the rest of his life explaining and defending himself to those who questioned and working through the differences that will make any school a positive and She has taught at Acadia University in Nova Scotia and at Concordia University and College Marie-Victorin in Montreal, Canada, and presented workshops, keynote speeches, and webinars on challenging behavior in the United States, Canada, and has provided workshops and keynotes on challenging behavior throughout the world. This is a transcript of the Preschool Podcast, episode #18 "Reflective practices to challenge your beliefs". I am proud to be the teacher of the 2yesr old classroom. An example of one such course is a two-year early years foundation degree that might be endorsed by the early years sector and provide . Discover the benefits of early childhood accreditation, learn about the four step process,find support and resources for your program or login to the accreditation portal. This can guide your teaching style while also clarifying to parents and educators your individual approach to early childhood education. Learn about our work with governments and NGOs around the world to support young children and their teachers. nor did I realize the specifics of the Montessori Method until I correlated my It is a statement of reflection about your beliefs that influence your actions. chairs and a rug for the children to read and sit on during quiet or free time; Celebrate young children and their families with hands-on activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art. She possessed great patience and clarity when explaining new material to Contact us with your questions-- we're here to help! 16). The position statement reminds us that dominant social biases are rooted in the social, political, and economic structures of the United States. Read about NAEYC's DAP framework for high quality education. However, The decision should be a I believe in their ability. In early childhood education, lessons should be prepared to meet childrens needs through the use exploratory play, guided discovery, problem solving, and critical thinking. a Substitute Teacher with no background classroom experience or educational One major takeaway from the position statement is that early childhood educators must support consistently warm and caring relationships between families and their children, respect families languages and cultures, and incorporate those languages and cultures into the curriculum, their teaching practices, and the learning environment. Influential movies and cartoons such as the Care families to feel welcomed, all children to feel loved, and everyone to want to The early years are the most critical stage of a child's development and we have a responsibility to do all we can to maximise this magical time and the learning outcomes it can deliver. Here are some examples of personal philosophies: I believe that each child is an individual and as an educator, I will value and develop each child's strengths, interests, skills, abilities and knowledge to extend their learning. As a teacher, I seek to form a close relationship with each child under my care, and their families. I Become a leader in your professional association. Friedrich Froebel, the creator of Kindergarten, believed that children grow and learn as they play (Bruno, 2009). Just as we learn mathematics and languages, we should also become specialists in those lessons that are fundamental to living in harmony and social progress such as respect, empathy, equality, solidarity and critical thinking. permeate throughout the classroom in order to ensure an optimal learning All educators have different life experiences and influences we bring into our shared human connection. Some choices we make in our practice do not align with our core beliefs about early childhood education. how I would develop later and then as the person I am today. Early childhood studies is an established academic subject area benchmarked against the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) to produce a range of undergraduate courses in UK higher education. good behavior because they are too distracted by the students who misbehave. Moreover, the root of my morals and values developed from this period in What do you want them to achieve, accomplish, learn, feel, etc.? As a facilitator, I support children as they embark on a journey to make discoveries about themselves and learn to recognize and name their feelings. 10. By showing I believe learning in an early childhood environment is done most successfully through stations that can be visited, explored, and revisited again and again. Eugene, OR 97402 Our values may not change, but the context in which our values come into the world does vary depending on the person, place, or thing we interact with. Were they strict, lenient, or somewhere in between? We provide educational services where children can be most successful. My philosophy of Early Childhood Education is based on research that indicates that a childs growth is developmental. What impact might the child's preferred learning style have on the child's position as a knowledge receiver? Communicating Your Philosophy of Early Childhood Education to Staff & Parents. learn, and much of what I experienced in the classroom and at home influenced Every school and early childhood education program has a culture too. The point is that making conscious connections between your values, beliefs, and approach (es) helps you deepen your understanding and develop your skills as a teacher. Plan out your curricular orientation, including details on how you came to hold the values you do. Each child and family is unique and benefits from choices and flexibility. It's a statement about your beliefs which influence your actions. Relate your philosophy to current trends and theories, as this philosophy should guide your actions as an early childhood educator. and structure; treat each child fairly to ensure that all children feel equally As a teacher I would use this same philosophy My philosophy of education is inspired by Jean Piaget, Maria Montessori, and Howard Gardner. They also offer tips to help teachers address standards for early learning that are not sensitive to these cultural differences. The National Association for the Education of Young Children states that high quality, developmentally appropriate programs should be available for all children. What kind of environment do you hope to create? 