Early childhood education is constantly in flux as research on brain development and global sharing of best practices keep educators on their toes. Some cultures believe children learn best through a play-based curriculum and others through didactic instruction. I believe children learn best through experiences. Experiences in which teachers integrate curriculum and scaffold instruction. Carollee Howes in Culture and Child Development in Early Childhood Programs states "Effective teaching requires teachers who can engage children in warm, sensitive, and meaningful interaction" (2010, p148).
Two examples of innovative and inspiring approaches for fostering learning during early childhood are Auburn Early Education Center and Lucy School. I learned of the Auburn Early Education Center (AEEC) when searching the internet for kindergarten programs. "The mission of AEEC is to provide meaningful, integrated experiences that nurture a child's natural curiosity necessary for life-long learning." AEEC is a public Title 1 school that provides kindergarten in Auburn, Alabama. I feel having a school that is just kindergarten is an innovative approach to education. Kindergarten is unique in their standards and curriculum. Administrators in K-5 elementary schools focus on the testing grades due to accountability even though they realize addressing needs in K and 1 would be more beneficial. You can learn more about this unique school by going to http://www.auburnschools.org/auburn_early_ed/
The second innovative school is Lucy School which I learned about from a fellow colleague in my Walden Studies. The Lucy School is an Arts based school and teacher training center in Middletown, MD located on a 17-acre farm. "The arts, in all their forms, bring that meaningful context to the classroom. When individual students make connections between what they are studying and the physical and emotional world they live in, that learning "sticks". The arts integration allows the student to engage their brain and their heart. You can learn more abouth this unique school by going to http://www.lucyschool.com/
Are you familiar with any innovative schools? Schools that are changing with the 21st century? What do you believe is important for early childhood education? Please share.
