Teaching+Philosophy

“Give me my learning and it stays yours. Let me create my learning and it stays mine.” =**My beliefs and philosophy about teaching and learning:**=


 * 1) All children can **experience success** in the classroom and in life. It is theirs to determine what that success will be.
 * 2) One must be **exposed to a myriad of ideas** in order to find their own.
 * 3) I am not teaching a child social studies. Rather, we are **learning about social studies together**.
 * 4) **Learning** should be **fun**. It should **stimulate thought**, and even humor.
 * 5) Being able to **communicate ideas well** in writing is a great accomplishment. Being able to also do it in another medium is divine.
 * 6) **Reflection** - even for the master - is an essential part of growth.
 * 7) Children need time to **explore their own interests** and who they are outside of the constraints of institutionalized learning. Free time with friends and family is a integral component of this. When at all possible, class time will be granted for completing assignments etc. Thus, a wise use of it by students is essential to me (See #9 below). As well, see Websites and People I Respect for more on the issue of homework.
 * 8) **Help me to help you** (and your child). My door is open to your suggestions on how I can make your (their) learning happen for you (them).
 * 9) Demonstrating **//respect//** for all people, for living things - and just things in general - is the first step in fostering peace. The world we live in wont tolerate much less of this from us for very long. Be respectful.
 * 10) **ATTENTION**. Be attentive to the world around you and your presence in it.