Blog Post- P4

There are so many different programs because many have different views on childhood development. Each program was established or developed by a person that did research and created a program based on what he or she came to the conclusion on.

If I had to teach in three types of Follow-Through Program models they would be High Scope, Montessori, and Bank Street. The teacher role in these programs are to be facilitators and partners in learning. The children are able to find something of their interest, while the teacher meaningfully creates ways to expand their learning. What the children learn is not a forced lesson where workbooks and worksheets are used. The materials used in these programs promote problem solving  and are meant to be used independently. I believe that in the classroom the teacher learns with the children. By observing and interacting with children regularly, teachers create a nurturing environment, build relationships, and help children learn what is developmentally appropriate for them.

This study was interesting to me since I picked programs where the teachers role was a facilitator and partner in learning. The study showed that children that were in programs based on child-initiated learning activities contributed to positive development in short term and long term academic and social development. I feel that it is important for children to initiate their own learning. If a teacher sits down and shows them or explains a lesson to them, what he or she will do or learn, not all children will respond. Child-initiated learning should carry through to the elementary years. Even though there a specific things a child in elementary school should know, it would still be beneficial to the child if his or her interest was involved. Teachers in elementary classrooms who have knowledge about early childhood education, will understand the importance of child initiated activities. In the study it said that when a child was placed in a inappropriate development class, more stress behaviors were significant in the classroom. I'm not sure if there will be a time when preschool and kindergarten curriculum will align. If we can get both curriculums to align, it is the children that will benefit the most.