Learning Outcomes

1. Define and apply the term "developmentally appropriate" as it relates to early childhood lesson plans, pre-K through 3rd grade.

2. Develop a lesson plan based on your research of the various curricula.

Introduction

There are several types of early childhood education curricula that are used in facilitating the growth and development of  today's young children.  Curricula may vary according to the program, philosophy, and beliefs of how children learn.  Each type of curriculum employs similar as well as dissimilar methods of instruction.  You will learn about the different types of developmentally appropriate curricula in use today and you may explore how a particular curriculum is being used in an early childhood facility of your choice. (The site must meet Maryland State Department of Education requirements.)

The Task

You will have to complete the following tasks:

1.  Infoquest

Investigate early childhood curricula by exploring the websites in

 the Resources section, below. Choose 2 of the curricula and write an 

essay comparing and contrasting them.

2.  Lesson Plan

          Design a developmentally appropriate lesson plan, according to one of 

          the curricula. Make an  oral presentation to the class accompanied by a written

          explanation.

Resources

Use these websites to learn about early childhood curricula.

1.  Creative Curriculum

Creative Curriculum . Net

Creative Curriculum for Early Childhood

2.  High/Scope

High/Scope Curriculum

High/Scope Preschool Curriculum

High/Scope K-3 Curriculum

What is High/Scope?

3.  Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia: Catalyst for Change and Conversation

Reggio Emilia approach

Reggio Emilia: Some lessons for U.S. educators

4.  Montessori

The Four Tenants of a Montessori Education

Education for the 21st Century - Montessori

The Montessori Curriculum

What is Montessori?

5.  Bank Street Project

Teaching and learning in a Bank Street classroom

History of Bank Street Workshops

6.  Four Blocks Literacy Program

The Four Blocks Literacy Model

Jefferson County Schools -- Literacy Lane

Teachers.net: 4 Blocks Literacy

7.   A valid curriculum used at the school where you are placed for your Field Experience.

       To research this curriculum, interview teacher(s) and/or administrator(s), examine curriculum manuals and textbooks, observe classroom use, look for websites, etc. You must obtain approval from your ECD163 instructor before proceeding with this option.

The Process

1.  Infoquest

A. Choose 2 of the curricula from the Resources list, above, and take notes for a compare/contrast essay as you investigate the recommended resources. For example, take notes from the websites listed under the High/Scope curriculum to compare/contrast with the information you find on the websites under the Bank Street curriculum.

Information to find for each curriculum includes:

• basic philosophy

• role of the teacher

• content

• materials

• goals and objectives

• parental involvement

• ages of children

B. Based on your research, write a 2 to 2 1/2 page essay comparing and contrasting the 2 curricula you have chosen. Use MLA format, 1" margins, and Times New Roman or Arial 12 point font. Your essay should be free of spelling and grammatical errors.

2.   Lesson Plan

        A. Design a lesson plan based on one of the curricula you researched. Consider the role of the teacher, the goals and objectives, the content, materials, etc. of the curriculum as you design your lesson.

         B. Present the lesson plan to the ECD163 class accompanied by a written 1 page explanation of the relationship between your curriculum and your lesson plan.

Evaluation

You will be evaluated on your fulfillment of each segment of each step in this assignment.

Conclusion

It is important to know that different programs use different types of curricula in their classrooms. Each of these types has strengths and weaknesses that must be considered before deciding which one you are to use. The type of program, ages of the children, and even socio-economic status of the children may determine which type of curriculum you use.