What is the whole child approach and how is it achieved?
Focusing on the whole child means the school provides an environment that is safe, engaging, supporting and challenging. I was lucky enough to find such a school for my youngest child. Not only did I fall in love with it for her, but I also fell in love with it myself. I knew after her first year there in Kindergarten that I wanted to be a part of it. The sense of community and family was inspiring. A couple of years later, I found myself working in the best school environment I have ever encountered. I was not under the pressure of too many kids in one class or teaching to the standardized testing. I was able to be hands-on. I was able to feel free and inspired. Not only do we teach our children the foundations of learning, but we also teach them care and respect of all people and things. I have been lucky enough to see our youngest of students grow into beautiful intelligent people by starting with them in preschool and following them up to 1st grade this year. I anticipate I will follow them on to 2nd grade. I have formed bonds with students, parents, and co-workers that I would not trade for anything. I feel lucky to be a constant, familiar person in the classroom for my students. I can only hope they feel as half as lucky as I do!
That's such an incredible story, thank you for sharing! I teach kindergarten and I feel as if some days it's magical, and others it's more stressful. I wish I could connect to your point about not feeling under pressure with too many kids, and being able to feel free and inspired. We have limited aids and volunteers at our school, so working with a class of 20 kindergarteners by yourself can really be overwhelming. I also feel pressured to keep to the day by day curriculum without much wiggle room. I'm hoping as the years go on, I will feel more comfortable doing more of what I want while also incorporating it into the curriculum. I do love this age group, because they are so free spirited and are unafraid to be creative.
ReplyDeleteHow long have you been teaching? You stated you started with a group of kids in preschool and are following them to 1st grade. Are you their primary teacher and continue with the same group of kids every year?
I've been working in schools for over 15 years. I started as an aide working with mainstreaming children with special needs into a regular classroom. My prior experience is working with people with special needs in a home setting. I am not their primary teacher now. I co-teach. I was one of their teachers when they were in preschool and prekindergarten. It's likely I will follow them to 2nd grade. I wear many hats at our small school. I work earlier in the day with the students I have followed to 1st grade then I run the after school program for the 3-5 year old kids. I also sub in some of the classrooms and pull children for extra reading practice when needed. Oh and sometime in the future, when time allows it, I'll take my CDL driving test so I can drive our little school bus on field trips! Next week, I'll be in Catalina with my daughter's class and I'll teach one hour sessions to my preschool students also on the school trip. I think that covers it! :)
ReplyDeleteYou have had so many wonderful positions! It's nice that you have not just stayed in one position for too long and have wide experience.
ReplyDeleteThis is true! Never a dull moment! :) Thank you for all of your wonderful comments.
DeleteI have always been interested in schools where teaching staff move with their children. I look forward to learning more from you about the logistics of this. Thank you
ReplyDeleteThere have been a couple other teachers who have been able to do this. We are a small private school so I feel we have more freedom than a public school. I'm the "floater" and go where I am needed from year to year.
DeleteHi Trish,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to send you a little note to tell you that I have enjoyed having you in this journey. I truly enjoyed reading your discussions as well as your blog. I love how you're family has influenced you to become the person you are. I hope that we continue to connect via blogs so we may both continue supporting each other on this journey. I wish you success and I know that you will be great in the field of Early Childhood. Thank you once again for all your knowledge imparted in the class.
Trish,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your own personal story! I also enjoy reading your stories and hearing about your children. I know you are a proud mother and teacher. I love hearing stories from people that truly love what they are doing. That's so cool you get to follow up with your children. This has inspire me to reach out to a couple of my students I had last year!
Thanks again,
Deaja