when you discover your own values.

In our class one of the very first things we discussed was values and beliefs. How our beliefs factor into our everyday experiences and how we must look deeply at our values and reflect upon them, and upon those around us. In one of my portfolio options for class I described my values and image of the child as: ". My image of the child is as follows: Children are strong, confident learners, capable of immense understanding, learning and teaching. Children are capable, creative and full of life and imagination. My values and beliefs are that children should be free to explore and learn without boundaries and limits, and we as educators should be confident in their ability to learn and grow and even to make mistakes and have accidents." I believe most of that still holds true, however, I do feel that though children should be free to explore without limits, we as educators should be guiding them towards meaningful experiences, that will prepare them for a lifetime of learning. It can be very challenging to work with peers who do not hold the same values as you, and I often feel discouraged from the "rules" and regulations I must follow. However as an educator, when you take a job you must look at the values and beliefs of that centre and see if they match your own. If they do not, and you still take that job, you must work to the best of your abilities to meet that centres expectations. I myself have a hard time with this, and I find myself adjusting frequently, however taking this course has reaffirmed me in not forgetting my own values and beliefs but rather to adjust them when the situation calls for it.