Curriculum should be integrated and student-centered, because it can draw on childrens' past experiences and help them make connections. As children make connections, they begin to process the information more deeply, thus creating a greater chance for retention. I believe all children are capable of learning, just in different ways and at different rates. It is extremely important to provide a variety of learning activities and use a wide range of teaching strategies to accommodate multiple intelligences and styles of learning.

Children should not only be encouraged to take risks and show curiosity, but they should also be encouraged to construct their own understanding by taking an active role in their learning. They can do so through discovery, cooperation, and exploring with hands-on activities.

I believe my role, as a teacher is to guide and facilitate authentic student learning. It is important for me to model expected behavior and practices and scaffold student learning. It's also important for students to work together and help scaffold each other. Ultimately, I want to help children become independent, confident, resourceful, respectful and cooperative learners who have developed a passion for learning.