Philosophy of Education
Our schools should engage students to become creative, critical thinkers who are able to use their talents to make the world a better place. I believe that school should be the first step in enabling children to become self-actualized adults.
To become self-actualized people, children must first feel that their basic needs are met, they are connected to others, they are respected and recognized for their contributions, and that they are free to pursue their talents and interests.
My classroom is a space that helps to foster children’s connections to others by creating an environment that promotes social and emotional growth. Free play and cooperative activities/projects are a part of every day. Children have time for self-directed play. Singing, movement, and art are integrated into our lessons. Students learn about math and science through hands on experiences. I create a relaxed, supportive, and joyful environment that enables children to feel at ease. Learners feel that they are able to take risks and try new things – which promotes development and growth.
Classroom EnvironmENT:
Bulletin Board of Student Work
Rainbows - Lawrence Early Childhood Center / #4 School
Classroom Environment:
Student Storage
Birthday Board, Shapes/Colors Board, Cubbies - Lawrence Early Childhood Center/ #4 School
Classroom EnvironmENT:
Bulletin Board of Student Work
Spring Bulletin Board - Lawrence Early Childhood Center / #4 School
Classroom environment:
Dramatic Play Center
Babies have a check up at the doctor's office at Lawrence Early Childhood Center/ #4 School!
Home base
Daily Schedule, Math Manipulatives, Folder Bins (Before the first day of school at Lawrence Early Childhood Center/ #4 School)
in the classroom
Counting Unit - Counting to 8 Lesson -
Baby Doll Cherrios Picnic
Lawrence Early Childhood Center/ #4 School
in the CLASSROOM
100th Day of School Photo Opp Poster
Lawrence Early Childhood Center/ #4 School
in the classroom
Field Day
Goosehill Primary School
in the classroom
Maps and Globes Unit - Using the SMART Board
Rhame Elementary School
in the classroom
Map used during Maps and Globes unit
Rhame Avenue Elementary School.
The three little pigs house construction
After reading and discussing The Three Little Pigs, students were asked to create a house that could withstand the huffing and puffing from the wolf. This project was process art focused, students were given a variety of materials and a concept, but they made it all their own, based on their ideas of what a house should look like and the materials they should use.
This student used popsicle sticks and red construction paper to simulate wood framing and bricks along with green marker for grass. Actual sticks from trees, cut pieces of cardboard, crayons, toothpicks and other materials were also available.
my number book
Students were asked to create a number book as a part of the Unit 1 Module of the Eureka Math/Engage NY curriculum. The unit focused on counting from 1-5. Students wrote the numbers and drew pictures for each number.
In this sample, the student drew three girls in her family and wrote the number 3. She has three girls in her family (herself, her sister and her mother) and demonstrates an understanding of the value of the number three. At this point in the school year, we were working on the English Language Arts units "About Me" and "Families," this child was bringing together our math and English work in her drawing.
Polar bear project
Students learned about polar bears during our unit about animals. For this project, they were given cotton balls and white paint to create the bears. They practiced fine motor skills, identifying body parts, and drawing/painting shapes.
Habitat unit assessment
This whole group, summative assessment was presented as a game where students were challenged to determine if the plant, animal or structure belonged in the farm, desert, or ocean habitat.
Each student participated in this engaging assessment and they were excited to show what they had learned during the unit.
The assessment was an original creation and all pieces were hand drawn in an accessible, child friendly style.
OWL Project
Students learned about owls during our unit about animals. For this project, they were given paper plates to create the body of the owl. They cut a plate in half to form the wings - this was one of their first times cutting. This project also introduced students to the magic of mixing paint colors - we mixed this brown color together and they painted both plates. Before this school year, most students had never painted before. They practiced fine motor skills and identifying animal body parts.
