The+Environment

MY Beliefs: As an educator I have a responsibility to cultivate this and help them grow into life long learners. One of my responsibilities is to set up a learning environment that: I have always looked for the things that pull children in:
 * Young learners are active, curious and motivated. **
 * They come to school eager to learn. **
 * Engages the learners
 * Builds a caring community where it is safe to take risks
 * Provides concrete, hands-on experiences
 * Inspires and supports child driven learning
 * Develops independence
 * Encourages reflection
 * blocks
 * paints
 * hands on activities
 * learning manipulatives - pattern blocks, unifix cubes, magnetic letters
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 110%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">using the natural world
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 110%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">field trips
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 110%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">following their interests
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 110%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">connecting to home

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 110%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I look for ways to integrate math, literacy, science, social studies and other content areas into children’s work. Our work often involves using the technology tools we have in the classroom. I follow the interests of the child and use tools that engage them. I i<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 110%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ncorporate the NETS from ISTE and NCTE 21st literacy recommendations for learning environments.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 110%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I believe children should learn from others and contribute to the learning of others. I believe children should know about the wider community outside of our classroom. I believe I should bring the world into my classroom.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 110%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Because of my beliefs, we blog and skype to connect with others and to expand the learning environment. I view these as opportunities for using math and literacy skill as well as opportunities to expand how we do math, literacy and science in the classroom.