Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, I start with the "end" in mind. I come to make a difference in many lives. I don't just teach the curriculum. I teach, patience, kindness, manners, respect, responsibility, hygiene, social skills, instill confidence, and share love. I will strive to find the strengths in every child. Below you will read about each belief.

WE ARE TEACHERS AND LEADERS:

Children are some of the best teachers I have ever known. I am amazed when children can explain something to a child better than I can. I can use their thinking to help guide me to explain it in a way that makes sense to them. This is why I feel it is important to give children a chance to have discussions with each other. We use sentence stems to guide how they would phrase their thinking (I agree because..., I think this is___ because___, etc.). This takes practice but it is well worth it. They know the routines and how to problem solve. This way they learn to ask others or search for what they need. It makes me (and them) proud that they figured out the solution.

SETTING GOALS

It is important for children to set goals for themselves, so they can work hard to reach it and feel proud about their growth. At the beginning of the week I have them set their own personal "reachable" goals. We discuss what this is. At the end of the week, they can move their goals to "achieved" or strive to reach that goal the next week. They also have subject area goals they set and try to reach. They will individually conference with me and we will discuss what their goal should be, then when we meet again, we will see if the goal was met or if they need to continue working on it. By using goals, children are taking ownership in their learning and results are shown.

COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT:

Children amaze me daily with their excitement for learning, every day. I think that excitement comes from the atmosphere in our classroom, as well as a parent's attitude. We start the day by looking each other in the eye, saying good morning, and shaking hands/bumping fists/hugging. After announcements and unpacking, we share "news" and they can share anything they want or ask any questions they want. They know they will get a chance to share their thoughts with one another academically as well. This creates ownership in their learning. When they have a problem they know that it can be solved by someone in the room. When children feel they are loved, heard, and respected, they tend to work harder and treat others with the same respect. If children feel confident and comfortable, they are willing to take more chances in their learning. Years ago, I was fortunate to hear Ron Clark speak when I taught in Eanes ISD. He wrote The Essential 55. This is a book of 55 rules for success in school and outside of school. I try to read one rule a day. The kids even ask for it. Some of the children learn "why" we should follow each rule. I agree with what this book says and it always reassures me that I'm doing what I need to, in order to help the children follow our school-wide expectations. I explain that We are the examples for the rest of the school. I like to openly discuss problems that are going on and clear up any confusions. Even though we are always crunched for time in a school day, I feel that taking the time to clear up any problems will allow the days to go more smoothly and be more focused.

DIFFERENTIATION:

I believe that each child is a unique individual who learns in their own way. They are each at a different stage in their development. They mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially at different rates. It is my desire to meet them at their stage and find a learning style that works best. I am a strong believer in "differentiation". I give extensions and modify for each activity. I individually conference with children in specific subject and behavior areas, as well as small focused groups. If children have mastered a concept, I will give them choices on activities they can work on, while I work with children who are still needing assistance. "Choice" is the number one way to differentiate.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS:

I have high expectations for each student. I always want them to try their best and ask for help if they ever need it. Our mission for the year is to excel in all subjects and learn to work with others in a kind way. I want the children to be challenged and to remind them that if it wasn't challenging, then they wouldn't grow as a learner. I also remind them and recognize that when they finally "get it", they are smarter and feel great. I will try my best and expect the same from my students. I don't expect for every child to be at the same level in reading, math, or other areas, but I do expect for them to try and for me to help them grow.

THE "5 E" MODEL:

Children are so curious. They love to learn through exploration. I make sure they try and find the answers to their questions through exploring and researching. I would be doing them a disservice if I directly taught them everything. They wouldn't be exercising their minds to find answers. When they find what they are looking for through the "5 E" model, they will retain that information for a longer period of time. The "5 E" Model stands for: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation. This also allows for children to take ownership in their learning and have meaningful conversations with their peers.

LIFE LONG LEARNERS:

Children should be life-long learners and understand that what they learn in school will apply to real life situations. This way they know there is a purpose to being taught each skill. I like for them to learn about things in the most real situations I can provide, using tangible items when possible. I love to hear the "OHHH!!" when they finally realize what they are learning makes sense! We talk a lot about "SCHEMA" throughout the year. This is the knowledge they already have, that they can share and be excited about. which will help to understand other things. If they don't have schema about a topic, then it is my job to help build that for them, through discovery, questioning, and teaching.

WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES:

I also feel it is important to admit when I have made a mistake in class. I want the children to know that being perfect is just not going to happen. I like for them to see when I make a mistake. I will point it out and show them I can learn from it. I have had many "perfectionists" in my classrooms throughout the years. I need to be able to show them that I am not perfect. How boring would life be with nothing but perfect people? I reassure them that the only way to learn is by taking chances and making mistakes. I feel that I connect with the children more when I can say, "Do you remember when I made a mistake and I learned from it? This is how I handled it...."

"IT TAKES A VILLAGE":

Have you ever heard "It takes a village."? I COMPLETELY agree with this statement. I can only work so hard with the time that I have with a child. I don't get a lot of one-on-one with each individual, like I wish I could. There are not enough hours in the day. What I DO know from experience is that when a child is worked with and supported at home AND in school, their success rate is much higher, than those that are only supported at school. I know things can get hectic at home between running errands, cleaning, baseball games, visits, appointments, etc. We have to realize how important our children are and make the time for them each day. I want parents to feel comfortable asking me questions and sharing important information, so I can understand what's going on in their lives.. If needed, I am willing to speak to the child and give extra "TLC". Sometimes things can get lost in translation of a child, so if I ever have questions I will ask for clarification and will appreciate the same in return. My team and I discuss the needs of our students and support each other in these efforts. We "flex group" at times, which means that if there are a group of kids with a need in one class and only one in another, they can be put together to learn the same skill. This also helps all of the teachers get to know each kid.

FIRM BUT FAIR:

I am a firm believer in discipline that is FIRM and FAIR. Children need and crave boundaries. They will never admit it, but they do. :-) They appreciate that I take the time out to explain why they are given a consequence. My kids always know the reasons I am firm is not because I don't like them, but because I LOVE them and want them to become a child who will be a successful person prepared for the world. If I didn't care and have discipline in place, there would be less learning because the room would be full of distractions, which would prevent them all from learning. At the beginning of the year, we create the rules for our classroom. We also discuss how this ties into our school-wide expectations, S.T.A.R.R. Ask them about it. We review it every morning during announcements.

SOMEONE'S BABY

As a mother, I understand the love someone can have for their own child. I love and appreciate each child and their differences. I promise to treat each child as if they were my own. I understand that each child's needs are different. I want them to feel comfortable and confident. I always say that I am the "school mom". I do see the kids more than their own family during the week days. :-) I will try my best to love and understand each child. Parent help is always appreciated to reach that goal.

READING

Reading is learning. Reading is so very important, and especially by the end of 2nd grade. Children have to read in order to understand problems and directions in all subject areas. Children need to be reading at their INSTRUCTIONAL ("just right") level in order to grow. This is what they read in school most of the time and should be reading at home most of the time. It is important for children to read about things that interest them, no matter the level on top of instructional books.. I give the children choices of books to read.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is so important in today's society. It seems that everyone is on their smartphone, Ipad, Ipod, laptop, etc. It's important for children to learn how to use a computer, save on a computer, and create things on a computer using our content areas. In class, I give weekly opportunities for children to use computers. I am a constant learner when it comes to technology. I love a challenge and learning new things. I want the children to feel the same way. I want them to be excited, not discouraged. I enjoy blogging and for children to blog back. I give opportunities throughout the week. If possible, I will attach any technology pieces to my website.

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

As my team and I plan, we "begin with the end in mind". We see what they need to learn by using the correct resources in our school and in the district. We create our plans from there. We make changes as necessary, even if it is for the next day. We assess constantly by asking questions, quizzing, and observing. We take the data we have to form groups or a plan for the students so they can succeed.

"Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new"

~Og Mandino

"It must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of students with facts...it is to teach them to think."

~Robert Hutchins

I like to keep this in mind as a parent and teacher. This helps to drive me in my work. I LOVE what I do and never intend to stop.