Running Head: Philosophy of Teaching and Learning

Philosophy of Teaching and Learning

Jennifer Careri
ECE 245 Reflective Professionals
Christine Zupo
Friday, March 18, 2016

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Philosophy of Teaching and Learning

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were.

But without it, we go nowhere
(Carl Sagan,1994).

When it comes to my philosophy within the classroom, I believe that a child learns best
through playing in their environment. Children learn best when they are out and about, running
around and exploring the world that is around them. Children learn through interactions with
others that are in their own age group as well as people who are older than them such as their
parents, teachers and caregivers. My philosophy solely relies on the childrens interests as well as
childrens experiences.

Play can be handled in two ways. The play can be planned in planned experiences such
as sensory based activities with foam or the play can be spontaneous, meaning on the spot and
unplanned. I believe that in the purpose of early learning and child care are determined by the
childs drive when playing. For instance, if two children are playing with one another and its
going well, you know for a fact that you can learn for that single experience. During that small
experience, you were able to gain a lot of interest that can be applied in the classroom. Learning
through play can be both fun and educational for both the child but also for the educators in the
room too. You are able to figure out what each child is interested in and what they arent into.

Philosophy of Teaching and Learning

A learning theory that I believe works alongside my philosophy would be Piagets

Cognitive-developmental theory. This theory manipulates and explores their world; cognitive
development takes place in stages (Piaget, 1943). As children grow up, they are able to learn
skills during that time. For example, children between the ages of 18 months to 24 months learn
gross motor skills like running and walking as well as fine motor skill such as palmer grasp. As
the months turn to years, childrens abilities to learn new skills become simpler to understand but
are more complex to obtain. As educators, we are able to guide children into coning these skills
and mastering them overtime. For example, helping a child to ride a bike. First you put the
training wheels on the bike to help the child get a feel of the balance you need to ride it. After a
few weeks of training them on the training wheels, you remove them and help them without the
wheels, gradually letting them do it on their own.
I believe my role with children and families is one of my top priorities. It is important to
build strong relationships with the child and the parents. With strong relationships, you are able
to create strong connections that can lead to working side by side with families that can impact
lives. When you keep parent(s) updated with events such as nutrition or toilet training, it shows
progress and it also shows that you care for both the job and the child. Families are the main
priority when they are involved in the classroom. For example, when a family comes into the

Philosophy of Teaching and Learning

classroom for the first time, their facial expressions as well as body language helps adds to the
vibe that flows in the room. Families helps make the room feel more personal and comforting
when mom or dad needs to leave for work.
Learning through play is such a wonderful experience for everyone; the educators, the
parents and of course the children. Children are able to strengthen their skills as well as master
new ones when they are around others. Their schedules are important as well to keep them
healthy and refreshed each and every day. Families help make the room feel welcoming as well
as make the child feel like the child care is their second home.

Philosophy of Teaching and Learning

References:
Imagination Quote by Carl Sagan. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2016, from
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9812-imagination-will-often-carry-us-to-worlds-thatnever-were
Piagets Theory. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2016, from
https://learn.humber.ca/webapps/blackboard/execute/content/file?
cmd=view&content_id=_2752737_1&course_id=_60244_1