ECE 103 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Chapter 4: Early Childhood Curriculum Approaches

Taylor Strubbe
10/21/2014

HighScope:
The HighScope approach is a constructivist educational model based on Pagets cognitive
developmental theory, providing realistic experiences geared to childrens current stages of development.
This approach believes in focusing on five different elements; they include active learning, classroom
arrangement, daily schedule, assessment and the curriculum. In this approach they strive to develop a broad
range of skills. A main idea to remember is that action equals knowledge. Sensory objects are a big thing in
the HighScope approach. They believe in planning, doing and then reviewing what happened with their
activity. Teachers should be planning activities based on childrens interests. They must always be positive in
the interaction process between the children. Lastly the teachers must plan daily with a developmentally
based curriculum model and observe each individual child carefully.

Montessori:
The Montessori approach is a system of early childhood education founded on the philosophy,
procedures, and materials developed my Maria Montessori. Respect for the child is the cornerstone on which
all other Montessori principals rest. In this approach the children are in a calm environment and are the
center of the learning process. It is designed to support the natural development of all children in a well
prepared environment. The environments should each support and provoke learning for the child. The
learning should take place through the senses. As a teacher you must make sure learning is done in a safe
environment. Its your job to observe, analyze and provide the materials and activities for the children during
their prime time of learning. It is crucial that we keep in contact with the families and have an open
communication between everyone.

Reggio Emilia:
The Reggio Emilia approach is an early childhood education program named for the town in Italy
where it originated. The method emphasizes a childs relationships with family, peers, teachers and the wider
community. Small group interaction schedules set by the childs personal rhythms and visual arts programs
done by special trained atelierista. This approach is based on the works of Piaget, constructivism, Vygotsky
and Dewey. This curriculum done is not planned in advanced. It is done based on each childrens interests
and experiences. Each child must be treated as an individual and respected. Families are a very important
factor of the Reggio Emilia approach. It is the teachers job to observe and listen to the children and ask
questions of them. Teamwork of all the teachers helps to reach everyones goals in the program. It is not the
job of the teachers to impose ideas on children, they must do that on their own.

The Project Approach:

The Project Approach is an educational approach that encourages in-depth investigation by an
individual student or small group of students, or even by the whole class, of a topic the students want to
learn more about. This approach is based on the work of Dewey. As teachers we must focus on the childrens
interests and curiosity. They must observe, assess and plan experiences to help investigate new knowledge
and help children answer their own questions. They are the ones that facilitate the children and their
learning. The projects that they come up with can vary in length. Some can last a few days, others can go on
for several months. The students learn best by doing so they investigate by doing field trips or having experts
come in and talk with them. Ideas are always discussed and revisited from time to time.