Philosophy of Education, Learning and Development

Over the past two years of teaching, my primary focus has been promoting my students' development mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically. To achieve this, I center my approach on what I believe are five essential elements:

 First, I view myself as a guide, by creating a nurturing atmosphere that values cleanliness and order. I achieve this by maintaining and teaching my students about having a clean and organized space. This also helps me to promote students to develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their surroundings and what they do. It also helps them to focus and motivates them, helping them to create a more positive and productive learning environment.

Second, when implementing the values of order and cleanliness, it supports their personal development, such as unique traits, learning abilities, sensory capabilities and even potential disabilities. It also allows them to focus on essential skills like writing, reading, and age-appropriate mathematics, preparing them for the following year to come.

Third, I incorporate hands-on activities and a variety of tactile materials to support my students' academic success. For example, I provide different types of paper and drawing materials for experimentation, as well as small letter robots: 3D letters that transform into robots when disassembled—helping students engage with literacy in a fun, interactive way. These and other resources create an enriching, multisensory learning environment that fosters creativity and cognitive development. 

Fourth, it is important to create a safe and comfortable space where students feel free to ask questions and explore their curiosity. It is essential for kindergarten age groups, which I currently teach. Building this supportive environment encourages students to be open, engaged, and confident in their learning journey. I also realized that allowing students to stand, stretch, and even walk outside is essential not only for their physical health or as a mental break but also to foster curiosity and engagement, especially for younger students. These moments of movement invite them to ask questions, interact with the environment, and collaborate more meaningfully.

Fifth, as a new pre-kindergarten teacher with experience teaching kindergarten in a Catholic-based school, I have developed a deeper understanding of how to introduce morals in an age-appropriate way. When working with children aged five and older, I had the opportunity to introduce morals, values, and teachings of the Catholic faith, using Bible stories to nurture their spiritual development.

Now, as a pre-kindergarten teacher working with younger students, I focus on teaching kindness and respect for others without incorporating religious teachings.I emphasize morals and values as essential aspects of building friendships and fostering a positive classroom community. During our morning meetings, I guide students in discussing what it means to be a "good friend" and engaging in role-playing activities where we act out different social scenarios. This allows students to actively participate by suggesting ways to resolve conflicts and de-escalate situations. Through these interactive discussions, they develop essential problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of empathy, respect, and cooperation. This approach complements their academic growth by helping students understand and embody moral principles. Additionally, I strive to support students in identifying and understanding their values, beliefs, attitudes, and principles, reinforcing the importance of ethical development. By doing so, I help them begin to establish moral norms, appropriate behaviors, and a deeper awareness of their emotions and how to process them.

When reflecting on my five essential elements, I realized that my teaching philosophy closely aligns with Montessori principles. I emphasize independence, a calm and organized classroom environment, and hands-on learning, while also allowing children to choose their activities with gentle guidance. Additionally, I incorporate an axiology mindset, encouraging students to recognize and regulate emotions, engage in discussions about kindness, respect, and responsibility, and apply ethical reasoning through real-life scenarios.

My focus on developing students mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically is supported through these key elements:

-Promoting responsibility and motivation by fostering an environment of order and cleanliness while preparing students academically.

-Providing hands-on activities and observations to tailor guidance to each child's needs.

-Creating a supportive, curiosity-driven space that nurtures exploration and self-directed learning.

-Integrating faith-based learning to further enrich students' academic and moral development.

This approach ensures that students grow not only in knowledge but also in character, becoming independent thinkers and compassionate individuals.