Erica Lyons

Teaching Philosophy

 Important skills I want to teach my students

I believe that pre-kindergarten students should have fun in a welcoming environment while learning some of the most important skills for future school years. These skills include problem solving, emotional development, socialization, early literacy development, speech and communication, fine motor, and early math.

Teaching methods to reach these goals

My pre-k classroom uses a wide variety of methods to help the students become successful in learning these important skills. We structure the classroom around centers that give them practice in areas such as reading, building and construction, imaginary play, puzzles and games, art, writing and math. As a former literacy specialist, I believe that almost all parts of the day can include ways to help children become early readers. We do a lot of interactive writing, guided reading, word play, games with letters, and rhyming songs.

My favorite projects

My favorite unit of study every year has always been our unit on architecture, building, and construction. The children’s enthusiasm for this unit is contagious! Within the unit, the children are encouraged to use collaboration with others and their creativity to build a city out of different materials. Literacy is brought in with labeling and math is reinforced with measuring heights and counting.

What I like best about teaching at Seven Hills

Teaching at Seven Hills has been an honor for me. The excitement the students bring every day is so much fun. That coupled with the support from parents and collaboration from administration and other teachers makes this place an incredibly special place to teach. I look forward to coming in every morning, and that is not something I take for granted.