Writing A Personal Philosophy

Hey Mariz,

Writing a personal philosophy is a great way for others to read what your values and beliefs are in regards to early childhood education. It is a little hard at the beginning to get started especially if you don't know where to begin. Below is a sample of a personal philosophy which I came across in my resources. This should give you an idea of where to start...

The early years of a child’s life are busy. I believe learning is happening all the time and is interwoven through all developmental domains. These include: physical, social/emotional, cognitive and communication. Therefore, the goal of my program is to make this ongoing learning experience safe, positive, and fun, nurturing the whole child as I strive to guide them into the next stage of development with confidence in themselves and an excitement for continued learning.

Children need the assurance of being loved and cared for while they are enjoying an educational environment. Teaching children is my passion. Security and trust are very important components as well, of my relationship with each child.

I believe young children are very concerned about themselves and the small world they live in: family and home. However, each child is unique with different interests, backgrounds, and developmental stages.

In planning my program I would strive for a developmentally appropriate, child-centered atmosphere where children have the opportunity to master new challenges through activities and topics that are meaningful to them, thus building their self esteem as they develop and learn.

Children should be given choices, responsibilities, and opportunities to initiate their own learning. I believe observations and assessments are excellent tools to use when planning curriculum. Observations not only aide in creating the curriculum but also give insight into the development, knowledge and skill levels of each individual child.

I believe the environment plays a major role in the success of an early childhood program. It should enhance the children’s interests in all developmental domains. I believe learning in an early childhood environment is done most successfully through stations that can be visited, explored, and revisited again and again. The environment should take into consideration
the social skills, communication skills, physical abilities or challenges, and learning styles of the children being served.

I consider families a vital aspect of my program. Parents who are able to spend time in the classroom occasionally are more aware of the details of their child’s day. Observing what goes on first hand helps a parent know what to ask the child at the end of the school day.

Also, another member has asked this question before on this forum, in another topic. Have a read through the response given there to give you some more ideas on how to start writing up your own philosophy. Here is the link:

https://acn-stage.aussiechildcarenetwork.com.au/community/topic/chcpr510a-personal-philosophy-on-childrens-development-amp-learning-323

I'll be more than happy to have a read through your philosophy so if you want post it up when you've completed it...

Cheers ,
L.A

Perhaps this can help you
http://www.squidoo.com/philosophy_of_teaching
http://kamccollum.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/my-personal-philosophy-of-teaching/

Hi Pickles,

Can you give me the module number for this assignment so I can edit the topic heading.

Cheers ,
L.A

Hello,
I am currently developing my philosophy in a bachelor of early childhood education and i saw that L.A was offering to read philosphies. Are you still around L.A?
Would very much appreciate any input you may have to my philosophy i know its a very personal piece of writing but i feel your response more a less reflects my philosophy.

Many thanks

HappyLilly wrote:Hello,
I am currently developing my philosophy in a bachelor of early childhood education and i saw that L.A was offering to read philosphies. Are you still around L.A?
Would very much appreciate any input you may have to my philosophy i know its a very personal piece of writing but i feel your response more a less reflects my philosophy.

Many thanks

Yeah, I'm here... I'm always arond!

Would love to read what you wrote and offer any suggestions or input if need be...

,
L.A

L.A

If you are still around can you please read over my philosophy below (studying my advanced dip. currently room leader and 2ic of service.) Not sure how to end it? and if there are other things i should include?

"I aim to provide a loving, caring, safe and home-like environment that is welcoming, warm and inclusive of all cultures, nationalities, abilities and family situations. An environment where children, parents, families and educators feel safe, secure, respected, supported and comfortable to approach myself and each other to contribute to the room, service and community, Where partnerships and friendships can be formed and maintained, lines of communication are always open and valued, help can be seeked and sourced without judgement being cast, trust and credibility can be built, maintained and grow, and confidentiality is held in the up most respect. A service that has a commitment to providing high quality care and education and one that will continue to reflect upon its practices and beliefs to reflect the current needs of the community.

In relation to children I aim to implement an educational program and environment that reflects both individual and group needs and one that promotes each child’s; interests, culture, learning, development and individuality through PLAY. Where children are successful, capable and confident learners. A place where children are comfortable and confident to engage in learning relationships with their educators and peers. I will endeavor to help them understand they have the right to belong and contribute to many communities and groups and they are part of the greater world - and in so have shared responsibility for the natural and built environments.

When working with families I want them to understand that they are and always will be the most important part of their child’s life and education and as an educator believe that they are a fundamental part of our role in teaching. In this I ask families to contribute to their child’s learning in the Service through parent involvement and input. I understand that time can be an issue and always aim to make this easy for the parents and families by adapting communication styles to best suit the individual family needs.

Within my role in the early childhood education sector and my service - I aim to be forever passionate, patient, caring, fair, fun and educated. I will follow policies, procedures and regulations to the best of my knowledge and ability at all times, if I am unsure I will always ask and seek advice and aim to further my knowledge and skill. I have high expectations of myself and colleagues and expect nothing less than 100% effort. I believe that the cost families pay to have their children in our service deserves our best and nothing less than that. We have a very important role to the children and families in our care and it is therefore our responsibility to ensure that we are up to date with the latest in education regulations, practices, professional development, first aid courses and criteria. I am always willing to mentor fellow colleagues and students as they are an integral part of our industry and feel that everyone needs the opportunity and guidance to learn in a safe, friendly and educational environment."

Thank you

Hi Livvylou,

Really well thought out philosophy! Clearly explains what you believe in and what will guide your work ethic.

I don't believe anything else needs to be added! Make sure you add this in your room for others to understand what drives you and how passionate you are.

It's great the way it is!

,
L.A

Thank heaps L.A