Posts Tagged development
Preschool Curriculum – How to Find a Quality Curriculum
Posted on September 20, 2011 | Home Schooling.
An effective preschool curriculum is not just a day care center for little kids, but a quality, learning experience that can give your child a head start on grade school. The challenges of preschool should be sufficient to let the child learn and grow in an atmosphere productive to learning, while not be so demanding that the child will get discouraged and fall behind.
There are three main aspects to a preschool curriculum that are recognized in the US, they focus on the mathematical, reading, and science disciplines. These goals are accomplished though visual aids and hands-on learning experiences. Also, the preschool environment should allow for social development of the child with others their age.
Recently, there has been a new standard written known as the international preschool curriculum. This was founded by instructors and educators from around the world in forming a basic curriculum for preschool students that harmonizes the differences between nations to form a common ground for learning.
The international preschool curriculum, in addition to the above mentioned disciplines, also offers international themes and bilingual education as well. This type of curriculum helps promote cultural diversity and awareness that will familiarize preschool students with the various cultures that populate our planet.
Plenty of preschool activities help children grow and learn together, especially when visual aids are used to help explain the subject matter in an easy to grasp fashion.
But the basis for all effective learning at the preschool age starts with the parents. Having the parents informed on what the child is learning and getting them involved in some of the activities makes for a more productive experience. Add to this regular assessment on the child’s progress that can trace any potential learning difficulties in the future. This can be vitally important in addressing these issues early on, when they can be dealt with more quickly and with more effectiveness.
All learning begins with the child’s ability to read. This is usually the primary focus of the preschool curriculum and helps not only with basic reading skills, but it broadens their vocabulary and allows them to pronounce words more exactly. By the time they enter kindergarten; a child will know almost 5,000 words and can form complex sentences. The preschool curriculum should give that child every chance to expand those skills.
Basic mathematics is also taught in preschools, usually using visual aids or easy to understand examples. They should be able to understand the basic number of similar objects, count to 10 or above, and can add together objects as well, such as if John had two oranges and Sally one orange, how many oranges do they both have together?
The learning of science begins by demonstrating what different objects or materials are, their sizes and shapes, and even what color or colors they are. The proper preschool curriculum expands a child’s knowledge of the world around them, including plants and animals. The different cultures that exist and how they can gather information about them.
Reading, science, and math are the three foundations to the international preschool curriculum. There are other aspects as well, almost twenty learning areas in total. Be sure to fully vet your local preschool to make sure they follow the correct guidelines to give your child the best head start to their education.
Choosing Simple Science Projects to Supplement Online Homeschool Curriculum
Posted on September 11, 2011 | Home Schooling.
There are several simple science projects that may be used to supplement online homeschool curriculum for children of all ages. It has been established by child development specialists and educators that children of all ages have a natural need to explore and learn about the world that they are part of. Whether children are learning in a traditional brick and mortar classroom or receiving their education through an online homeschool curriculum learning environment, simple science projects that assist in engaging them in exploring their world and allow them to make predictions, observations and inquire through questions assist them in their intellectual growth and understanding. By homeschooling your child, you play a vital role in nurturing their growth. By taking the time to choose science projects, you will be playing an intricate role in assisting in that growth.
When shopping for science kits that allow a student to engage in a project, it is important to consider their prior knowledge and their basic skill set. Regardless of the lesson plans that you are covering in the online homeschool curriculum, there are many unique levels that the child may engage in so that they understand the material that is being covered. It is crucial to consider the age, level of knowledge and general expertise of your child so that you are able to select simple science projects that will challenge them and motivate them to act and learn without the complications of frustration and boredom from being experienced. For a young child, a science project such as piecing together a model dinosaur may be appropriate. For older children learning in an online homeschool curriculum, a project that allows them to construct a wind vane to focus on the direction of the wind or build a barometer to learn about the pressure in the air may be more appropriate.
When shopping for simple science projects, it will be necessary for you to consider both the strengths and weaknesses of your child. It is essential that you consider the basic skills that your child has, as well as their level in developing their fine motor skills and gross motor skills. This may be highly challenging, but it is a step that must be taken so that you are able to decide which simple science projects are most beneficial for the child learning in the online homeschool curriculum learning environment. For example, a child that must develop their fine motor skills may be best suited for a project that requires them to work with small pieces and use the muscles in their hands. A child that has developed fine and gross motor skills may be best suited for science kits that deal with subjects on a conceptual level.
When choosing simple science projects for the homeschool classroom, it is crucial that you consider the language development of the child. You should understand that children that are encouraged to participate in science projects are also participating in meaningful interactions that encourage the use of words and phrases to describe the activities that are taking place. The language skills of the child will help you to determine if supplement material should be included such as songs, books, and even poems. A child’s vocabulary will grow when they are exposed to various types of knowledge and experiences. Simple science projects for the online homeschool curriculum learning environment are a productive means to advancing your child on many different levels. By following the steps outlined in this guide, it will be easy to select the most appropriate science kits for your student.