What do you think about children making their own choices in childcare as far as learning?

Question

The child develope center that I work at allows the children to have choices through out the day. When we have circle time, if they choose not to come, then they dont have to, it's their choice, no matter what group time you might try to have, they dont have to come and partisipate., but on the other hand the consequence for not partisipating, will be taking away some of their outside play time, but what do that matter because you can only take away 5 minutes out of 45minutes. The curriculum we use is called Creative Curriculum, so I find that actually doing planning for the week is not easy because you'll basiclly be teaching them the same thing over and over. I thought that I found away around by putting things in the room to draw their attention to other areas, but because I did that, it wasnt their own imagination, and now my job is on the line.....I only wanted to teach because that is what I do. Teach.! Any suggestions from child care providers who has been in shoes?

Answer 1

I can understand your frustration because you only want to teach them but you can't really force them as that's the school's philosophy.

There's only two options as far as I can see. Make your activities more appealing to them so that they would want to join in. Alter your routines when you can. Like instead of having Circle Time indoors, have it outside. Or you can switch the routines for the day. If you usually have Story Time last, read a story before class starts.

The other option is to talk to the school about the problem. You can tell them that although freedom is good, teaching children about structure and authority is important as well. Ask them if giving the children choices can be limited to Free Play time. Your kids are missing a lot when they skip out on Circle Time, like learning to sing, listen and follow directions. They could also miss out on learning important things like the days of the week, numbers and months when singing about the day.

Answer 2

Children need to make sum choices in their daily routine as it helps them develop a sense of independence but there needs to be limits in place so that they experience a diverse range of play experiences. If they choose everything they do they will end up doing the same thing over and over and they wont learn new skills or information. Programs need to be planned so that any problems can be identified, thru observations, and the program can cater for these children and experiences can be planned that help these children develop more skills in certain areas.

Answer 3

The children do have choices when they are in the learning areas, but if you are in circle time and the child doesn't want to come to circle time I would tell him that you don't have to come to the circle but you have to sit at  the table with a puzzle or some other type of learning activity.

And you never keep a pre schooler in from outside play.

And you aren't teaching from the creative curriculum, you are making and indivulaize lesson plan from the creative curculum.

During circle time have you tried helpers chart for the children,

Your teaching aids don't have to be the children own imagination, their own creative ideas will come from the things you have out in the different areas.

Your areas should reflect your lesson plan for that week.

Your lesson plan should be posted for anyone to see as they come in to your classroom, not the indiviualize lesson plan.

We also use the creative curriculum. (Head Start)

Answer 4

It can be a strange experience, entering a child-centered curriculum when you're used to the more traditional methods. I promise you, it is the BEST way for children to learn. Children learn by their own interests - you can't force a 3 year old to do anything, let alone work on their letters or listen to a story when they'd rather be elsewhere. But when they choose the activity, they are automatically interested, which is the first step to learning. They are naturally motivated to investigate, experiment, and learn!

The teacher's job becomes preparing the environment - not dispensing information. It becomes your job to take a careful look at your learning centers and your activities (whether you operate on weekly themes or project approach) and make sure that they are challenging to your kids. Make them developmentally appropriate, interesting, and interactive. Support the children's investigations and ask questions to lead them further into their work.

I also use the Creative Curriculum, and I've enjoyed it thus far. My kids aren't required to come to circle time, or any other small/large group activities (although most of them choose to, most of the time). If I find that several children are interested in something else at circle time, I'll often change our schedule and direct the class' attention to that activity. It must be something special if several kids are there!

Try to let go a little, and give the CC a chance. Work with the spirit of the program, not just the requirements. Let your children choose and document their activities with photos, audio/video recordings, and your own notes. This will help you see firsthand just how much "teaching" you're doing! Don't give up - it will pay off!