Staff Profile

 

Profile: Naomi Pethybridge Teacher - 4YO Groups

 

Naomi teaches the children attending the Jellyfish and Seals groups at Greenwood Park Kindergarten. She has a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education from Monash University. Before joining the Greenwood Park teaching team, Naomi taught in a rural double unit kindergarten in the Sunraysia area. She has also worked as an Au Pair for an American family in Northern California.

She loves teaching and learning along with the children she works with. Four year olds are so creative, imaginative and full of wonder and Naomi loves how they think and express themselves through their play, artwork and other expressive means.

 

Professional Philosophy

My Personal Philosophy of Early Childhood Education

At the core of my philosophical approach to teaching and learning is a respect for children’s knowledge and cultural understandings, ideas, strengths and interests. Early childhood is a time of constructing knowledge of our world through the perspectives of our respective cultures. My current educational philosophy is underpinned by socio-cultural theory and emergent curriculum and is heavily influenced by Loris Malaguzzi and the pedagogy implemented in the Italian region of Reggio Emilia.

I believe that learning is a social practice. Effective learning occurs when the context in which it occurs is meaningful and interesting to the learner. Educators need to assist children to see purpose and meaning in what they are learning and doing.

The environment is an important element of quality teaching and learning. Children learn most effectively in safe, secure and responsive environments. Building children’s self esteem and constant encouragement is essential in building a secure and socially responsive environment. Positive environments encourage learners to participate in higher order thinking, problem solving, taking risks and reflecting upon their learning.

Play is an essential element in the education of young children. The teacher’s role is critical in play based curriculum. Appropriate arrangement, interpretation and intervention strategies can encourage and expand children’s involvement in play, which ultimately promotes their learning.

I believe that all children are capable and should be given every opportunity to learn. Inclusion is the right of every child, regardless of their diverse needs. The inclusion of children with diverse needs models and promotes acceptance to peers. Through inclusive pedagogy our programs emphasise children’s similarities rather than differences, foregrounding and promoting positive community attitudes towards children with diverse needs.

I value the importance of relationships with children, families and colleagues. I believe reciprocal relationships, mutual trust and respect develop through high-quality interactions. For quality interactions to take place, educators need to be aware of each family’s values, beliefs and culture, as well as the individual child’s strengths and interests. I understand that children are members of a family who are the child’s primary caregiver and greatest influence. Therefore it is essential to build partnerships with families to enhance children’s learning.

I believe that in the constantly evolving and dynamic profession of education it is essential educators continue to learn and constantly develop their pedagogy. Ongoing evaluation of their practice and undertaking professional development is integral to providing quality education.

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