English Language Arts Educational Philosophy

These are my goals for students in my English Language Arts classroom and how I plan to accomplish them:

Students will be able to express themselves through written and spoken language. Students will understand
that there are different purposes for using language and will have the tools necessary to use language to
express themslves accurately. In order to accomplish this goal, students will be exposed to the use of language in a
variety of mediums (novel, poetry, speech, dialogue). Students will analyze others use of language and construct
their own knowledge of how others use language to express themselves. I will scaffold the students discovery of this
use of language with higher-level thinking questions designed to help them discover the authors purpose and how
the author accomplished this purpose using the six traits of writing. Students will then apply this knowledge to their
own writing and speaking to practice the concepts they have discovered. Students will also demonstrate their
knowledge through other types of creative expression (video essays, poetry, digital media). Students will learn
proper mechanics for writing in order to express themselves intelligently in an academic and career setting. By
helping student discover how others use language and how they can apply this to their own use of language, students
will be able to express themselves accurately through all types of language.

Students will learn how to learn and will transfer what they learn in English class to other areas of their lives.
Students will be better problem solvers and natural inquirers about the world around them. In order to
accomplish this goal, I will give students the opportunity to problem solve and figure things out for themselves
through a constructivist approach. Students will be engaged for the entire class period through the use of active
learning techniques such as Socratic discussions. I hope that through these activities, I will be able to help them
become intrinsically motivated to question the world around them and become life-long learners. I will hold students
accountable for their own learning by creating a need to know along with the use of reflection and self-evaluation.
Students will reflect on information they have learned and evaluate how well they were able to put this knowledge
into practice in their own work. In order for students to be able to transfer the ideas and skills learned in English
Language Arts class to other areas of their life, most class projects will be interdisciplinary in nature, helping
students understand how music is so interconnected with every other area of life. For example, if students are
reading Homers The Odyssey, they will reflect on aspects of ancient Greek culture that may have influenced this
work. Through a constructivist approach, a focus on problem solving, self-evaluation, and interdisciplinary projects,
students will become better learners in general and inquirers about the world.

Students will be be confident, healthy individuals. Students will come to view language as important tool for
expression and enjoyment. I will accomplish this goal by creating a classroom community where students feel
comfortable with their peers, are able to express themselves freely, and are willing to take risks. I will use a variety of
grouping structures that encourage participation in a safe environment. I will provide meaningful, relevant activities
to the students so that they will come to see learning and using language as an enjoyable activity that serves as a life
tool for them. Students will never sit for an entire class period. They will be up walking around and talking with one
another to create healthy lifestyle habits.