Pre-School Methodology

Teaching methods come in three main varieties, with lots of variation along the continuum:

• teacher-directed (or "teacher-lead"): telling children what they need to know through lectures, readings, chalkboard displays or other methods;
• student-discovery (or "choice," "free play" or "play based"): providing appropriate materials, perhaps with guiding questions or built-in goals, that allow children to figure out new knowledge for themselves, often in activities of their own choosing; and
• a mixed approach.

The teacher-directed method is that of "expert": let me teach you what I know. The student discovery method is one more akin to "coach": let me use what I know - by providing the right materials and coaching you when you get stuck - to stimulate and motivate you to learn for yourself. Both styles can be effective when used well with older children. Research indicates that both work well for short term cognitive learning in preschool-age children. However, research also indicates that having some student-discovery in the preschool years greatly improves long-term social outcomes for children as adults. A mixed approach is superior to the extremes for combined cognitive and social outcomes with a broad range of children of differing capabilities. If you value an extreme approach, consider whether or not it is in conflict with your child's individual learning needs.

Teaching Methods and The Preschool Search

Priority for Choosing?

High Priority: You have a strong opinion about how preschool age children should learn and be taught

Low Priority: You have no strong opinion about how preschool age children should learn and be taught, or you have an opinion but are more concerned with child fit and quality

What To Seek in a Preschool

Preschool clearly states its school-wide teaching method

The method is consistent with your values

Universal indicators of preschool quality are present regardless of method used (Chapter 4), and method does not directly conflict with your child's top needs

Example Questions to Ask

How much teacher-directed versus child-lead learning is there in your preschool? Is this true across the whole preschool?

Are other methods used as well? When or by whom?

What would happen if my child had a strong need for a different approach - would we need to switch preschools (ask only if this is a concern)?