A great deal has happened in early childhood education over the past 40 years. Daycare centers in the 1980s were rudimentary. There are now complicated learning environments that affect how young people think. The story of how preschool curricula have developed over time is an interesting one that shows how we’ve learnt to better understand and care for our youngest children.

The 1980s: Foundation Years of Structured Learning

A lot of variations have been noticed between preschools in the 1980s and now. Kids back then used sat in rows, hearkened to their teachers, and learned by repetition of activities.The main things that were concentrated on were reading, writing, and following directions.

Teachers taught students with card games, instructional materials, and a lot of practice. The only arts and crafts activities were coloring throughout the lines and replicating simple shapes. The kids had to be quiet and follow the instructions during class. 

In the past, preschool education closely resembled that of traditional schools. Both parents and educators held the view that preparing children for school meant instructing them to remain quiet, signal by raising a hand, and memorize facts. There was little emphasis on fostering creativity or independent thought.

The 1990s: Recognition of Play-Based Learning

In the 1990s, early childhood education changed a lot. Teachers began to understand that youngsters learn best when they play and discover new things. At this time, schools began to feature learning centres where kids could move around and choose what they wanted to do.

Preschool schooling began to move away from strict desk work and towards more hands-on activities. There are sand tables, wet zones, and places to play dress-up in preschool classrooms today. Teachers took on a more advising role instead of being strict.

There were developments in preschool education this decade, like putting more emphasis on social and emotional growth. The youngsters were told to talk about how they felt, work together, and share supplies. There were more stories, music, and hands-on activities in the lessons that made learning fun.

The 2000s: Technology Integration and Individual Focus

During the new millennium, preschool curriculum began utilizing computers and other early technology. Children learned to operate computers, interactive whiteboards, and educational software as part of their contemporary preschool education. But foremost was still to allow them to use screens appropriately for their age, not merely as entertainment.

This decade was centered on treating each child as a different learner. Teachers began to pay more attention to their students and adapt how they taught to meet the many ways that students learn. Some kids learnt better when they can see pictures, hear music, and move around. Others learnt better when they could touch and do things.

India’s early childhood education also started to change for the better at this time. They used the best teaching methods from around the world and mixed them with traditional ones to come up with new ways to teach that respected local traditions while also being open to new ideas about how to teach.

The 2010s: Holistic Development and Multiple Intelligences

In the 2010s, preschool education changed a lot since it focused on the whole child instead of just getting them ready for school. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, such as social and emotional development, physical development, imaginative progress, and critical thinking.
The children learned about system of STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math, through simple activities. They would learn about plants by seeding them, basic physics by playing with blocks, and math by cooking.

Preschool lessons changed during this time by concentrating more on acquiring outdoors and gaining exposure to nature. Gardens, outdoor classrooms, and visits to nature were all significant aspects of the daily program.

2020-2025: Digital Integration and Personalized Learning

Early childhood education has changed in ways that have never happened before in the past few years. The need for a swift shift to digital education was brought about by the global pandemic. But today’s preschool programs have established a solid balance between using technology and learning by doing.

Preschools still value playing and creating friends, but they also employ iPads and interactive apps to help youngsters learn. Virtual reality might take pupils on voyages to space or underwater realms that aren’t real. This would help them learn in ways that weren’t feasible previously.

A lot of preschool education is now based on personalised learning. Teachers apply tests and evaluations in the process of developing unique learning plans for every child. 

Key Changes in Teaching Methods

A lot has changed about how teachers teach. Teachers today learn how to be patient observers who help youngsters learn by letting them follow their natural curiosity instead of forcing them to memorise facts. People are urged to ask questions more than deliver answers, and mistakes are considered an opportunity to learn.

A large component of preschool learning now is project-based learning, where kids learn a lot about a subject over a long period of time. There are many ways to study butterflies, such as counting them in maths, observing them in science, doing art projects, putting on a play, and reading and writing activities that all go together.

Tests have changed from simple tests to portfolios that show how kids have changed over time through pictures, films, and examples of their work.

The Indian Context

Whatever may be the center of attention in the world, the system of early childhood care in India has remained in conformity with its own culture. Yoga, meditation, and storytelling make up most of the activities in some preschools. Equally important are regional languages along with English. This gives the child a feeling of belonging to a vibrant culture.

Because of festivals, local traditions, and getting involved in their communities, Indian kids have learned more and gotten more out of preschool; they now see parents as collaborators in education instead of just those who cheer from the sidelines.

Looking Forward

The present early childhood education in India is changing in India to keep pace with what is being folded globally while still being faithful to its own culture. Yoga has become an important part of preschool daily activities together with meditation and storytelling. English is just as important as regional languages. This makes kids feel that they belong to a strong culture.

Indian kids have learned more and gotten more out of preschool because of festivals, local customs, and getting involved in their communities. those now perceive parents as partners in education instead of just those who cheer from the sidelines.