Variations, Literacy, and Controversies

The foundation for early childhood education has been the child centered kindergarten. This is exactly what it says. For example it is like plants and their garden. To help plants grow, they need to be nurtured. Same for children. In order for them to grow and learn their teachers need to nurture them and help them with this process. It is sad when I say, I don't feel like many teachers remember this. Also, developmentally appropriate practice is another part of the foundation. This is based on knowledge of the typical development of children within an age span, the uniqueness of a child, and sociocultural contexts. Reading and writing became a big concern in the U.S. and that is why they led to a careful examination of preschool and kindergarten and the child's experiences there. In early childhood teachers concentrate more on reading then they do on math. Young children especially benefit when they can explore and manipulate mathematical ideas while they are engaging in play. Controversies in early childhood is a big deal. The controversies are: curriculum, does preschool really matter, should there be universal preschool education, and school readiness.