Archive for October, 2011

Planning and Developing a Preschool Curriculum

October 27th, 2011

In order to keep a child’s preschool workload manageable, it is helpful and advisable that you plan and create their preschool curriculum in stages. Since a preschool child typically has a short attention span, it is wise to make each lesson fairly brief and full of ways for your child to participate in each one. You should make sure that each lesson contains a variety of activities so that every child, regardless of their learning abilities so they continue to be interested in these activities and participate and participate in them

Start by grabbing several pieces of notebook paper, something to write with, and then start searching the internet for the learning standards required by the state you live in. Depending on the goals and time constraints, lay out several papers and put a heading on each one. For example one sheet may be labeled “creative arts” while others may have headings such as fine motor skills or gross motor skills. These represent the daily, weekly, monthly, or even annual goals and are the basic framework of the preschool curriculum.

Using the state learning standards you found online, identify where the child is at in their development and then identify the next level they should attain. Try to come up with challenging activities that provoke them to learn and encourage the children to get involved in them and complete them. Books can be used as stepping stones in the process so that you are able to connect subjects such as communication and literacy with math and science.

In order to address the needs of every child, keep notes on the different activities they engaged in under each header then implement these activities according to the specified time frame. Include follow-up notes in a preschool curriculum journal or notebook that you have created about each activity that was performed including the positive and negative attributes of each one.

Additional considerations of planning a preschool curriculum include methods for enabling them to progress and creating monthly themes for each step. Start by listing the objectives for each of the children in the class such as learning the alphabet and the basic numbers. Fine and gross motor skills should be included as well. Learning to do things with their fingers and hands are important during this time in their development so include detailed tasks and activities such as catching, climbing, jumping, running, and throwing.

Organize your preschool curriculum materials and put them in an envelope so that you can pull them at as you progress to each stage. Additionally, if the children do not show any interest in the lesson, you will probably want to cut it short. Conversely, if they seem very interested in the lesson, then have something planned so that you can extend it. You may have to create extensions for the ensuing lessons and subjects as a precaution or go into the current lesson in more depth so they stay interested and pay attention to you.

Understanding The Concept of Early Childhood Education

October 20th, 2011

The concept of early childhood education typically applies to the pre-elementary school years when parents are interested in putting their children in a kindergarten or preschool program. Many parents currently believe that the earlier a child’s education gets started, the more successful they are going to be later on in life. Today, parents are fortunate to have a number of options at their disposal besides public preschool including the Head Start, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf programs.

Public preschool

The public preschool form of early childhood education has gained in popularity in recent decades throughout the US and are typically state-funded. These programs were primarily designed for low-income families and will provide an education to any child residing in that particular school district. The availability will vary from one state to the next and then from district to district.

Head Start

Federal money is the funding source for the many Head Start programs located throughout the US. These are geared to those families who have children under 5 years of age and who are at a lower level of income. There are also what are referred to as Early Head Start programs that focus on children who are between zero and three years of age as well as pregnant women. Additionally, children who have medical or psychological conditions and are receiving public assistance are usually eligible for a Head Start program.

Montessori Schools

These early childhood education programs focus on those children that are between three and six years of age. Some of them even feature toddler-oriented programs while others offer programs for infants. Children in these programs experience a hands-on learning experience as they are directed through a series of educational materials. The teachers of these facilities are typically referred to as “directresses” since they direct children through specific activities instead of just teaching them in standard fashion.

Reggio Emilia approach

As this name would seem to imply, this early childhood education program has Italian roots just like the Montessori schools. In the Reggio Emilia approach, the learning process is collaborated by the children, parents, and teachers in the school. If the child shows an interest in a particular activity, they will be provided with ample opportunities to learn a curriculum that feeds that particular interest. Parents are encouraged to participate in the child’s curriculum and are given educational materials to help them do so.

Waldorf Early Childhood Program

In these early childhood education programs, the teacher engages in artistic, domestic, and practical activities and encourages the children in their class to imitate them. The teacher also encourages them to use there imagination during dramatic play and storytelling. The toys that are used in Waldorf programs are manufactured using only natural materials.