Emergent Curriculum:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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"Not a pre-set curriculum but a process of inviting and sustaining learning. Once teachers have prepared an environment rich in materials and possibilities, they observe and listen to the children in order to know how to proceed with their work. Teachers use the understanding they gain thereby to act as a resource for them. They ask questions and thus discover the children's ideas, hypotheses and theories." (Gandini, Etheredge, Hill P.26)
According to Schweinhart (1997) childen are positively impacted by curriculum that is based on child-initiated learning activities rather than ones based on teacher-directed lessons. Schweinhart states, "Evidence (from a number of studies) suggest that preschool programs based on child-intiated learning activities contribute to children's short - and long-term academic and social development, while preschool programs based on teacher-direct lessons obtain a short-term advantage in children's academic development by sacrificing a long-term contribution to their social and emotional development" (Helm, J.H & Katz, L. p.5)
Below are a few schools that participate in using emergent curriculum
Schoenbaum Family Center at Weinland Park - Columbus, Ohiohttp://sfc.ehe.osu.edu/
Located in the center of Columbus, Ohio State's unique lab school is partnered with Head Start, Columbus City Schools and the Weinland Park neighborhood. This Child Care center works with children birth to five years of age taking inspiration from the Italians in Reggio Emilia Italy while utilizing emergent curriculum and project approach. Teachers use the interests of children to create curriculum that incorporates goals and Ohio's preschool standards to create a balanced curriculum. |
CHild Development & Learning Laboratory - Central Michigan - Mount Pleasant, MIhttp://www.cmich.edu - search Child Development Laboratory.
CMU's child development lab school is based on the principles and values of Reggio Emilia, Italy. As a community of learners, the teachers have studied how the Italians view children, respect children and encompass the child's desires into the curriculum they provide. They base projects around questions children have and dissect topics for months on end, creating a strong understanding and relationship between the child and topic at hand. |
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