1. Activity Planning and Assessment
Chapter 11
Activity Planning and Assessment

2. Chapter 11 Goals
Study the components of developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Understand the importance of observation in planning and assessment.
Learn about activity and lesson planning.
Identify elements of integrated curriculum and the project approach.
Read about scheduling issues and the curriculum.
Clarify the important elements of assessments in the early childhood classroom

3. Creating a Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is based on:
Knowledge of child development and learning
Understanding the unique developmental abilities and interests of individual children
Knowledge of social and cultural settings of children and families

4. DAP’s Interrelated Dimensions
Creating a caring community of learners
Enhancing child development and learning
Constructing appropriate curriculum
Assessing learning and development
Establishing and maintaining strong family-school relationships

5. Guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum
Provides for all aspects of child’s development
Curriculum is interesting and meaningful
New knowledge built on existing understandings
Subject matter areas are integrated
Emphasizes problem solving/lifelong learning

6. Guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum (continued)
Children challenged to use concepts and tools of different disciplines
Supports the child’s home language
Goals are reasonable and attainable
Technology is integrated into curriculum

7. Developmental Considerations
Activities and lessons will vary based on developmental differences
Infant/Toddler curriculum should be based on engaging their senses
Preschool curriculum should include understanding of emotional development
Elementary curriculum is strongly influenced by the school district, yet teachers must plan based on developmental levels and interests

8. Observation as a Curriculum Tool
Four main observation strategies
Anecdotal records – brief written descriptions
They should include the date and time, what the children were saying and doing, and should include detail
Checklists – mark off when behaviors are observed
Rating Scales – see Figure 11.1
Running Records – longer narrative story

9. Curriculum Goals…
Broad learning outcomes that identify key anticipated results
Created as part of mission statement or philosophy
Should include all aspects of development

10. Planning Activities and Lessons
Plans
Long-term (school year, or weeks or a month)
Short-term (weekly or daily)
Activity Plans elements include:
Purpose of activity
Materials and preperation
Procedures to follow
Variations
An evaluation
Lesson Plans – focus more on specific learning
Focus
Format (11-2)
11.3

11. The Integrated Curriculum
Consist of learning experiences including multiple subject matter areas
A natural way of learning, matching experiences outside of school
Makes curriculum more relevant

12. The Integrated Curriculum (continued)
Planning and Preparation
Learn about the topic selected
Find and organize materials
Reflect on what you want the children to learn
Identify open-ended questions
Plan activities and lessons

13. The Project Approach More in-depth investigations
Incorporates children’s questions, interests, and theories
Children take on decision-making responsibilities
Three phases include: Getting started, field work, and culminating and debriefing events

14. Scheduling Issues
Considerations in creating a schedule that works for you:
Length of school day
Large blocks of time
Balance of active and quiet time
Meeting children’s needs
“Smooth transitions”
Consistent sequence of events

15. Assessments Standardized tests Developmental screening Observation
Documentation of children’s learning
Recording children’s discussions
Photographs
Samples of children’s work

16. The Portfolio and Its Use
They represent effort to collect meaningful student works
Students involved in selecting pieces to include
Can contain materials from teachers, parents, peers, administrators
Reflect the actual daily learning activities
Demonstrate the child’s progress over time
Portfolios may have subcomponents
A variety of media can be used

17. Involving Families Families play an important role
With understanding and support, families become allies
Families provide valuable resources
Family Partnerships – curriculum nights

18. Observing Development – Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum
Observe
Go to MyEducationLab and select the topic “Curriculum Program Models” then watch the video on Reggio Emilia.
Reflect
In what ways are children involved in problem solving as they complete projects in the Reggio Emilia classroom?
Apply
What can you do as a teacher to encourage problem solving behaviors in children?

19. Multimedia Exploration Activities…
Research
Go to MyEducationLab, select Curriculum/Program Models, read “Projects that Power Young Minds”.
Reflect
How does project learning instill in young children a zest for learning?
Respond:
In groups discuss whether or not you believe it is possible to allow young children too much freedom in their learning? Why or why not?