Teaching as a profession has always fascinated me, as I believe a true teacher always leads by an example. It is inevitable to think that we are forever in a Teach-Learn mode from the moment we are born. Essentially, just like our body needs air, water, food, and other elements to thrive, a human brain too, thrives on knowledge and the right mindset to acquire knowledge. As a mother and a student teacher, I strongly believe that the most significant learning occurs during early childhood; as it sets the course for a child’s future. The foundation of education, if nurtured in formative years, empowers the child to thrive in today’s dynamic world. By the foundation of education, I mean the values to assimilate in a child that help him/her evolve as a self-directed responsible citizen. Thus, my inclination towards early childhood education stems from it.
I always used to believe that ‘to see the change I need to be the change’. Recently, I came across a quote by Leo Tolstoy - ‘Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself’, and was completely inspired by his thoughts. The change starts within me and I can definitely see those changes reflected into my family.
There are various philosophers who have influenced me during my course, but I am truly and deeply inspired by Reggio Emilia Approach - A Hundred Languages Of Children by Loris Malaguzzi. I was introduced to the world of Reggio by my mentor. She is my true inspiration. Although, I am afresh to this approach, I have given my best effort to adopt as many values and principles, both personally and professionally. Although the philosophy I believe in is not limited to Reggio, it certainly resonates with my views as a mother.
My philosophy of education is strongly based on the following values and principles -
- THE CHILD IS AT THE CORE OF LEARNING
It is very important as an educator to understand the child and his/her thought process. To understand and connect with the child, one needs to find the inner child within you. I believe that understanding the child is the most important aspect of child-centric education. Every child is unique and one needs to view them as a competent and able individual. I believe that each child has an innate ability to express themselves through various channels (art, pictures, behavior, and language) , during early childhood, and thus ‘A Hundred languages to Express’. Also, the curriculum should be flexible to accommodate a child’s curiosity and interests. Most of the learnings can be enhanced in a way that it can be driven by the child or group of children with similar interests. Learning can occur through young minds curiosity, explorations, collaboration and problem-solving.
- THE TRUE ESSENCE OF TEACHING IS TO LET THE CHILD ARRIVE AT IT
I believe that imparting knowledge does not constitute true learning/knowledge for the child. It just acquaints the child with the relevant information and it does not have any longevity in the child’s understanding. When the child arrives at the knowledge by self, in the process, the child explores, investigates, inquires, reflects and thoughtfully arrives at the knowledge. The knowledge attained in this manner grows with the child throughout his/her life. It fosters the young mind with critical thinking and grows his/her ability to persevere, adapt, empathize and evolve as an independent lifelong learner.
- THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG
A while ago, I was of the belief that for everything, there is a right way and there is a wrong way. But after interaction with my mentor, I am of the belief that there is no right or wrong. Everything depends on the individual’s perception and the lenses through which one sees. There is a very beautiful book that I was recently introduced to called - “Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg”. It is a book about how oopsies in life can be changed into beautiful little creations. So something that we think is a mistake can be changed into a beautiful thing. It conveys to the child that we are humans and it is totally acceptable to make mistakes and that mistakes and failures are stepping stones towards success. It is trust and only trust that sails the individual through the ocean of vulnerability.
- THE ENVIRONMENT IS THE GREATEST INFLUENCE
I believe that the environment has a strong influence on the children, both at home and at school. They ought to be conducive to the child. The role of the home environment is equally important as that of the school; as the home is where the child experiences the early education. Language and behavior are an integral part of a child’s learning. In early childhood years, the child mimics the language and the behavior of their surroundings. So it is very important to model values that one wants the child to imbibe like courage, discipline, empathy, kindness, love, and respect. A school is like a second home to the child. Equally important, the environment at school should be safe (safe from any dangers both mentally and physically), thought-provoking, clutter-free, stress-free, calming and open spaced and providing diverse learning experiences. It is with these values and principles that the child will evolve as a courageous, empathetic, affectionate, self-disciplined, harmonious and an independent responsible individual.
- THE ROLE OF PARENTS
The parents are the first teachers of the child. They should model appropriate behavior and language to enhance the child’s learnings. They should encourage healthy eating habits, physical fitness, self-defense, good sleeping habits, outdoor play, family time, story time, reading, pros and cons of technology and other activities that broaden the child’s experiences. In today’s changing times, they can help the child understand the importance of water, food, and air. A human cannot survive without these essential elements. The parents should share the benefits and the necessity to preserve these elements and our planet EARTH for the future generations. Also in today’s modernized world, it is necessary to educate the child about good and bad touch. But that being said, they should also inculcate cultural aspects into the child that support values like courage, equality, love, and respect and to keep our culture alive.
- EVERY CHILD IS UNIQUE
I believe every child is unique. A child with special needs or differently abled should be considered as one among us with equal rights and opportunities. It is very important that we accept all individuals, irrespective of their caste, creed, and being, wholeheartedly into our community. There should be awareness and provisions to accommodate every child’s need.
- MY ROLE AS A TEACHER
Initially, as a teacher, I need to understand and reflect on self-thoughts and actions. I have evolved each day as a teacher and a mother and can clearly see the changes within me. I am a better version of self every passing day. Also, I should treat every child with respect and equality. I believe my role switches across several roles in a class -- from learner,
- to an observer,
- to a patient listener,
- to a facilitator/guide,
- to an authoritative figure,
- to a child,
- to a mediator
time with children. I also believe that it is important to share your thoughts with your colleagues and understand and respect their point of view. This
helps in individual and professional growth. Also, as I need to update and upgrade myself to suit today’s hi-tech world. Additionally, I believe
documenting is a very important aspect of understanding the child’s progress. One should be a patient listener and pose appropriate questions that
direct the child towards the learnings. This empowers the child to think independently. I also believe that teaching is also a learning process where
one can learn along with the children. No matter how much I try to define my role, there will always be improvisations to my actions as ‘Actions speak
louder than words’.
- THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION
Education is a right of every child and it should be free of cost or affordable for every household. (*The Right to Education is act by the Parliament of India and I totally believe it.)
The School Of Our Dream