Mrs. Johnston’s Pre-Kindergarten Class

Philosophy

PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING

 

My mission as a teacher is to educate every child that enters my classroom. While thinking about my philosophy, the words to a Whitney Houston song come to mind.

I believe the children are our future; teach them well; let them lead the way. Show them the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier… Everybody’s searching for a hero. People need someone to look up to… I decided long

ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadow. If I fail, if I succeed, at least I’ll live as I believe… learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all.

These words express how I feel about educating children and what drives me.

I believe that all children can learn. They learn in different ways and at different paces. They come to me as a sponge ready to absorb whatever I put before them. Children need exposure to many different hands-on activities. They learn by seeing, hearing, touching and doing. The grade level that I teach plays an important part in how, what, and why I teach. They have little or no concept of alphabet letters, numerals, shapes, reading, etc. It is, therefore, my job to show them what to do, how to do, and why to do. I am responsible for teaching students very basic fundamental skills that provide a foundation for successful life-long learners. An environment must be created to take each child where they are developmentally and lead them to where they are expected to be. An example that comes to mind demonstrates where a student started, what I expected from this student, and how this student progressed. At the beginning of the year, I had a student that could not hold a pair of scissors correctly or even cut something. I planned activities that built up the muscles in his hands. Then provided many opportunities to use scissors and become successful at cutting. My expectation for this student was that he could cut. He achieved this goal. Others in my class did not need as much time to develop this skill but I did not lower my expectations for this student because he could not master this skill in a certain amount of time. I had to find ways to motivate him and reward his efforts. I take full responsibility for what my students learn by setting high standards and modeling what is expected.

I teach to mastery. There are times that I think that it does not matter if students do not fully understand a concept because preschool students do not get report cards. However, the thought is just fleeting. I work hard for my students and I expect them to work hard for me. I do not accept the bare minimum from them. I expect the best. If one expects the best, one gets the best. Preschool students are eager to please. They will do anything for a hug, a smile, or just “good job.”

Am I an outstanding teacher? I do not consider myself to be “out of the ordinary.” I get paid to do a job – teach children. However, I am consumed with high expectations and the responsibility of educating them. Each school year brings a new set of students; nevertheless, the goal is the same – to take them as far as they can go. I expect each student to do their best but each student’s best is different. A misconception of preschool is that we play and sleep all day or that I am just a babysitter. My job would be so easy if that were the case. I would not feel the need to go to work early, stay late, work on weekends, or take projects home. My mind would not be constantly working on the next set of skills, how to do things better or what else can I do to help “Johnny” understand.

The key to children’s success is learning has to be at their level, relevant to their lives, and they must be actively engaged. Success of any kind, great or small is what motivates children to continue learning. I believe that the effect of my philosophy on my relationship with my students is a positive experience. They learn; they grow; and they succeed. The bottom line for me is – is what I am doing in the best interest of the child? The answer is yes. I am a shaper of the future, for I influence the lives of children and generations to come. It is a painful, continual and difficult job to be done by kindness, by watching, by precept, and by praise, but above all – by example.