Reflection

I am an Elementary Education major at Western Michigan University which is part of a group minor program. My three minors include Math, Science, and English. Math and science are required by the university, and I chose english as my third. I love everything about literature and writing. I firmly believe that reading is one of the most important fundamental skills children will learn in school. I have always loved reading and I believe my passion for literature is what has allowed me to excel in school.

On of my most influential classes I have had so far at Western is Educational Psychology. This class allowed me to explore why I want to be a teacher and what has inspired me to do so. This class only encouraged my love and enthusiasm for teaching. We were asked to write a paper in the beginning of the class entitled "My Personal Theory of Teaching," explaining what has influenced our decision to teach. At the end of the semester we were then asked to go back and revise this paper by applying what we learned in the class. Here are copies of both of the papers that really allowed me to explore my feelings about becoming an educator.

My Personal Theory of Teaching: Part I

My Personal Theory of Teaching: Part II

I have had many experienced in working with children over the years. One of the closest experiences I have had is with my baby brother. He just recently turned six years old and is in the first grade. I have had the wonderful opportunity to watch him grow during the most interesting developmental years. Another experience I have had was tutoring kindergartners throughout high school. Helping these youngsters contributed to my decision to major in elementary ed. I have also taught ice skating for three years to children as young as three and to teenagers as old as fifteen. This experience has given me the opportunity to teach something I love.