Hi Suzanne!
You won't get this probably until you return home but I thought it might be a good idea to have something like this to guide students through the course. Check it out and let me know what you think - then we can complete it.... we also should think about a grading expectations document, attendance or anything else we feel is important to add to our documents file. I'll try giving you a call on Sunday.
Faculty Expectations Lynn Silvestro and Suzanne Purcell
NOTE: Read, reply to, and then print this faculty expectations message for frequent future reference!
Welcome to EDU- 2045 – Curriculum Development for Early Childhood Education. This is a long note, but it contains information about this course and what is expected of you that you will want to know. Our goals as facilitators of this course are to help you learn about curriculum development for early childhood education and apply that learning as you create your own curriculum as the final project for this course. You will gain experience learning through our textbook, shared discussions in the forum, feedback from instructors, working on assignments and through other sources. The text is designed for the beginning student but can also be used by experienced teachers looking for current early childhood philosophies, curriculum resources, fresh ideas, or insights.
The requirements are somewhat aggressive for this course. You have a lot of reading, a lot of writing, and a lot of due dates. The key to performing successfully in this course is carefully reading all of the instructions provided for the discussion postings, assignments and study activities before you attempt to complete them. There are expectations built into nearly every week through discussion postings, assignments and critical reflection.
Because of the aggressive schedule for this course, it is important that you not fall behind. It will be difficult to catch up, especially with the postings. For this reason, we ask that you have your initial responses posted by Friday and responses to other students completed by Sunday. Learners who save their work until the weekend are not able to keep up with the aggressive schedule. If you anticipate that you will be absent from the forum for an entire week, try to post assignments early, ahead of time. Always contact your instructors if you know you will be out or have other problems. We can make adjustments as needed – we realize that life happens.
Your final project will consist of a curriculum that you create. Each week you will be tasked with a piece or pieces of the curriculum to complete so that by the end of the course your project will be complete. Each assignments can be tweaked before submitting your final curriculum and you will receive feedback on each piece as they are submitted.
We can add the weekly assignments that can work into their curriculum - I'll work on a curriculum model to put under documents for them to use as a possible template....
Lynn
Below is a schedule of assignments towards completion of your curriculum.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
An Update...Finally!
Lynn,
I know you are in Italy and not thinking about work at all, which is as it should be! I really do hope you are having a wonderful time. I thought I would write to give you an update on my progress with the revision, as well as some aspects of my crazy life.
First, I'm sorry that I dropped the ball over the past few weeks. I was feeling a lot of stress over my father. etc. Today I finally had time and energy to attend to it, and I did some revising on our discussion board assignments, only to realize that I would have to redo many of the changes because I haven't had good luck saving formatting when I copy and paste to Blackboard. So I decided to post the discussion boards and revise as I went along. It really was much easier and far less time consuming. I hope that decision was okay with you. There are still things I want to change and many additions (such as relevant links for each chapter), but it helps me to have it all in there. I cleaned up a lot of little typos and other glitches - mostly in the assignments I wrote. I will keep tweaking it until I hear from you. It's fun to see it all up and running.
I also want to tell you that my uncle did arrive from Maryland and stayed for three days. He was not successful in getting my dad to go see the doctor, but I really feel that his visit was good for my father. He seems to have more energy than he has for a long time, and tonight he is actually cooking - for the first time in over two months! His terrible cough has subsided too. I think I feel like I can actually make plans to go back to Vermont soon. I am really anxious to get back.
I am going to continue to work on our class assignments, and also get my other classes fully set up for summer. My goal is to be completely ready for summer before this semester is over; I really need a few weeks of time off.
I will send this via email too, but I doubt you will be checking any of this until you get back. Have a wonderful time in Italy!
Suzanne
I know you are in Italy and not thinking about work at all, which is as it should be! I really do hope you are having a wonderful time. I thought I would write to give you an update on my progress with the revision, as well as some aspects of my crazy life.
First, I'm sorry that I dropped the ball over the past few weeks. I was feeling a lot of stress over my father. etc. Today I finally had time and energy to attend to it, and I did some revising on our discussion board assignments, only to realize that I would have to redo many of the changes because I haven't had good luck saving formatting when I copy and paste to Blackboard. So I decided to post the discussion boards and revise as I went along. It really was much easier and far less time consuming. I hope that decision was okay with you. There are still things I want to change and many additions (such as relevant links for each chapter), but it helps me to have it all in there. I cleaned up a lot of little typos and other glitches - mostly in the assignments I wrote. I will keep tweaking it until I hear from you. It's fun to see it all up and running.
