Early Childhood Education Methods

Early childhood education plays a vital role to provide students with a foundation of learning that can impact the development process for their whole life. New parents may find it difficult to choose a preschool because there are so many options available. However, if you have researched preschools, you must be aware of the fact that there are many different teaching methods available to make the learning process effective using different methodologies and teaching techniques.

The best ways to teach young children have been studied for years by education specialists. There are numerous early childhood education approaches, including:

  1. Montessori
  2. Waldorf
  3. Reggio
  4. Bank Street Method 
  5. Parent Cooperative Method

All these methods have been developed as a result of profound research. Every model has benefits and drawbacks, and one can choose according to his requirements.

Let us find some important factors to know a bit more about these educational methods in detail:

Montessori Method

This is the most commonly used method in preschools. Italian educator Maria Montessori created the Montessori educational method at the beginning of the 20th century. It is based on the idea that every kid has the potential for creativity and the natural desire to learn, and is rooted in an independent approach to education. 

Montessori Principles

In the Montessori method of education, various aspects of development - cognitive, social, physical, and emotional are taken care of. The aims of the Montessori method focus on the overall development of the child as well as learning support from the teacher, who serves as a mentor for the pupil's learning.

Reggio Emilia Approach

According to this method, children in these preschools are allowed to have a voice in the process of their learning because allowing children to express themselves is an important part of this strategy. They are free to wander around, look things over, touch things, and explore their interactions with other students.

Reggio Principles

The material in the classroom only serves as a stimulus for learning. The kids are urged to communicate through writing, dance, music, and other arts. The complete progress of the child is tracked, and the parents are also included in the curriculum creation process.

Waldorf Steiner Method

This educational strategy places a strong emphasis on sensory experiences and opportunities for hands-on learning. The teaching approach for children is based on the idea that reading and writing should not be introduced to young children and that instead, education should be fully verbal and full of imaginative play.

Waldort Values

Bank street method

This approach strives to promote the child's overall development through first-hand experiences. The type of activities included in the main distinction between the bank street technique and other methods. The method includes games, building blocks, playing with clay, and other activities.

The focus of Bank Street's educational philosophy is play-based learning. To encourage a love of learning, teachers frequently use play, puzzles, field excursions, and hands-on activities. 

A teacher might, for instance, use the idea of grocery shopping to discuss topics like where food originates from, how food grows, and how to build a shopping list.

Cooperative (Parents Co-op)

Cooperative Preschools are the best option for parents who wish to be very involved in their child's education. These schools may or may not adhere to a particular ideology, but what truly distinguishes them is the involvement of parents in decision-making and management. 

Although there are still paid instructors in charge of the classroom, co-ops are run by parent volunteers. Parents act as helping hands by preparing and serving meals, cleaning, and performing office tasks. As a result, the program's cost is decreased.

Coops can be organized in a variety of ways, although many emphasize learning via play rather than focusing only on academic preparation.

Wrapping things up

To sum up, all the methods are ideal in one way or the other. Ultimately, they all rotate around the development of children. So, the best to choose is the responsibility of the parents as they are not only the caretakers but also the best judges of their children’s skills and aptitude. 

No matter which method you implement, Kidvy can help you optimize your childcare center operations.

The Kidvy Team
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