ECE Curriculum Design

Question: Discuss about theECE Curriculum Design. Answer: Introduction It is important to develop early childhood curriculum by incorporating transparent plans that can focus on why and how children learn, instead of focusing simply on what they learn from the curriculum. According to my perspective, addressing experiences of children, teachers as well as families is important for developing an effective curriculum for children. I believe in holistic approach, where individuals interest and needs are prioritized. Thus, the approach provided by Seitz is suitable for enhancing childrens self-esteem and self-management skills compared to the thematic curriculum model. If their interests are valued, they gets motivation for learning and exploring their talents to achieve their learning goals. This motivation is authentic, that means it would have a meaningful outcome, while empowering children towards their own interests (Seitz, 2006). However, continuous observation and documentation is required for assessing and evaluating the success of the plan as well as development of children. The process provides the opportunity to provoke children, teachers as well as parents in both the classroom as well as home settings to explore their interests, by asking questions and empowering them through intrinsic motivation. It can be defined as behaviour, performing which, we enjoy the activity itself. Therefore, the intrinsic motivation can facilitate inherent talents of children, through which they can be motivated towards learning new things and experience real world with their interest. The plan provided by Seitz is a four step cyclical method, where the first step is spark or provocation, where the interests of a child are identified through experience and conversation (Seitz, 2006). Spark can be anything or any situation that can provoke deeper thought. In the next step, conversation, a thorough conversation is done with the child by asking questions, in classroom or outer premises. In the next step, the opportunities and experiences are explored for further investigatio n bout in and out classroom. The final step is asking more questions and thinking further, while documenting childrens development an experience sharing (Seitz, 2006). Implementing this plan, teachers can trigger a spark and provoke childrens thoughts through stories, experiences or specific items. For instance, using various and colourful utensils in kitchen games, teacher can trigger childrens thinking about the shapes of each utensil, through conversation and asking questions, teacher can facilitate their ideas and thinking patterns to identify each stuffs use and purpose. In this context, I have identified the teachable moment strategy, which is referred to observing children knowledgeably and providing them proper opportunities to for assisting their understanding regarding their interests (Bruce, 2012). This plan can not only be implemented in classroom setting, rather their parents can also empower them in home or any other premises, for example, offering experiences by provo king them to visit nearby grocery shop. I support implementation of this plan in curriculum development, because most of the time it provides exciting implications, by promoting childrens meaningful experiences for finding opportunities related to authentic experiences allowing children to visualize, negotiate and participate in the real world. From my perspective, this plan focuses on the way the children are learning, the purpose of learning as well as the subject of learning. Thus compared to the thematic curriculum in early childhood development, it has advantage to build childrens interests towards learning curriculum. From this article, I have gained significant insight about plans needed to be included in the early childhood curriculum. The plan is able to motivate children to build their connection with the real world, making them self-sufficient for their future life. In addition, this article helped to identify ways through which can empower children to think rationally, by offering stories, ideas, experiences or specific items. On the other hand, I have gained knowledge and skills regarding the ways of empowering children both inside the class and outside of the class. From the example conversations, I have got sufficient ideas and skills regarding the correct way of gradually going deeper with the child are thought during conversation. I have also understood that it is important to focus on teachable moments, when we need to analyze first, get an insight of a childs interest. It is the responsibility of the teacher to find out childs interest through proper communication skills and right way of conversation. In addition, I have understood the importance of observation and documentation during the plan implementation. I have identified proper situation, where children should be provoked for exploring their children. I have understood that communication skill is very important for assisting children to identify their interest. This plan helped me to be a caring, observant teacher in future and promote childrens motivation by facilitating their self-management. Reference List Bruce, T. (2012).Early childhood education. Hachette UK. Seitz, H. J. (2006). The plan: Building on children's interests. YC Young Children, 36-41.