Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of Education

My personal beliefs about children and how they learn begin at their birth. Children have an expectation even as infants, that they will be cared for by adults. Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships are essential for healthy development. Along with this, I believe that children learn best when they are in a consistent environment where they are encouraged to take charge of their learning.

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As educators we are responsible for caring for students and creating safe and explorable environments that will allow children to cultivate an eagerness to learn, gain independence and build relationships.

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Loris Malaguzzi, who developed the Reggio Emilio Approach shared a similar belief in that he believed that educators are mentors or guides who facilitate a child’s learning process.

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To maintain refuge, inclusiveness, and community within my classroom, it is important to model positively guided behavior. I can do this by building a mutual relationship of trust, respect, and love with my students and their families. Through caring for children and operating in consistency, we are showing the children and their families that we respect their customs, that we can be trusted and that we are reliable.

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Vygotsky believed that children should be taught in the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which occurs when they can almost perform a task, but not quite on their own without assistance. As educators we are showing children and families how to solve problems peacefully, how to recognize emotions and how to interact with others by modeling these behaviors. As the children observe their teachers, they begin to model some of the same behaviors without assistance. As they continue this practice, they begin exiting the Zone of Proximal Development and entering a dwelling of positively guided behaviors.

We often hear the phrase, “It takes a village.” A village is a community of caring adults who support in nurturing relationships with children. Family and community both play such a vital role in child development. Working alongside families, offering resources and tools, building relationships based upon family and classroom norms; not only helps the sense of community in my classroom, but it may help bring families closer together at home as well. For children to be best supported, prioritized, educated, and cared for, I believe that educators, families, and community must all work collaboratively.

As it is a family’s responsibility to be a part of the village. I believe that it is my job to be a part of the village as well. To provide a space that encourages learning and curiosity. To love all my students individually. To accommodate. To play. To build community. To teach diversity. To learn alongside my students.