Assignment

CHAPTER 9: PLANNING THE CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

Required: Activity 1. Choose one other from #2 or 3.

1. React to the following scenario.

a. Mrs. Johnson has been trained in "appropriate practices." She has always been a strong advocate of such practices. Recently, she wonders whether to continue these "good" practices because her stand on this issue will undoubtedly affect her income. As an owner of an accredited center, she has never had enrollment problems. However, the state has recently mandated a very academic kindergarten curriculum due to the high school "drop out" and "failure" rates. Kindergarten children are now supposed to enter kindergarten writing their names; recognizing shapes, colors, and all alphabet letters; et cetera. Families of Mrs. Johnson's children want her to prepare them for kindergarten.

i. What alternatives does Mrs. Johnson have?
ii. What would you do if you were Mrs. Johnson? Why?
iii. Is there such a thing as being right or wrong in this situation?
iv. Who should determine the curriculum--the board of directors, the families, or the next level of education?

3. Develop an anticipatory web with consideration given to the physical and/or social environment of the local area. Write a few paragraphs explaining how children's learning is contextualized.

4. Interview one or more teachers who are actively working in inclusive environments. Ask how they are handling learning activities and physical care routines in their classrooms. Ask what they see as the benefits and difficulties they experience in their educational context.