Emergent Curriculum?

Question

I'm working with children aged 3-5 years in australia and the childcare centre has just introduced an emergent curriculum. I have extensive experience with an emergent curriculm but the parents at the centre are worried that the children just 'play' all day and no learning is happening. I have written in the newsletter all about the value of a play based program and the values of play in each learning area but they still just want their kids to learn ABC and numbers. I have also copied readings about the benefits of this type of program. I believe these things should be taught in a play situation and not forced in a structured environment. Anyone had experiece with an emergent curriculum and can give ideas on how to educate parents?

Thanks :)

Answer 1

kids need to develop their  motor skills and a basic phonics background so they can do well and  they move onto 5-6yr kindegarten here.

playdough letters, putting things in order, shapes, colors, putting things away-   all needed skills.  

other than showing emergent as a needed part of the first two/three years of school-   i dunno how to deal with parents

Answer 2

would it be possible for you to arrange a meeting with all the parents?, that way you can explain everything to them and this would also give the parents the chance to ask you about any concerns they have or questions they would like to ask