by on 02/12/2019 14125
Learn about the different early childhood education methods and decide which one is the right fit for your child.
Few preschools fall neatly into one category or another. Most comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum type. It is common for teachers to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to guide children across multiple areas of learning such as language, mathematics, science, art and more. Lessons usually focus on periodic themes and promote the development of the whole child.
Learning mode
Environment
Materials
Learning Outcomes
Teacher’s Role
Best Suited For Children Who:
This approach focuses on the structure of knowledge that is organised into subjects.
Structured, sit-down lessons and activities
Low social interaction, movement and free play
Books, worksheets and whiteboards
Academic skills
Give direct instructions
Can sit through structured lessons
Are focused
Do well in a less social environment
This approach revolves around initiated play and activity-based learning to help children understand the world around them.
Small group activities
High social interaction, movement, imaginative play and noise
Variety of learning aids, materials and toys
Pre-academic skills and socialisation
Observe and guide
Are active, with lots of energy
Prefers lots of activities and social opportunities
This approach allows children to make their own choices in learning, while teachers guide them in the process.
Both individual and small group activities
Hands-on experiences, learning from peers, low noise and calm environment
Space does not feel cluttered
Child-accessible concrete materials, sensorial apparatus, manipulative puzzles
Promotes character traits like independence, responsibility and respect
Facilitate and guide unobtrusively
Appreciate working through uninterrupted periods of time
Need the freedom to grow at their own pace
This approach focuses on plenty of open-ended projects that are chosen together by both the children and teachers.
Small group projects and few whole class lessons
Environment reflects the children, parents and teachers of the school
Materials and spaces foster creative exploration
Project specific and craft materials
Encourage problem-solving, logical thinking, communication and self-expression
Teachers don’t pre-plan children’s activities. The activities emerge as a product of children’s interests.
Do well in groups
Enjoy exploring and problem solving
This approach engages children through a flexible curriculum that emphasises on practical learning and nature.
Cooperative group learning
Children are not introduced to formal reading and writing skills until Year one
No standard grading system
A lot of time spent away from desk-learning.
The external environment is an integral part of the education
Embraces free thinking
Natural materials
No technological media
Sustains the holistic growth of the child – head, heart and hands
Fosters connectedness and love towards nature
Instill a sense of enthusiasm in learning
Sometimes, teachers help children complete activities
Love playing outdoors in the natural environment with peers
Want the freedom to pursue own tasks
This approach initiates activities that actively engage children in the process of thinking and forming their own understanding.
Both individual, and small and large group activities
Active learning
A lot of interactions with other people and the environment
Learning spaces are designed to promote independence
Diverse, open-ended materials that encourage exploration and exercise creativity
Higher-level thinking skills such as deciding what to do, how to carry out ideas and reflecting upon actions
Introduces children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate
Communicates trustingly as a partner with children and parents
Are self-starters and active learners
Enjoy being part of the decision-making process
This approach suggests several other ways for teachers to present teaching materials to give diverse learners a chance to succeed at learning.
Group experiences that engage all the intelligences
Thoughtful arrangement of objects and resources
Emphasis on “real life” materials
Develops all 8 areas of intelligence, from logical and linguistic to interpersonal and visual
Ability to solve problems in real life
Teach and assist children using an interdisciplinary approach
Uses different teaching strategies to cater to children’s different learning styles
Are active and loves to move
Enjoy being engaged in hands-on learning and working with friends
This approach teaches children both secular and religious subjects.
Children learn with peers that holds similar values and faiths
Balanced focus on both academics and religious studies
The collective mindset of the whole school community maintains a positive culture of close relationships
Written and unwritten rules that shape children into better citizens of the future society
Supportive books and learning materials
Academic and spiritual growth
Religious values such as trust, justice, honesty and honour
More specialised instruction to develop children’s understanding of their spiritual selves
Thrive in a close-knit learning environment with like-minded friends