As an educator working with young children, my teaching style is grounded in the belief that learning should be engaging, interactive and enjoyable. I see children as unique individuals with their own strengths and needs to be met. The early years are critical in the development of a lifelong foundation of learning, and I believe it is my responsibility to foster a nurturing environment where children feel safe and inspired to explore. By offering a mix of structured activities and open ended opportunities for my students, I aim to cultivate a love for learning that will remain for years to come. 

A key concept of my teaching philosophy is that children learn best through play. Play creates an environment in which they can explore ideas, learn to problem solve, and develop social skills in a natural way. I will always strive to create a classroom environment that encourages both independent and collaborative play, where children can take risks, experiment, and openly express themselves. Through play they can work with peers, learn to navigate challenges, and make connections between their different experiences and the world around them. 

I also believe in how important social-emotional development is, particularly in the early years. Within my classroom, I strongly focus on helping children understand and express their emotions, build healthy relationships with themselves and others, and develop empathy. My belief is that emotional intelligence is just as critical as cognitive skills, and fostering a supportive, positive atmosphere helps children feel secure and confident as they learn. I use a range of strategies, such as being a model of appropriate behaviours, encouraging self-regulation and providing opportunities for conflict resolution to ensure social-emotional growth is involved in all aspects of their days and learning.

As an educator with a diverse background in working with children, including volunteering with children with disabilities, teaching swim lessons, and providing mental health support to youth, my teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in my commitment to supporting the development of every child. I believe that all children, regardless of abilities and backgrounds, deserve a compassionate, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. My role as an educator is to empower my students by meeting their developmental needs and fostering a strong sense of belonging and self-worth.