This is an article written by one of our teachers on their educational journey. Some writings will be paraphrased or reworded to focus on the topics of Intentional Teaching, Reflective Practices, and Cultural Competence in Early Childhood Education, instead of the essay question that was asked. Thank you, and we hope you enjoy this wonderful insight and education!
Our education philosophy at The Moneá Academy is inspired by Marie Montessori. The ideology that building a safe, healthy, and enriching early childhood environment requires a thoughtful, responsive approach that supports the ‘whole child’. Three essential concepts that help guide this work are intentional teaching, reflective practices, and cultural competence. Let’s look at them in more detail!
Intentional teaching involves knowing each child’s developmental stage and designing opportunities that support growth in meaningful ways. Rather than relying on routines alone, intentional educators remain flexible and adjust their methods based on what they observe in their classrooms. And though I absolutely love a good lesson plan, we should also be mindful and responsive to children’s needs, interests, and developmental levels. This is a huge nod to where individuals get unschooling from. Intentional teachers observe, adjust their strategies, and create environments where learning happens through meaningful interactions and play (Gordon, 2023).
Reflection: How can I, as a homeschool parent, practice intentional teaching?
On the other hand, reflective practice is the process of continuously thinking about one’s own teaching strategies, decisions, and outcomes to improve the quality of care and education. Reflective educators ask themselves questions like: what went well and what can be better? This is a mindset that helps ensure that teaching remains child-centered and effective! By studying further, we learn that self-reflection leads to professional growth and stronger teacher-child relationships (Gordon, 2023).
To utilize this, set aside time to reflect weekly! Use feedback from friends, family, and community groups to improve the learning environment and your interactions with children. I have experienced this at a childcare facility, and it worked wonders! Learning from my experience, I brought that into my homeschooling journey, and so can you!
Reflection: What method will I use to analyze my teaching strategy and my child’s learning strategy?
Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds of the children and families in one’s care. A culturally competent educator creates an inclusive environment that reflects and values the identities of all students. The goal is to make the children feel included and valued. At The Moneá Academy, we plan to partner with families to learn more about their backgrounds to ensure that every child feels welcome and supported. As a multicultural individual with a multicultural family, I know how important it is to be seen, even as an adult!
Together, intentional teaching, reflective practices, and cultural competence form a strong foundation for high-quality early childhood programs. These foundational skills help us guide parents in their homeschooling journey!
Reflection: How does my culture shape my and my family’s view on homeschooling?