Your Assignment Type: Standard Question
Currently Working in Childcare? No
Your knowledge: Basic Knowledge
Your Question?
Question: How does your understanding of theories/theorists inform you as an educator? You will need to identify in detail relevant theories/theorists and provide an understanding of them.
Marking Guide instruction: The student has identified what theories/theorists inform their role as an educator.
What is your answer so far or What have you done so far as an attempt to solve this question?
I believe that my role as an educator is mainly similar to that of a guide. I believe in supporting children's creativity and personal development, social and life skills, as well as preparing the child for academic achievement. I feel that giving the child the freedom to choose their own style of play is very important, but that an educator can be a vital component in extending the child's play into an area of concentrated learning. As an early childhood educator in Australia, my approach is also influenced by the fundamentals of the EYLF and the NQS. I feel that I identify as an educator with parts of different educational approaches, such as Waldorf Steiner and Reggio Emilia.
Both the Waldorf and Reggio approach appreciate the significance of a beautiful and natural learning environment (Mitchell, n.d.; Reggio Kids, 2013). The Reggio approach goes so far as to call the environment a “third teacher” that produces a feeling of “belonging in a world that is alive, welcoming and authentic” (Malaguzzi, 1994 cited in Reggio Kids, 2013). I identify with the encouragement of creativity and expression of imagination that the Waldorf approach involves, as well as the incorporation of child-appropriate domestic, practical and artistic activities (Mitchell, n.d.). The Reggio approach ties into this concept in that it recognises the child as a competent individual with their own ideas (Reggio Kids, 2013). Both theories value the child as their own person who can think, explore, imagine, and create in their own very special way. These two theories have a focus on life skills, social development and fostering the child as an individual rather than making sure the child ticks particular academic boxes (Mitchell, n.d.; Reggio Kids, 2013). I recognise the importance of academics in early childhood development, but I think that at such an early age there are more important things than a child knowing how to do maths problems and say their “ABC's” in a traditional, structured manner. The focus that the Reggio approach has on collaboration between the child, and the teachers, parents and other carers is also something that I identify strongly with (Reggio Kids, 2013).
Description and Message:
We had an assignment about theorists, and I somehow managed to miss answering one of the questions (derp). Anyway, I'm allowed to resubmit this assignment but I'm feeling unsure about the answer to the question that I missed. Feedback please?
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