CHILD 11A BCC Comparison of 3 Approaches & Status of Kindergarten Discussions

 

 

For this post you will first need to read the sections of Chapter 3 that give you information on Montessori, High/Scope and Reggio Emilia.  You can get additional insights in to these three approaches to early childhood education by going to MyEducationLab for a clip on Montessori (if you have access) or by doing some internet research (“Google” these three approaches and see what you come up with, there are even some neat You Tube videos!).

As you read the text and explore internet sites, take notes on how each model approaches such things as:

• the role of the teacher,
• how the teacher views the learner,
• the set up of the environment,
• the curriculum materials that are available for the children, etc.

Write a post whereby you compare (how are they the same) and contrast (how do they differ) the three approaches in relation to the 4 bullet points above.  I think you will be surprised that there are many similarities as well as differences.

This assignment supports student learning outcomes 2 & 3 and student learning objectives 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, & 7.

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Is Kindergarten Living Up to its Origins?

There is a lot of controversy today, in light of our standards-based education model, about the current status of Kindergarten. I would like to hear your thoughts on this topic as you debate with your classmates

• First, start by reading pages  72-77 (9th edition) or 74-78 (10th edition).
• Then read the article “Kids Haven’t Changed; Kindergarten Has” found at the following web-address: http://www.hepg.org/hel/article/479 or http://www.theschoolboards.com/showthread.php/354-Kids-Haven%E2%80%99t-Changed-Kindergarten-Has

Based on your readings, website reviews, and your own experience, give us your educated opinion about the current status of kindergarten. Would Froebel, the “Father of modern kindergarten” be excited about the programs that are being offered to our Kindergarten children? Why or why not?  Back up your opinion with references to the readings.