I also want to tell you that my uncle did arrive from Maryland and stayed for three days. He was not successful in getting my dad to go see the doctor, but I really feel that his visit was good for my father. He seems to have more energy than he has for a long time, and tonight he is actually cooking - for the first time in over two months! His terrible cough has subsided too. I think I feel like I can actually make plans to go back to Vermont soon. I am really anxious to get back.
I am going to continue to work on our class assignments, and also get my other classes fully set up for summer. My goal is to be completely ready for summer before this semester is over; I really need a few weeks of time off.
I will send this via email too, but I doubt you will be checking any of this until you get back. Have a wonderful time in Italy!
Suzanne
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Note upcoming email
Hey Suzanne!
I am emailing you an attachment of the completed syllabus I have at this time. I have made a few changes to my own forums and you may want to make changes as well. Feel free to change anything in mine as well. However, viewing this document in this way will help us to be consistent from week to week. We still need to develop a weekly curriculum assignment and I will also send along what I create as I do it. So look for my email and if you don't get it let me know - it's a long document!
Lynn
I am emailing you an attachment of the completed syllabus I have at this time. I have made a few changes to my own forums and you may want to make changes as well. Feel free to change anything in mine as well. However, viewing this document in this way will help us to be consistent from week to week. We still need to develop a weekly curriculum assignment and I will also send along what I create as I do it. So look for my email and if you don't get it let me know - it's a long document!
Lynn
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Lynn,
Lest you think I'm really organized and on top of things, let me explain that I only got this second assignment done because I'm procrastinating about getting my literature assignments written! It's a crazy system, but it sometimes works for me. Like the sensory center assignment, this is only a first draft. Feel free to provide copious constructive criticism!
Suzanne
Lest you think I'm really organized and on top of things, let me explain that I only got this second assignment done because I'm procrastinating about getting my literature assignments written! It's a crazy system, but it sometimes works for me. Like the sensory center assignment, this is only a first draft. Feel free to provide copious constructive criticism!
Suzanne
Chapter 10: Music and Movement:
Reading Assignment: Pg. 299-324
Discussion Board by midnight on Friday:
Part 1: Choose one of your previous assignments for this course in which you created a lesson plan for one of the learning domains. Develop a music and movement lesson to incorporate into that lesson plan. Present your plan using the following format:
• Age and/or developmental level of your students:
• Learning domain of original lesson plan: (Copy and paste the original lesson plan into this week’s submission for our reference)
• Materials to be used:
• Procedure for activity:
• Describe how this music/movement lesson will enhance your original plan.
Part 2: Research local resources and identify a guest you will invite into the classroom as part of this lesson. Write a mock letter to this guest inviting him/her to your classroom. Explain how this person’s participation in your classroom will enhance the goals of your lesson(s). Remember that your actual audience is your peers in this class, so include relevant information for those of us who will likely be unfamiliar with your guest, and describe a bit about this person’s work in the world of music or movement. You could choose a local musician or dancer, or branch out into regional or even national personalities. As always, it is a good idea to use your creativity and imagination in this lesson plan!
Discussion Board by midnight on Sunday: Respond to at least 3 of your peers’ posts.
One Down, One To Go...
(Lynn,
This is a first draft, probably subject to further revision...)
Chapter 9: Sensory Centers
Reading assignment: Pg. 269-298
Discussion Board by midnight on Friday:
Submit a post to the discussion board in which you address 1 of the 2 assignments below:
Either assignment should be at least 400 words in length, and include at least two ideas encountered in the chapter, (citations must be documented within your submission).
In addition, choose at least one of the resources listed in References (pg. 297-298) that you believe will be useful in your lesson planning for the classroom, and research it online. Give a brief annotation of the book – in your own words.
Discussion Board by midnight on Sunday: Respond to at least 3 of your peers’ posts.
This is a first draft, probably subject to further revision...)
Chapter 9: Sensory Centers
Reading assignment: Pg. 269-298
Discussion Board by midnight on Friday:
Submit a post to the discussion board in which you address 1 of the 2 assignments below:
- Compose a philosophy statement about the importance of incorporating censor activities into the classroom. Identify the age group you have in mind, and explain the developmental milestones affected by the use of sensory activities in the classroom. Include at least three ideas encountered in the chapter to support your statement, and properly cite these within your statement.
