Online Companion: Early Education Curriculum: A Child's Connection to the World, 4E
Chapter 2
Creating Curriculum
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Reflective Review Questions
Web Activities
Additional Related Web Links
Reflective Review Questions
1. If curriculum is inclusive, integrated, emergent, child-centered, and childdirected, then what is your responsibility in planning curriculum? Explain your
answer in a written format.
2. Many Americans take the position that this country is a melting pot, and that
immigrants should quickly assimilate with the culture of the United States. Is this
position consistent with a multicultural/anti-bias curriculum in an early childhood
setting? Why or why not?
3. Careful observation of children is essential to planning appropriate learning
experiences for children. However, isn’t this just wishful thinking? How can
overworked teachers with a myriad of tasks to do every day possibly squeeze in
observation of children? Share your viewpoint with a fellow student.
4. In a short paragraph, summarize the history and background of each curriculum
model you were introduced to in your textbook, including identifying significant
individuals who were involved in the creation of the model. Can you identify
some similarities and differences as you compare them? If you had a choice,
which curriculum model would you choose to implement in your own classroom,
and why?
5. Observe a preschool, kindergarten, or primary-level classroom. Describe evidence
of inclusive, integrated, or emergent curriculum approaches. If you did not find
evidence of these curricular approaches, can you explain why?
Web Activities
1. Do a Web Search by typing in “Help for Parents.”
Find information that you could share with the families of the children in your
care. Describe, in writing, why you selected this particular Web site(s). How
could your choice(s) be helpful to families and ultimately to children?
2. Classroom environments
Follow the Web links below and read all the articles in Beyond the Journal for
May 2005. Then answer the two questions in the article, “Reflecting, Discussing,
Exploring—Questions and Follow-Up Activities for Environments That Inspire”
by Susan Friedman under “General thought questions on classroom
environments.” If you are teaching in a classroom, complete the next two
questions in the section, “Things to try in your own classroom.”
National Association for the Education of Young Children: http://www.naeyc.org
(Click on “Beyond the Journal,” click on “Beyond the Journal Archives,” and
then scroll down to May 2005, “Environments that Support Exploration and
Learning” and click.) You can then click on different articles to gather
information on creating environments that inspire children and teachers.
3. Consider this statement from your textbook:
The rising number of children identified as overweight or obese is deemed a
critical concern as overweight and obese children are at risk for serious medical
ailments . . . social-emotional development can also be impaired (Greaser &
Whyte, 2004 in Simpson & Gaus, 2006).
The American Academy of Pediatrics is gravely concerned about the rise
in obesity among children and young adults. Go to their Web site:
http://www.aap.org
(Under “Children’s Health Issues,” click on “Obesity”)
After you examine some of this information, write a reflective summary of what
you have learned and outline some steps you need to take to ensure the health of
young children who will be in your care.
4. Another quote from your textbook stated the following:
It is probably not a coincidence that childhood obesity is on the rise at a time
when some elementary schools are reducing or eliminating recess and critics are
calling for preschools to spend time focusing on academics and drills (Ginsberg,
2006).
Do you think that this statement is true? Is recess disappearing from schools?
Verify your opinion with some information gathered from research in the library
and on-line.
5. Early Childhood News
http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com
(Click on “Articles,” click on “Physical Education and Movement,” and then click
on “10 Factors to Consider When Designing Outdoor Play Areas” by Carolyn
Tomlin)
The outdoor play space also contributes to the physical well-being of children, but
often the design of the outside play space is given little thought. Before you read
the recommended article from the Early Childhood News Web site, jot down a list
of points that you think need to be considered when planning outdoor play space
for young children. Then read the article and compare your points with the factors
in the article. Did you acquire some new information and inspiration?
Additional Related Web Links
1.
American Montessori Society
http://www.amshq.org
2.
3.
Culturally Responsive Curriculum:
(Conduct a Web search by typing in “Culturally Responsive Curriculum: ERIC
Digest”)
Design Share
http://www.designshare.com
(In the Search box, type in “Comparing North American Reggio Schools”)
4.
National Head Start Association
http://www.nhsa.org
5.
Parents Action for Children
http://www.parentsaction.org
6.
Project Approach
http://www.projectapproach.org
7.
Understanding Prejudice: Reading Room for Teachers
http://www.understandingprejudice.org
(Click on “Teacher’s Corner”)