Reaching the Top of the Mountain : The Impact of Emergent Curriculum on the Practice and Self-Image of Early Childhood Educators

Emergent curriculum constitutes a direction for early childhood education teachers to ascend from a position of poor self-image and sometimes dubious practice to reach a peak of transformation. At the top of the mountain, a reframed self-image for the early childhood educator is possible. Teaching and learning in an emergent way empowers both children and teachers. Based on the theories of Lev Vygotsky emergent curriculum involves children and teachers in a process of co-construction. Inspiration for this innovative approach comes from the pre-primary schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. This study examines the impact of emergent curriculum on four early childhood education teachers. Results indicate that emergent curriculum not only changed the daily practice of these teachers but has had a profound impact on how they view themselves. They have a fuller view, as if from the top of a mountain. From this vista they have realized the importance of empowerment. Releasing control and sharing power with others has lead to change and transformation for both the researcher and the researched.