Interest-based Curriculum Planning Project

Purpose:To organize curriculum ideas and materials into a plan of possibilitiesto follow up on the observed interests of children. Be cognizant of thefive selves, needs of individual children, and valuing diversity inyour planning.

Write-up Format:

I. Identify fiveobjectives related to an observed learning interest and/or developingconcepts of young children. (This is what you anticipate the childrenwill experience and/or accomplish).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

II.For each of the following curriculum areas, identify at least two ideasor activities that are related to the planning topic. You areencouraged to use activities from your curriculum classes. Allinformation should be included in the write-up. 1. books: includetitle and author
1.
2.

2. fingerplays: include words and motions and possible props
1.

2.

3. art: include name of activity, brief description, and any special materials needed
1.

2.

4. cooking: name of recipe and any special ingredients or equipment needed

1.

2.

5. science: describe process/activity and materials needed
1.

2.

6. math: title of game/activity and concept involved

1.

2.
7. music: songs, with words and melody; recording source if appropriate
1.

2.

8. gross motor movement: with directions and materials; title of recording source if appropriate
1.

2.

9. outdoor sensory: description of materials and set-up

1.

2.

10. planned outdoor activities: special materials and set-up, teacher involvement
1.

2.
III. For each of the following interest areas, include at least one activity/idea that is related to your planning topic.
1. blocks: props, posters, materials listed

2. family life or dramatic play area: props, materials, additional supplies

3. bulletin board: description and materials needed

IV.Plan one group/circle time based on your planned possibilities. Yourgroup time experience should describe each of the following components:
1. your settling/quieting activity

2.main group activities (can include some of the books, songs, etc. fromabove): specify activities in order of presentation to children with any“bridging” comments/ideas

3. one-two open-endedquestions to extend critical thinking or re-focus attention (remember,open ended questions cannot be answered with “yes” or “no” and do nothave a correct answer or only one answer)

4. closing activity and transition out of circle

5. materials needed during circle time