JLee Leason

Education and Qualifications:

Early Childhood Educator Assistant; First Aid Certified; and a Food Safe Certified.

Occupation in FFNS:

Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA)

When students learn by doing rather than listening, they tend to store information in their minds more effectively. This is why I believe a play-based learning approach is important. I therefore strive to create play-based learning situations where students can play in parallel, learn from one another, and make new discoveries through the use of all their senses while being one with Nature. I also encourage cooperative play so that each child can learn with and from one another. By playing together, young children develop important communication and group work skills. Furthermore, they can pick up new information and ways of playing from friends which can enhance their cognitive development.

Lastly, I feel there are four essential elements that are conducive to each child's learning. First, I believe the teacher's role is to act as a mentor and guide to the child. Secondly, children must have access to hands-on activities where they can create, explore, and flourish through their own experiences, especially through nature and connecting with the beauty of our island. Thirdly, children should be able to have choices and let their curiosity guide and direct their learning. Finally, children need the opportunity to learn, communicate, and practice skills in a safe environment in which they feel comfortable and can be their authentic selves.

Philosophy:

I believe there is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to children and their learning, which is why I feel it is important to emphasize that each child has something unique and special that they can bring to their own education. I strive to present a curriculum that will incorporate each different learning style because of this. I also feel it is important for children to express and accept themselves for who they are while also embracing the differences of others. I aim to create learning environments that are rich in resources so that students can learn through practical learning scenarios. This will allow the children to work together to solve scenarios and problems while also helping them to communicate and learn from one another while learning.

About the Educator:

My name is JLee Leason, and working with children has always been a great passion of mine. For as long as I can remember, my dream occupation was teaching and mentoring young children. As I grew up in the United States, my parents persuaded me to pursue an education in something else I was passionate about, due to the school system not being something they wanted me to pursue a career in while in the United States. I then chose my second passion, biology—the science of life. I chose this because I was always fascinated by nature, organisms, and what makes our world so diverse and unique. This is one of the many reasons I found Fern Flower - Nature School to be such a wonderful fit for me.

After living in Oklahoma for many years, my parents decided to move to Vancouver Island to retire and be with the rest of our family. I followed shortly after and decided it was the perfect opportunity to begin my education journey in early childhood development.

Making the move to Vancouver Island has given me a deeper passion to follow my dreams of becoming an educator and working directly with children every day. I currently teach private swim lessons to children of all ages and hold my ECEA, First Aid, CPR and Food Safe certifications. Additionally, I will be continuing to pursue my education in early childhood development, forestry school, and becoming an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) by completing my degree and working alongside Lera Lucas.

Every day I am around children, I strive to make a positive impact on each child I work with and provide them with the resources, support, and encouragement they need to grow and succeed. Watching children develop, learn, and grow truly brings me happiness and gives me a feeling of purpose.

I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and as my mom has always said to me “What is meant to be will always fall into place”. I could not relate to her words more and truly believe I am where I’m meant to be doing what makes me happiest.

I look forward to working with your child/children and providing them with the resources, patience, and kindness they need to truly flourish.