childhood curriculum approaches

The purpose of this assignment is to explore one early childhood curriculum approach in depth to understand its strengths and any possible challenges you may face implementing the approach in the classroom.

Instructions

There are many early childhood curriculum approaches.  Your textbook introduces several in Chapter 3.

Complete the following steps:

• Choose one of the following curriculum approaches to study in depth:
  • Reggio Emilia Approach
  • The Project Approach
  • Unit/Thematic Curriculum – These are called by many different names, but all share common elements.
  • HighScope Curriculum Approach
  • Montessori Approach
  • Waldorf Preschool Curriculum
  • Forest Kindergarten/Preschool Approach
• Consult your textbook (if the approach is listed there) and do a web search to find information about the curriculum approach you have chosen.
• When you have thoroughly researched the approach, choose one (1) of the following ways to document your findings:

1.  Write a 3-5 page, double-spaced, paper describing the curriculum approach so that someone who is not familiar with it can clearly understand what makes it unique.

2.  Create a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation describing the curriculum approach so someone who is not familiar with it can clearly understand what makes it unique.

For either choice, address each of the following prompts.  Be sure to cite your sources.

1.  Give a basic overview of the approach.  How would you describe it to a parent who has never heard of the approach?

2.  Discuss the historical background of the approach.  When and where did it begin?  How long have teachers been using this approach with young children?  Have there been any research studies conducted about its effectiveness?

2. What are the guiding principles or philosophy behind the approach?  Why do its authors believe it’s an effective way to teach young children?

3. How do children learn with this approach?  What do children actually do when teachers use this approach to teach them?

4. What is the role of the teacher with this approach?

5. How does this approach affect the classroom environment?  Are there special materials needed?  How is the space organized?  Are particular classroom or outdoor areas required to implement the approach?

6.  How does this approach differ from other curriculum approaches?  What makes it unique?

Helpful Links

HighScope Practice – Preschool Curriculum (Links to an external site.)

Montessori Approach Link (Links to an external site.)

Edutopia – Project-Based Learning (Links to an external site.)

Reggio Emilia Approach Video (Links to an external site.)

Waldorf Education (Links to an external site.)

What is Forest School?