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Cognitively Oriented Curriculum
Cognitive-Based Philosophy In a program which is cognitive-based, young children learn through active exploration in an environment that is rich in materials and opportunities to converse, socialize, work, play, and negotiate with others. The classrooms are planned to encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving in an atmosphere of warmth, affection, and respect for each child. Teachers plan experiences based on children’s interests and appropriate educational concepts. Children may work individually or collaboratively and may choose whether or not to participate in a project. Children are actively involved in experiences that include foundations of math, science, social studies, creative art, language arts, music, movement, and dramatic play. All interrelated aspects of the child’s growth and development are considered — intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative.
Activities, experiences, and teacher-child interactions are constantly being measured and evaluated in terms of the following programs goals:
1. Development of a positive self-concept
2. Respect for the individuality and rights of others
3. Positive ways of interacting with peers and adults
4. Acceptance and expression of both positive and negative feelings
5. Growth of independence and self-sufficiency
6. Growth of creative thinking and problem-solving
7. Cognitive growth and development
8. Emergent literacy development
9. Small and large muscle development http://goforward.harpercollege.edu
**Please note that inclusion on this list does not imply any recommendation by CNE or its sponsors/supporters. Also, none of these program perspectives are exclusive — early learning can incorporate elements of different approaches to meet the needs of children and families.
Play ideas for encouraging preschooler cognitive development
Here are play ideas to support your child’s cognitive development:
Play board games like ‘Shutes and Ladders’ with your child, or card games like ‘Go Fish’ or ‘Snap’.
Read books and tell jokes and riddles.
Encourage stacking and building games or play with cardboard boxes.
Do jigsaw puzzles and memory games.
Play games that combine moving and singing – for example, ‘If you’re happy and you know it’.
When you’re driving or on public transport, try ‘spotto’ games – for example, ‘Who can see something green?
Encourage your child to help you with cooking – preschoolers can learn a lot from measuring, counting, and naming healthy ingredients for family meals.
Play outside. For example, you could make mud pies or go on a nature walk together.
It’s a good idea to let your child take the lead with play, because preschoolers learn best when they’re interested in an activity.
Direct Instruction Curriculum: Based on Behaviorist Principles
The Direct-instruction Curriculum is based on behaviorist principles of dividing learning tasks into small progressive segments and reinforcing mastery of them. The behaviorist principles, based on behaviorism is the doctrine that observed behavior, rather than what exist in the mind, provides the only valid data for psychology. The direct instruction curriculum would be classified as teacher-directed instruction. Teacher-directed instruction is based on the idea that waiting for children to be academically ready was not a very sound educational practice, especially for lower economic socioeconomic groups. Those who subscribe to behaviorism believe that it is possible to ensure learning and that the school can create readiness through behavioral principles of reinforcement and individualized instruction, whatever the IQ or background of the child. Therefore, in the behavioral approach to education, learning is mastery of specific content. The content and sequence are determined by the teacher or the school, whoever is responsible for planning the
curriculum. Learners receive immediate feedback for their responses. Incorrect responses require repetition of the task; correct responses are reinforced, and the learner progresses to the next task. This curriculum can be helpful for children that are behind in language development. To catch up with their age-mates, they need intense instruction in structured, detailed, sequential skill building. Concepts are organized explicitly and concisely in presentation books for teacher use.
Click Here for Suggested Curriculum for Pre-K/TK
Montessori Curriculum
The Montessori Method was developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori, one of the first educators to develop a constructivist model of child development. She recognized that children do not learn passively, through direct instruction, but rather actively, through exploring the world.
Her childcare philosophy stresses that children should have a high degree of independence within a structured environment. It is through the creation of an ordered environment, rather than through instruction, that educators can help guide children’s learning. It’s believed that time devoted to Montessori classroom activities will help children develop focus, discipline, independence and a love of learning.
Association Montessori International
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