ERIC Number: EJ720553
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Nov
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1538-6619
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
What about Our Passions as Teachers? Incorporating Individual Interests in Emergent Curricula
Alati, Sergio
Young Children, v60 n6 p86-89 Nov 2005
In his experiences as a prekindergarten teacher, this author was struck by a simple revelation that has informed and guided his teaching practice. He discovered that the things he enjoyed teaching most were almost always connected to his own passions and values. He found that during fascinating, teachable moments the most novel thing happened: He was able to fully captivate the minds and spirits of his students. In this article he explores this connection between passion and practice, and his theory that teachers' interests as well as those of the children can inform and mold curriculum. He contends that when teachers share their passion and enthusiasm with their students, it not only can lead to the development of meaningful relationships with young children, but may also lower the rate of teacher burnout. This style of teaching engages children, empowers teachers both as facilitators and role models, and enhances children's "interest in interests."
Descriptors: Preschool Education, Teaching Methods, Teaching Styles, Role Models, Student Interests, Interests, Teacher Burnout, Teacher Student Relationship, Teacher Empowerment
National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1509 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-232-8777; Fax: 202-234-6415; Web site: http://www.journal.naeyc.org; e-mail: editorial@naeyc.org.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Preschool Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A