Ashley Thompson

My teaching philosophy holds great value in maintaining a safe classroom environment, inclusion, and physical education. The intertwining of all three of these elements will accomplish student success. I believe that all students can learn, and want to learn! 
      
       When students feel safe, loved, and listened to they will enjoy coming to school and have more meaningful learning experiences because they will feel comfortable with me and their peers. These feelings of comfort and familiarity will encourage students to both, take more risks in their learning and make more mistakes. Often, the most valuable learning is created by the revision of mistakes they have made in both academic and personal spheres. Mistakes are a part of learning and when a growth mindset is used, these mistakes make the best learning opportunities. 

       Inclusion is another way for students to feel welcomed in the classroom. All students are unique and have different abilities. It is important for students to accept and celebrate their differences and the differences of others to recognize how they can help each other achieve common goals. Students should feel valued and like they are contributing to the classroom in their own special way. Inclusion of all different types of students from different backgrounds and abilities allows students to bring a bit of themselves into learning. This allows learning to be more meaningful because students can identify how their learning is impactful to them. Inclusion also creates acceptance and knowledge of different home lives, which encourages students to identify that differences should be celebrated, not suppressed. Inclusion is achievable through differentiation as it will ensure that all students needs are met. 

       Physical education is crucial to student success. Numerous studies have shown that  regular physical activity aids in retention, focus, and positive behaviour in children. Students should be encouraged to play in both structured and unstructured environments to further develop athletic and social skills. 
       Another piece of physical education is teaching students healthy habits that they can carry throughout their lives, even after they leave our schools. Information about the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and wellbeing (physical and mental) gives students the tools to become independent thinkers and lead healthy lives. 

       All students can be successful! With guidance from the me, peers, my colleges, and community leaders. All students can find success in different aspects of school life. For students to be successful in their learning they must feel supported and capable in what is being asked. Through clear, fun, and relevant instruction students will be excited to learn and grow both academically and socially.