Sybil Taylor's Philosophy Of Education

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Young children learn, with of without teachers. They absorb knowledge from any environment they are in. Effective education of the children must involve a modification of the adult.

A teacher should be a positive model, treating all children with dignity and respect so that they will learn how to treat others. As programmer of the environment, the teacher needs to be organized. It is important to have materials and activities appropriate for the children's ages so that each child may experience success and want to move on. A teacher is also a demonstrator, of the materials being presented to the children, and needs to be consistent and stimulating. To be a passive observer of each of the children, the teacher must remain in the background to perceive when assistance is needed. He/She is a protector of the children's right to learn. Children cannot learn in chaos. They must feel free that their rights are guaranteed. In return, children come to understand the meaning of respect and order. Children who have self-confidence will respond positively to their environment and their teachers.

I believe that a teacher of young children should be a condition rather than an obstruction for the children's learning. Qualities are equally as important as qualifications. Human qualities such as warmth, affection, compassion, high-spiritedness, conviction, a good sense of humor, and eagerness to learn new ways to work with children, are needed.

Sybil Taylor