High Scope is based on Jean Piaget’s theories
of learning.
Children learn best by doing. They need to choose their own task,
plan it, carry it out and reflect on what they did.
PLAY is children’s WORK. They need to experiment and discover and
the classroom must stimulate that play. The room should have
different areas consisting of:
Blocks
Arts & Crafts
Dramatic
Play
Water/Sand Table
Reading/Quiet Area
Manipulatives
The teacher chooses which areas should be open to the children
each day based on what they desire or need to practice.
DAILY ROUTINE needs to involve large and small group activities:
PLAN: child establishes a goal and tells group what
they plan to do and what area they will use.
DO: purpose play where child has a chance to test and carry out
ideas Teacher is actively involved with child or small group, they
become part of play without solving problems. They may stimulate
play when necessary.
REVIEW/REFLECT: child recalls and reflects on their actions and
experiences.
KEY EXPERIENCES are the major component for
teacher to observe and record the accomplishments or developments of
the child. Teacher is observing the child at “work” and recording
language expression, coordination, problem solving, and social
interaction in a non-judgmental manner. High Scope provides a list
of developmental key experiences for teachers to use.
OTHER COMPONENTS of an early childhood program:
Label areas and objects in the room
Write their
name & symbol on personal possessions in room
Model correct
language rather than correct
Ask them to tell about art work
and write their actual words
READ, READ, READ to them.
Model appropriate social behavior and manners for
them
Encourage them to explore rather than answer their
questions
TEACHER IS A FACILITATOR NOT A DIRECTOR OR LEADER OF THE
CLASS!
PreK - Early Childhood
Child Development page
Early Literacy page
Parenting
Links
Reading
and Literacy page
