High Expectations for All Children

Is having high expectations for all children to succeed too much to ask?  I don't think so.  All children have potential.  It may not be the potential we perceive at first, but all children have strengths.  I currently teach children with various abilities, but I believe in them to succeed to their fullest potential.  I try to find their strengths and teach to those abilities.  I expect the other weaker abilities to come along with time. 

Sometimes, there is just no way for a child to learn to spell his or her name, but perhaps that child can carry a tune.  Maybe that child can shake a maraca.  Whatever the case, I believe that I am the teacher of the classroom for a reason, and that is to reach children at their level.

On the other hand, some children are incredibly gifted and talented, and I enjoy helping them reach their potential, too.  These children frequently need motivation to succeed.  Therefore, I try to be the motivator or find what motivates them.

Finally, that's why I teach.  I believe all children can learn.