Don't Just Teach, Help Them Learn
Traditional. Montessori. Classical. Teaching to the test (yes, that's a teaching style now). Charlotte Mason. Online. Learning cooperatives. There are so many options for homeschooling today. It used to be that people had to settle for "better than the alternative" or "well, at least it's not teaching heresy" books and curriculum, but today, there are so many options , and we as teachers have the luxury of identifying both our teaching style and our students' learning styles and using the materials we see fit.
So, what is my teaching style? How do I believe that students learn best? My overall teaching philosophy is that I am here to help kids learn. That's it.
This is significant because I don't see myself as having all the answers and "teaching all the little people, imparting my great wisdom on them". Nope. I try to observe first, try to see how they learn best, and go from there. So, how to help them learn?
I like to think of our classroom/learning environment as a classically-minded Montessori classroom with Charlotte Mason influences. In plain language: I believe children are small people, capable human beings, who need some control over their learning environment; philosophical discussions, Greek and Latin study, and quality literature are vital to a well-rounded student, and I also believe that students must search for and acquire their own information from real texts and primary sources.
That is my philosophy. My ideal. That doesn't mean that's what every day looks like around here, but at least this is my framework, what I strive for.
What is your philosophy and why? I'd love to hear more ideas!
On another note...there were no writing entries this week, but I did hear from some people. Just submit what you've got next week, and hopefully we can get some more student writing published! :)
This is significant because I don't see myself as having all the answers and "teaching all the little people, imparting my great wisdom on them". Nope. I try to observe first, try to see how they learn best, and go from there. So, how to help them learn?
I like to think of our classroom/learning environment as a classically-minded Montessori classroom with Charlotte Mason influences. In plain language: I believe children are small people, capable human beings, who need some control over their learning environment; philosophical discussions, Greek and Latin study, and quality literature are vital to a well-rounded student, and I also believe that students must search for and acquire their own information from real texts and primary sources.
That is my philosophy. My ideal. That doesn't mean that's what every day looks like around here, but at least this is my framework, what I strive for.
What is your philosophy and why? I'd love to hear more ideas!
On another note...there were no writing entries this week, but I did hear from some people. Just submit what you've got next week, and hopefully we can get some more student writing published! :)
Comments
Post a Comment