Nataly Martin is a 4th grade teacher in Virginia with a background in psychology and special education. She has enjoyed her experience working in elementary schools. Martin believes that historical theories like Maslow's hierarchy of needs, behaviorism, and John Locke's "blank slate" theory have influenced her student-centered approach. She aims to provide a safe, welcoming learning environment while teaching the required curriculum and advocating for her students. Martin works to meet her students' developmental needs through hands-on learning, questioning, modeling, and scaffolding. She emphasizes clear communication with families and the community.

1. Early Childhood
Education Introduction
By: Nataly Martin

2. Nataly Martin
I am a current 4th grade teacher at an elementary school in Virginia. I spent two years
as an instructional assistant, 3 years as a SPED teacher in a middle school, and this is my
second year as a fourth grade teacher. I’ve really enjoyed my time working in the elementary
school.
I love being in a position where students are still learning basic skills that will help
shape them into their future selves! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s
degree in Teaching Special Education.
For now, I am content in the grade level that I am currently teaching, and I would like to
continue to grow as an elementary educator.

3. How have historical theories
influenced your teaching?
There are 3 historical theories that have influenced my teaching throughout the years. The first theory
that has stuck with me since learning about it in college is the concept of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. I’m a
firm believer that basic needs have to be met before we can expect a student to learn. Although educators may
not have much control over a student’s home life, they do have a great deal of control within their classroom.
Therefore, I do prioritize safety and comfort before teaching curriculum.
Another historical theory that has influenced my teaching is that of B.F Skinner and John B. Watson.
Watson and Skinner are well known for their behavior theory stating that all behaviors are learned and
continued based on reinforcement or the lack of reinforcement. This idea has influenced my teaching
immensely. I incorporate positive reinforcement and rewards as much as I can daily, weekly, and monthly. I find
that this gives my students something to work towards and decreases behavior issues within the classroom.
Finally, another theory that has influenced my teaching is the “blank slate” theory by John Locke. This
theory states that children are open to all forms of learning that will mold them. I believe that children are
heavily influenced by adult influence especially that of an educator. Therefore, I aim to present information in
an unbiased manner while choosing my words carefully when explaining certain topics or answering certain
questions.

4. What are your key roles &
responsibilities as an educator?
My key roles and responsibilities as an educator include the
following:
1. Making sure that students are safe
2. Providing a welcoming and comfortable learning
environment
3. Teaching the required curriculum
4. Teaching to the whole child
5. Advocating for students

5. How do you fulfill your roles and
responsibilities as an educator?
There are many ways that I try to fulfill my roles and responsibilities as an educator. First, I prioritize
safety by having thorough conversations with students (on their level) regarding safety drills, expectations,
and reminders on rules to keep us safe throughout the school day. Additionally, I work hard to provide a
welcoming learning environment that students feel comfortable in. This ranges from from providing alternate
places for students to work aside from their desks to simply reminding students that it is okay to make
mistakes.
When holding myself accountable for curriculum, I backwards plan by creating my assessments based
off of the state standards, and use that assessment to create my lesson plans and activities. This type of
planning helps me ensure that students are learning what the state expects them to learn. In addition to
holding myself accountable for curriculum, I also do my best to hold myself accountable for teaching to the
“whole” child as well. I try to incorporate a lesson unrelated to education into my daily routines whenever the
opportunity presents itself.
Finally, I believe that one of the greatest responsibilities as an educator is advocating for students. I
keep notes on students, communicate with specialists and other teachers regarding student progress, and I
communicate with parents in effort to keep students on a successful educational path.

6. What are the characteristics and
developmental needs of children in an
early childhood classroom?
According to Eliason and Jenkins, the characteristics and developmental needs of children in an early
childhood classroom include structured learning and spontaneous learning (2016). This includes hands-on
experience, motivating children to explore their world through questioning, modeling, and scaffolding.
In regards to the developmental needs of children, educators need to make sure that they meet
their students where they are while “enabling them to reach goals that are both challenging and
achievable” (Eliason and Jenkins, 2016, p. 15).
Eliason, C., & Jenkins, L. (2016). A practical guide to early childhood curriculum (10th ed.). Pearson.

7. How do you meet the needs listed in
the previous slide?
There are a few ways that I meet the needs I mentioned in the previous slide. One, is by providing
opportunities for my students to receive hands-on learning. This is accomplished through movements used
to remember mnemonic devices and activities that require manipulation by students. In addition, I
incorporate questioning into each of my lessons, whether it is included in my slideshows or spontaneously
presented throughout the course of a lesson.
When I am modeling a concept, I typically have my students do the concept with me, with a partner,
and then individually. I try to scaffold as much as I can slowly keeping in mind that some students will
need less or more scaffolding depending on their level of understanding and learning.

8. How do you work effectively with
families and the community?
I work effectively with families and the community by making communication a priority. I often
send home messages that are either reminders, compliments, or important dates or information to each
parent of students in my classroom. I encourage and invite family members to join my class on field trips,
activities, and school events. I also attend various school-related events at places within the community
to show support for my students and other students within the community. I believe that these actions
encourage positive interactions with families and the community.

9. What makes you unique in the field of
early childhood education?
There are a few traits that make me unique in the field of early childhood education. I pride myself on my
ability to relate to the students that I teach. I’m able to present information to them in a playful manner
while still maintaining the structure and authority necessary for my classroom to be successful. In my
approach towards students, I hardly ever feel the need to raise my voice or implement severe
consequences due to the rapport that I have with my students and how I approach them. I believe that this
makes me unique within my field.

10. How will your uniqueness positively
affect your students?
My uniqueness positively affects my students by providing them
with a learning environment where they feel heard and
respected. Additionally, my students are able to learn with a
pace and language that they can relate to and feel comfortable
with.

11. In conclusion,
Many historical theories can play a
significant role in how educators see
themselves in contributing to the classroom
setting. It is also important to decide what
our roles are as educators and how we hold
ourselves accountable for maintaining those
roles. We are all unique and bring various
qualities and traits to the table that are
invaluable to our students.