THEORY
Gardner’s theory is that he believes children have unique talents and that there are eight intelligences. (Zaur, Irwin &Phillips,2014). Some children show more intelligences than others; however, everyone can learn those intelligences, which can be improved over time. I feel the theoretical model that is most connect with me would be Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences where the results of a test depend on one’s intelligences. I believe that every individual is intelligent in his or her own way and we all have our strengths and weakness. Therefore, an educator should provide the students with the proper material to help broaden each individual’s strengths of learning. Each of the intelligences can improve with practice and will enhance over time. Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences is that educators should present a variety of learning materials to meet the needs of diverse learning styles.
APPROACH TO TEACHING
I believe the approach that is aligned with my type of classroom environment that I would like to create for my students is Creative Curriculum. In chapter four section six in the textbook it states, “Creative Curriculum classrooms are organized into interest areas designed to support social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.” (Estes & Krogh, 2012, sec. 6). Each student that enters the classroom has different needs and learning styles, so as a teacher it is our responsibility to meet those needs and styles. Therefore with the creative curriculum a teacher must incorporate a variety of interest areas, which I believe that students will benefit because the children are not only playing but interacting with their peers using their social skills and learning at the same time. Reviewing the creative curriculum scenario from A tale of five classroom three examples that I would like to see in my own classroom would be having a warm and welcoming environment that when the children enter the classroom they feel safe and encourage to learn; this allows a smooth transition for the children. Another is having daily routine that is posted on the wall so that the students are aware of what they will be doing throughout the day; here the students know what is following after a lesson or activity. Finally, our goal is that the children become independent and are able to solve problems. By providing an areas with necessary materials that are available and limiting the amount time for a small group of students per area will allow the student to take that responsibility on having to make the decision on going to another center of their choice. As the teacher I could observe each individuals students interests and needs.
DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE
PRACTICE
The acronym DAP stands for developmentally appropriate practice; which is an approach to teaching that is designed to promote the learning and development of young students. DAP not only focusses on an individual child but also the knowledge and development of their family and peers within a group.According to the article it states that, “DAP involves teachers meeting young children where they are (by stage of development), both as individuals and as part of a group: and helping each meet challenging and achievable learning goals.” (NAEYC, n.d, website). Therefore, as educators it is important that they receive the appropriate training and education that is required to teach the children. Without these essential tools it makes it difficult to teach a curriculum with diverse learners. Crucial training and workshops provide assistants of updated information and strategies to use within a classroom curriculum; this is beneficial for both teachers and students because it improve the way teachers are teaching a content and each individual child is able to grasp the information that is being taught in order to have a successful education.