Those Of You Who Do Curriculum..(Sorry Kinda Long..)

[countrymom]

I think the montessori method would work here too, I find that kids would rather play all day rather than do "work" so I have puzzles I take out, or play doh, or I have alot of educational building stuff (they don't like edu. but they are) I need to get trays. The thing monti. doesn't do is dress up and pretend play and I love pretend play.
When children get in the older grades (my dd is in grade 7 so I know) they write alot of stories and the teachers have said over and over again, the ones that were allowed to express themselves thru play and dress up (like pretending to be a vet) have an easier time writing stories than those who sat and watched tv. Obv, my own children have no issues, at this point my ds thinks he's a hamsters half the time and his sister (she's 6) is the owner of him. OMG, I wish I could tape these two together, they are hysterical.

[melskids]

i agree with alot of the above posts.

children need "routine", for sure. but not a rigid "schedule".

the whole purpose of having a "HOME" daycare, is just that....."HOME". i want my kiddos to feel like they are at home here. not a classroom. young children, IMO, need love and comfort, and their basic needs met.

i do alot of the things pammie mentioned. much of our day is "teaching" them the basics. learning to get dressed, table manners, and toileting ARE curriculum. does it drive me nuts to spend more time dressing for the snow then the time we actually spend outside it in? yes. but its part of the learning process.

i also feel its more important to teach them how to treat each other, cope with disappointment, empathy and respect, then to make sure little susie can write the letter M perfectly.

i would NEVER buy a prepackaged curriculum. i dont even spend that much time researching on the web for building a curriculum myself. there's really no need to. they dont do worksheets either, and no TV.

i do follow the creative curriculum. (its my bible...LOL) i also use the monessori method, and reggio emilia approach. we dont have set themes, its more about what the children are interested in. very child centered and emergent.

our day typically looks like this.....

the kids arrive and are free to choose what they want to do until breakfast.

we wash up, and help prepare the food, set the table, and eat together.

diapers are changed and potty time

we gather for circle time, but those who dont want to join us are free to do something else. i will do lots of songs, ABC's and counting, flannelboard, etc during this time, but its not flashcard or rote memorization type things. more of a hands on fun approach.

then the children are free to choose an area to play....dramatic, blocks, table games, books/listening center, writing table, music, art, sand & water. there are no preset art activities. everything is out and available to them to choose what they want to create. some of you may think "what a mess she probably has" but when you start young, and teach them responsibility, it all comes quite naturally. even the young two year olds pick up their supplies when they are done, and sweep up the sand with little hand brooms. THAT is part of the learning process.

we spend the next 1/2 hour just getting dressed to go outside. again, part of the learning process.

when we come in, its potty time/diapers again.

we then set the table and help prepare lunch. we eat together, family style. the kids serve and pour themselves. yes they spill, but they learn to clean up. (yet again, they are learning.)

we then have story time, and nap.

when they get up, its diapers/potty and snack, all which they are fully involved.

we welcome home the SAgers, and free play until pickup.

i'm never stressed, never hurried. our days are very relaxed here. the kids are learning through everyday experiences a boxed curriculum can never give them.

i gain more personal fullfillment in seeing tommy tie his shoes, clean his own mess, or help a friend, then i would if i taught him algebra.

i am really into slow family living, and living simply. i see too many families rushing through the day, and rushing through their lives, just to "get it all done". and most of the time its just so they can have "more stuff". so while the smith's and the jones' are shoving McD's in their faces in the car on the way to their soccer/baseball/music/dance/karate all-in-one-night practices, we are at the table together eating a wholesome home cooked meal, relaxed, enjoying each others company, and getting to know one another in a new way each day.

and i strive to run my daycare the same way.


geez, i'll get off my soapbox now. sorry that was so long

[dEHmom]

i agree with alot of the above posts.

children need "routine", for sure. but not a rigid "schedule".

the whole purpose of having a "HOME" daycare, is just that....."HOME". i want my kiddos to feel like they are at home here. not a classroom. young children, IMO, need love and comfort, and their basic needs met.

i do alot of the things pammie mentioned. much of our day is "teaching" them the basics. learning to get dressed, table manners, and toileting ARE curriculum. does it drive me nuts to spend more time dressing for the snow then the time we actually spend outside it in? yes. but its part of the learning process.

