Emergent Curriculum and the Interests and Ideas of Young Children
According to the articles by Lewin-Benham and Buell (in Course Materials):
Discuss the ways in which an "Emergent Curriculum" draws from the interests and ideas of young children. Give examples from the readings of ways in which this framework enables the teacher to work in collaboration with students to create an integrated curriculum that facilitates learning across various content areas. Also, discuss any connections you see between this topic and those previously discussed (DAP, learning theories, observation and documentation, etc.)
Session 11: Curriculum Frameworks (Nov 13-19)
Readings:
• Lewin-Benham, A. (2006). One Teacher, 20 Preschoolers, and a Goldfish Environmental Awareness, Emergent Curriculum, and Documentation. Young Children, v61 n2 p28-34
• Buell, M. J., & Sutton, T. M. (2008) Weaving a Web with Children at the Center: A New Approach to Emergent Curriculum Planning for Young Preschoolers. Young Children, v63 n4 p100-105
• Animal Patterns: Integrating Science, Math and Art:
• Making Thinking Visible -
• Examine and discuss the principles of Emergent Curriculum (i.e., “Loose parts play)
• Examine and discuss the ways in which Early Childhood teachers create an Integrated Curriculum that facilitates learning across various content areas
• Revisit and discuss the ways in which observation and documentation figure into curriculum development and implementation
Discussion Board Curriculum Frameworks
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Discussion Board Curriculum Frameworks
Introduction
Emergent Curriculum has become popular in early childhood education as a flexible teaching method. The papers by Lewin-Benham and Buell show how this framework pulls inspiration from young children's interests and ideas, encouraging teacher-student collaboration. This method meets each child's needs and develops an integrated curriculum that crosses academic boundaries.
Emergent Curriculum in Action
Lewin-Benham (2006) article is a captivating story of environmental awareness and emergent curriculum. After observing children's interest in them, she quickly included goldfish into the curriculum. The children's interests shaped the emerging curriculum. By engaging pupils in meaningful