As I have
progressed through one of my early childhood courses I have learned quite a bit
about the early childhood field. Since I have been discussing fostering
critical thinking skills through play I have been examining research and early childhood
programs in the United States and several other countries. One country that
stood out was Finland’s educational program. Finland educators
are valued and they are considered experts in their field. They participate in
a high level of teacher preparation and they are active in the developing the
curriculum. One of the core components of their education system is teaching
young students a way of thinking. Teachers focus on problem solving, developing
thinking abilities and analytical thinking (Lankinen, 2010).
I also have learned about
the ten pillars of a good childhood. I am inspired by the thought of how simple
but powerful these pillars are in possibly promoting positive outcomes for
children and their families. I believe that all early childhood programs need
to follow the ten pillars of a good childhood and use these pillars to promote
positive social change in polices and practices in the field (ACEI, 2013). I
believe that the early childhood field should use these ten pillars as a
foundation of education at the local and national level in order to promote
positive outcomes for children and their families. Here are the ten pillars of
a good childhood:
1.
Safe and secure places for living and
learning,
with access to health care, clothing, and nutritious food
2.
Strong families and loving, consistent
caregivers
3.
Social interactions and friendships
4.
Creative play and physical activity
5.
Appreciation and stewardship of the natural
environment
6.
Creative expression through music, dance,
drama,
and the other arts
7.
Education that develops the full capacities
of the child—cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and ethical
8.
Supportive, nurturing, child-friendly
communities
9.
Growing independence and decision making
10. Children and youth participating in community life.
Here are some resources that may be
of interest if you are looking to learn about education programs.
The Ten Pillars of a Good Childhood: http://www.decadeforchildhood.org
Darling-Hammond, L., Chung Wei, R.
& Andree, A. (2010). How high
achieving countries develop great teachers. Stanford Center of Opportunity
Policy in Education-Research Brief.
Doliopoulou, E. (2006).
Systems of early education/are and professionalisation in Greece. Retrieved
November 27, 2013 from
http://www.ifp.bayern.de/imperia/md/content/stmas/ifp/commissioned_report_greece.pdf
Konstantina, R. (2012).
Quality of care and education provided by Greek day-care centres: an approach
from researcher’s and early childhood educator’s perspective. Early Child Development and Care,
182(10), 1335-1348.
Lankinen, T. (2010). Basic
education reform in Finland-How to develop the top ranked education system?
Finnish National Board of Education, 1-39.
NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally
Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth
through Age 8. Position Statement.
