Play Based vs. Planned Curriculum

[Play Care]

I don't know quite what a "play toys rate" is. I am in Canada and parents pay a flat monthly rate, not by the week. I charge what other dayhome providers in the area charge, which works out to be $200/child/week. During interviews, I have never said that I was going to do a curriculum or themes, just that I provide a safe, caring place for your child while you are at work. No one has ever asked either. The parents haven't said anything, it is just how I am feeling. My husband thinks I am over thinking again, but every time I come on here, it reminds me of what else I am not doing, kwim? And to add to that, when I tell my husband some of the ideas I get on here, he puts them down because that involves spending more money on toys/supplies (ie. the apple theme example) and making more work for myself. You all seem like true professionals and I feel like a glorified babysitter.

For many years I did a preschool program, similar to what another poster described (monthly themes, learning centers, etc.) I LOVED it...BUT the reality was in the parents eyes, I was still the "sitter." I thought parents were choosing me because of that(preschool stuff), but the reality was that they want a safe place to leave their child while at work - period. The learning stuff is a perk because they think it means the tv won't be on all day
That said, if you want to do more, DO it! Just know you are doing it for you...
When I was starting out and money was tight, I used our local library, free internet sites, etc to put together activities. Obviously I don't know your financial situation, so your husband may be under a lot of stress especially if you are just starting out and not making a lot. I know my husband gets testy when things are tight and I'm spending like a Trump:: But really you can incorporate themes without spending a lot. And sometimes you have to spend a little money to make some money...

[Butter Biskets]

As usual, great suggestions! I am bookmarking this thread for reference.

[drseuss]

I have been a huge fan of emergent curriculum, and so have my daycare kids, but I am finding that many parents just don't get the concept at all. It's one of those things where if I have to explain it...they probably aren't going to get it. KWIM?

I am adding a structured curriculum to our routine on September 2nd, but we WILL NOT lose the emergent curriculum either. In my opinion, it is just too valuable. So I will be doing what I feel is best, and I will be doing something a little more structured alongside of that which will be kept developmentally appropriate at all times.

[MissTiff]

I am a pre-school teacher and, in my experience, when children are given the opportunity to play freely, things go awry. I also work with children with behavioral problems so my opinion may be irrelevant. I implement weekly themes in my classroom based off of the letters in the alphabet. (A-animals, B-bubbles, C-circus, etc) I plan several activities for each day that relate to the theme. Usually I will have two art activities, one science, one math, an outdoor experience, sensory activity and 4-6 books to read as well. ALL of which relate to the theme. But the children also have ample time (about 4 hours total) of free play whilst in the indoor gym, on the play ground, or in the classroom. I choose my themes based off of the children's interests, keeping them happy and their parents happy

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

I sooo understand what you are saying!! This is a dance I feel like I do all the time. If you look at my facebook page (MrsSteinelsHouse) you will see that over the past year I have changed- and even in the past couple of months I feel like I have hit another level.

Play based- child led is where I am heading. I try to think about it as "what can I put out that is going to provide them the opportunity to explore?' I change out toys and what is in the playroom so they have different opportunities. Sometimes they ask for something specific and I try to provide that. I really have been trying to listen to the kids and figure out what each one needs. So 5 yr old- some writing and letters but through play for the most part. He is also the one that has the hardest time just playing so sometimes it is just questions for him. How high do you think you can stack those? etc to get him started. 1 1/2 year old it has been helping her get the sorting blocks through the holes and I say the shapes names a lot! 3 yr olds- social skills They are really working on playing together and it is awesome! 4 yr old - read Humpty Dumpty on my fb I really have been trying to think of them as individuals and not a group. So if 1 1/2 yr old and 3 yr old want to paint - great it doesn't have to be a group thing.

Right now I pulled out a bunch of spring books. I read as they ask or as I feel like doing it. I have out dishes and food. A couple of building manipulatives. Small people and pooh figures. Easter eggs, Mr Potato Head, cars and trains... stacking cups (they are always out) pom poms are going to be back there today too. That is one of their favorite small parts! Before 9 am they play and eat breakfast. After 9 the table is generally available so they may play play doh or paint or cut, glue etc.

Outside is king especially this time of year! So if we can be outside we are. Now, this has changed over the years in appearance depending on who is in my group. If I have 3 under 2 then walks and play on the patio where it is easy for me to have pack and plays etc. But right now I have all walkers and it is up in the back yard- generally digging in the dirt! But, like I said this has varied over the years depending on the group. I try to be outside an hour in the morning and at least an hour in the afternoon.

Hope this helps some. I feel that my job is to set up the environment for them and then let them explore!

*and I always have something "up my sleeve" in case if the day is not moving along nicely- ie sidewalk chalk, a bucket of odd things, tape and things to tape (a favorite) a GREAT new book, etc

[Movingforward]

I'm glad I'm not the only one! I feel exactly the same way. Right now we have 3 infants and 1 toddler (my son) and we plan to get 2 more toddlers enrolled.
So far we've been really providing care, nothing intentionally academic just play based(free play). Now with the pressure to reach full capacity with two more toddlers I don't think parents will understand play based learning and seek out more traditional academic settings.
I'm still trying to juggle the two ideas so I plan to have 1 hour/day dedicated to more of the academic approach during times like circle time or whatever. I do plan to incorporate some sort of theme like alphabets, numbers, colors and shapes. That being said, I truly believes in play based learning so if the children are not interested then we don't force it.
We are going to have a tour tomorrow for someone interested in the toddler spot. Wish me luck!

[Unregistered]

I read most of the posts here but thought I'd give my 2 cents.

We do a lot of free play but in the morning when the babes are napping we do our activity time. We start with reading for 20 minutes(each kid picks a book or 2) and that time gives the babes some quiet so that they can fall asleep. By that time they are passed out and we can chat it up

Our activity usually has an educational element but i look for things that take very little prep. Yesterday i wrote M is for...and they colored(mountains, monkeys, mommies). This helps my 3 year old recognize letters and my 5 year old year with the phonetics and our 2 year old is on his own planet but i know he will pick things up later.

In the afternoon we do sensory play ( ie making cookies, making play doh and playing with it, a bin sith colored rice and baking items, stuff around my house)

All these things make me the happiest because i feel like i accomplished something that day and the kids usually like each other better by the end of the day.

[melilley]

I also get what you are saying and question myself all the time. I think of myself as play-based, but I do do weekly themes and we do activities that correlate with the themes and we have a weekly letter, number, shape, and color that I introduce to the kids and throughout the day, find things that have to do with them, such as having them find a blue ball, things like that. We do a calendar-which the kids love. We have circle time every day, but it's their choice to join or not. Most of them do anyways and if they don't, they are still listening. My ds doesn't like to sit in circle, but he always seems to know what we are talking about.

I don't do a "preschool curriculum" and try to only have kids infant to around 3/3.5 so I feel that play based learning is best for those ages, but then get myself confused about if what I'm doing is considered play based, and then decide it is and then get confused...