CHD 215: Models of Early Childhood Programs promotes and discusses various education models and early childhood

theorists, while informing students about current educational trends and issues. By including my future program model, I display that I understand various educational models, such as Montessori and the Reggio Emilia approach, while revealing which models and theories influence my educational philosophy.

Future Program Model Historically: My educational philosophy is heavily influenced by Lev Vygotsky, whos social constructivist theory stressed the importance of social interaction in shaping cognitive development. I believe that a childs development is supported by social interaction with both people and their surroundings. Vygotsky specifically emphasizes the importance of social interaction with a skillful tutor, who models behaviors for the child. This refers to Vygotskys theory of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which is defined as the distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance (McLeod). This simply means the difference between what a child can do on his or her own and what a child can do with guided help from a more experienced peer. I am also very drawn to the theories of Maria Montessori, who believed in preparing the most natural and life-supporting environments so children may thrive. I especially like that the Montessori program model focuses on continually redesigning the environment so the child may fulfill his or her greatest potential, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually (Maria Montessori). The Montessori model supports children in becoming independent while nurturing their natural curiosity. I love that the Montessori also gives students the opportunity to do adult tasks throughout the day such as gardening and classroom cleaning.

Program Model: The Reggio Emilia Approach I truly identify with the Reggio Emilia Approach because of its focus on creativity, building positive family and community relationships, and providing sensory experiences.

I specifically like this program model because it doesnt follow an organized curriculum. The Reggio Emilia approach generates activities, materials, and projects based on the interests and abilities of children in the classroom. This model also focuses on the importance of creativity to support social and language development. This includes painting, drawing, dance, shadow theatre, sculpture, music, and dramatic play. I believe nurturing a childs creative tendencies is invaluable and would like to create a program that integrates music, movement, and art to teach various academic disciplines- language Arts, mathematics, social studies, etc. I admire that the Reggio Emilia approach provides the children with real materials instead of plastic versions. I also love that natural materials, such as sticks, leaves, and rocks are included in the classroom and are often used to teach other academic disciplines. I believe it is important for educators to model and demonstrate how to use various materials that would normally be prohibited from traditional classroom. Including these materials in the classroom gives the children a sense of responsibility and independence. Another reason why I am drawn to this approach is because it gives children many opportunities to investigate outdoor environments; this includes taking nature walks and gardening. Its really crucial for children to spend part of the day exploring nature and all it has to offer. As a child I wish I had more of an opportunity to interact with surrounding nature. I was generally confined in a classroom and was only given limited time on the playground during the day. In the future, I hope to incorporate as much natural materials and outdoor exploration as possible so the children can investigate their surroundings.

Additional Models: I hope to create a classroom that combines the methods of the Reggio Emilia approach, the Montessori model, and Waldorf. Montessori: I love the Montessori method because it creates a communal learning environment that encourages collaboration and defuses negative competitiveness. Children are recognized as individuals within the classroom and motivated to become active learners. I love that children are free to learn at their own pace and advance through the curriculum when ready. The Montessori method recognizes that each child is different and accommodates all learning styles and developmental levels. Like the Reggio Emilia approach, the Montessori method encourages sensory-

motor experiences so children can learn about the world around them: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching, and movement.

The Montessori method firmly believes that younger children learn from older children, which reflects Lev Vygotskys Zone of Proximal Development. The older children also reinforce their learning by teaching younger children concepts they have grasped. This arrangement also mirrors the real world, where individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions, revealing that the Montessori method strives to prepare children for real world situations (Maria Montessori). Aspects I will take from the Montessori method: Multiage groupings, including sensory motor experiences in the curriculum, and allowing children to move through the curriculum at their own pace.

Waldorf: There are many similarities in the Montessori method, the Waldorf model, and the Reggio Emilia approach, specifically with their educational philosophies. Waldorf strives to create a home-like environment for the children so they can have a sense of security and predictability in the classroom. I love this method because it includes domestic and artistic activities, such as basking, handcrafts, and gardening to prepare children for future situations. The Waldorf method also allows for imaginative expression by encouraging free play and story telling. Like the Reggio Emilia approach, Waldorf includes only natural materials in the classroom, which again promotes independence and exploration of the natural world. The Waldorf method focuses on the importance of building community in the classroom (Waldorf Class Presentation). This is achieved by creating perpetual relationships between teachers and students, as well as eliminating competition within the classroom environment. I hope to create a sense of community with my future students so they can comfortably express themselves and feel secure among their peers. Aspects I will take from the Waldorf method: including domestic and creative activities in the curriculum, using natural materials, and creating community within the classroom. Role of the teacher:

As stated in all education models listed above, a teachers role should be as a guide and partner, supporting their students as they explore their environment. The teachers number one task is to prepare the classroom to meet the needs, developmental level, and interests of the children. I do not believe that a teacher should stand in front of the class and mindlessly teach concepts; they should demonstrate learning materials that promote investigation and discover. I believe teachers should act as mentors while encouraging children to become independent learners. Teachers should be present and try not to interfere with childrens exploration except when needed. Teachers should also be skilled observers to understand each child; using this information teachers can create activities and materials that entice students. In the future, I will offer encouragement, promote character building, and support each childs independent exploration!

Role of the child: I will begin by saying that although young children appear inexperienced, they are capable of responsibility, collaborating, and understanding complex ideas. I view children as active learners. In my future classroom, I will encourage children to act on their curiosity by exploring their environment, both inside and outside the classroom. I also believe children are independent individuals within the classroom. Each child is unique and offers a valuable perspective. They should be feel comfortable enough to express themselves within the classroom environment!

Classroom Environment/View: My future classroom will look very similar to a Reggio Emilia classroom. It will have neutral colored flooring, walls, and furniture. The neutral colored classroom will allow the childrens creative materials and artwork to stand out. I cant stand it when centers use brightly colored furniture and wall coverings because it becomes very overwhelming; childs art is lost among posters, pictures, and bold colors. I will create uncluttered spaces, while displaying materials and objects on easily accessible shelves. This will foster the independence of the children in the classroom because they will be able to get the materials and objects they desire without the help of a teacher. I would also love my classroom to have a lot of natural lighting. I have worked in two day care centers that were located in the basement of the building. Although both centers strategically placed light sources to seem as though there was natural light coming into the classroom, they

still appeared to have a dark environment. My classroom will be divided into clearly labeled materials and centers: dramatic play, arts and crafts, etc. I look forward to creating a classroom that flows and invites children to investigate their surroundings! The following is a great example of what I would like my future classroom to look like:

References

www.indire.it

Maria Montessori. (n.d) Retrieved from https://amshq.org/

McLeod, Sam. (2007). Lev Vygotsky. SimplyPsychology. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/