We have been asked to post three things we have learned over the course of this program. I have learned a lot about myself, my passions and my biases. Education has always been important to me. Encouraging children to learn became my passion. I started my career as an elementary school music teacher and was thrown into early childhood 10 years ago. I wasn't at all sure how to go about it and I made a lot of mistakes. This program has allowed me to acquire the knowledge to back up my instincts that shaped the way I teach.
Learning about anti-bias education was an exciting aspect for me. I had always thought that my class was open and welcoming to all children. Through this program I learned ways to make sure of this welcoming environment. I have recently started using persona dolls in my classroom and they are a huge success. My students are invested in the stories and they have been the catalysts for some very interesting discussions that engage most of my students, even my beginning EALers.
I have learned there is a huge amount of information and research available to me. Researching bullying and anti-bullying programs led me in some different directions. Reading one study led to several more that were related. It was the first time I've actually been excited about research because I was so interested in the topic.
One long term goal that I still have is to share my new-found knowledge of anti-bias education with my colleagues. I would like to help develop strategies that can be used at all levels of our school.
Thank you to all my classmates and to Dr. Dartt for your comments and support throughout this process. I have enjoyed reading about your own passions and have found that they often align with my own. We often say in my school that teaching is not a job, it's a disease. A teacher needs dedication to be able to provide the best for the children she serves. It's an illness I'm glad I caught.
Learning about anti-bias education was an exciting aspect for me. I had always thought that my class was open and welcoming to all children. Through this program I learned ways to make sure of this welcoming environment. I have recently started using persona dolls in my classroom and they are a huge success. My students are invested in the stories and they have been the catalysts for some very interesting discussions that engage most of my students, even my beginning EALers.
I have learned there is a huge amount of information and research available to me. Researching bullying and anti-bullying programs led me in some different directions. Reading one study led to several more that were related. It was the first time I've actually been excited about research because I was so interested in the topic.
One long term goal that I still have is to share my new-found knowledge of anti-bias education with my colleagues. I would like to help develop strategies that can be used at all levels of our school.
Thank you to all my classmates and to Dr. Dartt for your comments and support throughout this process. I have enjoyed reading about your own passions and have found that they often align with my own. We often say in my school that teaching is not a job, it's a disease. A teacher needs dedication to be able to provide the best for the children she serves. It's an illness I'm glad I caught.
