Implement One Change In The Classroom

I am a Head Start teacher in Richmond, VA. I am responsible for 17 three- and four-year-old students. My students are amazing and they each hold a special place in my heart. In addition to the students in my classroom, I have a rapport with other students at the school. Educators are always interested in studying the latest teaching practices available. For myself, I find it captivating to gain wisdom on the many different ways to engage my students on a daily basis. Some days, it’s harder than others to ____. Per this assignment, I have decided to implement one change in my school. The change is designed to positively impact the teachers and students at my school in hopes of generating more parental involvement and transitional activities

My classroom and curriculum maintains a literacy rich environment at all times. Puppet shows, learning through play, and reading books create a multifaceted learning environment. Developmental psychologist, Dr. Alison Gopnik, believes that preschool-age children are “naturally curious,” often learning through “exploring and playing” (Teaching Young Children, 2009, p. 26). Dr. Gopnik also describes the importance of sociodramatic play for children and creating opportunities to explore the environment around them (Teaching Young Children, 2009). Research shows that moral character can be instilled in young children (Seider, 2012). Moral character is defined as the combination of qualities such as “integrity, justice, caring, and respect—needed for successful interpersonal relationships and ethical behavior…” (Seider, 2012, p. 32). The incorporation of books and playful experience teach children right versus wrong. Children acquire knowledge through their experiences with others.* For example, reading books like The Listening Walk and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, exposes my Head Start students to different types of people and generates thoughts of tolerance among them.* The Listening Walk is about