What I have learned about teaching and learning:
While working with children this semester, the idea that children learn through play has been cemented in my mind. I have seen children learn in every major area of curriculum and make sense of the world around them through natural curiosity, discovery, and interaction with their peers. One subject that the children might be interested in can turn into several activities that promote literacy, early math and science skills, movement, art, dramatic play, and social-emotional development; it is up to the teacher to work with the children's interests so they remain actively engaged and the experiences are meaningful.
I have also learned that in order to effectively teach children, I need to remain inquisitive in nature as well. I must regain the sense of wonder that the children have and be willing to discover with them, and remain enthusiastic in these amazing discoveries. I think this is the only way anyone could stay in the field for an extended time and enjoy it. Through my activities with the preschoolers, I have learned that not everything will go as planned, and I need to remain flexible, remembering that it is about the process--not the product.
I have also learned that in order to effectively teach children, I need to remain inquisitive in nature as well. I must regain the sense of wonder that the children have and be willing to discover with them, and remain enthusiastic in these amazing discoveries. I think this is the only way anyone could stay in the field for an extended time and enjoy it. Through my activities with the preschoolers, I have learned that not everything will go as planned, and I need to remain flexible, remembering that it is about the process--not the product.