literacy across the curriculum would blow your mind! Literacy fits into anything, anywhere, and in any way.
      Literacy needs to be strongly assessed. How can we know they are improving on their literacy skills if they are not being assessed? I believe assessment needs to take place on a daily basis. Students should read one-on-one with a teacher as often as possible, and perhaps even sit down to brainstorm some ideas for a new writing assignment. There needs to be constant contact, observation, and intervention in a child's literacy development.
      Literacy is the foundation on which students grow and develop into young, educated adults. If we can get our students excited about reading and writing, we can get them excited about school in general. Literacy can and should be fun and constantly changing. Teachers should incorporate new and exciting opportunities for students to collaborate with classmates, reflect personally on their literacy skills, and apply reading and writing into every part of their growth and development into adults.

Teaching is About Making Connections    
      Teaching is by far one of the most important and influential careers a person can choose for their life. How and what we teach today's youth will determine what our future society is made up of, how it is run, and what it stands for. To me, the most important part of education is meeting the individual needs of every child that enters the classroom. Every child is uniquely and wonderfully different, and it is the goal of the teacher to find their skills, strengths, and weaknesses in learning and development. Once these are identified, the real learning can begin! With each child, also comes their own unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds, customs, and beliefs. These will contribute to a child's learning and development. As a future teacher, I think it is imperative that teachers take the time to get connected with each family. Once teachers take the time to understand what matters to a family,the more that teacher can understand how to best educate their child. Kids are observant! When they see a close and trusting relationship between their parents and their teacher, they will feel more comfortable and secure in the classroom. Once they feel safe, they will be able to learn and grow.
      I will make it a point to get to know each of my students' families, making sure they know that it matters what they think, feel, and want for their child's education and overall development while they are in my classroom.

Teaching is About Listening
      I believe that teachers need to listen to their students' needs and requests. Children will be more eager to learn if they feel their opinions on what and how they learn are being thought of and considered. Teachers should take the time to ask students how they enjoyed a certain activity or lesson, and allow them the opportunity to share their own ideas. This will not only make students feel they are being heard, it will also give teachers insight on new teaching strategies that will be effective for students. When students see their suggestions implemented into their learning, they will feel their ideas took part in their own learning. Teachers also need to listen to the requests and suggestions regarding instructional and behavioral suggestions that families make as well. Teaching is about teamwork: Teachers need to work together with students, families, fellow colleagues, and administration to effectively teach and nurture student's growth and development.

Teaching is About Differentiation 
      Teachers need to incorporate variety and fun into everyday subjects. I will make it a goal to differentiate my instruction. This will consist of some whole group discussions, as well as small group, partner, and individual work. Teachers that stand at the front of the classroom and lecture the entire hour, day in and day out, will result in students becoming disengaged from learning. I believe in more hands-on work to generate growth and development of learning. I will keep my students moving throughout the classroom, which will keep their brains working! The more hands-on activities that are available to the students, the more learning will take place.