i also feel its more important to teach them how to treat each other, cope with disappointment, empathy and respect, then to make sure little susie can write the letter M perfectly.

i would NEVER buy a prepackaged curriculum. i dont even spend that much time researching on the web for building a curriculum myself. there's really no need to. they dont do worksheets either, and no TV.

i do follow the creative curriculum. (its my bible...LOL) i also use the monessori method, and reggio emilia approach. we dont have set themes, its more about what the children are interested in. very child centered and emergent.

our day typically looks like this.....

the kids arrive and are free to choose what they want to do until breakfast.

we wash up, and help prepare the food, set the table, and eat together.

diapers are changed and potty time

we gather for circle time, but those who dont want to join us are free to do something else. i will do lots of songs, ABC's and counting, flannelboard, etc during this time, but its not flashcard or rote memorization type things. more of a hands on fun approach.

then the children are free to choose an area to play....dramatic, blocks, table games, books/listening center, writing table, music, art, sand & water. there are no preset art activities. everything is out and available to them to choose what they want to create. some of you may think "what a mess she probably has" but when you start young, and teach them responsibility, it all comes quite naturally. even the young two year olds pick up their supplies when they are done, and sweep up the sand with little hand brooms. THAT is part of the learning process.

we spend the next 1/2 hour just getting dressed to go outside. again, part of the learning process.

when we come in, its potty time/diapers again.

we then set the table and help prepare lunch. we eat together, family style. the kids serve and pour themselves. yes they spill, but they learn to clean up. (yet again, they are learning.)

we then have story time, and nap.

when they get up, its diapers/potty and snack, all which they are fully involved.

we welcome home the SAgers, and free play until pickup.

i'm never stressed, never hurried. our days are very relaxed here. the kids are learning through everyday experiences a boxed curriculum can never give them.

i gain more personal fullfillment in seeing tommy tie his shoes, clean his own mess, or help a friend, then i would if i taught him algebra.

i am really into slow family living, and living simply. i see too many families rushing through the day, and rushing through their lives, just to "get it all done". and most of the time its just so they can have "more stuff". so while the smith's and the jones' are shoving McD's in their faces in the car on the way to their soccer/baseball/music/dance/karate all-in-one-night practices, we are at the table together eating a wholesome home cooked meal, relaxed, enjoying each others company, and getting to know one another in a new way each day.

and i strive to run my daycare the same way.


geez, i'll get off my soapbox now. sorry that was so long

no soapbox...

applause!!!

[kendallina]

Very well said Melskids!!

[Blackcat31]

i agree with alot of the above posts.

children need "routine", for sure. but not a rigid "schedule".

the whole purpose of having a "HOME" daycare, is just that....."HOME". i want my kiddos to feel like they are at home here. not a classroom. young children, IMO, need love and comfort, and their basic needs met.

i do alot of the things pammie mentioned. much of our day is "teaching" them the basics. learning to get dressed, table manners, and toileting ARE curriculum. does it drive me nuts to spend more time dressing for the snow then the time we actually spend outside it in? yes. but its part of the learning process.

i also feel its more important to teach them how to treat each other, cope with disappointment, empathy and respect, then to make sure little susie can write the letter M perfectly.

i would NEVER buy a prepackaged curriculum. i dont even spend that much time researching on the web for building a curriculum myself. there's really no need to. they dont do worksheets either, and no TV.

i do follow the creative curriculum. (its my bible...LOL) i also use the monessori method, and reggio emilia approach. we dont have set themes, its more about what the children are interested in. very child centered and emergent.

our day typically looks like this.....

the kids arrive and are free to choose what they want to do until breakfast.

we wash up, and help prepare the food, set the table, and eat together.

diapers are changed and potty time

we gather for circle time, but those who dont want to join us are free to do something else. i will do lots of songs, ABC's and counting, flannelboard, etc during this time, but its not flashcard or rote memorization type things. more of a hands on fun approach.

then the children are free to choose an area to play....dramatic, blocks, table games, books/listening center, writing table, music, art, sand & water. there are no preset art activities. everything is out and available to them to choose what they want to create. some of you may think "what a mess she probably has" but when you start young, and teach them responsibility, it all comes quite naturally. even the young two year olds pick up their supplies when they are done, and sweep up the sand with little hand brooms. THAT is part of the learning process.