- Develop two lesson plans for using sensory centers in your classroom. Use the following format:
- Age and/or developmental level of your students:
- Sensory centers to be used:
- Materials to be used:
- Procedure for activity:
- Tie these lessons into one of the previous chapters. Which learning domains are represented and explored through your lessons?
Either assignment should be at least 400 words in length, and include at least two ideas encountered in the chapter, (citations must be documented within your submission).
In addition, choose at least one of the resources listed in References (pg. 297-298) that you believe will be useful in your lesson planning for the classroom, and research it online. Give a brief annotation of the book – in your own words.
Discussion Board by midnight on Sunday: Respond to at least 3 of your peers’ posts.
Great Assignment!
Lynn,
We will be talking within the next few hours, but I wanted to say how much I like this assignment. You have me very curious about the "Sultan's Elephant!" I love that you give students some options for assignments. I just started doing this in my writing class and the students love it. I wondered if we want to give students some parameters about the length of their written responses. I have been asking my lit students for a 300 or 400 word minimum, in hopes that they will go beyond the perfunctory response.
I really agree that it might be a good idea to forgo the chapter 12 assignment in favor of letting students share their final projects. I feel bad that I don't have the sensory and music assignments completed yet. I think I can do them tomorrow, maybe Monday. I'm up to my eyebrows in fence-mending just now. The next few weeks will be crazy as I try to clean my father's house before I leave. He is having his brother visit right after I leave on the 15th, and I want the place half decent before I go.
Again, beautiful puppet assignment!
Suzanne
We will be talking within the next few hours, but I wanted to say how much I like this assignment. You have me very curious about the "Sultan's Elephant!" I love that you give students some options for assignments. I just started doing this in my writing class and the students love it. I wondered if we want to give students some parameters about the length of their written responses. I have been asking my lit students for a 300 or 400 word minimum, in hopes that they will go beyond the perfunctory response.
I really agree that it might be a good idea to forgo the chapter 12 assignment in favor of letting students share their final projects. I feel bad that I don't have the sensory and music assignments completed yet. I think I can do them tomorrow, maybe Monday. I'm up to my eyebrows in fence-mending just now. The next few weeks will be crazy as I try to clean my father's house before I leave. He is having his brother visit right after I leave on the 15th, and I want the place half decent before I go.
Again, beautiful puppet assignment!
Suzanne
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Chapter 11 Puppets
Hi Suzanne!
I'm back! Here's chapter 11's discussion forum. Chapter 12 falls on week 12 our last week - should we still cover it or have students share their curriculum? Just thought I'd ask before finishing it up.
Chapter 11 Puppets
Reading Assignment: pgs. 325-348
Discussion Board by midnight Friday – complete one of the following:
After reading the chapter go to Center for PuppetryArts at http://www.puppet.org. This site is an interesting one to explore. You’ll find out a lot about puppet presentations. For example, click on “Museum Tour.” Select one of the puppet show themes, click on “show information,” and look at the PDF information offered. When you have finished exploring, write a short description of what you found that was new to you. Will you use any of this information to enhance your curriculum? What do you think would be most appealing to young children? Explain in writing.
Royal de Luxe’s amazing street parade, “The Visit of the Sultan of India Atop His Time-Travelling Elephant,” occurred from May to July 2006 and featured giant-sized puppets that were operated by 42 puppeteers. Do a Web search of “Sultan’s Elephant” in order to find information about this puppetry project created by a French street theatre company. You can also do a Web search for “You Tube” and then type in “Sultan’s Elephant.”
Using the information from your research on the “Sultan’s Elephant” write a brief reaction statement that addresses (at a minimum) the following points:
• Was the information contained on these Web sites revolutionary in any way?
• Have you ever seen or participated in a street or large venue puppet show? If yes, explain your feelings about the experience. If not, would you like to see one and why?
• Do you feel that this creative extravaganza was appropriate for all ages? Explain your rationale.
• What did you like most about this? What did you like least? Why?
• Describe what you imagine the experience would be like from a puppeteer’s viewpoint, from a 4 year-old’s viewpoint, and from an 8 year-old’s viewpoint.
