photographic philosophy

"Creative thinking may mean simply the realization that there's no particular virtue in doing things the way they have always been done" (Rudolph Flesch).

I believe that students need to realize that English language arts are highly valued in the community. It is important for students to become exposed to the rich literary community that surrounds them. While teaching intercession at Crosswinds, my colleague and I brought in a professional storyteller for our students. We felt that our students should have the opportunity to learn about the oral tradition as part of our designed English curriculum.

photographic philosophy

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires" (William Arthur Ward).

My own learning of English language arts involved a lot of lecturing by the teacher. I feel that this is not the best way for students to learn. Learning is a socio-cultural experience, and students learn best by having the opportunity to express their views and opinions with their peers. The teacher should be a facilitator rather than an all-knowing source of information. A teacher should be a person who inspires students to think critically, and offers the opportunity for students to express how they think and feel about what they read.

photographic philosophy

"My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way" (Ernest Hemingway)

Writing is an essential skill that will be used throughout the life of any individual. Students need to learn how to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a variety of ways. Students will be more motivated to write if given the opportunity to write about what is important to them.

My photographic philosophy

"We shouldn't teach great books; we should teach a love of reading" (B.F. Skinner).

Reading is an essential skill that will be used throughout life. A good reader learns to read and think critically about what they read. Teachers have the opportunity to model good reading habits everyday. It is necessary that students become efferent and aesthetic readers. Gaining these essential reading skills will foster lifelong learning goals for individual students.

My Photographic Philosophy

"We read to know that we are not alone" ( C.S. Lewis)

Relationships are of vital importance in the English classroom. It is essential that teachers are able to initiate, maintain and develop relationships within the classroom, school and community. Building and maintaining these relationships creates a network that is essential for a positive learning environment. Students need to know that the teacher is a resource that is friendly and approachable. Students need to feel comfortable in the classroom for learning to occur, and it is vital that the teacher create an environment conducive to learning.