Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Comprehensive Curriculum vs. Small Units

    Posted 03-27-2019 03:29 PM
    What are the pros and cons of using one, big comprehensive curriculum vs. a collections of small, focused curriculum? Which do you prefer?

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    :) Nika
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  • 2.  RE: Comprehensive Curriculum vs. Small Units

    Posted 03-28-2019 10:17 AM
    ​Hi, Nika,
    That's an important question. It can be tempting to stick with a comprehensive curriculum because of the consistency and user ease. But I've consistently observed that comprehensive curricula typically have some weaker areas - and even the better curricula might not be right for a particular population. For that reason, I suggest picking and choosing what works best for the children in your program. That also opens the door to some subject-focused curricula, or ones that focus on needs particular to your group (e.g., a special music program, a niche science/space program, an inclusivity program, etc.).
    Best of luck, and thanks for raising this issue!


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    Hazel Osborn
    Consultant
    Loveland CO
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  • 3.  RE: Comprehensive Curriculum vs. Small Units

    Posted 03-29-2019 07:38 AM
    I agree that a comprehensive curriculum has its good points but may lack in several areas, Our program follows the HIghscope curriculum yet we incorporate many smaller curriculums into that. We use Second Step and Character Counts curriculums for social-emotional education, several small dental curriculums and Team Nutrition/Chef Combo for health, Handwriting without Tears​ as part of our literacy curriculum, I'm Moving, I'm Learning for physical curriculum, and several others to blend in with our basic Highscope to provide fuller learning along with variety. I understand that some educators like to follow a definite curriculum that is al spelled out for them. I am one who tries to follow children's interests and provide a variety of ways and activities in which children can learn and be challenged to learn more. I am constantly looking for new ways to bring the love of learning to every child in my classroom. Hope this helps you some.

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    Sue Miller
    team leader
    Child Development Center
    Hawarden IA
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  • 4.  RE: Comprehensive Curriculum vs. Small Units

    Posted 03-29-2019 10:09 PM
    I also use the High Scope curriculum within our entire child care early learning center (6 wks. - 12 years), but we also incorporate other curriculums.  We imbed the Zoophonics in our Voluntary Prekindergarten program.  We use Dr. Becky Bailey's Conscious Discipline, Baby Doll Circle Time, and the Feelings Buddies.  We also use the Program Wide Positive Behavior Support program, with social stories, Solution Centers, and Tucker Turtle.  We have also used Sanford Harmony's social and emotional program using a little green outer space character named "Z".  We had initially thought that this would be too much at once, but 'Z' goes into the classrooms once a week, and the children love to hold and talk to their 'alien' friend.  We also have yoga one morning a week, teaching breathing and calming techniques. This would seem to be too much, but we feel that children today need much in the way of social/emotional development.  I don't think that 'one size fits all", and there are so many programs out there.  

    Nancy Allison, Executive Director
    Magic Moments Learning Centers, Inc. 
    Clermont, Florida

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    Nancy Allison
    Executive Director
    Magic Moments Learning Ctr Inc
    Clermont FL
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  • 5.  RE: Comprehensive Curriculum vs. Small Units

    Posted 03-29-2019 08:56 PM
    Nika,

    Comprehensive curriculum offers some benefits but also has some drawbacks. One of the important questions to consider is what curricula is the best fit for your children and for yourself.  Also, realistically consider how much time you have available to prep units as well as whether or not you have the materials needed for your units.

    As a beginning teacher I spent hours prepping units; I soon learned that simple is best. Start with open-ended activities and ask children what other materials they might need, want to add to a center, or the next time the activity is offered.

    Comprehensive curriculum can be constraining-what do you do when the curriculum does not match the children's needs or interests?

    When planning small units, teachers can incorporate activities that touch on all domains by using open-ended questions and offering children opportunities embedded with choice.

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    JodyJohnson
    Associate Professor
    Orange, CA
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  • 6.  RE: Comprehensive Curriculum vs. Small Units

    Posted 03-31-2019 08:02 PM
    Hi,
    NC use Teaching Strategies Gold Curriculum for NCPrek and I use Dr. Becky Bailey. I also use Tucker Turtle and Super friend and Letterland.  Teaching Strategies Gold Curriculum uses blooms taxonomy high order thinking questions. This curriculum has studies that the children can choose. The children are introduced to the study and then there is an investigation. The studies materials may be things you may have in your class or a child can bring from home. I'm doing balls right now and the children love it. In the end of the program the children are asking more questions and more curious about their world around them. So amazing to see. This curriculum comes with some materials and when you need to add things it's generally things you have in your classroom.  I like this better for my students instead of small curriculums because you have to constantly come up with one daily and find the materials to use.

    BK teacher

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    Clarrissa Farrar-Hines
    Raleigh NC
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