Chapter 11 Final Philosophy

Due May 1 Dorthy Rigby FHS 2600 Children are our future! Educators and caregivers have so many opportunities to enrich their lives through the abundance of knowledge, understanding and research that have come about in the last several decades! So much insight has been gained, that not only will children benefit from it, but those who educate and care for them will as well. It is a reciprocal process! This, to me is what makes early childhood education so thrilling - to have the opportunity to help children reach their greatest potential and to witness their pure joy as they progress!

I remember learning how to tie my shoes! I tried and tried until I finally succeeded. I was so happy and proud of myself! I saw the same experience happen for Maya, my portfolio child! She was so proud when she tied the ties on my smock! One of the greatest attributes a teacher can have is to remember how it was to be a child and to appreciate the simple joys that children experience! I was taken back to my childhood many times, which helped me to more fully appreciate, empathize and understand! Learning how to tie our shoes is an example of one of the many experiences that we can relate to, however there are many experiences in the lives of children that we cannot relate to at all.

Children come from such diverse circumstances and backgrounds, it is impossible to fully understand and relate to all their situations. I dont know how it is to live with abuse or violence. I have never lived in a different country or spoken another language than English. In these respects, a non-judgmental and compassionate attitude is required. Not only that, but a real willingness to become educated and

gain an understanding of the differences in backgrounds, cultures and family dynamics than our own, should be paramount. These attributes of cultural competence and cultural humility are needed more than ever before (Bredekamp, pgs. 188-189).

I continue to believe that widening our lens has such great impact on our ability to teach and care for children! We always learn from the past and we will continue to learn in the future! We will always learn from different perspectives as well! The concept of both/and teaching also holds great significance in this regard. Through these perspectives, we have come to understand what developmentally appropriate practice is for children (Bredekamp, pg. 18-19). How fortunate children are today that such knowledge is available! Its up to those who care for them to use this knowledge in the most effective ways possible!

Intentional teaching is so important for the growth, learning and development of children. Their time is as valuable as ours and shouldnt be wasted! Children can learn through any experience if we are intentional in our practices. Hands-on learning and play are vital and can be some of the most effective ways to learn, because play makes learning fun! Teachers must always understand the impact they can have in the lives of their students! Children may spend more time away from home than they do at home! Teachers influence really does matter!

So many early childhood educators from our history have given us great knowledge and insights from past research and experience! We can learn so very much from them! As Jean Piaget stated, children dont think like adults(Bredekamp, pg. 110). Thats a good thing, because it would sure be difficult to become happy, successful, well-adjusted adults, if children were born to think like them! Children would miss

out on the simple wonders of life and adults would miss out on learning from children!