ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper is to develop a Philosophy of Education. Through research from psychologists as well as from personal experiences, it was determined that educators should do what works best for the child in order for them to have success in their early childhood education career. Examining the works of many different psychologists such as The Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner, as well as The Stages of Development by Erik Erickson, will reveal that it is important to understand that not all children develop at the same pace. Educators need to know how to meet each child where they are. Looking at the research of Bronfebrenner, as well as the work of Vygotsky, and Piaget, will allow for educators to be more prepared when learning what works best for an individual child. When teachers are tuned into their students’ learning styles, backgrounds, and interests, it is easier to identify the learner’s zone of proximal development and scaffold their learning (Vygotsky, 1978). The goal should be to educate young children in a safe, but fun environment and for students to gain continuous knowledge in and out of the classroom. This Philosophy of Education will focus on how educators can help students to be successful in their educational career, by doing what works best for the child as an individual learner.