Teaching Philosophy
I believe that children learn best in a happy, caring, and safe environment. School should be fun and a place that students want to be.
I use a thematic approach in teaching language arts skills, as it allows me to integrate other curriculum areas as much as possible. Planning with themes is open-ended, allowing me to offer a variety of activities that take into account a wide range of ability levels and learning styles. The students work independently, in small groups, and as a whole group. It is important to give children the opportunity to learn and be successful in their own way.
Although I establish certain routines, children must learn independence and responsibility for their own learning and solving their social problems. I encourage them to find their own solutions and consequences for their behavior.
I provide opportunities for students to reflect on their daily performance. They become more knowledgeable of their strengths and weaknesses, and can set goals to work towards. They need to be aware of their progress, and to become actively involved in achieving their full potential.