Teaching is a Journey
Teaching is a journey, not a destination. How to travel this journey will be more successful with a roadmap.
Our profession and requirements continue to evolve. The ultimate goal is to guide and care for the children and to support their developmental, school, and life success.
We know children learn best through play, and we observe them while playing to document their progress. Using those observations gives teachers a roadmap for interactions, curriculum, routines, and environment. Active supervision and intentional and individualized learning plans provide a foundation to support each child’s developmental progression.
Building Connection
The work is to build the connections and relationships the children in care need. It will take a new way of thinking about the work and walking through the day. Above all, the children must always come first in decision-making.
Re-Imaging Known Concepts
There are many curriculums and approaches that you can use. There are great ideas out there redesigned and repackaged using previous knowledge and understanding. Thoughtful teachers have been using these ideas and tools for many years. This information is researched and collected to provide you with another roadmap you can use to travel along your teaching journey. With a travel plan, you know where you are going and how to get back.
Observation Informs the Journey
You can understand your destination with the roadmap created through observations and supporting information. What might that be in your classroom? What might that look like for each child in the class? What might that look like in the decisions made throughout the day?
No program, curriculum, or approach works for every child in your care or connects with your teaching values. Observations will help you adapt whatever you use to the child’s needs.
Switching Lanes to Avoid Bumps
Use your roadmap to inform where you are going. It is ok to switch lanes whenever needed. Feel free to ask for help if you get lost.
You are the driver of this journey!
