This course covers the developmental foundations and curriculum applicationsof math/science curriculum in inclusive early childhood programs. Specificattention is given to typical and atypical cognitive development of youngchildren and implications for curriculum, teaching strategies and learninggoals for children in an early childhood classroom. It includes ways toplan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate activities forchildren with and without disabilities. Understanding and practicing theteacher's role in facilitating learning through planning and coordinating,sequencing and evaluating curricula are also emphasized. A practicumexperience with young children is included.

At the end of the semester, you must submit a lesson plan and reflection for one of your activity plan assignments as a sample of your work in CDFS 40600.  You may choose whichever assignment you believe reflects your best work.  The plan and written reflection on the implementation are to document your competence in the standards listed above as primary to the goals of this course.  The submission must meet the criteria for a grade of B or above.

 

Lesson Plan:  Students plan an activity to be implemented in the practicum classroom. The content focus is either math or science, depending on which activity they choose as their work sample. The activity setting will be a free play, large group, or small group activity, again depending on the students’ selection of their work sample.  The activity planning form using for this assignment is reproduced on the following pages.

 

Reflection:  Students are to evaluate the activity they planned and implemented in a 3-page, typed, double-spaced reflection.  Use professional writing skills and follow confidentiality guidelines.  Include the following information:

• Description of the activity, materials, children participating (Ages? Special needs?)
• Description and evaluation of teaching strategies
• Analysis of if developmental and/or content objectives were met
• Description of assessment, results of assessment, and evaluation of assessment method
• Strengths and challenges of activity (What would you keep the same?  What would you change?)
• Reflection on professional development:  “Through implementation of my _____activity, I learned…” (Address standards listed on page 1 and 2 of syllabus in detail. You are documenting your competence in teaching after studying texts, planning, implementing and reflecting on your experience.)