I started my studies into the various curriculum models! I began by learning more about High Scope, which is actually my first visit scheduled for January 30-February 1st in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Although I'm familiar with the curriculum it shocked me to learn that it got it's start by David Weikart who as a public school teacher was told that african-american children could only learn so much. This came from the perspective of the 1950s in a segretated Detroit area, but it made me realize how far (but still have far to go) in 60 years. So many of the curriculum models began with a focus on a particular segment of the population in an attempt to "catch up" with the rest of the population - I'm thinking of Montessori, Head Start, and direct instruction also.

I was also reminded of the similarities of this curriculum with adult learning. How we plan what we're doing, we do it, but often forget that important part of reflecting about exactly what we did! Going through the motions, but not really comprehending why we are doing those motions and what we learned. That is one aspect that I have seen enter adult education - reflection. I think it is a critical component in the learning process.

So now I'm really excited about visiting the High Scope school and seeing what it looks like in action. This blog will allow me to reflect on what I'm seeing and comparing it to the models I'm reading about - thus learning.

I did discover some cool little books by Nicky Holt about several curriculum models. The one I read is entitled "Bringing the HighScope Approach to your early years practice". I got it as an ebook and saw she has one on Montessori and a couple others. I bought "Models of Early Childhood Education" by Ann Epstein which is a book about comparing High Scope to several other curriculum models. Interesting reading also. I'm going to pick one up at the Harper Library that is more specific to the High Scope Model.

I'm going to begin reading "Explorations with Young Children" about Bank Street Education. Nice thing to do with the snow falling outside!