Curriculum, instruction, and activities

  • Infant room: The curriculum in the infant room will focus on sensory exploration and motor development. The instruction will be modeled by the educator with gentle receptiveness. Some activities the infant room will touch base on are grasping toys with hands, mirror play, and allowing the child to follow educator’s cues.
  • 1-2 year old room: The curriculum in the toddler room will focus on social development, language development, and independence. The instruction will be modeled by the educator and will be guided by the child’s interest. Some activities that will be performed are sorting, dusting, buttoning, and pouring.
  • 3-4 year old room: The curriculum in the preschool room will focus on social skills, coordination, basic math and literacy. The instruction will be led by the child with passive interaction by educator. Some activities that will be performed are puzzles, sandpaper letters, and playing in group settings.

 

Include how various theories and philosophies support early learning and development of each learning space/classroom.

  • Other theories and philosophies support development of each learning space and classroom by focusing on the needs of the child to provide a nurturing academic path. Jean Piage’st cognitive development theory focused on the learners’ explorations and actions to shape the knowledge of their worlds (Follari, 2019). Piaget described how knowledge is developed through processing new experiences. Piaget had a similar theory just like Montessori because she also was a believer of child-led experiences leading to a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. Erikson’s Lifespan Theory of Socioemotional Development discusses the importance of trust vs. mistrust that provide secure attachment and emotional development between the parent and child. Responsive nourishment is essential in a child’s life to help create healthy connections (Follari, 2019). Erikson’s theory and Montessori’s theory both touch on the importance of having a responsive caregiver and gives value to how social connections build strong relationships.

A description of at-home activities parents can use for each learning space/classroom

  • At home activities for infants will consist on bonding time with parents to promote healthy attachments, sensory box, and play time with mirror. The sensory box will help ignite sensory motors so they can get a better understanding of their environment. Playtime with a mirror will promote observational developments, specifically their self-awareness.
  • At home activities for toddles will consist of participating around the house with chores. This will focus on their practical life skills, as well as modeling routines. Some activities can be dusting, pouring, buttoning shirts, or sorting shapes.
  • At home activities for preschoolers will consist of playing with puzzles, making sandpaper letters/numbers, making smelling jars, and memory games using numbers. This will enhance a child’s sensorial and practical life skills by promoting exploration of their environment and igniting critical thinking skills