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Ashley Cook

Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

Intro to Early Childhood Education CFS 315 December 2nd, 2013

When I reflect back on my life so far and think of the most important aspects, many things come to mind, especially friends, family, religion and work experiences. But one thing that is really present in my mind is my educational background starting in Preschool and continuing through today. As I grow as an Educator, my Philosophy of Education will likely change; however, I would like to discuss my current ideas on education and what is important for our society and for myself as a future Early Childhood teacher. Why is early childhood education so important? This question has been long debated through-out history and even more so recently. Luckily, we as a culture are realizing just how important it is to childrens growing minds. A young age is an important time to be introducing new information to children because they are able to absorb so much information. Early childhood education can also introduce things that the child may not be getting at home, which can be very vital for some students. But most importantly, I believe that by giving children the opportunity to learn at such a young age, we can build their confidence for learning in the years to come. Students are the most important piece of the educational system. I feel that as students enter school in the early years, they are full of curiosity, wonder, and imagination. I want to make sure my young students are able to have learning that is fun, hands-on, and full of activities that require more than just listening to a teacher. Socialization is really the key for children at an early age. I find that the work done by Friedrich Wilhelm August Froebel is something that I strongly relate to. Froebel is known as the Father of Kindergarten, especially for his ideas stating that childrens learning should be like a garden. When we think of a garden, we think of bright colors, fun

adventures, and new ideas. This is exactly how Iearning should be, and why I enjoy working with young children. They have an innocence and a love of learning to them that is so full of laugher and fun (Gordon and Browne, 2013). The most important teaching philosophy for me is looking at each individual child and being flexible about how I am teaching each student. When we look at the wholechild, we can see their strengths which help educate each child in the best way possible for them. We need to tailor our teachings styles so we can accommodate individual learning styles. I have been fortunate enough to spend the last three years working in a school setting. I believe that the greatest teachers I have had the opportunity to observe and work with truly have that passion for children, teaching, and helping people grow as individuals. My biggest motto has always been that I treat my students that I work with, just like I treat my own children. I treat them with respect, and look at each individual childs needs. When working with children, including my own, I teach them to solve problems for themselves be as independent as possible. This is important because when they are on their own, they should be able to do these skills themselves. I know that I have the heart for teaching children, and have been told that I have the perfect mix of an authority figure but also a role-model that students can look up to. I do not agree that you should act as though you are a friend to your students, but a positive adult role-model for them. This is so important, because in todays world, we cant assume that all students have positive role-models in their life. I think back on a note I received from a students parents that stated, I thank you for all you have done for our son these last two years you have worked with him. Sending him to school was much easier for us knowing he had a role-model like you there. You have the perfect

balance as a Paraprofessional and we always knew he was safe and happy at school. This thank you card made a big impact on me because at that moment I didnt realize that just by being me, I was impacting students every day and it inspired me to be a teacher! In terms of classroom management, l will look carefully at how my classroom is set-up to encourage children to be hands-on and to inspire social learning. Socialization and group discussions are very important, and because of this I would like to have my classroom furniture set up so that I can promote this. I would set-up classroom desks in small groups. I also believe in group circles, instead of large groups where the teacher is simply in front. I feel that learning centers are important in the early years of a childs life, and I want to enhance hands-on learning by having these areas readily available with options for the children to choose activities for themselves. When it comes to classroom discipline and rules I feel that positive reinforcement is very important. By using positive reinforcement we are encouraging good behavior instead of giving children attention for negative behavior. My personal goal for my future is that when past students look back on their educational career and think of a positive teacher that they admire, I want to be a face that comes to their mind. When they come back and tell me that I impacted their life in some way, whether it is in a small way or a big way, I will know that I did my job. If they are able to use their educational background to find their passion and focus on the things that make them happy and make them feel important, my goal has been met. By using my intuition, and my gut feelings, I feel that I can continue to impact children the way I have done as a Paraprofessional these last three years.

So what makes a great teacher? That is something that people could ponder each and every day. But I feel that the things that make a wonderful teacher can differ in many ways, however by using my strengths and my intuition, I know that can be a great educator by simply using my passion to make a difference in students lives, I think this will help me as I grow to become better and better every year. Allowing students to be themselves and allowing them to ask questions without feeling like they are being judged, and using their strengths to promote learning and individuality, is truly what it is all about.

References Browne, Kathryn Williams., and Gordon, Ann Miles. (2013). Beginning Essentials in Early Childhood Education. Belmont, California: Wadsworth.

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