Philosophy Of Education

My views on child development in relation to the learning environment have mainly been influenced by the theorists Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Piaget stated

that children actively construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore their world. Vygotsky stated that children acquire ways of thinking and behaving that come from a community s culture and from cooperative experiences with adults. !s an educator it is my responsibility to provide the proper learning environment for children. "hen looking at my classroom environment and thinking of these two theorists # make sure that # provide age appropriate$ natural materials for children to explore. %his includes &real' materials not (ust toys. # use things from nature such as pinecones$ sticks$ rocks$ dirt$ leaves$ flowers and other materials found outdoors. # also use empty food containers$ real pans and dishes and clothes for children to use in the dramatic play area. # also provide many everyday ob(ects for math learning. #n addition to providing these materials # also include different cultures into my classroom. "e learn different languages and holidays and the children are provided with pictures$ books and materials from different cultures to expand their learning environment in this area. # feel that children learn through hands on experiences and provide them with as many opportunities and as many materials possible. # also feel that my children can learn as much outdoors as they can indoors and provide as many learning experiences as possible out of the classroom. !s # continue to grow as an educator # will also learn with my children. # will see the different needs$ what they en(oy and what learning experiences work best for them and continue to change with them.