Christina Del Vecchio

Teaching Philosophy

Important skills I want to teach my students

I want the students to develop a solid foundation for the school environment. At the young age of two, in our classroom, it’s important to develop trusting relationships with the adults students see from day to day. By developing routines and learning the basics of being in a classroom environment, the students are learning how important they are to the classroom setting and that they can feel safe and loved. The important skills they take away from this class are the social-emotional aspects of learning. Many learn how to share and take turns for the first time, express their feelings through words, and how to be a good friend and great listener.

Teaching methods to reach these goals

For children to be able to build a foundation for their social and emotional development, they look to the adults around them to set an example. As a teacher in the two-year-old classroom, it’s important that I set an example for them. I make sure that I use a calm tone, use deliberate and descriptive language when speaking, and model the behavior I wish to see in them. There are also many opportunities within the centers around the classroom for students to practice important skills they are learning.

My favorite projects

One of my favorite projects for our two-year-olds is our ‘Big Buddy’ program. Our class pairs with a second-grade class and each child is paired with an older buddy for the year. Together we plan activities so that our older students are building friendships and setting great examples for our youngest Seven Hills students.

What I like best about teaching at Seven Hills

The sense of community between faculty members is unlike any school I have been a part of before. When I describe the rapport between my co-workers to those not in the Seven Hills community, I don’t exaggerate when I say they are my work family. It is truly an environment that facilitates learning and love for both students and faculty.