1. That meaningful, early learning experiences for children serve to deepen their desire to learn and to be curious about the world. I remember specific activities For instance, my belief in fairness for all Support our efforts to secure a bright future for young children, educators, and families. The foundations of early childhood education are based on a number of developmental theories. Our choices create questions about our role as educators and tension about where we fit into our field. classroom for a second grade class would be setup and decorated as follows: two For teachers, it is essential to see and understand your own culture in order to see and understand how the cultures of children and their families influence childrens behavior. We are open to new ideas and information and encourage continuous learning, growth, and improvement. Similarly, you may stand too close or too far away, depending on childrens cultures. To form positive self-concepts, children must honor and respect their own families and cultures and have others honor and respect these key facets of their identities too. As My role as a teacher is to be a facilitator and provide enriching activities so that children are supported as they learn about their strengths and work on their weaknesses. These laws, whether set at the state or federal level, are important in ensuring children receive a fair and appropriate educational experience. Another unfair characteristic displayed by At the heart of early childhood education are young children. The early years of preschooler are one of the first places that the building blocks of learning are established for Early Childhood Education should provide the academic, social, and emotional basics to children. Explore jobs in theCareer Center and findhigher education and professional development opportunities. work together as one in order to aid in a childs optimal development. students were bad. To have personal biases is to be human. secure in class. do that to my students! At a very young It develops these ideas with specific, concrete examples of what the teacher and . 17) is an example of a child who will continue to safe place for the children to learn. is a philosophy such as the one I have set forth that will encourage all The Philosophy of Education Ideals A standard by which we Judge things In our existence. Gee (2008) suggests that one perspective of culture is of how each person learns ways of being in the world by using interactions, objects, tools, and language and that this is essential to shaping their sense of self. I strive to provide an environment where children and families from different cultural backgrounds feel welcomed and accepted. These family beliefs define what you think is important and what is good. Values Vision statements have a foundation in core values. 53. Finally, decide how parents and other primary caregivers will be included. All of this, and more, plays a part in how you view the behavior of the children you teach. Teaching children is my passion. The belief that early childhood professionals are knowledgeable decision-makers who take the needs of individual children and their families into consideration. thoughts. As NAEYCs equity position statement puts it, Childrens learning is facilitated when teaching practices, curricula, and learning environments build on childrens strengths and are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for each child.. Provide examples. To download:Personal Philosophy Template. has played an influential role in my life, and has acted as a mentor, is my How to create a personal code of ethics. So when views may seem Experience 1. Where families are valued for their bonds and traditions, their ability to play, their commitment to work, home, and community, and their dreams for their children. In this way, culture creates diversity. there will be math, language, and art games for them to play, and additional creative living situation, and a familys ethnicity and culture. Our work has a significant influence on how we define our values. childhood from preschool to third grade was a critical time for me to grow and I believe in their dedication to the things they believe in. Why not have the children create their own posters with their own artwork, things from home, and photos families can supply? Join us at the members-only event and build your advocacy skills, expand your networks, and advance federal and state early childhood policy. The concept of value has been defined by different researchers in various definitions (Clouston, 2018;Gngr, 1998;Hansson, Carey, & Kjartansson, 2010;Johansson, 2017; Murray, 2018; Ulusoy &. In practice, there is a balance between sharing our values and relating them to the moment. My My philosophy of guiding young children behavior is to use the combination of collaboration, positive attitude, and patience. Each of the Code's four sections includes a brief introduction, a list of Ideals and a list of Principles. Shared values have their roots in developmentally appropriate practice and NAEYC's ethical code (2005): Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle For example, in some cultures, it may be important to emphasize the importance of interdependence and collective responsibility, while in other cultures it may be important to emphasize individual . Our work with children is our primary source of professional development. I make use of our communities' resources and incorporate the childs community into the program. Teachers and future teachers want our children to grow up to be responsible adults. Are labels (and other child-focused texts) repeated in each childs home language, or are they in English only? and kindergarten while attending a Montessori A good education entails a teacher giving well-planned lessons that contain evaluations. Here are some examples of personal philosophies: I believe that as an early childhood educator I am responsible for providing infants, toddlers and young children with positive learning experiences. These include: physical, social/emotional, cognitive and communication. Science research has proven that learning and mental development begins right after the child is born. This type of thinking reveals a different kind of value, intrinsic value. When children are encouraged to interact with their peers and adults in positive ways, they feel safe to explore their surroundings. brother and I at one point attended two different schools, we werent as close (World Health Organisation, 2018, 2) This nurturing care model affords an integrated, holistic approach to education and care that aligns well with Froebel's philosophy. We are a valuable resource to the community. As educators, we are members of the community. What we believe as educators will be Each and every child is unique in terms of life experiences, developmental readiness and cultural heritage. Explore key early childhood topics such Developmentally Appropriate Practice, play, and math. race, beliefs, and structure; treat each child fairly to ensure that all Differentiated instruction adapts content, products and processes to meet the diverse learning needs and preferences of students (Thousand, Villa, & Nevin, 2007). age, as young as the first grade, my personal philosophy of Early Childhood "Teaching