“Education is not preparation for life; education is life
itself.” John Dewey
One of the
greatest gifts teachers can give to their students is a life-long love of
learning. Although the educational pendulum is swinging strongly toward making
education more uniform, early childhood teachers must remember that children
are notuniform. Children’s
interests differ widely depending on their own experiences. Meeting the
learning needs of each child demands the full, and creative, attention of a
teacher’s mind and heart.
The Project
Approach offers teachers a way to build their curriculum on the natural
curiosity of children. When immersed in a topic that is local and relevant,
students actively participate in the educational experience. This kind of
authentic learning energizes the child as they “become part of a community of
investigators” instead of a passive recipient of information.
“Along with
the motivation it provides,” writes Dr. Sylvia C. Chard, “project work also
integrates all areas of learning and aspects of child development. It offers
many chances to practice problem solving and critical thinking—skills that
build language, math, and scientific understanding. In fact, it helps children
gain confidence in themselves and their abilities and develops in them the
disposition to strive for understanding.”
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