American School of Milan The Value of Emergent Curriculum in Early Childhood

Nurturing Curiosity

In our Early Childhood program, we have embraced an exciting, child-centered approach to teaching known as emergent curriculum. Since the beginning of this school year, our team has focused on implementing this approach, which centers on the interests, curiosity, and experiences of the children. Unlike traditional curriculums that follow a fixed schedule of topics and activities, emergent curriculum unfolds organically. By allowing learning to arise naturally from the children’s own inquiries and discoveries, we’re nurturing a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom walls.

What Is Emergent Curriculum?

Emergent curriculum is a flexible, child-led approach that places children’s interests at the heart of the learning process. This approach doesn’t rely on a pre-determined plan or curriculum. Instead, it develops based on what the children find intriguing, puzzling, or exciting. As educators, our role shifts from instructors to facilitators and guides. We observe the children’s interests, listen to their ideas, and engage with their questions. By doing so, we create meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning experiences that are tailored to the children’s natural curiosity and developmental needs.

This approach fosters an environment where learning is self-directed and dynamic. Emergent curriculum is responsive, allowing teachers to adapt the classroom experience based on real-time observations. It cultivates an atmosphere where students feel valued and heard, as their interests drive the curriculum. This encourages a sense of ownership and confidence in their learning, helping them build critical skills such as creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience.

How Does Emergent Curriculum Work?

Implementing an emergent curriculum is an ongoing process that involves attentive listening, thoughtful observation, and responsive planning. Here’s how it typically unfolds in the classroom:

Observation Teachers closely observe the children as they play, interact, and engage in different activities. They take note of the children’s interests, the questions they ask, and the topics they’re naturally drawn to.

Listening and Engaging Educators actively listen to the children’s ideas, thoughts, and stories. By engaging in conversations with the children, teachers gain insights into what truly fascinates them and identify opportunities for deeper exploration.

Planning Based on Interests Based on these observations, teachers design activities that center on the children’s interests. The curriculum might change daily or weekly, depending on how the children’s interests evolve.

Hands-On Experiences Emergent curriculum relies heavily on experiential learning. Activities are designed to be interactive and hands-on, providing children with opportunities to explore, experiment, and create.

Reflection and Adaptation Teachers regularly reflect on the success of each activity and adapt their plans as needed. This process ensures that learning remains relevant and meaningful, always evolving with the children’s growing interests.

For instance, if teachers observe that the children are fascinated by insects, the classroom activities might revolve around that topic for the next few days or weeks. By following the children’s lead, teachers create an engaging and exciting learning environment for young learners.

Bringing Learning to Life:
Hands-On Exploration and Multidisciplinary Integration

Emergent curriculum is designed to offer diverse, multidisciplinary learning experiences that cater to children’s interests. When children express curiosity about a particular topic, teachers integrate various subjects to provide a rich, holistic learning experience. Here’s how we might explore a topic like insects through different subjects:

Hands-On Exploration

If the children are interested in insects, we might set up a mini-garden in the classroom where they can observe insects up close. This hands-on setup allows children to study insect behavior, habitats, and physical features in real-time.

Literacy Connections

Children are encouraged to draw the insects they observe or create colorful collages inspired by insect patterns. This allows them to express their observations artistically, blending scientific exploration with creativity.

Art & Science Integration

If children notice patterns on insects like ladybugs or bees, we might explore basic math concepts like symmetry and pattern recognition. This introduces mathematical thinking in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Through such activities, children gain a well-rounded understanding of the topic. They are learning science, literacy, art, and math, all within the context of a subject that genuinely interests them. Every day becomes an opportunity to learn through discovery, fostering a love of learning that will stay with them beyond their early years.

Why Is an Emergent Curriculum So Valuable?

Increased Engagement When children have a say in what they’re learning, they become more engaged. They’re excited to explore topics that resonate with them personally, which keeps them motivated and attentive.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving The emergent curriculum encourages children to ask questions, investigate, and think critically. Rather than passively absorbing information, they actively seek answers, fostering essential problem-solving skills.

Creativity and Innovation As children explore various topics, they are encouraged to think creatively and outside the box. This freedom to create and experiment supports innovation and builds confidence in their ideas.

Social Skills and Collaboration Emergent curriculum often involves group activities where children share ideas, negotiate roles, and work together. This collaborative aspect teaches social skills and helps children learn the value of teamwork.

Emotional Growth and Confidence When children see that their interests and ideas are valued, they develop a sense of self-worth. They feel respected, which boosts their confidence and encourages them to express themselves openly.

Our Journey with Emergent Curriculum

Since implementing an emergent curriculum in our Early Childhood program, we’ve had the chance to follow our students’ interests in unexpected and exciting ways. Here are a few examples from this school year

Praying Mantis Study

One morning, our students discovered a praying mantis in the early childhood play lot. Fascinated, they gathered around to observe the insect closely. This spontaneous encounter became the catalyst for a week-long exploration. With the help of magnifying glasses and other science tools, the children examined the mantis in detail. Teachers guided them through research, showing them how to look up information online about the insect’s habits, diet, and life cycle. The children also engaged in a visible thinking routine, making observations about the mantis’s unique features.

Rainy Day Exploration

On a rainy day, another class took the opportunity to explore the school grounds and observe how rain transforms the environment. Bundled in rain gear, the children ventured outside to observe puddles, water droplets, and the sensory experience of rain. They noticed how the water collected in certain areas, observed how plants responded to the moisture and even discussed the sound of rain. This spontaneous outdoor exploration allowed them to connect with nature while developing sensory awareness and observation skills.

Snail Investigation

One day, two students brought live snails from their homes to share with their classmates. This simple act of sharing led to a fascinating classroom investigation. Students observed the snails’ behavior, carefully noting details about their movement and shell patterns. They then visited the library to find books on snails, learning more about their habitats, diet, and life cycle. For a creative twist, the children painted patterns inspired by the snails’ shells, blending science with art.

These experiences are just a few examples of how an emergent curriculum can make learning feel natural, exciting, and relevant. By following the children’s lead, we’ve created learning moments that they’ll remember fondly, and that nurtures a lifelong love of discovery.

Looking Forward:
The Future of Emergent Curriculum in Our Classrooms

As we continue to embrace an emergent curriculum, we’re excited to see where our students’ interests will lead us next. Each day presents new opportunities for exploration and growth. The unpredictability of an emergent curriculum is part of its beauty; we can never fully predict what topics will captivate the children, but we know that following their curiosity will result in meaningful learning.

Our goal is to build a classroom environment where every child feels valued and heard. By placing their interests at the center of the curriculum, we empower them to take charge of their learning journey. This approach not only fosters academic skills but also instills confidence, creativity, and a sense of wonder.

The Lifelong Benefits of Emergent Curriculum

Emergent curriculum is more than just a method—it’s a philosophy that respects the unique voice and curiosity of each child. Through hands-on experiences, multidisciplinary learning, and real-world exploration, children learn in ways that resonate with them personally. They develop critical skills, build self-confidence, and gain an appreciation for learning that will carry them through their school years and beyond.

We look forward to continuing this journey with our Early Childhood students, and we are excited to see the impact that emergent curriculum will have on their growth and development. With each new discovery, they’re not only learning about the world but also discovering their place within it.