1. Child-Centered Curriculum Rachel Howard

2. My Initial Understanding of Child Centered Curriculum Activities/lessons derived from student interestsand ideas rather than standardized teach-to-thetest curriculum Support the whole child in the classroomphysical, social, emotional, cognitive development Teachers role is to guide and support, act as a facilitator, and encourage independence of students by providing opportunities based on interests Students responsible for own learning- active and hands-on discovering of world around them 3. Child Centered Curriculum is An approach to education that encompasseschildrens innate passion to learn and be curious of the world around them- allows the child to become the teacher and assume responsibility of constructing knowledge through interests and passions Curriculum built on interests, abilities, purposes and needs- learn by doing and actively experiencing rather than rote memorization or teacher-led (supplying the knowledge expected to learn) Teacher acts as facilitator and provider for childrens interest-based learningguides, supports, and acknowledges learning 4. I was almost SPOT ON! Pretty self explanatory when you are emergedinto a program with a child-centered structure! 5. How does my program support this type of curriculum? Straight from the mission statement! We believe that young children learn bestthrough play and interaction with their environment. At HCNS the projects and activities that our children do in the classroom are developed directly from the needs, interests, and concerns of the children themselves. Through this curriculum we hope to provide our children with experiences that will help them to learn to direct their own actions, discipline themselves, and accept responsibility for their deeds. 6. Examples: Ample amounts of materials- available for use at most any time stored at childs level Minimal lesson planning rather documentation of interests, projects, passions taken on by individual children and/or the class Children participate in what they want never forced activity, always a choice (treating them like an adult!) Againchoices, choices, choices! Hands-on explorations both inside and outside environments- always new additions to the classroom Creativity and process valued over product Consistent and unconditional support staff-staff, staffstudent, staff-families Behavior guidance appropriately supplied by teachers through conversations and discussions rather than set-inplace disciplinary actions 7. Merits for Child-Centered Curr. Children assuming more independence andresponsibility for their own learning will become emotionally invested they will want to learn! (motivation/confidence) Promotes positive peer communication and interactions as well as stronger teacher relationships Promotes and develops creativity and discovery through active interactions with materials and environments Developing problem-solving skills as well as many important life skills 8. Demerits for Child-Centered Curr. High-stakes testing: How will these children dolater in schooling and higher education? Non-traditional type of education a rather up and coming emergent curriculum being seen in schools Sometimes difficult for programs and/or teachers to be able to adapt quickly to ever-changing interests and ideas of children and be able to fully support and guide- lack of consistency in type of learning like teacher-directed classrooms may promote causing diminishing role of teacher as facilitator 9. What do you think? Feel free to comment your thoughts on my post! Have you experienced this type of curriculum?What are some examples you can provide? Do you support this type of curriculum? Why or why not? Agree or disagree with any part of the slideshow? Eager to hear feedback!