First, I did use the word hate, and I
do not use it often. Second, I am a kindergarten teacher and
understand that my experiences with curriculum have only been at this
one level. Having said that, I feel I can continue.
I spent the first eight years of my
teaching career with boxed curriculums. What I discovered was that I
focused too much on the curriculum and not enough of the learner. I
focused on what I would teach each day rather than who I would be
working with each day. I planned my week in advance, not taking into
account the learners preferences, likes/dislikes, or level of
comprehension of a subject. The curriculum scripted how a child
should look at a problem or activity, providing specific directions
on what to do and how to do it. In those years, the learners all did
well, picking up on skills they needed to master. But they did not
LOVE a topic. They did not feel passionate about the activities. They
did not find an area that they would want to explore
outside of school.
This is where inquiry based learning
has come into play. I have slowly been restructuring the classroom
to an open environment of exploration and curiosity. A place where a
child can relate to a subject or topic how they see fit, or even
choose the topic on their own. This has been a long process, taking
years of adapting and learning, but it has been an amazing
transformation.
Thanks, Kinderchat, for letting my
confess. I know some folks do not appreciate my feelings on this
subject, but I cannot ignore the differences I have seen in the
classroom. I cannot wait to see what happens this year!