we spend the next 1/2 hour just getting dressed to go outside. again, part of the learning process.

when we come in, its potty time/diapers again.

we then set the table and help prepare lunch. we eat together, family style. the kids serve and pour themselves. yes they spill, but they learn to clean up. (yet again, they are learning.)

we then have story time, and nap.

when they get up, its diapers/potty and snack, all which they are fully involved.

we welcome home the SAgers, and free play until pickup.

i'm never stressed, never hurried. our days are very relaxed here. the kids are learning through everyday experiences a boxed curriculum can never give them.

i gain more personal fullfillment in seeing tommy tie his shoes, clean his own mess, or help a friend, then i would if i taught him algebra.

i am really into slow family living, and living simply. i see too many families rushing through the day, and rushing through their lives, just to "get it all done". and most of the time its just so they can have "more stuff". so while the smith's and the jones' are shoving McD's in their faces in the car on the way to their soccer/baseball/music/dance/karate all-in-one-night practices, we are at the table together eating a wholesome home cooked meal, relaxed, enjoying each others company, and getting to know one another in a new way each day.

and i strive to run my daycare the same way.


geez, i'll get off my soapbox now. sorry that was so long

OMG MELSKIDS!! That is what I was talking about! That is pretty much EXACTLY what we have been doing here but I was busy trying to squeeze in the boxed curriculum too and it wasn't working out very well...I felt "unfulfilled" as a provider and felt the kids weren't getting 100% of anything.

Your day is what we have been doing since we turned the TV off FOR GOOD in December and I am finding that after years of trying to get it all in, I have had more calm, loving, real, quality fullfilling moments in the last few weeks than I have had in all the last 16 years put together!!

So by all means stay on your soapbox because I think you are right! I have been looking for exactly that approach and have waivered back and forth between reading threads about FCC's that are offering 'high quality preschool classrooms for all ages' and FCC's that are doing it like Nan, which I am finding I am closer and closer to all the time.

I also struggle with the fact that I am 12 credits shy of graduating with my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and I have to say I am having alot of internal conflict about some of the things they are teaching now days. I agree whole heartedly with the knowledge I have gained about cognitive and physical development...it is some of the methods they are teaching in other areas that I am having issues with. Like the whole necessity of a full 'school' curriculum for toddler's and pre-schoolers.....(this is kind of like the thread that got heated a while back about the actual long term benefits of schooling the under 5's group.)

I guess when I look back on what things my children got or didn't get when they were daycare age....I am most proud of them as adults now that they are both respectful, dependable, honest and productive human beings who have wonderful manners. I vaguely remember when they learned to write the whole alphabet or who learned algebra first. I have no idea if they know the periodic table of elements and I doubt either of them can name all 44 presidents. But I do know the self-help/life skills that alot of this new generation of people are missing, were taught to my kids.

Wow, this thread has been like a therapy session for me! Thanks ladies...I needed that!!

[DCMom]

Well said melskids.

I wish I could let go completely, but I can't. The word 'preschool' is mandatory in advertising in my area or you just wouldn't get kids.

My daily routine sounds very much like yours only I have themes. EX: Right now and probably next week we are totally into Valentines Days with a twist; today we've been talking about real hearts and how they work; yesterday we got into a whole conversation about friendship and what it means to be a friend, kwim?

Couple weeks ago it was penguins ~ they couldn't get enough of penguins and the kinds of penguins and walking like penguins and sliding like penguins. LOL, it was pretty fun. I just choose the theme and give them materials and they just do the rest.

I have friend who is a kindy teacher and it never ceases to amaze her how many kids come to her not being able to zip a zipper or tie a shoe; they have no self control or table manners.

I often wonder when these simple life skills lost their importance?

