HIGH SCOPE APPROACH (PART B) (INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS)

 YHOWEEN HENZIE NAIR A/L SASHIDHARAN (SCKD2500009):

MAIN COMPONENTS- CURRICULUM CHARACTERISTIC AND PHYSICAL SETUP

    High Scope's curriculum focuses on creating an environment where play items are used as "raw materials for learning. Characteristics of the learning environment in a High Scope program include a welcoming atmosphere, sufficient materials for all children, children find, use, and return materials independently, different types of play, the ability for children to see and move through all areas of the classroom or center, a flexible play area where children can bring materials around the room, and materials that reflect the diversity of children's family lives.

 

    Every High Scope program divides their classroom into learning centers based on a reflection of the children's natural interests and developmental levels. Teachers engage children with open-ended materials such as art materials, fabric pieces, and all sizes of blocks. They also find natural found, and recycled materials for example rocks, twigs, containers, shells, pieces of carpet, and old clothes. The use of real-life items like cooking utensils, dress-up clothes, and objects or tools from children's houses and yards are essential because they allow children to imitate adults.

 

    Within the classroom, materials are consistently stored in places that are easily accessible for children. Containers and shelves are labeled with pictures, drawings, words, or tracings of the object.

The following link provides an example of High Scope curriculum in practice: https://youtu.be/U7YaobYTPgk?si=pdHHLg2XxcgnC2B1 

MARCUS CHEN JUNSEN (SCKD2500045):

PROS AND CONS OF THE APPROACH

Pros-

Based on the active learning aspect, highscope encourages children to engage in active learning, such as learning from experiences and interacting with the environment and objects around them. Other than that, the curriculum is designed to suit the learning and development of the children. Thirdly, this approach encourages children to be able to make their own choices and take responsibility for their actions. It also has a comprehensive assessment that can track a child's progress, which aids teachers in planning activities, and it may also Provide a consistent framework for the children's learning.

Cons-

The highscope approach needs trained staff who have experience in their field, which can be time-consuming and costly. Secondly, some children may dislike the approach and not respond well to it. It also requires a variety of materials and resources to help in facilitating active learning. lastly, while the assessment system may be beneficial, it may be time consuming to carry out.

ASHOMITRA A/P PUVANESVARAN (SCKD2500095):

DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICES AND UNIQUE FEATURES

    Among all the early childhood education methods, the HighScope Method is much more stringent in its implementation of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in several distinctive features that place an imperative on active child-centered learning. This ensures that the learning is hands-on, age-appropriate, and sensitive to the individual needs and cultures of children. One defining characteristic of this approach is its Plan-Do-Review process, wherein children plan their activities, carry them out, and reflect on their experiences-encouraging responsibility and self-regulation. Active learning is central, where children explore and interact directly with the materials to construct their understanding. HighScope includes a consistent daily routine, which allows predictability and independence, and is characterized by Key Developmental Indicators (KDIs) for measuring progress in different learning areas. Teachers in this system become partners rather than leaders and encourage children to initiate exploration through a meaningful environment. Assessment is ongoing and observational (through tools like COR Advantage) and does not include formal testing. Compared to other methods, HighScope is more structured than Reggio Emilia and more flexible than Montessori, thus creating a balance between child-led learning along with specifically defined routines and educational goals.

CHIEW JIA EN (SCKD2400101): 

MATERIAL/EQUIPMENTS USED AND COMPARISON WITH OTHER APPROACHES

1)     1)Open-ended, diverse materials

For example, messy materials, building materials. Let children handle, combine, and transform to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.

2)    2)Child-friendly classroom organization

Active learning, a supportive environment, and a structured yet flexible daily routine.

 

1)     3)Learning environment supports

Reflect children’s home culture and language, ensuring inclusivity and relevance to their experiences.

2)     4)Art Corner

Encourage children’s creativity and imagination. Enhance their fine motor skills such as drawing, cutting and painting.  

COMPARISON:

Materials / equipment	Use in HighScope Preschool Curriculum Approach	Comparison with other preschool approaches
1)Interest area materials	Classroom have different play area for example water, blocks, puzzles, art, book this all materials is easy for children to reach, to let them explore, learn by doing.	HighScope is encourages learning through play by giving children more freedom to choose what they want to do by the same time we set up materials let the kids make their own decision
Art supplies	Crayons, paints paper are available in the art corner. Art corner can encourage their creativity skills and fine motor skills	Art corner it’s included in daily learning instead of being a separate activity
Book and literacy materials	Used the picture book and storytelling, flash card, alphabet card to support early literacy within the play context	Highscope let the children  uses reading and writing during play and group activities with friends

 

Refrence:

Creative Arts (The HighScope Preschool Curriculum) - HighScope. (2025, March 18). High Scope. https://highscope.org/shop/creative-arts-the-highscope-preschool-curriculum/  

Highscope. (n.d.). https://abcallaboutchildren.com/highscope.html

History | highscope. (n.d.). Highscope. https://jessicamustin.wixsite.com/highscope/about#:~:text=Weikart

    

         Language, Literacy, and Communication (The HighScope Preschool Curriculum) - HighScope. (2025, July 5). High Scope. https://highscope.org/shop/language-literacy-and-communication-the-highscope-preschool-curriculum/