Philosophy Assignment

Philosophy Statement Assignment

Every professional should be able to clearly articulate his/her philosophy of working with children. Your philosophy statement communicates your beliefs about how children learn and grow, and explains your view of the teacher’s role. It should be grounded in professional standards and will probably be revised throughout your career.

In a job interview you will be asked to explain your philosophy of early childhood education. You need to be able to identify those elements that are most important to you and that define you as a teacher. For this assignment you are being asked to develop a written philosophy statement. This is a very personal statement that should reflect your own philosophy and beliefs as these beliefs will guide your actions in the classroom. You may turn it in early to have it reviewed.

Please follow these guidelines:

A. The statement should be ½ to 1 page in length, and single spaced. However, please double space in-between each paragraph.

B. Steps to take:

1. Start with a rough draft. This is a copy that lets you get your thoughts on paper without worrying about spelling, grammar, or mechanics.

2. Self-edit your paper. After you have composed your rough draft, go back and carefully read it at least two (2) times. Change parts that you think need to be revised.

3. Partner check. After you have completed your self-edits, conference with a peer. Ask them to use proofreaders’ marks for their input. You do not have to submit these edits.

4. Second draft. Using the feedback your partner provided, make corrections and changes as desired. Reread it, and revise it (several times) until it is well organized and flows well.

5. Final Draft. Complete the version you want to submit for grading, attach the self-evaluation and grading rubric and submit the final draft by the due date.

C. It must be carefully edited for clarity, spelling, and punctuation. Because your philosophy is going to represent you in the professional field, it should be a well written statement that not only reflects your beliefs and practices, but also is well written. It will be meticulously checked for errors. Since it will be graded very strictly, check for typos. Have at least 2 people proof read your paper. It is both a collegiate assignment and potential employment document. Do your best!

D. Please select one of the following titles:

· My Role as an Early Childhood Educator

· or My Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

Revised Fall 2016

E. Be sure to answer the following three (3) questions in your philosophy:

1. How do you believe children learn? (What are your ideas about teaching and learning?)

2. What are your goals for children?

3. What do you see as being your role, as a teacher, in this process? Include your beliefs about your responsibilities to children, families, the community, and colleagues.

F. Your philosophy should be separated into paragraphs, with each one having one particular focus. Clarity throughout your paper is important and paragraphs help the reader navigate through your paper.

G. Avoid using the phrase “I love children” in your philosophy. Rather focus on “respect.” Also avoid using the slang term “kids.” Use the word “children.”

H. Be sure to seek feedback from 1-2 people (fellow students, friends, mentors, etc.) and write their names below. This is valuable feedback and worth 10% of your grade (5 points).

I. Please attach this entire handout (including the writing process check list and self-evaluation) to your philosophy.

Name_________________________________________

Writing Process Check List

	Date Completed	Signature of person/people who helped you complete this step
Rough Draft		(Optional space in case someone helped you edit your first paragraph)
Rough Draft (entire philosophy)		Your initials:
Self -Edit		Your initials:
Partner Check *Ask 1-2 people to read your philosophy and provide feedback.		Partner Signature(s): 1. ------------------------------------------------- 2.
Second Draft		Your initials:
Final Draft		Your initials:

Self-Evaluation

PLEASE TYPE THESE ANSWERS AND BE SURE TO WRITE IN COMPLETE SENTENCES.

Name: _________________________________________

What do you think was the purpose of this assignment?

What did you learn through participating in this assignment?

What was the most valuable achievement(s) through doing this assignment?

What was your greatest strength(s) you brought to this assignment?

What was your greatest challenge you brought to this assignment?

How could this assignment be designed to better support your learning? What, if anything would you change about the assignment? Your honest feedback is appreciated.

Based on the Rubric, how would you grade your work?

I feel that I earned ____________(out of 50) points on this assignment because….

DO NOT SUBMIT THIS GRADING RUBRIC.

THIS IS ONLY FOR YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON HOW YOU WILL BE GRADED.

Description	45-50 points (A) Exemplary	40-44 (B) or 35-39 (C) Satisfactory	34 or less points Unsatisfactory	Comments
Opening line or paragraph	Starts philosophy with a sentence(s) which grabs the reader’s attention.	Opens philosophy with an inviting sentence. May need slight refining.	Missing introductory statement/sentence.
Substance Answers the 3 questions: 1. How do you believe children learn? 2.What are your goals for children? 3.What is your role, as a teacher, in this process?	Writing is concise, logical Clear evidence of answering all 3 questions and providing support for each of them. Ideas are supported and elaborated.	Writing is mostly clear and concise Evidence of answering 3 questions, but parts might need further support or appear disjointed.	Effort to answer all 3 questions, but not complete Answered 1-2 of the questions Little or no effort to answer 3 questions
Closing line or paragraph	Ends philosophy with a sentence(s) that ties the writing together.	Attempt to end philosophy with a closing statement, but needs refining.	Missing closing sentence or statement.
Length of Philosophy	½ to ¾ page in length	½ to ¾ page in length	Less than ½ page or more than 1 page in length
Format – 5points (title/heading, introduction, writing, conclusion, font, margins, paragraphs, single spaced)	Writing format meets standards. Follows designated guidelines.	Writing format meets standards. Follows most guidelines.	Writing format not to standard. Does not follow guidelines.
Spelling & Grammar 5 points (10% of grade)	No significant errors	Minor/A few errors	Many errors Difficult to read
Writing Process Check list (10% of grade or 5 points of your grade) (re: bottom of page 2)	Completed all 6 steps. Had 2 peers/partners provide feedback.	Completed 5 steps. Had 1 peer/partner provide feedback.	Completed less than 5 steps. Did not seek feedback from peers.
Clarity	Clear and original. Major ideas are clear and well supported. Language is clear and precise.	Mostly clear writing.	Little or no originality or clarity Major ideas are not clear. Difficult to read
Self-Evaluation (10% of grade/5 points)	Wrote in complete sentences Answered with details Submitted on time	Provided brief explanations Few details	Incomplete sentences Incomplete or missing form

2