It is important to have an educational philosophy when you are planning to be an educator of children. Why is this important? It helps you to be aware of yourself, it helps you focus on decision making. Your philosophy will aide you in making lesson plans and implementing them (Combs, 2011). As you learn how to become a teacher you will answer many questions that will assist you in creating your own educational philosophy.
As a future educator I plan to be a vital source to the children I serve. I plan to guide them in the right direction, both educationally and as individuals. I have a deep love of the arts, so I will be great with guidance in their creativity and literacy. Some questions I have asked myself in order to understand my educational philosophy are “why do you want to be a teacher” and “how do children grow, learn, think and feel” (Follari, 2011). I want to be a teacher because I want to share my knowledge and experience with the younger generations. I want to promote reading and creativity. I want my life to have meaning through the lives of children. Children grow quickly, they learn through their surrounding, they think freely and they feel openly.
Any teacher takes on the role of guidance and educator to the children they work with. They must conduct themselves as professionals, but also they must relate to the children, play as the children do and revolve there work lives around bettering the lives of the children they serve. It is also important for teachers to also support the families of their students. Keep the parents involved in the children’s lives. Invite that to events that will allow them to see what you are teaching their children.
To me, an ideal early childhood learning environment would be a place that is open and full of fun educational, creative items for children to learn with. The walls should be decorated with the children’s artwork. There should be a reading area, an art area, a music area, a drama area and an imaginary play area. The room should be filled with child friendly toys, furniture and books. It should be organized, to help the children learn organization.
Education is important. Children have the right to a proper education and they have the right to be taught by well educated, caring, teachers. As teachers, and future teachers, we must care for the children we are teaching, we must respect them and their future, we must need to give them what they need to grow up to be well educated adults. It is important that educators continue their own education in order to stay up on the newest information out there. The children are our future, and always will be.
References:
http://www.edulink.org/portfolio/philosophies.htm
Follari, L. (2011). Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education: History, theories and Approaches to Learning. Merrill.