• Using what you have learned about puppetry, explain why you would support (or not support) public monies being spent on community shows such as this one.
• How would you include puppetry in your curriculum? If you would not include it, why not?
I'm back! Here's chapter 11's discussion forum. Chapter 12 falls on week 12 our last week - should we still cover it or have students share their curriculum? Just thought I'd ask before finishing it up.
Chapter 11 Puppets
Reading Assignment: pgs. 325-348
Discussion Board by midnight Friday – complete one of the following:
After reading the chapter go to Center for PuppetryArts at http://www.puppet.org. This site is an interesting one to explore. You’ll find out a lot about puppet presentations. For example, click on “Museum Tour.” Select one of the puppet show themes, click on “show information,” and look at the PDF information offered. When you have finished exploring, write a short description of what you found that was new to you. Will you use any of this information to enhance your curriculum? What do you think would be most appealing to young children? Explain in writing.
Royal de Luxe’s amazing street parade, “The Visit of the Sultan of India Atop His Time-Travelling Elephant,” occurred from May to July 2006 and featured giant-sized puppets that were operated by 42 puppeteers. Do a Web search of “Sultan’s Elephant” in order to find information about this puppetry project created by a French street theatre company. You can also do a Web search for “You Tube” and then type in “Sultan’s Elephant.”
Using the information from your research on the “Sultan’s Elephant” write a brief reaction statement that addresses (at a minimum) the following points:
• Was the information contained on these Web sites revolutionary in any way?
• Have you ever seen or participated in a street or large venue puppet show? If yes, explain your feelings about the experience. If not, would you like to see one and why?
• Do you feel that this creative extravaganza was appropriate for all ages? Explain your rationale.
• What did you like most about this? What did you like least? Why?
• Describe what you imagine the experience would be like from a puppeteer’s viewpoint, from a 4 year-old’s viewpoint, and from an 8 year-old’s viewpoint.
• Using what you have learned about puppetry, explain why you would support (or not support) public monies being spent on community shows such as this one.
• How would you include puppetry in your curriculum? If you would not include it, why not?
Oops!
Hey Suzanne!
I am glad the seminar was a good one - they can be hit or miss sometimes!! I will fix the course title and number in how this course works page. Thanks!! I am hoping to get the last two chapter lessons done and posted here before Saturday - we'll see - I just enrolled in the PhD program and my classes start Monday!! I am SO-o-o-o-o-o excited!!! My first two courses are Instructional design online!! ( one is principles of and the other is processes in) Can't wait to start!!
I'm glad you like the opening crayons! :) I like the way it looks too!! Hopefully I'll have another post here before Saturday, but if not I'll call you when I get back from babysitting!! Later!
Lynn
I am glad the seminar was a good one - they can be hit or miss sometimes!! I will fix the course title and number in how this course works page. Thanks!! I am hoping to get the last two chapter lessons done and posted here before Saturday - we'll see - I just enrolled in the PhD program and my classes start Monday!! I am SO-o-o-o-o-o excited!!! My first two courses are Instructional design online!! ( one is principles of and the other is processes in) Can't wait to start!!
I'm glad you like the opening crayons! :) I like the way it looks too!! Hopefully I'll have another post here before Saturday, but if not I'll call you when I get back from babysitting!! Later!
Lynn
Brief Update.
Hi Lynn,
I have returned from Tulsa with my head full of ideas about literature for teens! The seminar was excellent - which is an adjective I rarely use for seminars - and I am anxious to get working on my follow up project. I will design three lesson plans for my lit class, implement them, and write up a summary for Chapman University. This will fulfill the one remaining credit needed for my VT teacher recertification.
However, before I do that, I will be completing my last two assignments for our class and posting them here for your perusal. My plan is to complete that over the weekend.
Hope all is ducky with you and I look forward to our talk on Saturday.
Suzanne
I have returned from Tulsa with my head full of ideas about literature for teens! The seminar was excellent - which is an adjective I rarely use for seminars - and I am anxious to get working on my follow up project. I will design three lesson plans for my lit class, implement them, and write up a summary for Chapman University. This will fulfill the one remaining credit needed for my VT teacher recertification.
However, before I do that, I will be completing my last two assignments for our class and posting them here for your perusal. My plan is to complete that over the weekend.
Hope all is ducky with you and I look forward to our talk on Saturday.
Suzanne
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