A developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children
integrates the children needs., interests, and abilities and focuses on the
whole child. Cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development are all
included. Before planning curriculum, observe the children’s development.
Record observations of what you see. At the same time, notes the children
interest and listen carefully. Children’s conversation provided clues; this
information is vital in the theme selection. After this, review your
observations by discussing them with other staff members. An appropriate
curriculum for young children can not be planned without understanding their development and
interests.
There are many methods for planning curriculum other than
using theme. In fact, you may prefer not to use a theme during parts of the
year. If this is your choice, you may wish to use the book as a source of
ideas, integrating activities and
experiences from a variety of the theme outlined in the book.
Planning a curriculum using a theme approach involves
several steps. The first step involves selecting a theme that is appropriate for
the developmental level and interests of
your group of children. Themes based on the children’s interests provide
intrinsic motivation for exploration and learning. Meaningful experiences are
more easily comprehended and remembered. Moreover, curiosity, enjoyment of
participation, and self-direction are heightened. After selecting a theme, the
next step is developing a flowchart. From the flow chart, goals,
conceptual understandings, and
vocabulary word can easily be extracted. The final step in curriculum planning
is selecting activities based upon children’s stage of development and available
resources. While doing this, the covers
of this “book” should be used as a reference to review development
characteristics for children of different age.
To help you understand the theme approach to curriculum development,
each step of the process will be discussed. Included are assessing the children
needs, and developing flowcharts, theme goal, concepts, vocabulary, and
activities. In addition, suggestion are given for wring parent letters,
designing bulletin boards, and selecting children’s book.