CE 101

Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Curriculum Planning

Unit 4 Seminar

Unit 4 Overview

This unit focuses on learning environments that encourage the students to become actively engaged in activities that are similar to their everyday experiences. These experiences encourage the students to be creative and to use their imagination. When students are involved in the learning process and they are able to express their interests, the outcome is a positive one. You also will learn classroom management  strategies that will help develop a positive learning environment. 

Objectives

After completing this unit, you will be able to:

 • Describe a quality early childhood

environment• Explain the importance of quality

environments

 

Seminar Question #1

When a child enters the classroom they should see an attractive space. Use your 5 senses to describe

it. Jump in!

Seminar Question #2Is the space warm and

homelike? Share examples…

Please share!

Questions to Evaluate an Early Childhood Center

What kind of training and education do the teachers have? Are the teachers and kids engaged in conversations? Can teachers tell you not only what they are doing, but why? Does the program use a curriculum to guide learning? Does the program welcome and involve families? Does the space have separate learning centers (reading, art, dramatic play, writing, etc.) and a well-equipped playground?

http://www.preschoolcalifornia.org/rand-study/choosing-a-preschool.html

Qualities of High Quality Teachers

Well-trained and have received specialized training in early childhood education; Participate in professional development; Respect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the children and their families; Take time to observe and assess children’s progress;Develop activities that are developmentally appropriate and that address the developmental domains Physical Social emotional Cognitive

Physical Development

Fine motor skills (small muscles)Gross motor skills (large muscles)BalanceMovement control

8

Fine Motor Skills: GraspingGrasping reflex Reflex present at birth resulting in infants

grasping any object placed in their palm

Ulnar grasp Clumsy grasp with fingers folder over the

object

Pincer grasp Using the forefinger and thumb in opposition

to grasp small objects(Martin & Fabes, 2009)

Handedness92% of children are right-handedInfluenced more by genetics than environmentStable preferences emerge at around 3-4 yearsRelates to brain organization Right-handed children

Tend to have stronger lateralization of the brainShow superior language skills

(Martin & Fabes, 2009)

Gross Motor SkillsLifting the Head and SittingCrawling, Creeping and StandingVariations in CrawlingWalkingRunningJumpingThrowingCatching

(Martin & Fabes, 2009)

Gross Motor Skills

Key factors Continuing development of visual

systems Improved communication between

hemispheres Balance Practice and imitating others(Martin & Fabes, 2009)

Socio-emotional Development

Getting along with othersUnderstandingRegulatingExpressing feelingsDeveloping moral and ethical beliefs

(Martin & Fabes, 2009)

13

Early Emotional Development

Developing a Sense of TrustSmilingLaughterSocial ReferencingCryingAngerTemper TantrumsSelf-Conscious Emotions

Play (Martin & Fabes, 2009)

Attachment Theory

Infants use caregivers as a secure base When they feel threatened, they

approach the caregivers When they feel safe, they explore the

environment (Martin & Fabes, 2009)

Cognitive Development

Thought processLanguageIntellectual skillsCreativity

16

Question # 3Are there learning centers?

Name a few…

Any thoughts?

Learning Centers

Small areas within the classroom that are designated for child centered learningChildren are encouraged to reinforce their prior learning with concrete items, explore the learning through hands on activities, socially engage with other childrenTeachers are supportive and encouraging but not directing play

Types of Learning Centers

Block Center: provides practice with social skills as gross and fine motor skills are developed. Mathematical concepts such as shape, size, balance, and counting can be explored. Visual discrimination skills are reinforced. Opportunities for creative dramatic play can enhance communication skills and vocabulary. 

Sand/Water Center: develops sensory awareness and fine motor skills, augments concepts involving space, measurement and volume.

Housekeeping/Dramatic Play Center: provides opportunities to role-play home experiences in order to increase social development and communication skills. 

19

Types of Learning Centers

 Cooking Center: provides activities to enhance fine motor skill development, augment nutritional information and experiences, and add to health and safety awareness.

Math Center: offers children the opportunity to work with manipulatives and develop counting skills, understanding of numbers and number relationships, math vocabulary, fine motor skills, sorting and classification skills.

Art Center: provides students with the opportunity to develop creativity and imagination, fine motor skills, pre-writing skills, vocabulary and color concepts.

Writing Center: develops fine motor skills, develops left-to-right patterns, oral to written language expression.

20

Types of Learning Centers

Listening Center: increases vocabulary growth, develops listening skills and oral language skills, augments reading readiness skills (visual discrimination, letter recognition and rhyming words)

Music Center: develops an appreciation for different types of music, enhances a sense of rhythm, strengthens auditory discrimination, develops small and large muscle coordination, provides opportunities for creative expression through movement.

Puzzles and Games Center: provides social involvement while developing eye-hand coordination.

21

Question # 4List a few additional key

ingredients for establishing a successful learning

environment?

Please share!

Teacher considerations

The teacher should view the child as a whole person (holistically)

Observations should be performed of the child as an individual and as part of a group

Learning Theories should be considered in the plan

Teaching is from the heart(Follari, 2007, p. 6).

23

Teacher’s Considerations

Learning experiences should be designed to enhance development

Development is usually in predictable, sequential patterns.

Teachers should take into account that each individual does progress differently

Some skills may be categorized within one domain

The majority of skills can be addressed on an integrated level (Follari, 2007, p.5).

24

Unit 6 Project

Create a Parent Involvement Plan in response to the following scenario: Imagine you are working with one and two

year olds in a child care center. The majority of the children’s parents work two jobs and have a difficult time participating in the center's activities. Whenever the center plans an event, your parental involvement is lower than desired. The center has tried to increase parental involvement – through such methods as calling to remind parents and sending home notices – but is not having any luck.

25

Unit 6 Project

The assignment requires a plan to be created.

1. Step 1: Identify the issue.2. Step 2: Discuss your beliefs about the situation.3. Step 3: Formulate conclusions and offer suggestions

to the director of the child care center.4. Step 4: Create a Parent Involvement Plan for the

teachers to use and refer to often. This plan should include various activities to involve

parents. It should discuss how to communicate and advertise the events and who will be involved in preparing the event and making sure it runs smoothly.

26

Considerations for Projects

Provide a title page and references pageUse APA Quick Reference Guide under Course Home Menu of courseUse your textbookUse the rubric in the syllabus for a guideline

.

In-text Citation

For example: Meeting the developmental domains is a

role of the early childhood professional (Follari, 2011).

According to Follari (2011), meeting the developmental domains is a role of the early childhood professional.

Follari (2011) stated, “meeting the developmental domains is a role of the early childhood professional” (p. 233).

Weekly RemindersComplete Readings

Browse Web ResourceRespond to Discussion Questions

Interact with ClassmatesAttend Seminar or complete Seminar option

Complete Learning ActivitiesComplete Graded Review

E-mail questions, concerns, etc.

Closing thought!

The teacher is one who made two ideas grow where only one grew before.

- Unknown

Thank you!Thank you for joining me! It has been a

pleasure share with you again this evening!

If you ever need anything… email me!

References

Follari, L. (2010). Foundations and best practices in early childhood education: History, theories, and approaches to learning. Boston: Pearson.

Jupiter Images Corporation, (2010). Clipart.com. Retrieved May 10, 2010 from http://www.clipart.com