What characterizes an emergent curriculum?

An emergent curriculum is characterized by projects and themes that are inspired by children's interests. This approach emphasizes the importance of following children's natural curiosities and questions, allowing the curriculum to be flexible and responsive to their needs. In an emergent curriculum, educators observe and listen to the children as they engage in play, discussions, and activities. This valuable input shapes the learning experiences and ensures that they are relevant and meaningful to the students.

This methodology fosters a sense of ownership over learning, as children are more likely to be engaged and motivated when they are actively involved in deciding what they want to learn about. It also encourages collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking as children explore topics that intrigue them within a supportive learning environment. Consequently, the curriculum evolves organically, guided by the children's inquiries and interests, rather than being strictly predetermined or driven solely by educators' agendas or standardized assessments.