My ideal program... to be honest, this is a very hard topic to discuss, for two reasons. One, there are so many amazing programs out there that it is hard to try and choose one to base mine on. And two, I have only had experience with South Korean educational programs. Therefore, I have not really had the chance to experience any other programs firsthand. As much as I have read and learned about them, I have not really seen any of those programs in person and thus, sometimes some of what they say is hard to belief can be done in a classroom.
So what about my ideal program? Well, as stated above, there are so many amazing programs out there! They all have their own strengths and weaknesses. So, for my program, I will just try and incorporate the strengths of some of the various programs in various degrees, and as much as possible. For this ideal program, I will be focusing on grades Pre-K to 3rd Grade for our school(s).
The following approaches will be applied for the Pre-K and Kindergarten grades.
One of the biggest strengths of the Montessori system is the fact that they allow children from different age groups to study together. With the older children serving as role models for the younger ones. In Montessori schools, this approach usually covers a three year range. Therefore, in my program, Kindergartners will serve as the role models for their Pre-K friends.
A second strength that will be incorporated is their Montessori based learning tools/toys. These tools were made specifically to help students learn on their own, and to gather hands-on experience of what they are learning.
A prepared environment is a third strength of the Montessori philosophy that will be included. The environment is proportional to children's height and size in order to better help children reach materials, or anything of interest, to help them develop their interests.
Student-centered approach. Teachers are guides to help students learn, while a child's interests will lead the way.
The first strength I will take from this approach is its belief in project-based learning. By combining Reggio Emilia projects and the age difference population of Montessori, students in my program will learn to better communicate, cooperate, and problem solving (other important aspects of the Reggio Emilia approach).
A second strength that will come from Reggio Emilia is their strong belief in documenting a child's work. All over our classrooms, and schools, our students' work will be on display. Students and parents will be able to see not just their creative works, but also photos and videos of the process they went on to create their masterpieces.
The "third teacher," the environment will also play an integral part of my ideal program. The schools and classrooms will have plenty of natural lighting, with large windows; indoor plants; and easy access to the outside world.
The "100 Languages of Children." Any way a child is going to want to demonstrate themselves, will be welcomed in our schools. Students will be able to draw, write, dance, etc., in order to be able to express themselves.
Like with the Montessori approach, Reggio Emilia will also add a student-centered approach to my ideal program. Teachers will be partners with their students to help them as they learn. Again, with a child's interest leading the way.
This approach does not have an official name (I have seen some call it "Cooperative Schooling," although, this name also applies to a whole other educational philosophy, therefore, it will not be used here), so for now I will just call it "Parent Involvement." In my ideal program, parents will be inspired to be an active member of their child's educational life. A few times a month, parents can come to the classroom and help out. They can read stories to the class, play with the students, help prepare snacks, help on field trips, etc. Parents will be helpers/assistants to the classroom teachers.
The main strengths that my program will gain from this is the fact that parents and children will be able to spend some more quality time together (very important in this very busy world we live in). As well as, it will help parents to have a better/stronger relationship with their children's teachers. This then leads to better communication for everyone involved.
The following approach will be applied for the first to third grades.
Living in a 21st Century world, our students need to have a more international or global mindset. That is where the IB PYP curriculum comes in. With this curriculum, our students will be able to grow with an international-mindedness. The curriculum's focus on local and global issues is a great asset for students. This will help students to be better prepared for this globalized world we live in, since the curriculum helps them learn about the world itself.
A second important feature of the IB PYP curriculum is its high adoption rate around the world. If any of our students were to enroll at another school with this curriculum, they will be better suited for the transition to their new school. Leading to less stress for the student, and more time on them acclimating to their new surroundings.
The following approaches will be applied for all grade levels.
My ideal program will be designed to not just help our students academically, but to help them grow in all areas: intellectual, social, emotional, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual needs will be developed. By helping our students develop all these areas, they can learn to build better relationships with their fellow people, and the environment.
As a big believer in this style of learning, I must include it in my ideal educational program! Play-based learning, like many of the previous approaches mentioned above, helps students develop in so many areas: physical (and health), gross motor skills, social, emotional, intellectual, academic, problem solving etc. However, one reason I truly enjoy using play in my classrooms is because students are having fun while they are learning! This is the main reason I include it in my class and in my ideal program because it helps student engagement with the lesson.
It will be important with my ideal program that our schools and the local community have a working relationship. I want our schools to be involved with the local community. It can take field trips to local areas; we can have neighborhood clean-ups; volunteer where help is needed; etc. The community will also provide assistance for the schools. Local firefighters/police officers can visit a school and discuss their occupations; local farms and/or grocery stores can provide plants, fruits, and vegetables for the school garden; and local residents can help with providing safety for our students.
As much as possible, my program will also try to incorporate the standards and/or curriculum of the local country. Similar to the second reason for including the IB PYP curriculum into my program, by including a local curriculum into it as well, our students will be better suited for a transition outside our schools. If they happen to enter a local school, they can more easily transition into their educational system.
Many of the great qualities from one program can be found in another program, but with a different name. No one program can claim to be the only one to practice a certain strategy. All I have done with my ideal program above, is just bring attention to each of the various strengths of each approach and tried to highlight them. In the end, as mentioned a few times before, all the programs I took inspiration from are great and each offer a wonderful learning experience for students. I just hope that my "Frankenstein" approach to them can also help our students learn and grow as well.
References
Barblett, L. (n.d.). Why play-based learning? Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/our-publications/every-child-magazine/every-child-index/every-child-vol-16-3-2010/play-based-learning-free-article/
Core Components of Montessori Education. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/What-Is-Montessori/Core-Components-of-Montessori
Gale, R. (2018, October 12). Co-op preschools: Everything parents need to know. Retrieved from
https://www.workingmother.com/co-op-preschools-everything-parents-need-to-know
Holistic Education. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.schoolaroundus.org/holisticeducation
Loveless, B. (n.d.). Holistic education: A comprehensive guide. Retrieved from https://www.educationcorner.com/holistic-education.html
Stoudt, A. (n.d.). The Reggio Emilia approach. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/reggio-emilia-approach/
The Montessori Method. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fundacionmontessori.org/the-montessori-method.htm
The Room 241 Team. (2018, September 27). The importance of play-based learning. Retrieved from https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/classroom-resources/play-based-learning/
What is the PYP? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/what-is-the-pyp/
What is the Reggio Emilia Approach? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aneverydaystory.com/beginners-guide-to-reggio-emilia/main-principles/
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