All of my experiences in literacy growing up have contributed to my personal philosophy. My favorite experiences in school involved real word learning situations because they incited passion, purpose, and interaction. I have realized the value of reading and writing in my life. Valuing literacy has been vital in my interest and learning in this area. Providing positive and meaningful experiences in reading and writing will create a lifelong love of literacy and, in turn, a lifetime of learning and growth in literacy.
Throughout my years in college and experiences teaching, my philosophy has grown and evolved. My goal is for assignments to be relevant and connect students with the outside world as much as possible. I will encourage critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Some of the most effective instructional methods, cooperative learning for example, also increase student motivation. Students learn best when they take responsibility for their learning. I plan to use flexible grouping, give students choices when possible, and act as classroom facilitator for activities like literature circles and class discussions.
Providing a positive classroom environment is paramount to student learning and safety. Students need to feel physically, mentally, and emotionally safe in a classroom setting in order to thrive. I plan to create a welcoming and comfortable classroom for all of my students. One way to do this is to celebrate diversity and encourage positive interactions. Presenting culturally diverse reading materials and lessons and celebrating each other’s achievements together as a class are just a few ways to accomplish this goal. I want to help all students succeed in the classroom and in life. I don’t just want to teach; I want to inspire!