Is it worth it to pay for alternative systems of preschool education
Forming Educational Program / / December 19, 2019
three alternative preschool education system is represented in Russia: Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Waldorf. Deal with them in private gardens, mostly in big cities. The goal - to ensure the full development of the child.
Each kindergarten teachers believe that their approach is the most thought out. However, to create the perfect system failed anyone yet.
Maria Montessori system
This educational technique has been developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori in the early XX century. At first it was used among children with disabilities, but was later adapted for the healthy. Montessori classes can be found in many countries, including in Russia.
Distinctive features of pre-school education
- The system rests on the principle of "help me to do it myself." This means that the teacher should not teach the child, but to help him deal with yourself that he is interested.
- For classes Montessori developed special items and materials. They help maintain the second principle of the system - "learning by discovery" when the child develops itself independently Joins. In the majority of materials based on the principle of self-correction: the child himself sees and corrects their mistakes, rather than waiting for an adult.
- Much attention is paid to the surrounding area. Everything should be functional, beautiful, available for the child and is made of natural materials.
- Class space is divided into zones: a zone of real life, sensory development zone, math, language and space area. Each is equipped with a specially created for her Montessori materials.
- Children work where it suits them. They can sit on the individual mats or tables.
- The classes involved children of different ages. This is done to ensure that they are not competing, and help each other and share experience.
Disadvantages of pre-school education
- The teacher in the Montessori system is not considered a major, and the children doing what they want. It is believed that the guys are engaged in such classes, it is difficult to adapt to the discipline in a normal school.
- In Montessori classrooms are not paying attention to the development of imagination and creativity. Where you do not play, do not read fairy tales, do not draw and sing. Instead, children develop certain skills related to, for example, with the score, motor skills, language.
- Children are engaged with the materials individually, sometimes requiring the help of a teacher. Because of this, the child may lag behind in social developmentNot be able to communicate with other children.
- No report systems, indicators of development, tests.
System Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf)
The technique was developed by Austrian philosopher, educator and mystic Rudolf Steiner. The first school was opened in 1919. Her children were in the tobacco factory workers "Waldorf Astoria". Hence, the second name system.
Modern schools and children gardensEngaged in by Steiner system - a certified institutions recognized by the International Forum of Waldorf-Steiner Schools (Hague Circle), the pedagogical section of the School of Humanities at the Goetheanum and the "Friends of Waldorf education. "
Distinctive features of pre-school education
- The cornerstone of Waldorf education - anthroposophy. This religious and mystical doctrine, developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1912. Key points: the hypothesis of human trinity (Spirit, Soul and Body), its four entities (physical body, etheric body, astral body, I) and the doctrine of temperaments (Melancholic, phlegmatic, choleric, sanguine).
- Waldorf system is interested in the development of harmonious children. Every child - a personality, and should grow in accordance with their abilities and inclinations.
- Here we teach eurythmy dance. Children move freely to the music while singing or telling poems.
- Great attention is paid manual labor and Development imagination. Children learn to embroider, knit, draw, sculpt, work on the potter's wheel, sometimes on a loom.
- In one group of children gathered from three and a half to seven years. Thus the younger quickly trained in basic skills, and experience seniors pass.
- The Waldorf kindergarten often and on a larger scale celebrate holidays. birthdays are especially appreciated.
- As in a conventional garden, day in Waldorf gardens painted by the minute.
Disadvantages of pre-school education
- Waldorf system is deeply occult and religious roots, so some consider it sectarian.
- Children almost do not prepare for entry into the regular school. They are not engaged in reading, writing, mathematics.
- All the toys are made by hand from natural materials: wood, fabric, thread. Conventional dolls, cars and the designers are not used and are not allowed. Even at home.
- The first few months of a child passes an adjustment period. At this time, he is obliged to attend classes together with accompanying - mother, father or anyone else.
- No report systems, the development of indicators. To assess the progress of development of the child can only be looking at his crafts.
The system of Reggio Emilia
This system was invented in the eponymous town in the north of Italy in the 1940s. After the Second World War, we opened kindergartens in which preschool children were brought up by the method developed by the teacher Loris Malaguzzi. He relied on the ideas of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, Maria Montessori. Reggio pedagogy remains popular in many countries.
Distinctive features of pre-school education
- Malaguzzi believed that the child is endowed with hundreds of "languages" that help him to express himself. Adult task - to help your child learn the language and to teach him to use the symbolic language of expression: painting, sculpture, theater art.
- Malaguzzi wanted to bring the person in the conditions of democracy and social justice. Therefore, according to the Reggio pedagogy, the child must feel part of a team and participate in everything as adults. The child is worthy of respect in the same way as any other person.
- As in the Montessori system, great attention is paid to the equipment space, especially the creative workshop. materials for creativity They use a variety, including natural paints, pencils, crayons, paper, toothpicks, buttons, shells, twigs, pebbles.
- In the classroom every child is engaged in the project on any topic. Work on it can last as much as necessary, the main thing - the process.
- On the walls of Reggio gardens hang children's works, photos and notes. This so-called "talking walls". They help to keep everyone up to date on current projects, ideas, and development of children.
- "Piazza" (ital. - "Square") - the space in the kindergarten, where children and adults discussing their ideas. "Quiet room" - a place where you can relax. Sleep in Reggio kindergarten is not mandatory.
Disadvantages of pre-school education
- As in the Montessori system, Reggio teacher is not considered in the class of principal. He merely observes and rules, you can even argue with him. It is believed that children who are engaged in such classes, it is difficult to adapt to the discipline of the ordinary school.
- No report systems, indicators of development, tests. Kids just doing what want, the results are in all sorts of odd jobs.
Should I give the child an alternative kindergarten
If public kindergartens do not cause you trust and you have enough money to pay for lessons in private, then why not. But before choosing an institution, meet with teachers and go to the open class. This will help you understand how you fit one or another system of education.
However, no one promises that the child will be released from an alternative kindergarten with a healthy psyche and prepared for school. It always remains on the conscience of the parents. Any educational system has disadvantages, and scandals worthy of the press can happen and toll facilities.
see also
- 6 factors worth considering when choosing a kindergarten →
- What to teach the child that he has achieved success in the future →
- What are the pros and cons of early development →
- How to teach a child to read important rules and effective methods →