[countrymom]

I went looking at the montessori sites and I think i'm going to start doing more than the box stuff (which is still fine and art is a must because its all about being creative) i'm just amazed how little kids know in the "daily life skills" like zipping up a coat or how to put a hat on. I also find that many kids don't know how to "problem solve" their parents are always solving their problems, like our riding cars, I let them figure it out on how to get in rather than I just go and do it.
I also think art needs to be implemented, so many kids just don't know how to be creative, I have kids who color trees pink and orange and a kid who will tell them that they are wrong, I see nothing wrong with it, to each his own.
this weekend I will look more into motessori, I did post on the boards what others do. I will gaurentee that most do montessori style and don't even realize it. (oh if I want to be certified, its almost 7000 dollars)

[Blackcat31]

I went looking at the montessori sites and I think i'm going to start doing more than the box stuff (which is still fine and art is a must because its all about being creative) i'm just amazed how little kids know in the "daily life skills" like zipping up a coat or how to put a hat on. I also find that many kids don't know how to "problem solve" their parents are always solving their problems, like our riding cars, I let them figure it out on how to get in rather than I just go and do it.
I also think art needs to be implemented, so many kids just don't know how to be creative, I have kids who color trees pink and orange and a kid who will tell them that they are wrong, I see nothing wrong with it, to each his own.
this weekend I will look more into motessori, I did post on the boards what others do. I will gaurentee that most do montessori style and don't even realize it. (oh if I want to be certified, its almost 7000 dollars)

Is the certificate of certification guilded in gold bullion or something!??!? Holy smokes! (I don't think my whole B.S. degree costs that much.)
and yes, tha tis what I want to teach...those missing life-skills and foster individual creativity.

[melskids]

Well said melskids.

I wish I could let go completely, but I can't. The word 'preschool' is mandatory in advertising in my area or you just wouldn't get kids.

My daily routine sounds very much like yours only I have themes. EX: Right now and probably next week we are totally into Valentines Days with a twist; today we've been talking about real hearts and how they work; yesterday we got into a whole conversation about friendship and what it means to be a friend, kwim?

Couple weeks ago it was penguins ~ they couldn't get enough of penguins and the kinds of penguins and walking like penguins and sliding like penguins. LOL, it was pretty fun. I just choose the theme and give them materials and they just do the rest.

I have friend who is a kindy teacher and it never ceases to amaze her how many kids come to her not being able to zip a zipper or tie a shoe; they have no self control or table manners.

I often wonder when these simple life skills lost their importance?

they lost their importance when parents started worrying about their kid being "smarter" and more advanced then the "normal" crowd. its part of having to have everything bigger and better. don't even get me started on "your baby can read" type parents

all of my parents choose me because of the type of program i run.
and all the kiddos leave for Kindy more then ready.

i throw some themes in there too. for example, i have lots of valentines activites out right now. pink and red paint, heart stamps, books about friendship, a post office in dramatic play to mail valentine's, things like that. but two of the boys are "stuck" on trains. for months. so we're still "studying" those as well.


i also wanted to add, that when some of the parents do choose to send their kiddos to a formal pre-k, i'm OK with that too. i don't feel insulted in the least. i actually prefer 0-3 anyway

[Pammy]

Curriculum

Please does anybody know of a good Preschool curriculum that is cheap and has everything...a theme colors numbers letters recipes and games?? Please help me!!!

[Angelsj]

Blackcat, I bought the letter of the week download we looked at. $15 and I love it. It gives me stuff to post on my wall, to advertise (more to the parents) what we are emphasizing this week. I have a poster with Ee on it, a green frog, a triangle, and the number two with two kites, a bible verse, and all of those things in Spanish (I had to get those myself, they were not included)
It also has some games, puzzles and stuff to play with in the theme you can pick and choose.

We have a schedule and structure to a degree. Throughout the ENTIRE day, the kids might spend 20-30 mins doing what would be considered something preschool. I provide open ended crafts, puzzles and games.
Yesterday, we played with blue and yellow paint in a plastic baggie to mix. While we were outside, we spent a few minutes looking for triangles, we sang a song about the letter E and its sound. We talked about the weather.
At lunch everyone got two pieces of carrot, and two pieces of cheese stick. We talked about everyone having two shoes.
None of it was "circle time", sit down and color this time, etc. I spend maybe half an hour on Sunday changing my board, and we are done with prep.

I agree with you. My parents typically shrug when I tell them what I do. "They will get it over time," they say. And they appreciate not always having a ton of junk to take home that they then feel they must keep. I just send stuff once in a while.

