Christina,
Curriculum can be play based and also have lesson plans. For example, I use Creative Curriculum that is produced by Teaching Strategies. You can ask them for a sample packet of materials for free.
Google: Teaching Strategies- The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool
Here is an example of using a play-based curriculum with lesson plans that comes from Creative Curriculum. We are doing a study on "Pets". We chose that study based on what we observed from the children. Several of them got new pets and they were talking a lot about their pets in their play. The curriculum has us ask them during large group time what they already know about pets and what they would like to know. We write it on a large paper and add to it as children have more ideas. We get books about pets and have resources available for them, such as a pet store set up with the cash register, etc. The curriculum also suggests setting up an animal shelter. You ask the children what they will need in their shelter, such as a doctor kit, blankets, etc. It also suggests creating a waiting room for the shelter and ideas on how to get the children's suggestions and how to expand on the children's ideas. One of the days suggests doing a walk through the neighborhood to see what pets we can see in our area, such as dogs in back yards or dogs being walked. We also have planned for a neighbor to come who has a pet hedgehog and a veterinarian will come talk with the children about their profession. All this is pre-planned in the curriculum, such as what questions to ask the children and what to have on hand to set up. Each day is written out in the curriculum, including books, ways to incorporate use of alphabet, science, math, etc., so you can have your daily curriculum posted for parents, but it does have you adapt it to your own needs. I always put a disclaimer at the bottom of our calendar saying that these activities are subject to change based on the children's interests or weather, etc.
If you understand Vygotsky's ideas about scaffolding and zone of proximal development, you remember that parents are there to support children's interests. They guide the child in ways the child is ready, yet not able to succeed without help. Caregivers are there to provide that help. Having the curriculum be totally driven by the children might not help them achieve their greatest potential without some guidance. Play based curriculum with well though-out lesson plans helps to accomplish that.
I hope this helps.
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DeAnn Jones
Director, teacher
Discovery Place Child Care, LLC
Bozeman MT
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2019 10:39 AM
From: Christina Randall
Subject: Lesson plans
I use play based curriculum. I was asked to do lesson plans. How would one do that since i let the kids dictate and our day differs from day to day??? Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you
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christina randall
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