Spring Break

When my plans fell through for spring break, I was disappointed to not be making the most of my time off. I love going home and seeing my family, but a whole week without plans is just boring! It was then I decided to spend that time off to observe some alternative methods of teaching! I think observing and volunteering in a class is the only way to truly understand the method. I will be spending a day at Emerson Waldorf in Chapel Hill with the pre-k class; a day at Omni Montessori observing 2 primary classrooms, 2 lower elementary classrooms, and 2 upper elementary classrooms; and a half day at Ivybrook Academy, a preschool with similar philosophy to ECDC.

I don't know much about Waldorf, but from what I do know, it sounds right up my alley! Any school that has a "morning garden" time sounds wonderful to me! From the pictures, the materials seem very natural and basic, allowing for more imagination and use of the "loose parts" theory. It also encourages creativity, which seems to be disappearing in public schools. I feel school's primary purpose should be to prepare the child for real life. Through weekly activities of baking, painting, and gardening, Waldorf seems to do just that!

Montessori also emphasizes real life preparation. I am thrilled about finally observing a Montessori class because I have been studying the method for about a year. There is only so much a visual learner can gain from readings, and I think observing will be the final step to my complete understanding of the method. One of my favorite things about Montessori is the child's independence. It is the first step to developing confident, strong individuals. Though I do not intend on pursuing upper elementary classes, I am still interested in observing how the method has been adapted to the higher grades.

Ivybrook, I do not know much about. It is very close to my parents house, yet I didn't even know a school like this existed in my vicinity. Reading the philosophy, the school incorporates aspects from Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and the Multiple Intelligences theory. It sounds very similar to ECDC and I can't wait to compare the two. I am also interested in seeing how the Multiple Intelligences play into the day-to-day routine. I love the theory and feel it is important to acknowledge different learning styles, but I am curious how it will be played out and how the intelligences are discovered.

My main problem with the teaching methods I find most interesting is that they all require additional certification. I went into teaching thinking I would become certified in a more specified field after finding a school I loved. Now, I'm worried that the schools I love won't hire me without the specific certification. That is extra money and time I don't have, but at the same time, I don't want to be unhappy at my school. I'm very torn by that. For now, I will enjoy being in a field I actually enjoy studying! What began as a spring break bust, has developed into an exciting learning opportunity!