Saggio for School Board


Children are born with a desire to learn.





No one ever taught my children to cry when they needed their diaper changed. They learned quickly that when they would cry someone would come to help them. When they got older the problem solving continued. Children are born eager to learn. Educational theorists and research on brain development proves that. They are naturally inquisitive. They ask questions, problem solve, and challenge us daily. Why then, do we expect them to stop acting this way in school? We want children to grow up and contribute to our society. We want them to make change and challenge new ideas. School is where they should practice doing these things! They should not be sitting still and quiet all day. They need to move and use all their senses to learn. Curriculums and philosophies like STEM and project-based learning are a step in the right direction.



Developmentally Appropriate Practice.





Did you know that there is a national organization that publishes guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood? From birth to age 8 (that's newborn to roughly third grade), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) states that children should be learning through hands-on, play-based experiences. These experiences should be age appropriate, culturally appropriate, and individually appropriate. I want to encourage developmentally appropriate practices in all of our elementary schools.

Focusing on the the elementary schools gives us the chance to lay the foundation for learning early. Under age 8 children are still developing skills like self-control. They should not be punished for things they cannot yet control. Instead, we need to adjust the way we teach by providing flexibility to meet each student where they are.


This philosophy is rooted in Early Childhood, but I believe that this type of focus can be translated to the beautiful new middle school and high school as well. I have worked with all age groups and have noticed that the stress and anxiety are not specific to any one. All of students need developmentally appropriate practices.



Whole Child Learning





I believe that educating children includes the whole child. When I say whole child I am referring to the different domains: physical, mental, social, and cognitive. Typically, schools look only at the cognitive domain (math, science, reading, etc.). If a child is tired and hungry, however, real learning cannot take place. Our children need us to be concerned with their whole development. We can do this by providing social/ emotional curriculum, offering plenty of movement opportunities (like recess and flexible seating), and to protect their physical well being by providing recess, meal times, breaks, and a safe environment.


Children deserve access to clubs, sports, mental health services, and the arts. This becomes increasingly important in the middle school and high school. It is here where many student begin to struggle and dislike school. It is so important that we know these children beyond their test scores. Adolescents need on-going support with social and emotional health. It is during these years that they will be challenged most. For some this means a club or hobby, for others it may be a caring coach in their favorite sport. Well rounded children become well rounded adults that contribute positively to our great city.



Strongsville CSD Board of Education Candidate





Jaclyn Saggio