The Essential Parent Guide to Early Childhood Education Approaches
by on 12/08/2020 ...
Learn about the different early childhood education methods and decide which one is the right fit for your child.
Few preschools fall neatly into one category or another. Most comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum type. It is common for teachers to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to guide children across multiple areas of learning such as language, mathematics, science, art and more. Lessons usually focus on periodic themes and promote the development of the whole child.
Learning mode
Environment
Materials
Learning Outcomes
Teacher’s Role
Best Suited For Children Who:
Academic
This approach focuses on the structure of knowledge that is organised into subjects.
Can sit through structured lessons
Are focused
Do well in a less social environment
Play-based
This approach revolves around initiated play and activity-based learning to help children understand the world around them.
Are active, with lots of energy
Prefers lots of activities and social opportunities
Montessori
This approach allows children to make their own choices in learning, while teachers guide them in the process.
Hands-on experiences, learning from peers, low noise and calm environment
Space does not feel cluttered
Appreciate working through uninterrupted periods of time
Need the freedom to grow at their own pace
Reggio Emilia
This approach focuses on plenty of open-ended projects that are chosen together by both the children and teachers.
Environment reflects the children, parents and teachers of the school
Materials and spaces foster creative exploration
Do well in groups
Enjoy exploring and problem solving
Waldorf
This approach engages children through a flexible curriculum that emphasises on practical learning and nature.
Cooperative group learning
Children are not introduced to formal reading and writing skills until Year one
No standard grading system
A lot of time spent away from desk-learning.
The external environment is an integral part of the education
Embraces free thinking
Natural materials
No technological media
Sustains the holistic growth of the child – head, heart and hands
Fosters connectedness and love towards nature
Instill a sense of enthusiasm in learning
Sometimes, teachers help children complete activities
Love playing outdoors in the natural environment with peers
Want the freedom to pursue own tasks
High Scope
This approach initiates activities that actively engage children in the process of thinking and forming their own understanding.
Both individual, and small and large group activities
Active learning
A lot of interactions with other people and the environment
Learning spaces are designed to promote independence
Introduces children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate
Communicates trustingly as a partner with children and parents
Are self-starters and active learners
Enjoy being part of the decision-making process
Theory of Multiple Intelligences
This approach suggests several other ways for teachers to present teaching materials to give diverse learners a chance to succeed at learning.
Develops all 8 areas of intelligence, from logical and linguistic to interpersonal and visual
Ability to solve problems in real life
Teach and assist child
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