Philosophy of Education

I believe that children learn best from play. I also think that children should be a part of the planning process in the classroom. Lesson plans should reflect the ideas and interests of the children in the classroom. I also believe that teachers should be an active participant of children's learning. They need to be facilitators and not instructors. They need to allow children to discover things on their own but to help where help is needed. I believe that we should teach children how to think not what to think. I agree with the High Scope approach to teaching. This approach allows children to learn from hands on experiences with people, places, events, objects and ideas. This approach also has well defined interest areas that typically include house area, art area, block area and other areas that reflect the children's interest. Children are allowed to explore these areas independently. The High Scope approach also follows a daily routine which allows for outside time, large group time, circle time and small group times. The routine is predictable but allows for changes when needed. I believe that a routine is important for children. The reason for this is that children know what to expect and have a sense of time. I also believe in Vygotsky's Theory of Social Development and ZPD. In this theory social interaction is critical for social development. I believe this is true. Some skills that children learn can be independent, but some times children need to have assistance with these skills. Children learn best with scaffolding and it is our job to support this scaffolding.