In making professional judgements, they weave together their: • professional knowledge and skills • knowledge of children, families and communities • awareness of how their beliefs and values impact on children’s learning • personal styles and past experiences. They also draw on their creativity, intuition and imagination to help them improvise and adjust their practice to suit the time, place and context of learning. Different theories about early childhood inform approaches to children’s learning and development. Early childhood educators draw upon a range of perspectives in their work which may include: • developmental theories that focus on describing and understanding the processes of change in children’s learning and development over time • socio-cultural theories that emphasise the central role that families and cultural groups play in children’s learning and the importance of respectful relationships and provide insight into social and cultural contexts of learning and development • socio-behaviourist theories that focus on the role of experiences in shaping children’s behaviour • critical theories that invite early childhood educators to challenge assumptions about curriculum, and consider how
The more children know about their world, the easier it is for them to read and learn when they get to school. You have an important role to play in helping children learn new information, ideas, and vocabulary and how to use this knowledge to become full participants in their own learning. You can help children to connect new information and ideas to what they already know and understand. As a teacher, you and the children's parents and caregivers are partners in helping to get the children ready for future school success. Good communication with parents and caregivers can build support for and strengthen the important work that you are doing in the classroom.
Authentic observations and assessments are a valuable and irreplaceable tool in many areas of child development. The assist in the early detection of children who may be in need of specialized services, and they are also great tools in helping the teacher plan instruction for individuals as well as for group instruction. Assessments are also a great and reliable tool that is utilized in helping professionals identify where their program and staff are lacking and where improvements and adjustments are needed to better meet the goals that are set for children's developmental needs. As a child educator it is important to know how to have meaningful conversations with children. Early childhood educators need to learn to watch and listen to a child long enough to determine a what a child's goals should be and as an educator understand the child's individual needs to develop strategies for attaining those goals.
(Katz & Chard, 2000, p. 2)” The two essential elements of the project approach are “child-centered activities” and “social reconstruction”. Child-centered is means that enables children to follow their interests and fascinations. That is spontaneous learning method that they can learn about practical information and a theoretical framework through the process of developing a project in group. This learning-method leading developmental objectives: physical, cognitive and language, affective and social and aesthetic development (Guide to the Pre-primary Curriculum,2006, p.17). Phases 1: Beginning a project Children are leading learners but no only received information.
Family system theory it explains why family act the way that they do in different situations. This theory is typically used in family counseling and therapy; much can be learned from examining it in the context of early childhood settings. Family systems theory has been used in trying to understand problems of students in school settings (Sawatzky, Eckert, & Ryan 1993; Widerman & Widerman 1995; Kraus 1998; Van Velsor & Cox 2000). The need to understand early childhood setting is indicates by professional organization so they can prepare early childhood and elementary professional. The concept of family theory is to help each member of the family by influencing and encouraging each other.
Understanding Child Development For professionals and parents ensuring your child has the best start in life is of fundamental importance. Understanding how children develop, the rate and sequence of development especially, helps us to provide the resources that a child needs in order to maximise their potential. This booklet will look at factors affecting children’s development as well as some of the theories of development which affect current practice. Included in this booklet is a reference for parents and professionals which explains how to monitor children’s development and what to do if a child needs help with his or her development. Factors affecting development There are a range of factors which can affect a child’s development which begins from the moment of conception, and which will influence how the child develops and at what rate.
Language development is encouraged by learning centers as children verbalize their activities and interact with peers. Learning centers help teachers follow developmentally appropriate practice by providing materials which children can use according to their individual development (Pattillo, 1992, pp 12-13 ). Teachers must guide the learning process, using scaffolding techniques to keep children actively engaged. Vygotsky's theory of the zone of proximal development posits that learning occurs only when children are supported in appropriately challenging activities (Follari, 2007, pp 39-40). Teachers must also observe and make assessments regularly, modifying the environment as needed to enhance integrated development of all domains.
My philosophy on Early Childhood Education I believe as a teacher, I am responsible for providing young children with a positive learning experience. I strive to be a positive role model for the children left in my care, and in the community I serve. Children have the right to have their needs meet, to have a positive learning experience while in the care of their caregivers. Children learn what they live, and I have the opportunity while working with these children on a daily basis to teach them how to respect one another, by leading by example. You can teach them patients by showing them patients.
Early childhood teachers need to formulate and develop their curriculum based on the developmental needs, interests, strengths, learning styles, cultural background, and previous learning experiences of their students, understanding that all children learn differently, but all children can learn and be successful. Child centered learning is a philosophy that is reflective of the social cultural theory of Lev Vygotsky. He believed that teachers should be facilitators and a partner in their students learning. Vygotsky believed that a child’s experiences from the past with people, places and things provided a framework for their knowledge, as noted by Jaramillo (1996). This concept focuses on children taking an active role in their learning through social interaction with others and objects.
Importance of Early Childhood Education It’s important for a child to receive early education because it is the time for growing, forming and brain developing. Children who are small require specific skills like language, social interaction. When they are small they have the ability to take everything in and remember to well. We as parents have the opportunity to nurture and educate our children on all levels, making sure that our children are being taught properly. Early childhood education is a field of study that concerns itself with all aspect of early life experiences.