Emergent Curriculum

Emergent curriculum is the idea that the themes and activities which happen in a preschool program should center on the interests of the children. FOr teachers who already have this child-centered philosophy, this book is an enjoyable read and an important step in moving towards the Project Approach. For those who are used to teaching with a theme-a-week, pre-written lesson plans (or something similar), this book takes you on a journey of transformation in a very relaxed way. As an early childhood teacher for over 15 years, this is the book that is first on my recommendations for teachers or programs wishing to provide high quality education. It is an easily readable book, mixing good practice with real characters for a book which at times reads like a good novel.

This book has changed the face of our early childhood program.It has become our journal and map to providing a more appropriate child directed program. I have found that it released our teachers from the bounderies that surrounded them by guiding them to a classroom that is focused on the children's interest and yet provided an approach that was within reach. Emergent was always a frightening concept - but this book brought it down to earth for the staff by walking them through a year long journey of group of teachers - many of them with personalities that are similar to ourselves - breaking down each step and showing the simplicity of the concept. I recommend that this be a guide to all early childhood programs that step forward in their quest to providing a developmentally appropriate enviroment for their children