Sister Flowers

The practice of teaching young children outside the home environment begins in early childhood programs. It is my opinion that each child should have a secure, caring, and thought-provoking learning environment. It is important children get the support they need to develop socially and emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Meeting these needs will encourage and guide students in achieving their dreams to become functioning educated citizens. In years past, students were taught factual information from a scripted lesson plan that did not consider the various learning styles of children. Now educating children has become a form of art that requires teachers to be creative and knowledgeable in considering each student’s needs to create lessons, incorporate philosophies, and apply pedagogic strategies to bring forth student’s academic potential.

There are several curriculum approaches and models used in early childhood education that consider the environmental and educational needs of children. However, for this final assignment, I will focus on the Creative Curriculum framework. I will discuss the theories and philosophies that demonstrate how I think a pre-k classroom should be. An overview of concepts that I will use to teach academic areas will also be shared. My concepts will include activities and strategies to be implemented in the classroom that reflect theories and embodies my teaching philosophy as an educator. Finally, I will discuss how my teaching strategies correspond with the state of Georgia education standards.

Early childhood research reveals that in the late 1920’s, the focus was on intellectual and physical development, and early education programs were based on the works of Froebel, Montessori, and McMillan. As education evolved, an emphasis was placed on social, emotional, and physical growth. From the start of implementation, the creative curriculum was built on the theories and research that influence decision making in the field of early childhood education. Theories include those of Howard Gardner, Lev Vygotsky, Sara Smilansky and several other theorists.

Cognitive theorist Howard Gardner is best known for his theories of multiple intelligence. According to Gardner (1991), “Students possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and understand in different ways.” The creative curriculum employs Howard Gardner's theory by educating teachers on how to furnish opportunities for every child to pursue their unique talents and to exhibit areas of strength with the help of individualized activities. Drawing from Gardner's approach of Intra and Interpersonal intelligence, the curriculum grants learning social skills the same level of priority as learning content. It includes a plethora of physical activity and opportunities to analyze nature, in addition to conventional academics.

Sara Smilansky further developed the theory that children learn best through play and its relationships. Smilansky notes four types of play: functional play involves exploring and learning about the physical characteristics of objects when curiosity is stimulated. Constructive play which allows children to take their exploration to a heightened level and build things. Games with rules help children understand limits, concentrate, and manage their behavior to adhere to the rules. Dramatic play comes alive in toddlers and sores during preschool years. Dramatic play makes use of a child’s imagination. Children can react and recall using mental pictures which are essential for academic success. When play practiced within The creative curriculum framework, teachers create an environment that allows children to engage in meaningful play experiences. Teachers connect with students in a way that attracts exploration, share their work experiences and broaden their thinking.