Curriculum Development
Curriculum Development
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Directions: Be sure to make an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to Ashworth College for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) pages in length; refer to the “Assignment Format” page for specific format requirements.
For this assignment, refer to “Writing Activity Plans” on p. 103 of your textbook and the state standards for your state. Read the activity plan that was created, taking note of each element included.
1. In a one-page response, answer the “Constructed-response question” Parts “a” and “b” below the activity.
2. Then, using the activity format, create your own activity plan focusing on one of the standards from the state standards you accessed. You may choose any age level to focus on, ages 3-8. This should be one page in length. Make certain that you add the state standard you are focusing on in the activity plan.
3. Finally, write a two-page response answering the question: What is the primary purpose of your plan and how does each element of your activity plan relate to the purpose?
Page 103 of text book
5. Add to your journal
1. a. What is the most significant concept that you learned about planning and teaching from your readings and your experience with children?
2. b. Reflect on the extent to which the content of this chapter corresponds with what you have observed in the field. What is your reaction to any discrepancies you perceive?
3. c. What goals do you have for yourself related to planning and teaching activities for young children? How do you intend to pursue these goals?
5. Consult the standards
1. a. Refer to the National Mathematics Standards published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. These can be found in the publications entitled Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (1989) and . Select a subsection of standards to examine (Consider Problem Solving, Number and Operations, or Patterns and Relationships). Consider these standards in light of the Principles of Developmental Direction addressed in this chapter. Describe any evidence of these principles that you see in the standards you selected.
2. b. Secure an example of the literacy early learning standards from your state. Find a standard that would be supported by the story sequence activity presented in .
Practice for Your Certification or Licensure Exam
The following items will help you practice applying what you have learned in this chapter. They can help to prepare you for your course exam, the PRAXIS II exam, your state licensure or certification exam, and for working in developmentally appropriate ways with young children.
Writing Activity Plans
The kindergarten teachers have a common planning time each week, during which they share new lesson plans with one another. Each teacher writes a draft for the others to go over before using it the next week. Here is an example.
| Domain | Aesthetics |
| Activity Name | Finger Designs in Sand |
| Goal | Children will respond to basic elements of visual art, such as line, design, and texture. |
| Content | 1. Sand is finely ground bits of stone.
2. Pebbles are small, rounded stones that have been worn smooth by erosion. 3. Designs are combinations of lines, shapes, and empty space. 4. Lines may be straight or curved, long or short, thin or thick. 5. Textures range from rough to smooth. |
| Materials | Large jellyroll pans or cafeteria trays. Coarse sand, fine sand, aquarium gravel |
| Procedures | 1. Prepare in advance by filling each tray almost to the top with one type of sand or stone.
2. Invite children to make designs with their fingers in the different pans. 3. Talk with children about the lines, designs, and textures they are creating. 4. Ask children to make letters of the alphabet in the sand/rocks. |
| Simplification | Focus on only one element at a time, such as line or texture. |
| Evaluation | 1. What letters did children make? |
1. Constructed-response question
1. a. Identify the primary purpose of this plan. How did you decide?
2. b. Based on principles of good planning, suggest three ways to edit the plan to improve it. Explain your revisions.
2. Multiple-choice question
A characteristic of good activity plan objectives are that they:
1. a. Are fun for children to do
2. b. Describe how children will participate in the activity
3. c. Clearly relate to the theme of the day
4. d. Describe child behavior/actions
