My teaching philosophy is to foster a safe and positive learning environment where students are not only building relationships with me, but also with each other. I believe that each child is an individual and as an early childhood educator, I will value and develop each child's strengths, interests, skills, abilities and knowledge to extend their learning. It is my goal challenge my students daily, with learning that is meaningful, engaging, and purposeful. I want to provide my students opportunities to grow and become critical thinkers and problem solvers. I also believe that children learn through play. I will provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagine. Lastly, as an Early childhood teacher it is important to know and understand how students develop and learn. I know that students actively construct and transform their own knowledge based on past experiences and prior learning. I know that students do not all learn in the same way. I believe it is my responsibility as a teacher to be an effective diagnostician of students’ interests, abilities, and prior knowledge. I must then plan learning experiences that will both challenge and allow every student to think and grow.