A child-first curriculum is designed to prioritise the needs, interests and developmental stages of children, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. For parents in Western Australia exploring different curriculum and educational approaches, understanding the key elements of a child-first curriculum can help them make informed decisions about their children’s education. Here are the essential components of a child-first curriculum in kindergarten:
- Play-Based Learning: Play is a fundamental aspect of a child-first curriculum. Play-based learning allows children to explore, experiment and discover at their own pace. Through play, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving and social skills. Play-based activities are designed to be open-ended, encouraging creativity and imagination. Educators provide a variety of materials and opportunities for both structured and unstructured play, supporting children’s natural curiosity and learning.
- Individualised Learning: A child-first curriculum recognises that each child is unique, with their own strengths, interests and learning styles. Educators tailor their teaching methods and activities to meet the individual needs of each child. This personalised approach ensures that children receive the support and encouragement they need to thrive. By focusing on individualised learning, educators can help children build confidence and develop a love for learning.
- Developmentally Appropriate Practices: A child-first curriculum is based on developmentally appropriate practices, which consider the physical, cognitive, social and emotional stages of children’s development. Activities and lessons are designed to be suitable for the age and developmental level of the children, ensuring that they are both challenging and achievable. This approach helps children develop essential skills and knowledge at their own pace, without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
- Social and Emotional Learning: Social and emotional development is a key component of a child-first curriculum. Educators create a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can develop positive relationships, learn to manage their emotions and build self-awareness. Activities such as group discussions, cooperative games and role-playing help children develop empathy, communication skills and resilience. Social and emotional learning is integrated into all aspects of the curriculum, promoting overall well-being.
- Family and Community Engagement: A child-first curriculum recognises the importance of family and community in a child’s education. Educators actively involve parents and caregivers in the learning process, encouraging regular communication and collaboration. Family engagement activities, such as parent-teacher meetings, workshops and classroom events, help build strong partnerships between home and school. Additionally, connecting with the local community through excursions, guest speakers and community projects enriches children’s learning experiences and fosters a sense of belonging.
- Hands-On and Experiential Learning: Hands-on and experiential learning are central to a child-first curriculum. Children learn best by doing and educators provide opportunities for active exploration and experimentation. Activities such as science experiments, art projects, gardening and cooking allow children to engage their senses and develop practical skills. Experiential learning helps children make meaningful connections between concepts and real-world experiences.
- Integrated Curriculum: A child-first curriculum takes an integrated approach to learning, where different subject areas are interconnected and taught in a holistic manner. Themes and projects that span multiple disciplines help children see the relationships between different areas of knowledge. For example, a project on plants might include science (plant biology), art (drawing and painting plants), literacy (reading and writing about plants) and mathematics (measuring plant growth). This integrated approach fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
A child-first curriculum in kindergarten focuses on play-based learning, individualised instruction, developmentally appropriate practices, social and emotional learning, family and community engagement, hands-on experiences and an integrated approach to education. By prioritising the needs and interests of children, this curriculum supports their holistic development and creates a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Parents in Western Australia can feel confident that a child-first curriculum will provide their children with a supportive and enriching educational experience.