Early Childhood Education Essays

MONTESSORI’S research shows that children learn through movement and should have environments that are specifically tailored to meet their needs. Montessori schools provide a foundation for learning that is centred on care for the environment, care for the self as individual and

The Montessori system of education was developed during the first half of the 1900’s by Dr. Maria Montessori as a result of her extensive research observations and experimental testing (Lillard, 2005, pp. 16-18). Dr. Montessori was of the belief that children contain an innate desire to learn and her research showed that, when given the

Early Childhood Education illustrates the teaching and care of children in other environments outside of the home. Early childhood centers on the development of all children no matter their gender, race, abilities, or ethnic orientation and gives knowledge of early childhood learning process, which entails values, culture, desires of parents for their children, and especially a child’s need for knowledgeable functionality in society.

When comparing and contrasting two teaching approaches, it is important to remember that although there is a myriad of different types i.e. Froebel, Montessori, Steiner etc., they all possess similarities and differences. Each individual approach has many fascinating points, however the Montessori and Steiner approach will be discussed in this essay. Montessori’s approach is based on the understanding that children have an inborn capacity to acquire information and to teach themselves when placed in an environment that allows freedom and independence to work at their own pace (Miller, 2010, p.71). Whereas Steiner’s approach is based on the understanding that children learn primarily through imitation and whatever is happening around them from

My philosophy of Early childhood education is based on research that indicates that a child’s growth is developmental. Every child is unique in terms of life experiences, developmental readiness, and cultural heritage. A high quality early childhood program that provides a safe and nurturing environment, which promotes physical, social, emotional, language and cognitive development will ensure a positive continuation of the child’s education process

Friedrich Froebel had the idea that children learn best through play and by having real experiences and from these theories he was the founder of the first ever kindergarten in 1840 (Meggitt et al, 2011). Following the theory that children learn best through play, Frobel introduced toys that he called, ‘Froebel Gifts’ or ‘gaben’ which included balls, wooden blocks, rings, tiles and sticks which were all the key elements of Froebel’s kindergarten (Watson, 2002).

“Play is developmentally appropriate for primary-age children and can provide them with opportunities that enrich the learning experience” (Copple & Bredekamp 2009). Early childhood education holds two main focuses; a child-based focus and a family-based focus. Early childhood education has positive outcomes on the child through their learning experiences, and their growth and development. Based on the family, the results of early education happen through the communication that the family has with the educators and by the encouragement they get from within themselves, and also from the educators.

Students spend most of their time working on the floor where they have their own individual carpets. They put them down to outline their personal workspace. Instead of there being various toys and games spread through out the classroom, there are specific sensory materials and manipulatives that are self correcting and purposeful to student’s learning. On the walls students’ work fill spaces throughout the classroom, similar to the walls of a Head Start classroom. Montessori classrooms are made up of mixed grades and ages, something that is not typical of traditional classrooms.

The Montessori approach aims to promote children 's holistic development but by stepping back and allowing the children to play by themselves without intervention. Practitioners are expected to step back and only get involved in the children 's learning only if invited or if the child is at risk of harming themselves or other children. I think that it is important that practitioners get involved in children 's play and learning only to improve the child’s current learning. They could do this by challenging them or by asking the children questions to further the child’s learning. This could also be done through adult-led activities as they are more structured as APPOSE to the child-led activities. Child-led activities are SPONTANOUS and are often do not have a certain aim where as in adult-led activities have an aim that is expected to be reached by the end of the activity.

This essay discusses two great theorists Maria Montessori and Friedrich Froebel. First, I will evaluate and compare their similarities and differences in philosophy and methods of education. Furthermore, Montessori’s and Froebel’s influence and implementation on early childhood education. Finally, my personal view of theorists educational methods which I could use in practice with young children in early childhood and childcare education as a practitioner. I will discuss my own attitudes, values and beliefs related on reflection on learning from Maria Montessori and Friedrich Froebel.

Inspired by the work of Itard and Seguin, two almost forgotten French doctors, Maria Montessori took the idea of scientific approach to develop her theories, principles and beliefs in early childhood education, which through observation and experimentation. All the learning activities and teaching materials are purposeful and aimed to stimulate senses, mind, and provide self-esteem and achievement.

Edwards, C. P. (2002). Three Approaches from Europe: Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia. Early Childhood Research and Practice, 4(1), 2-14. Retrieved from http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v4n1/edwards.html

The education of the young mind is an important step in preparing the child for future learning experiences. The evolution of early childhood education has changed how adults and parents view the importance of offering stimulating and exciting opportunities to the very young. Early childhood Education offers the young child learning experiences that benefit them throughout their educational career. They soon embark on a whole new world of learning. These children are not only experiencing standard brain growth, but verbal and physical skills as well. Early childhood education teachers use a variation of techniques for instructing. They use lesson plans, worksheets, and even teacher resources for these young minds.

Maria Montessori’s book gives a picture of her passion for children and to help them learn the way she perceived that they were meant to. By having the opportunity to read her original work afforded me the opportunity to understand her philosophies more clearly. I agree that her ideas have an important place in education today and see that she tips the scale in child and teacher led activities to be led by children in order for those activities to be more relevant to the child as well as having a greater impact on their learning. I appreciate her use of didactic materials that are designed to be practical and that her activities and play are focused as closely to real life and community as possible. This allows the child to truly prepare for life beyond the classroom. In Maria’s opinion on the role and training of her teachers, while I understand her desire to start teachers

The education system back in her era focused on teaching the children to memorise word to word from books and posters and Children sat in rows at desks at the classroom learning from a blackboard and slates. This method of education wasn’t stimulating and exciting for children. Nevertheless through her experience Montessori discovered children want to learn, and they will do it in their own time frame and they shouldn’t be forced.