Emergent Curriculum is play based learning in which the children learn by playing in different contexts with different ideas or interests. It is project based, in that the children and teachers work together to brainstorm different topics within a larger topic and carry out experiments and collect materials based on these topics of interest. Emergent curriculum is child-led and directed, being based on their interests. The children are able to move freely between activities and therefore choose which most inspires them and captivates them.
The Montessori environment and curriculum is quite different. It sees the child as an independent learner, where he/she can move at their own pace to learn about materials or concepts within their environment. The child is able to correct his/her own mistakes, as the activities are constructed to allow self-correction. When the teacher shows the child how to use a learning collection, he/she purposefully makes a mistake and corrects him or herself, as an example to the child. The Montessori method was created for children who worked during the day and so focused on housekeeping as an enjoyable, valued activity, as well as emphasis on math and language arts, which is taught well.
When I compare and contrast Emergent to Montessori, I prefer Emergent, as it fits more closely with my personal philosophy. I struggled with having this preference while I was at my Montessori placement. I had admired Montessori for a while and was hoping to enjoy it more and be inspired. Instead, I felt more limited in the way the children learned and the way the teachers taught than my own curriculum at my workplace, which is Emergent.
Although there were many things in the Montessori environment I enjoyed, and could comment on, I do prefer Emergent more so as a whole. I think Emergent offers more freedoms, not only in learning, but how it is gone about. The project approach may involve making an ideas web and expanding on the children's topic and interests. It then relates those interests to the different areas of 'the brain'... language, math, creativity, and science for example. It is something that is built up more long term. The subject can be explored as long or as short as is preferred. A variet of materials can be used.
I also value dramatic play as part of the curriculum and think this is an activity that largely develops language, social skills, creative thinking, among many other benefits.
Overall, I enjoy collecting documentation for Emergent curriculum and sharing this with the children, other staff, and parents. I enjoy being involved in this type of creative learning and seeing the children's interests evolve into bigger questions and subjects. It is a joy to be a part of.
The Montessori environment and curriculum is quite different. It sees the child as an independent learner, where he/she can move at their own pace to learn about materials or concepts within their environment. The child is able to correct his/her own mistakes, as the activities are constructed to allow self-correction. When the teacher shows the child how to use a learning collection, he/she purposefully makes a mistake and corrects him or herself, as an example to the child. The Montessori method was created for children who worked during the day and so focused on housekeeping as an enjoyable, valued activity, as well as emphasis on math and language arts, which is taught well.
Emergent
|
Montessori
|
| Open-ended materials valued | Many closed ended materials valued |
| Project based lasting weeks-months | Projects (individual or with a partner) lasting less than one day on average |
| View children as competent learners | View children as competent learners |
| Teacher as resource consultant | Teacher as educator |
| Dramatic play encouraged | No dramatic play encouraged |
When I compare and contrast Emergent to Montessori, I prefer Emergent, as it fits more closely with my personal philosophy. I struggled with having this preference while I was at my Montessori placement. I had admired Montessori for a while and was hoping to enjoy it more and be inspired. Instead, I felt more limited in the way the children learned and the way the teachers taught than my own curriculum at my workplace, which is Emergent.
Although there were many things in the Montessori environment I enjoyed, and could comment on, I do prefer Emergent more so as a whole. I think Emergent offers more freedoms, not only in learning, but how it is gone about. The project approach may involve making an ideas web and expanding on the children's topic and interests. It then relates those interests to the different areas of 'the brain'... language, math, creativity, and science for example. It is something that is built up more long term. The subject can be explored as long or as short as is preferred. A variet of materials can be used.
I also value dramatic play as part of the curriculum and think this is an activity that largely develops language, social skills, creative thinking, among many other benefits.
Overall, I enjoy collecting documentation for Emergent curriculum and sharing this with the children, other staff, and parents. I enjoy being involved in this type of creative learning and seeing the children's interests evolve into bigger questions and subjects. It is a joy to be a part of.
Thanks for thee info. :)
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