Welcome to Unit 3: Curriculum: Setting the Stage

Review Unit 2 In Unit 2 you reviewed several well known curriculum models. Please share your favorite one and tell why you feel it is the best.  Children’s Comprehensive Curriculum  HighScope  Creative Curriculum  Reggio Emilia  Montessori  Tools of the Mind  Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning  Other…

Unit 3/ Preview Unit 4 Project Unit 3 looks at the role environment plays in curriculum development. You will learn that factors like organization, environmental design, appropriate quality materials/ equipment, time management, and child guidance are actually part of curriculum. As you explore these factors; consider if they are part of the model/s you have already studied. In the Unit 4 Project [Descriptive Essay] you will select two specific curriculum models to compare/ contrast and discuss your understanding of curriculum in depth (see specific instructions/ Unit 4 Project). You will include support from appropriate electronic library resources.

Educational Curriculum and Environmental Design Arrangement and usability of space Support for social, emotional, physical, cognitive, language development including learning centers Appropriate, quality materials & equipment Clear expectations and support for expected behaviors Organization of time Homey atmosphere Appropriate stimulation

Child Guidance in EC Classrooms To be successful both in school and in life, children need a good grasp of many skills (Evans & Rosenbaum, 2008; LePage, Darling-Hammond & Akar, 2005). Thus, children do best when they: –Express their needs, wants, and feelings constructively –Respond with compassion to others’ needs –Calm themselves when angry or upset –Act in a safe and civil manner –Follow rules, routines, and directions –Take proper care of materials –Constructively engage in learning activities –Share, take turns, help, and cooperate –Distinguish acceptable from unacceptable classroom behavior –Regulate and modify their actions based on understanding of right and wrong

Authoritative Discipline Style of discipline supports the development of self-regulation. That children are able to pay attention, remember rules, exercise self control, recognize others’ perspectives, comfortably take on challenges, engage in self-directed learning are essential life skills; necessary for maximizing all areas of growth & development.

Seminar Discussion Applying the chapter readings to the Unit 3 Seminar Discussion Questions: 1.What is the relationship between Authoritative Teaching and DAP (Developmentally Appropriate Practice)? 2.How do adult discipline styles influence children’s self- regulation? 3.What day-to-day experiences with peers and adults impact the degree to which children achieve greater self- control? Time to share ideas about the seminar questions; beginning with # 1: Authoritative Teaching & DAP.

Designing the Preschool Classroom Performing Arts Workshop tualClassroom.html#week01 tualClassroom.html#week01 A Busy Child Preschool Classroom Tour Preschool: Classroom Ideas words/ words/

Areas to consider when designing your classroom: Dramatic Play Center Art/ Collage Center Practical Life Center (House) Block Center (Building) Books Exploration Center (Sand table) Science Manipulatives and Table Toys Did I leave anything out?

Time for some fun: Go to: and design your own classroom using the components from the previous slide. It’s okay if it’s not perfect- just have fun!

To Do List This week you will: Complete the readings Participate in discussion Complete the graded review Attend seminar After completing this unit, it is your goal to: Explain how clear expectations set forth in a few agreed upon classroom rules, with appropriate consequences, support learning. Analyze whether a classroom environment supports or impedes the educational curriculum. Create a learning environment that supports curricular goals and objectives.

A Review: Setting the Stage for Learning What elements should be considered in creating an ideal learning environment? The following slides provide an extensive overview of the complexity of creating curriculum; of setting up an ideal environment.

Cognitive Growth & Stimulation: Play: Indoors & Outdoors Age & interest appropriate materials, activities Outings; library, museums, theatre… Rich & responsive language Hobbies, games, pets Friendships Socialization Exploration, experimentation What can you think of ?

Language Development: Listening Skills Speaking Skills Reading Skills Writing Skills What elements in the environment help children develop their language skills?

Motor Development: ● Large / Gross Motor Skills ● Small / Fine Motor Skills What materials, activities should centers have to support motor development?

Security & Safety: Physical/ Psychosocial  Compassion ▪ Encouragement  Respect ▪ Own Space  Trust ▪ Sleep  Safe Space ▪ Nutrition  Coping Skills ▪ Medical Needs  Communication ▪ Special Needs  Appreciation ▪ Sensory Development  Hygiene ▪ Nature Experiences What else should an ideal program consider?

Consistency: Care & Caring Rules & Regulations Organization Schedules Discipline Meal Time What can you think of ?

Modeling & Teaching: Academic Facts, Skills Creativity Responsibilities Organization Priorities Behavior Self Worth, Values What can you think of ?

How does the environment connect to curriculum? What ideas from the Unit 3 Readings or tonight’s discussion can you apply to curriculum development? How can you utilize/ include the environment in your curricular plans?

Wrap Up “Don’t just do something, stand there.” (Zen saying)  Think  Listen  Observe  Reflect  Feel  Wait