https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k Family, food, life, laughter, love. en-us 2020-03-04 01:04:17 UTC 2024-05-26 03:19:29 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/388729830/8ef0957d6cc8c27deddfd1d5a3b99147/profile_picture.jpg vsoto28 https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454055459 This was the third take with my older son giving me directions as to how to do an introduction, which is why the video starts the way it does. You'll read a little more about me in the padlet. What I did not include that I would like to share with you is that I work hard to enjoy life; big and small moments are always there. There are many moments that are fun, exciting, scary, and anxious. I am not one to post quotes, but I do love food. I think that is why I am so active. I am an avid cyclist (road and mountain bike, but I love mountain the best), runner, swimmer, and strength trainer. I look forward to getting to you know you all. ]]> 2020-03-04 01:10:29 UTC https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454055459 vsoto28 https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454058011 I am one of the Master Teachers at Pacific Oaks Children's School.  I have been working here since 2006.  My work began in our full day 2's program.  Since then, I have moved around a few times to different programs.  Three years ago, we were able to re-develop our garden space and launch a new program called "The Outdoor Classroom."  I have documented as best as I can and the most that I can the growth of this program.  We operate out of our school's garden and grow lots of yummy things that help children understand the interconnectedness of the world through the use of their senses since we know that children learn through their body.  We also hike the local trails of the arroyo which is directly across the children's school.  You can see more on my instagram account here:

]]> 2020-03-04 01:16:51 UTC https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454058011 vsoto28 https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454060382 I am Pacific Oaks College graduate. I received my Bachelor's degree in Human Development with a specialization in early childhood education. A few years later, I was an assistance director for a child development center and pursued my master's degree. I went back to Pacific Oaks and graduated with my Master's degree in Human Development with a specialization in Leadership in Education. ]]> 2020-03-04 01:22:51 UTC https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454060382 vsoto28 https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454063043 Since receiving my Master's degree, I am now an adjunct professor for Pacific Oaks College for the School of Education.  I am also an adjunct professor for UCLA Extension.  

What I enjoy about working with adult learners is I get to use my experiences at the children's school and make connections to what students are learning about in their class. For example, if we are exploring the concept of emergent curriculum what would that look like in a classroom of 4 year olds, how do educators integrate literacy using our experiences in nature, and how is the new science (neuroscience) helping educators understand how children learn? ]]> 2020-03-04 01:29:52 UTC https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454063043 vsoto28 https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454067186 Why are you taking this course?

I love what I do at the children's school.  I also love that my boys got to experience their early years in such a great community.  I get excited to speak about our work; our interactions with children, families, and other educators.  I am also inspired by the work that so many other educators have influenced my philosophy, pedagogical thinking, and practice as an educator.  I am still a learning more about the conscious and unconscious way of teaching.  I have shared some incredible experiences with children and their families.  

Several years ago, I met an amazing child.  Emerson was born biologically a girl but as soon as Emerson could speak began to identify as a boy.  His parents decided to seek the help and support from our community to support Emerson in his identity by referring to him as him and not her.  This made a world of a difference to Emerson who would become upset even when called by the wrong pronoun.  I also met an incredible, young two year old boy with autism and blind in one eye name Colin.  He showed us how an inclusive environment can help him and others learn more about each other.  In his last year at the children's school, he built cars with old tires, milk crates, and long wooden boards.  He was the driver that took other children on many explorations.  

These stories and many details have stayed with me, however, I am in search of developing a system that will allow me and other educators to better document this type of work that happens every year in our classrooms. I am hoping to gain skills that will enable me to bring this to my work. ]]> 2020-03-04 01:40:42 UTC https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454067186 vsoto28 https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454080136 I live in the city of Montebello. It is a small city, but my wife and I are happy with our community. The schools are great and we have lots of things close by that we enjoy such as a mall, movie theater, and parks. ]]> 2020-03-04 02:17:34 UTC https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454080136 vsoto28 https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454083560 As a family, we love to travel. Here is a recent trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. My boys love going to Las Vegas because it is hot during the summer and they love to spend time at the pool. We have seen these rocks from the freeway for several years but never quite stopped to check it out. So this past year we did. ]]> 2020-03-04 02:27:48 UTC https://padlet.com/vsoto28/r5lenz7bo28k/wish/454083560