Often referred to as “child initiated curriculum” or “independent learning”, emergent education is an early childhood educational philosophy that emphasizes the importance of children’s interests in creating curriculum. This approach requires teachers to observe the children in their classrooms and create lessons based on their individual learning needs, interests, and strengths. URL https://www.visitoregon.com/businesses/emergent-education/

The curriculum is developed through observation, flexibility, and trust.

Observing is the key to the emergent curriculum philosophy because it is the only way to create activities that are meaningful for children and encourages their natural curiosity and ability to learn.

Skilled educators will take into account all of the knowledge they have about each child and their group as a whole, then plan and implement a curriculum that takes into account the areas of interest the children have identified.

Unleashing Creativity in the Classroom: The Benefits of Emergent Education

This is an important practice because it reflects the complexity of each child’s environment, and encourages them to explore in an age-appropriate manner that is not overly challenging or overwhelming for the children.

Emergent education also considers the social aspects of a learning environment and encourages a sense of community. This is important as children work together to develop and share ideas, solve problems, and form relationships with each other.