Editor's note: An emergent curriculum builds on the interests of students, developing as they learn. Rather than being entirely set in advance, emergent curricula grow naturally from the chosen environment (indoor or outdoor), the curiosity of children, and the instructor's knowledge and experience. Based on the philosophy of Loris Malaguzzi, who was born in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and founded a system of internationally influential preschools there, this method is a blend of theory and practice that challenges educators to see children as competent and capable learners in the context of group work. It can be practiced at any grade level.
A good walk stimulates both mind and body and provides the invigorating theme and energizing structure of
Hey Kids! Out the Door, Let’s Explore by Rhoda Redleaf. Walking is free, easy, and can be done almost anywhere. The walks are grouped into three categories: Nature Walks, Community Walks, and Concept Walks. Nature Walks include
Cold Day,
Windy Day,
Trees Walk, and more. Community Walks can be
Hardware Store Walk,
Market Walk, or other walks in the neighborhood. Concept Walks might be
What’s It Made Of? Walk,
Color Walk, or
Light and Shadow Walk, as examples. Redleaf includes appendices in her book to help teachers organize the excursions.
At the early childhood level, Rhoda Redleaf’s approach is emergent curriculum, with an emphasis on human relationships and language development while exploring common everyday experiences that are engaging and meaningful to children. “The most important learning task of young children remains constructing their own knowledge to make sense of the world. You, the adults in their world, provide the bridges from the unknown to the known,” writes Redleaf.
The book is full of ideas to explore and to build on, involving flexibility and creativity on the part of the adults as well as an openness to seeing where the learning takes the children. Both adults and children take initiative and make decisions. Children’s thinking and learning are documented with suggested activities related to the walks.
Hey Kids! Out the Door, Let’s Explore is a very valuable resource for teachers with both preschool and primary school children.
