Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Grainne's Comparison/links

Links:

Reggio Emilia:
www.youngchildrenslearning.ecsd.net/main.htm
www.clercenter.gallaudet.edu/cdc/riggio.hml
Most:
What Every Parent Should Know about Alternative Education
www.parenthood.com/article-topics/article-topics.php?article_id=2801
All:
http://www.wikipedia.com/

Reggio Emilia
Montessori said "follow the child" but this seems to be taken to that extreme. The curriculum is completely chosen by the child and guided with parent and teacher cooperation. The part I found very interesting is that Reggio Emilia seems to have a greater emphasis on art in the curriculum.

I was also curious about Waldorf because people have said to me that it is a lot like Montessori. I do see a similarity in the belief that children pass through stages of learning and that learning changes with age. There seems to be a great emphasis on the arts, creative movement, storytelling and imagination, possibly more than Montessori.

D. Torrens Peace Education 3-6 Curriculum

Diamira Torrens
Peace Education Curriculum
3-6 Classroom

- From the beginning of the year the children should be taught Grace and Courtesy reminding the older children and teaching the new children.
- When a conflict occurs the child should be taught to address the other child and express his feeling. When a child in unable a teacher may help “speak” for them.
- If someone is hurt physically the child can help hold the ice on the hurt child.
- In the geography area cultures should be expanded on brining in parents of different cultures to introduce the children to different food, music, dance or anything related to that culture.
- The older children that are writing can write stories on how to deal with someone who hurt us or how to treat others. Scenarios can be given to encourage them to think about others feelings.
- A jar shall be placed in the classroom that can hold small notes of random acts of kindness, small children can dictate to the teacher what they have seen, older ones can write them and teachers can also write what they have witnessed. They can be read during circle time.
- The silence game will be played often, sometimes outdoors so the child can become aware of the world around him.
- Giving responsibility to the children to take care of the class pet and learning to be careful.
- Read books about friendship and kindness often.
- Teach the children about inner peace and controlling their breathing.