Curriculum?

Question

We were told to compare and contrast current curriculum (Birth to three matters or Foundation Stage) with educational approaches such as Reggio Emilia, High-scope , Montessori, etc. I have no idea what to do. Any teachers or student teachers out there, PLS help!. I know what the approaches and curriculum are about, but i do not know their similarities and differences.

Answer 1

Reggio Emilia: http://www.kidonyc.com/about:reggio_emilia/

The Reggio Emilia Method is one of the educational philosophies from which Kid O derives inspiration and guidance in choosing toys and learning material. Started in 1963 in Reggio Emilia, Italy, this method is referred to as ''the education based on relationships.'' The people who lived in Reggio Emilia decided to construct a brighter future for their children in post World War II Italy by selling old army tanks and using the money to build beautiful preschools. The method that grew out of this forward-thinking community put children first and taught that environment should be sparse and neutral, like a museum for the art work that the children produce. A space that is beautifully designed, inspiring and peaceful is thought to act almost a teacher in itself for the children and their families. The focus of this philosophy is on the child as a leader, able to focus his or her curiosity on activities and relationships with both people and objects that will, in turn, enrich and direct their education. A Reggio Emilia education places a strong emphasis on documentation and analysis of the children's art and transcribed conversations with their teachers, schoolmates and friends. The teachers look at the work, think about the conversations and learn about themselves and grow as educators through these close readings of the children's work. Teaching the children that they are educating their community through their creative processes and questions help them to develop an incredible sense of confidence and competence.

High-scope: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High/Scope

The High/Scope early childhood education curriculum is a method of running a nursery school or kindergarten developed in the United States in the 1960s. It is now common there and in some other countries.

The idea behind High/Scope is that children should be involved actively in their own learning. The adults working with the children should see themselves more as facilitators or partners than managers or supervisors.

In a High/Scope institution, different areas of the play space are designated for different activities, for example water play, reading, sand play, writing, role play, etc. Children are intended to be able to access all facilities independently and be able to take some responsibility for use of these areas.

An important part of the High/Scope approach is the plan-do-review sequence. Children first plan what they want to play with and how they want to play (this can be done informally in small groups). Only once they have made a plan, however vague, of what they want to do can they go and play. Then, after playtime, the children form small groups again, and with an adult discuss what they have been doing and whether it was successful

Montessori: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montessori

The Montessori method is both a methodology and educational philosophy. It was originally developed in the early 1900s by Dr. Maria Montessori. Many Montessori schools are preschool or elementary school in level, but there are some Montessori programs that begin with infants and/or end at 12th grade. Montessori stated, "I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called the Montessori method."


Good Luck....