Early Childhood Education, Essay Example

In early childhood education, it is important to give children a chance to choose various learning activities. Giving children choices in class will benefit them in many ways. It is considered an integral aspect of quality early childhood education (Deiner, 2010). The teacher should be capable of understanding the urgency of choices and have a ready mind to allow the freedom of behavioral patterns in class. The aim is to have a learning approach that is focuses more on the child than the teacher. In early childhood psychological development, children have to develop autonomy or else they will grapple with shame and doubt (Gestwicki & Bertrand, 2011). Failure to develop autonomy will make a child to remain heavily dependent on adults. Such a child is also easily influenced through their peers (Grotewell & Burton, 2008). He or she will not be capable of handling the risks associated with real learning. When children are offered choices, they get to practice abilities focused on self-determination and dependability (Gestwicki & Bertrand, 2011).

Several changes need to be made to the teaching schedule as provided. First, as the children arrive in the morning, they should put away their belongings and then select a play activity to engage in until everyone arrives. This should be followed by group time, where they sit together, sing some songs, and have some group conversations. After that, they should be presented with the day’s activity options. Each child is allowed to choose the activity that most appeals to them. Throughout the whole morning, the children will be free to move from one center to another, talk and laugh with each other. Giving children some autonomy builds their self-esteem and helps in cognitive development (Deiner, 2010). The children also learn self-regulation and how to take responsibility for their own choices. This is important for their moral development (Grotewell & Burton, 2008).

Proposed Daily Plan

References

Deiner, P. L. (2010). Inclusive early childhood education: Development, resources, and practice. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Gestwicki, C., & Bertrand, J. (2011). Essentials of early childhood education. Toronto: Nelson Education.

Grotewell, P. G., & Burton, Y. R. (2008). Early childhood education: Issues and developments. New York: Nova Science Publishers.