Well Structured Lessons: I have worked hard to engage students in literacy instruction, math lessons, and more systematic, multi-sensory curriculum like Fundations. I am always trying to refine my lessons so that they are accessible and comprehensible for my students.
High Expectations: "Practice makes progress" is an idea that makes sense to me and to my students. I want to foster the idea that high expectations are great, but are tempered by a growth mindset. It's true, you may not be able to do this activity...yet. Our job is to work hard, have fun. Together with instruction, students will grow and learn.
Safe Learning Environment: I want students to feel comfortable to tell their stories or the stories they want to hear. I hope to provide a place where they will feel seen and heard. I want my classroom to be a place that is filled with JOY.
Adjustment to Practice "Practice makes progress" is an idea that makes sense to me and to my students. I want to foster the idea that high expectations are great, but are tempered by a growth mindset. It's true, you may not be able to do this activity...yet. Our job is to work hard, have fun. Together with instruction, students will grow and learn.
High Expectations: My directing teachers are always looking for new ways to engage students and explore opportunities to support the diverse learning needs of our students. Here we are learning outside about an important community member: our mail delivery person!
Meeting Diverse Needs: I am working hard to hone my teaching language, keeping in mind that my words and style of communication can help a wide variety of learners if I am thoughtful about how I instruct, provide direction, show support, and convey expectations. My language must be clear, direct, honest, and concise. I also need to know when to be silent and listen.
Safe Learning Environment: I am proud to be part of classrooms that foster a safe and supportive learning environment for students. With Newsflash--a daily opportunity for children to share news from their lives--and our morning free choice time, I have seen how students have choice and opportunities to explore their world and express themselves. Creative play is an important aspect of our First Grade morning routine!
Adjustment to Practice: As part of a co-teaching team, I take time to observe and learn from my colleagues, listen to their words, and apply best practices in my own instruction.
Safe Learning Environment: As an aspiring writer of children's books and teacher, I feel engaging, diverse stories can be effective mirrors and windows for all students.
Adjustment to Practice: Small group work allows me time to understand learning styles and children's strengths. I can adapt lessons in this setting to meet student needs and ensure ALL students are learning.
Well Structured Lessons: I am attuned to adapting my practice to make it the most effective for all students. Lessons evolve over time as I learn more about how well they work and how they are received by students. My lessons take my group size, time of day, need for movement, level of impulsivity and other student needs, duration of activity--a myriad of factors that influence my lessons. Then, if the lesson does not work as well as possible, I will adapt. I'm always hoping to make my teaching better.
Meeting Diverse Needs: My teaching philosophy remembers that all students have a variety of strengths, no matter how they learn. My job is to help them all find success in the classroom.