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Pre-K Curriculum

  • 1.  Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 01-18-2023 09:33 AM
    Hi 

    We are starting a full day pre-K program in September.  Is anyone using an inquiry/play based curriculum that they would recommend?

    Thanks in advance.
    Terri Robson

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    Terri Robson
    Director of Elementary Education
    East Irondequoit CSD
    Rochester NY
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  • 2.  RE: Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 01-19-2023 07:17 AM
    I would recommend looking at using an emergent curriculum where the explorations come from the interests of the children.  Lilian Katz's book titled Engaging Children's Minds The Project Approach is a great resource.  You can also look at the work coming out of Reggio Emilia in Italy.  Bringing Reggio Emilia Home: An Innovative Approach to Early Childhood Education by Louise Boyd Cadwell is a good resource. 

    Carolyn DeVito
    Montclair NJ

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    Carolyn DeVito
    Assistant Executive Director
    Montclair Community Pre-K
    Montclair NJ
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 01-19-2023 02:21 PM
    Good sources.

    How are you, Carolyn? I did not know you were at Montclair Community Prek.

    I would also suggest any of the articles and books by Susan Stacey. Also, Young Investigators, Emergent Curriculum by Elizabeth Jones and John Nimmo and Learning Together with Young Children (2nd Ed) by Deb Curtis and Margie Carter. I also think another good book that is especially good for professional development and which will help teachers orient to emergent curriculum is The Art of Awareness: How Observation Can Transform Your teaching (2nd Ed) by Deb Curtis and Margie Carter. This book covers some important skills that teachers need to develop in order to implement the use of emergent curriculum:  developing skills at deep observation of and listening to children and reflection.

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    Nora Krieger, PhD
    Associate Professor Emerita/Past Chair NJEEPRE
    Bloomfield College/NJ Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
    Highland Park, NJ
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 01-20-2023 07:09 AM
    Dr. Kreiger - Hi to you as well. - I have been at the Montclair Community Pre-K since it opened in 1998.

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    Carolyn DeVito
    Assistant Executive Director
    Montclair Community Pre-K
    Belleville NJ
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 01-19-2023 10:35 AM
    There are several cities that have play-based, responsive curriculum for free on their websites that might be a good starting place. Not sure if it is ok to share here, will message you directly!

    Be well,
    Stepha

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    Stephania Krynytzky
    Brooklyn NY
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 01-20-2023 05:29 AM
    Good morning!

    I am new to this Forum so not sure the best way to do this, but is the curriculum you mentioned for pre-k only? Or kinder as well? If not, do you know of one for kinder?

    Thank you for your time and consideration!
    Lynette Stockwell
    Kindergarten Teacher
    Oasis Elementary South


    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 01-20-2023 07:17 AM
    I would always recommend a play-based, emergent curriculum for preschools and kindergartens.  I would love to see it move up the "elementary ladder" as well.  It is the most authentic learning.  We have lots to learn from the schools of Europe who listen to the children and don't "push" learning down.  We have become so consumed with test scores and have forgotten to make learning fun.

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    Carolyn DeVito
    Assistant Executive Director
    Montclair Community Pre-K
    Belleville NJ
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 01-20-2023 08:34 AM

    Thank you!!  I agree.

     




    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 01-20-2023 09:55 AM
    I agree with Carolyn. There are so many principles of a "play" oriented approach to curriculum that would help students stay engaged and motivated in the elementary grades (from first grade up - so many people do not see the 1st through 3rd grade as part of PreK and Kgn - early childhood) and beyond. Another good approach would be to focus on the interests of the children and approach learning as learner centered and inquiry based.

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    Nora Krieger, PhD
    Associate Professor Emerita/Past Chair NJEEPRE
    Bloomfield College/NJ Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
    Highland Park, NJ
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    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 01-21-2023 01:16 AM
    Children, no matter what age need to first learn to play. Play can be designed to prepare a child for the rigors of academics. To do this, an activity program needs to be specifically designed to prepare children. I highly recommend the Integrated Perceptual Motor program that children love to do and to them it's play but it actually prepares them physically and mentally for the rigors of academics. Two schools just became Program of Excellence recipients after using this program for the past 3 years. Check out the website at www.ipm4kids.com

    Dr. Biles

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    David Biles
    Integrated Perceptual Motor
    Martinez CA
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    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Pre-K Curriculum

    Posted 02-19-2023 01:48 PM

    As a veteran Early Childhood Educator, I have worked with several curriculum. I have pulled from each of these and utilized in my classroom. If I had my choice, I would practice 100% of the play based, child centered, discovery approach of Reggio Emilia. I was recently trained in High Scope, High Scope is by far the absolute best choice as far as main streamed curriculum goes. The assessment tool, COR, is user friendly and quite accurate if used properly. Using High Scope, I am also able to implement many Reggio ideas in my classroom. If you're interested in finding out more info on Reggio, I suggest contacting William Paterson Universities Early Childhood Department. They have a wealth of knowledge and resources to share. Best of luck on your new full day Pre-K Program!



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    Nicole ODonnell
    Educator
    Wayne NJ
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    Original Message