Chapter 18 The Curriculum

The curriculum includes: All activities, materials and equipment used in the classroom

Developmentally appropriate curriculum is based on how children develop and learn. The curriculum should consist of a wide range of concepts, experiences and materials designed to meet the developmental needs of a group of children. These needs include: Social Emotional Physical Cognitive

A developmentally appropriate curriculum: Should develop, support and encourage positive relationships with the children’s family Should tailor learning experiences to children’s ages, stage of development, interests, needs, abilities, and experiences. Should provide the children an opportunity to make meaningful choices

Developing Program Goals These are described as the “WHY” of the curriculum These goals should focus on the whole child Each goal is broad and should relate to all four areas of development

Examples of program goals To develop independence To develop a curiosity about the world To develop effective language skills, both listening and speaking To develop an understanding of the relationships between people, events and objects

Meeting Program Goals Teachers, available resources, and the environment all influence whether goals will be met. Classroom activities and room arrangement should be designed to aid the children in meeting their goals

Assessment Should be based on the children’s activities at the center occur as part of the ongoing life of the classroom Rely on multiple sources Highlight the children’s strengths and capabilities Highlight what the children know and what they can do Include collections of the children’s work (artwork, stories, projects) may include teacher’s observations

Content and Process-Centered Curriculum Learning is a constant process or exploring and questioning the environment All four areas of child development are included Use a wide variety of age- appropriate materials, supplies and experiences are used

A good curriculum includes: Direct learning experiences Planned Indirect learning experiences Spur of the moment (mixing paint) Teachable moments unexpected event (someone falling over toys)

Factors to consider during Curriculum planning What skill and content should be covered? Do I have a balance of learning activities that support all developmental domains? Have I considered all learning styles? Field- sensitive Field- independent Visual learners Auditory learners Have I considered all learning characteristics? Slow/ fast workers Attentive/ ADHD

Emergent Curriculum It emerges from the children’s interests and experiences Might emerge from events, things, and people in the environment it is always responsive to the children’s changing interests Must use appropriate themes that have a meaningful connection to the children’s lives

Theme A theme is one main topic or idea around which the classroom activities are planned Connecting activities through a theme allows children to build on previous learning Successful themes take the children’s age, abilities, interests, and experiences into consideration

Ways to Develop Themes Use a web Create a block plan Write individual lesson plans

Summary A developmentally appropriate curriculum is based on how children develop and learn. It should consist of a wide variety of experiences and materials Program goals should focus on the WHOLE child The content and process- centered approach to planning is the method most often used Learning should be seen as a constant process of exploring and questioning the environment. Activities are often based on a theme A quality staff is one who continually evaluates the curriculum and finds ways to improve