Philosophy of Education

It is my personal philosophy that children learn best when they are in a caring, loving,
compassionate and respectful environment. One in which the whole child is nurtured- physically,
emotionally/socially, cognitively and spiritually.
I believe that children learn best when they are educated by those who know and
understand that each child is unique and that not all children develop or learn at the same time. I
believe just as theorist Lev Vygotsky that if a child is given a task that is just outside of their
Zone of Proximal Development that with help the child will be able to accomplish the task.
Children learn through physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and spiritual activities. I believe
that cognitive and social development go hand in hand just as theorist Erik Ericksons
Psychosocial Development Theory explains. It is our job as teachers to provide learning
opportunities in all of these areas to ensure that the whole child is being reached. We must not
neglect the childs ability to learn in any area.
Children are developing through play their social, physical, and literary skills. Play
enables children to process language skills, resolve conflicts, role play, and build self-esteem.
Children learn by doing, imitating what they see in the adult world. Play should be encouraged
without any gender or cultural stereotypes placed on the child.
As a childs first teacher, parents play a critical role in the development of their child.
Parents and teachers must work together as a team through open communication, working
towards goals that can ensure that the learning outcomes for the child will be positive and
meaningful.