The opportunity to be involved in early elementary education has been my passion since my own elementary years. As I have developed my teaching philosophy, I have thought about my own experiences in elementary school, college and personal experiences in the classroom. My classroom is a place children are eager to come to each day. The hands-on activities and learning opportunities are engaging and creative. Research has shown that the more senses a a child is able to use when being presented with information the better able they are to process it. Creative hands-on activities and my ability to remain flexible will result in a developmentally appropriate classroom. Since childen develop at different rates and abilities I make sure that each child's learning style and abilities are considered in the daily routine. Throughout the day I work individually, in small groups and in large groups with the children. Each child has the right to feel safe and secure within my classroom. It is a place where children can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. When I am interacting with the children I am at their eye level so that they know that I value their ideas and input. Children in my classroom also feel that they have "ownership" in the classroom. The classroom is decorated with the children's artwork, writing and dictated stories. Classroom management is also a priority in my classroom. As you walk into my classroom you will notice that it is bright and colorful, but not cluttered. The materials are neatly organized and accessible to the children. Children feel relaxed and are better able to focus in an organized classroom. The environment is a print-rich environment which includes a daily schedule with visual cues. The schedule remains consistent each day. The classroom rules are also clear and consistent . Children are better able to be academically and socially successful when they know what to expect. Discipline in my classroom mainly consists of natural consequences, redirection and conflict resolution. In classrooms where the rules have been clearly defined and children have been taught conflict resolution skills, there are fewer disruptions. During these early elementary years children are not only coming to school for academic success, they are also learning how to appropriately socialize within a group. I am throughly convinced that children shape our future. Therefore, I am professionally committed to the social and academic growth of every student in my classroom.