The prevention of learning problems in Dutch and immigrant children from deprived backgrounds.

Pyramid is a method for all children, though it is especially suited for children with special needs, for instance immigrant children or children from deprived backgrounds. Though a combination of play, work and instruction, 3 to 6-year-olds can be stimulated in their development. The programme focuses on eight areas that are important to the development of children, ranging from the development of intellectual and linguistic skills to creative skills and the development of their personality. The Pyramid method starts at playgroup (age 3) and is continued up to group 1 and 2 (ages 4 and 5) at primary school. If during this period a solid foundation is laid in these children, by the time they have reached group 3 (age 6) - which is when the ‘real’ math and reading and writing lessons begin - they will have a good chance of doing well.

The method was developed by CITO and is used nationwide. An evaluation of the method was conducted in Zwolle.

The Pyramid Method offers toddlers and infants differentiated schooling that matches their level of development. The Pyramid method is founded on four basic principles concerning the development of children: psychological proximity, psychological distance, the child’s own initiative and the teacher’s initiative. The year programme consists of a play programme, a Welcome programme and 12 different projects based on themes that children are familiar with. Within these projects, there is a non-planned and a planned element. The non-planned element leaves the child room to play. Within the planned element, there is a group exploration where the teacher explores the project theme with the children. Every day, the children are observed as to whether they are developing well. Children who need extra support will either be given this on an individual basis or in smaller groups. In addition to the projects, the Method provides suggestions as to which materials can be used and how the class room can be set up. It also comes with materials for children who do not speak Dutch and suggestions on how to get the parents involved.

Children who followed the Pyramid Method show better results where the linguistic and intellectual levels are concerned relative to the control group. For detailed project results, please go to www.citogroep.nl (in Dutch).

Citogroep
Ms M.J. Maas

07/05/2002

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Education

Primary education