young children is hard work" (Bredekamp 3). The use of computers in early years has become a contentious issue, with advocates calling for more Information and Communications Technology (ICT), more machines, better software, and more training for professionals, while other groups call for "a moratorium on the further introduction of computers in early childhood and elementary education" (Cordes & Miller, 2000). Write in language and concepts that can be broadly appreciated. master societys demands and expectations on how to behave throughout Educating the Early Childhood Workforce for Equity, Capitalizing on Culture: Engaging Young Learners in Diverse Classrooms, Recognizing that self-awareness, humility, respect, and a willingness to learn are key to becoming a teacher who equitably and effectively supports all children and families, Developing a strong understanding of culture and diversity, Understanding that families are the primary context for childrens development and learning. important to reflect upon the period of time when one was a student. For instance, She created objects my experience in a Montessori School Observing what goes on first-hand helps a parent know what to ask the child at the end of the school day.. For these certain kids it is their one place of stability where they are always guaranteed to be loved and get fed and to have fun. In the book, In Dialogue with Reggio Emilia, Amelia Gambetti defines values. and willing to help as I become a teacher. Observations, not only aid in creating the curriculum but also give insight into the development, knowledge and skill levels of each individual child. Not only do they serve as educators, but for many kids, the classroom is where they feel the safest. Also, teachers are trying to find the perfect way to deal with children with different type of behavior. As a teacher, I seek to guide children from needing assistance with a task to accomplishing a task independently by providing experiences that are challenging yet attainable for every child. We provide individualized services and supports to children and their families. the products of our future. Often, a person's values derive from the family and their early years. Classroom is a mini-society itself and teacher can also learn a lot of things about different culture and beliefs in a classroom from students. National Association for the Education of Young Children, Diverse Children, Uniform Standards: Using Early Learning and Development Standards in Multicultural Classrooms, Why History? Outline your plan for involving parents and keeping lines of communication open with family members. Mutual Respect and Responsibility. To appreciate what each child can contribute to the class, teachers need to learn about each familys cultural values. They help teach kids the difference between right and wrong. By including specific examples of teaching theories and approaches, you are able to let your reader take a mental peek of your classroom. We are committed to ensuring that all children make progress towards achieving their potential, develop strong self-esteem, and enter school ready to succeed. when treating my students. Think about your own upbringing. We are responsible and resourceful in how we use our fiscal, technical, material, and human resources. Children are curious from infancy and have a desire to learn from their environment and those around them. Our values are a part of the experience but not the whole experience. Explain the values that guide your teaching beliefs. towards academia. We treat all families with honor and respect. As you educate diverse children, talk about how you'll handle varied personalities, learning styles, special needs, and cultural diversity. Changes in the perspectives of early childhood can be linked to the influence of recurrent discourses (Cunningham, 2006). What if we are not sure about our values in education? area would have a big comfy chair for me to read and then small comfortable Equitable means ensuring that you consider each childs strengths, context, and needs and provide all children with the opportunities that will support them in reaching their potential. Writing A Personal Philosophy For Childcare, Last modified on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, A Guide For Educational Leaders In Early Childhood Settings, Exclusion Periods For Infectious Diseases In Early Childhood Services, 2 Hours Per Week Programming Time Mandatory For Educators, Progressive Mealtimes In Early Childhood Settings, Bush Tucker Gardens In Early Childhood Services, Taking Children's Sleep Time Outside In Early Childhood Settings, Children Going Barefoot In An Early Childhood Setting, Strategies To Support Children Who Struggle With Circle Time, How To Make A Formal Complaint Against An Early Childhood Service , Strategies To Discuss Inclusion and Disability Wit. The . Writing a personal philosophy is a great way for others to read what your values and beliefs are in regard to early childhood education. Login to the Early Learning Accreditation Portal to take charge of your accreditation process. Based on the premise that teachers hold their own beliefs, values, knowledge . What kinds of activities and opportunities do you think should be included in the environment to help all children learn to their full potential, regardless of their preferred learning style? A child saying, Youve got dirty hands, you . life. The cultures of most American schools are based on White European American values. Culture is also the base on which a person can establish and build their funds of knowledge and identity. some teachers was favoritism. Include a statement on how children with unique learning needs will be welcomed in your classroom, as well as your specific tactics for fulfilling their needs as well as the requirements of others children. goal-oriented activity as childrens work and contrasted it with play, which As an educator, I need to be conscious of learning and social development in order to reach every child and make sure they succeed. In short, color and culture enrich classrooms. 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About NAEYC 's DAP framework for high quality, developmentally appropriate programs should a. And supports to children and their early years sector and provide am to... And theories, as this philosophy should guide your teaching style while also clarifying to and! Core values of professional development opportunities for the children create their own with... Be broadly appreciated decision-makers who take the needs of individual children and their early years sector and.! You teach philosophy should guide your teaching style while also clarifying to parents and keeping lines of open... With Reggio Emilia, Amelia Gambetti defines values join us at personal beliefs and values about early childhood education members-only and.