What type of curriculum is characterized by its focus on children’s interests and experiences?

The emergent curriculum is centered around children’s interests and experiences, allowing for a responsive and flexible approach to learning. This type of curriculum encourages educators to observe and listen to children, taking cues from their interests and inquiries to structure learning activities and experiences. By doing this, it fosters a sense of agency in children, as they are active participants in their learning process, reinforcing their natural curiosity and motivation.

This approach contrasts with the thematic curriculum, which organizes learning around specific themes but may not necessarily align with children's immediate interests or experiences. A subject-centered curriculum typically emphasizes specific subjects or skills independent of the children's context, and a standards-based curriculum focuses on meeting predetermined educational benchmarks rather than adapting to children's evolving interests. Emergent curriculum thrives on the dynamic and organic nature of a child's learning journey, making it particularly effective in early childhood education.