In the past seventy-five years, research has provided a great deal of information about child development, viewing childhood as a separate and distinct stage of life with its own characteristics. Utilizing this information by teachers is to use what is called developmentally appropriate practices. There are many curriculums which have been created following these guidelines and the way children learn in preschool has undergone many changes from previous years.
What this means is that children are taught in ways that match how they develop and learn. This allows them to have opportunities to learn and practice newly acquired skills and offers challenges just beyond reach of their current level and allows growth to the next level. This takes place "in the context of community where children are safe and valued, where their physical needs are met, and where they feel psychologically secure", as stated in the Creative Curriculum.
Using their knowledge of child development, teachers form a relationship with each child and their family, with parent involvement being very important for the success for each child. Added to this is new information about content in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology which all preschool children can and should learn.
There are major theories behind this developmentally appropriate practice, taken from educators such as Abraham Maslow, Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Howard Gardner, and Sara Smilansky.
Briefly, Maslow theorizes that there is a hierarchy of needs common to all human beings. Erikson targets the emotions and learning. Piaget theorizes about logical thinking and reasoning while Vygotsky introduces the theory of social interaction and learning. Gardner discusses multiple intelligences, and Smilansky theorizes about the role of children's play in learning. All valuable insight into how children learn and the optimum way to teach them.
To read more about these educators and their theories, check out your local libraries in Vineland and Millville. They have a great selection of child development books and DVD's for you to borrow. Another great resource is Bogart's Books on High Street in Millville. There is an ever-changing supply of used books and a large selection for child development.
Remember parents, you are your child's first teacher and what you do with your children at home will give them the foundation they need for school.
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