[Angelsj]

Please does anybody know of a good Preschool curriculum that is cheap and has everything...a theme colors numbers letters recipes and games?? Please help me!!!

Check out LOTW (this version)
I have always used free and just found my own stuff, but I really like what this has. And it is cheap, downloadable, has lovely pictures to post or give to kids. There are no worksheets or really coloring pages. Not sure about recipes..I would have to look.

[Familycare71]

OMG MELSKIDS!! That is what I was talking about! That is pretty much EXACTLY what we have been doing here but I was busy trying to squeeze in the boxed curriculum too and it wasn't working out very well...I felt "unfulfilled" as a provider and felt the kids weren't getting 100% of anything.

Your day is what we have been doing since we turned the TV off FOR GOOD in December and I am finding that after years of trying to get it all in, I have had more calm, loving, real, quality fullfilling moments in the last few weeks than I have had in all the last 16 years put together!!

So by all means stay on your soapbox because I think you are right! I have been looking for exactly that approach and have waivered back and forth between reading threads about FCC's that are offering 'high quality preschool classrooms for all ages' and FCC's that are doing it like Nan, which I am finding I am closer and closer to all the time.

I also struggle with the fact that I am 12 credits shy of graduating with my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and I have to say I am having alot of internal conflict about some of the things they are teaching now days. I agree whole heartedly with the knowledge I have gained about cognitive and physical development...it is some of the methods they are teaching in other areas that I am having issues with. Like the whole necessity of a full 'school' curriculum for toddler's and pre-schoolers.....(this is kind of like the thread that got heated a while back about the actual long term benefits of schooling the under 5's group.)

I guess when I look back on what things my children got or didn't get when they were daycare age....I am most proud of them as adults now that they are both respectful, dependable, honest and productive human beings who have wonderful manners. I vaguely remember when they learned to write the whole alphabet or who learned algebra first. I have no idea if they know the periodic table of elements and I doubt either of them can name all 44 presidents. But I do know the self-help/life skills that alot of this new generation of people are missing, were taught to my kids.

Wow, this thread has been like a therapy session for me! Thanks ladies...I needed that!!

I am right there with you blackcat!!!
I feel like I'm trying to do it all but there just isn't enough time- I have done boxed curriculums- but my heart isn't in it... I want to play with and nurture the kids- not treat them like they are kindergartners! I want to teach in the moment when the opportunity is there.
Yesterday we played with play dough. And my 3 dcb used scissors to cut hair- he worked so hard and was so proud- and I loved every second! So much better than cutting out a square for a worksheet-
I felt like I had to do "pre-school" but parents don't see it as pre school anyway because I have a small group. They see pre school as a teacher with students in a desk. I don't want that- so if that's what they want- let them take them there...
I will focus on being a great human being- and when they are kind to someone who needs it or act accountable for something they did- that is where I will find my pride in my work. Not when they count to 100-
This has been a great thread for me too! Thank youlovethis :hug:

[Cat Herder]

My State (who pays me nothing, offers no insurance or benefits, btw) says I have to meet "early learning standards". These books are a couple hundred pages each with HUGE posters I am supposed to hang around my HOME.

I am being bullied to offer "curriculum" (paid for by me and trademarked by whomever the state recommends).

Wonder what their cut of the profits are?? :confused:

[slpender]

That is a good idea, but I am really just trying to either be a family childcare provider or a preschool teacher that does not deal with anything but the preschool age.
As a FCC provider, I am just feeling as though for the little money we earn/are paid it is not worth all the effort we put into all these fancy curriculums and scheduled routines.

I am looking to focus more on the other thing you mentioned.....the wonderful feeling we get when a child learns something that was not pre-planned but simply learned through regular daily interaction with playmates and friends. Every activity is a "teachable moment" it just doesn't always have to come from elaborate pre-packaged curriculums that we devote hours and hours of time and money investing in....

Black cat I agree with you on this also. The children still learn everything they need to know while playing. My daughter learned all her numbers 1-10 playing on our playroom hopscotch rug not through a planned activity. The children take part in the art more if I just randomly pull things and leave them out to explore on their own. My 3 yr olds would play outside all day if I allow it.

Over the last few weeks I have thrown all my lesson plans out the window and the only scheduled activites are breakfast, lunch, nap and snack and my days are much more enjoyable.