First off, emergent curriculum celebrates our little explorers’ natural curiosity. We all know how children’s eyes light up when they stumble upon something fascinating. With emergent curriculum, we turn those sparks of curiosity into a roaring fire of knowledge and discovery!
Imagine a classroom where teachers are like adventure guides, observing and listening closely to what piques the children’s interest. Westview’s dedicated guides then create a learning plan based on those interests; tailoring activities that make learning feel like an incredible treasure hunt!
But wait, there’s more! Emergent curriculum takes the learning experience to a whole new level by encouraging play-based learning and hands-on activities. We all know that children learn best through play, right? Well, here’s where their imagination can soar!
Here’s the best part: emergent curriculum is all about empowering our little thinkers. It nurtures their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, helping them develop their own unique solutions and ideas. Just imagine the pride in your child’s eyes when they crack a challenging puzzle or come up with an inventive solution all on their own!
In Westview’s magical classrooms, you will find vibrant spaces bursting with open-ended materials that fuel creativity and problem-solving skills. From building towering structures with blocks to painting masterpieces on easels, children are given the freedom to express themselves and explore the world around them.
For example, a teacher may notice that the children have found a bird nest outside in one of the play yards. The teacher recognizes that this event has captured the collective interests of the children in her classroom, which guides her curricula and lesson planning to extend this interest into other areas of learning. For instance, creating nests from scrap paper will support scissor and fine motor skills. The shape of the week may be an oval, like an egg, to reinforce learning shapes and drawing. The dress-up wardrobe may have play silks, which children can use in dramatic play pretending to be brightly-colored baby birds. Circle time may incorporate books about birds, and the STEM center may feature a bird watching observation log and binoculars.
Now, let’s fast forward a bit. By igniting their passion for learning at an early age, we plant the seed for a lifelong love of learning. It helps children understand that learning is not confined to textbooks and classrooms, but it’s an exhilarating journey that continues throughout their lives.
So, my dear adventurers, embrace the wonders of emergent curriculum! Let’s create a world where learning is an enchanting experience, where curiosity reigns supreme, and where children can unleash their full potential.
Remember, with emergent curriculum, the possibilities are endless, and the joy is boundless. So, let’s set sail on their extraordinary voyage together – where curiosity takes the lead and learning knows no limits!
Posted on July 5, 2023
by Katy Holzer, Director
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