KPM Approach to Children

 
Central to the KPM Approach to Children is acknowledgement of the individual child. This is a deceptively simple statement, easier to say than to achieve. Everyone has the need to feel seen and heard. We know that we function best in situations when this happens. The KPM Approach to Children puts this acknowledgement at the centre. The relationship between the teacher and child is the environment in which this takes place. The child knows he is heard and understood and feels unconditionally valued. Development of all the child's faculties occurs at the fullest when the child is truly acknowledged.

Some of the qualities that can develop in children when they are educated in the KPM Approach to Children are:

• Self-confidence
• Self-motivation
• The ability to make decisions and solve problems
• Enthusiasm for learning
• The ability to apply learning to practical ends
• The ability to value and work with others

When a teacher responds to a child in such a way that the child believes that the teacher accepts the validity of his way of seeing things, a relationship of trust and confidence is established between teacher and child. Curriculum is introduced through the child's interests so that learning is fun and meaningful.

The KPM Approach to Children is an approach to children that:

• Continuously supports, values, and encourages the child which allows the child to develop a sense of self-worth and self-confidence
• Allows the child to develop personally, socially and academically in an integrated manner
• Requires adults to approach the child on a positive basis and help the child develop life-enhancing skills and qualities
• Requires adults around the child to develop a positive and trusting relationship with the child, by acknowledging and valuing the child’s feelings and opinions
• Acknowledges the child’s inner motivation for growth and development and allows the child to learn in his/her own way according to his/her liking and interest

By browsing the links under this ‘KPM Approach to Children’ section of the website, and links under the ‘KPM Model School’ section, you can find out more information about the Approach and its practical application. For a clear illustration of how a KPM teacher introduces the curriculum and provides for the integrated personal, social and academic development of children, you may also view the attached ‘Curriculum Project’ document: