Magnolia S. Talavera Fall 2010

During my 30 Hours at Parkland Child Development Center, I was a able to … formulate my own Philosophy of Education See how Classroom A’s curriculum allowed for a nurturing, flexible environment where the children are allowed to explore and express themselves. They definitely are immersing themselves completely, using all their five senses. More importantly, I can clearly identify that the classroom practices understand that student’s physical, social, emotional, ethical and cognitive development influences learning. Therefore, they establish environments and circumstances to maximize every children’s potential.

Philosophy Purpose of Education If I were to be asked, Art is humanity’s expression of life. Far more than entertainment, it illustrates the depth with which it can engage students in active learning. Therefore, my motivating philosophy is that Art is essential to education because it is fundamental to human knowledge, culture, expression and communication. I want to introduce my students to the possibilities that “arts” hold for them. I believe that when we expand the role of arts in teaching and learning such that art be more fully integrated as a methodology for learning and a language of expression in the general classroom, it will allow my students to think more deeply about any subject matter they are learning. Arts will also serve not only an engaging medium, but more importantly, it will also provide students with the tools to work with ideas as well. Consequently, the arts develop the expressive opportunities available to children. For me, Art brings the academic subjects alive. It makes things so much more meaningful to children, and I am seeing how the integration of the subjects through arts would make the learning so much more enjoyable and relevant. Moreover, because students are engaged in the activity, they are in a strong position to retain and apply their understandings in the future.

Philosophy continued: Role of Teacher: “Discovery Teaching” is what my role as a teacher is. We often discuss the role of discovery learning for our students and the importance of discovery toward understanding of concepts. Discovery Teaching connects this notion to the teacher as someone who, in the course of teaching, is concerned with discovery himself/herself.(David Hammer coined the term) The classroom becomes not only “an area for student exploration, but also for teacher exploration, of students’ understanding and reasoning of the subject matter, and what is needed toward proficiency and how to make that progress possible. As I study more about Integrating the Arts to the curriculum, what I find out is the teacher has more opportunities to engage in discovery for himself/herself and for his/her teaching. He/ She can discover new: Methods of teaching Ways of engaging students Understandings of arts Ways to Communicate subject matter New tools to Assess student learning

Philosophy continued: Role of the Student: Using the arts as a way to teach subject matter places the learner in the position of truly working with ideas and taking control of learning in a matter that is personal, meaningful and powerful. When children exercise their imaginations through subject-matter related artwork, they are more likely to make new connections and rise above their previous limitation. Furthermore, when they are constantly engaged in thinking imaginatively, they begin to naturally apply their observations and understandings in creative ways. The ARTS allow imaginative and critical thinking to emerge in a personal and creative manner. Through their artwork, children introduce themselves to us in deep and meaningful ways that may not ordinarily emerge otherwise.

Philosophy continued: Classroom Management: Establish clearly defined rules and routines Since most children learn very well with visual aids, I will provide posters with pictures and instructions to make sure that my rules about organization, positive relationships, cooperation and sharing responsibilities are stated and understood. Involve Families The Family is the basic unit of the society. They have a direct impact on children’s lives. Therefore, when families understand what the teacher is trying to achieve, they can provide valuable support and assistance including helping develop and carry out successful behavior management plans.

Philosophy continued: Understanding Diverse Abilities I agree with Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences Students have many abilities and talents not tapped by traditional schooling. I too, believe that we all have strengths, weaknesses and unique combinations of cognitive abilities. I want to make sure that I make special efforts to educate students effectively (according to their distinct intellectual capacities namely: verbal- linguistic, logical mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist)who very from average either because they have learning problems or because they are academically gifted.

and How it relates to the Knowledge Indicators of Illinois Professional Teaching Standards: IPTS: 2B Understand that student’s physical, social, emotional, ethical and cognitive development influences learning.

IPTS: 2B During my 30hour Service Learning at Parkland Child Development Center, I have seen how their curriculum allowed for a nurturing, flexible environment where the children in Classroom A are allowed to explore and express themselves. They definitely are immersing themselves completely, using all their five senses. More importantly, I can clearly identify that the classroom practices understand that student’s physical, social, emotional, ethical and cognitive development influences learning. Therefore, they establish environments and circumstances to maximize every children’s potential.

IPTS: 2B Physical We encourage them to try and eat new foods During the day, we talk about how important it is to have a quiet time. There is soft music playing in a variety of genres; soft and light dividers to give privacy and diminish distractions from each other; If there is a child having a hard time during nap, we rub their backs, offer other toys/books When children go outdoors, they have the freedom of space; they experience nature first hand and it’s the best way to grow

IPTS: 2B Social Role modeling the behaviors we want to see in the room No hitting Teamwork is another way to get the children participate Respect each other and work as a team to take pride of our room The beauty of being part of the classroom is that we are all different, but the same in many ways The children help set the tables, are allowed to socialize, talk and laugh together with the teachers

IPTS: 2B Ethical and Emotional We use our words to ask for help, are redirected, are given time to sit and think about whatever has happened and are given choice Different rules at group times and read books Our job is to keep them safe and their job is to listen Empower them with strategies to channel difficult behaviors Children’s feelings are always validated Help children clean up at their level. This way, everyone feels responsible and successful

IPTS: 2B Cognitive Development Use books, field trips, music, art and everyday situations Children learn through play, exploration and confidence in the adults that are present Children learn about life and beauty Science shelves: full of nature items the children collect during the year’s seasons making the exploration more meaningful to them Everyday the children explore more than one sensory activity: (textures)sand, water, mud