Children can...

Children are the center of why I do what I do. I am ever amazed at the way they are able to process information and their ability to use their wonder to dig for more.

I believe that children are learners who are capable of more because of their resiliency.

'The goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover, to create men who are capable of doing new things.' - Jean Piaget

These beliefs mean so much to me. I have been so fortunate to have had so many opportunities to interact with incredible learners. These young minds have shown me just how children have the capability of thinking. I came into these four years with an open mind, and I have been so grateful for the amount of knowledge I have gained. This belief means so much to me as an educator because I want to give students the opportunity to show their knowledge and have a chance to explain their thinking. I believe that too often children aren't being heard and listened to the way that they need to be. I have seen teachers merely look at their thinking as black and white or right and wrong. But as an educator, I believe it's important to support them, understand where they are coming from, and why they are thinking that way. Jean Piaget said it beautifully that we should support children so that one day they are able to do things on their own and not rely so heavily on others. We are all our own thinkers and if we are able to foster that sense of wonder and confidence from a young age, imagine the incredible things that could come from that down the road. I hope to have an environment that lets children wonder, think and be heard so that we can all learn from each other.

These photos showcase some of the opportunities that I have helped to foster that sense of wonder and inquiry.

In the first three photos, you can see children taking ownership of their learning. Whether that is in an assignment, during free choice or during exploration time. I have grown to see children take more pride in their work when they are able to do it on their own and are able to see themselves as capable. I love giving them chances to discover this on their own.

The last photo embodies one of the many opportunities that I get to work with small groups. This is such a cherished time for me because I am better able to see how they learn and get to really hear their thinking.