My Teaching Philosophy
Because this is only my second year in this program, and we missed out on our practicum this year, my teaching philosophy is not set in stone. I still have so much to learn and so much to explore. But as of right now, these 4 aspects are what I am passionate about in my teaching philosophy.
Safe Environment:
I believe in providing my students with a safe environment where everyone feels included, comfortable, and welcome.
In providing a safe environment, the room must be welcoming. I believe that our classroom should show a sense of community and inclusiveness. This may include photos of the children and their families, an all about me board for students to get to know one another, and a kindness board. I truly believe it is the little teachable moments that go a long way with elementary-aged children.
As a teacher, I also must model the attributes we want our students to inherit, such as being kind, calm, and welcoming. As teachers, we must foster these attributes and show our students what this looks like. This may include modeling communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and emotional regulation. I am a firm believer in student collaboration, and this can only be accomplished successfully if the environment is safe and free of judgment. In doing this, I believe we can teach our students how to communicate appropriately during the dialogic talk. Providing our students with tools such as a question list, a response list, and debriefing beforehand is extremely important in accomplishing this.
Intrinsic Motivation:
Children will only learn if they want to learn. This goal-setting drive comes from the motivation to learn as an individual. We as teachers can help our students strive for intrinsic motivation by providing them with activities that interest and engage them. We can do this by providing different learning ways; audio, visual, verbal, and hands-on activities all in one lesson. All children are different, and all children have different ways that engage them to want to learn. In doing this, our students will develop motivation that promotes creativity and passion for learning.
Outdoor Explorations:
I believe in outdoor explorations because children develop a deeper understanding when we connect their learning to real-life contexts. When we connect students learning to real-world contexts, students are more engaged and open to learning. I also believe that outdoor explorations go hand in hand with play. Children need to have time in the school day for play. Our students need a break from sitting and listening and have the opportunity to make connections outside of the classroom. I also believe if we get outside as much as possible with our lessons, then our students will be more engaged as they are not in a regular classroom atmosphere. During my Wednesday visits in the first semester, I noticed how the students were so excited for outdoor explorations. It was a grade one class, and they were so engaged as they learned about senses and animals. I believe outdoor exploration inspires more curiosity into learning and enriches growth and wonder.
First Peoples Principle of Learning:
Throughout the second year of this program, we learned about the First Peoples Principle of Learning and all its attributes in all subject material. I believe that students should understand these principles and history to create a culturally safe classroom. I plan to foster these principles and move towards reconciliation and equality by inviting and welcoming Indigenous educators into my classroom. I do realize that there is a level of respect that needs to be intact when promoting Indigenous learning and its principles, which is why I am looking forward to learning more about how to incorporate this respectfully and appropriately.