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The Research Era
Researchers investigated Early Childhood Development by looking at cognitive development using different methodologies. Research was done in diverse and socioeconomic settings. It helped teachers understand how children learn, become literate, and how to teach them reading and writing. -
Maria Montessori: Senses and Systems
Maria Montessori believed children needed early, systematic training to master skills. She designed learning materials and a classroom environment that catered to children's desires to learn. She provided freedom for the students and manipulative materials they can use so they could self correct while determining their errors. -
Emergent Literacy
The emergent literacy phrase was first used by Marie Clay. It assumes the child gained some knowledge about language before joining school. Emergent literacy is the stage during which children learn the crucial skills that lead to writing and reading while exposing children to books early. It accepts children at the level they're functioning and provides a program for instruction based on their needs, as it's a child centered approach. -
John Dewey: Progressive Education
John Dewey led to the concept of child centered curriculum/progressive education. Dewey believed children learned through play in real life settings. He felt teachers should plan their curriculum by observing the interests of the children in the classroom. After observing, teachers should then create educational experiences to extend their interests. -
Jean Piaget: Cognitive Development
Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development has four major stages. The stages include sensorimotor intelligence, pre-operational thinking, concrete operational thinking, and formal operational thinking. Piaget believed that a child gains knowledge by interacting with the world. Also, by providing appropriate learning experiences and materials that stimulate students to advance their thinking.