Building on Children's Interests

You have been studying how young children learn-the role of play; developmentally appropriate practice, planning, and curriculum; and the unique characteristics and interests that make children individuals.

Imagine that you are an experienced preschool teacher assigned to work with a new teacher who is thrilled to have gotten the job. You decide to meet a few weeks before school begins and she walks in all smiles, arms filled with books and papers: "I can't wait to show you what I've planned for us. I've put together a list with themes for the entire year-o ne for each month-I even have all of the resources so that everyone will be busy and learning will be fun!"

You pause for a moment to think, considering your philosophy and experience related to how young children learn, developmentally appropriate practice, and child-centered, emergent curriculum. You want the year to be successful for everyone and have been looking forward to mentoring someone who has so much enthusiasm. You think carefully and then construct your response, knowing that this is just the beginning of what you hope will be a productive and growing professional relationship.

Post your response with regard to at least two of the following:

• Positive and/or negative aspects of theme-based learning

• The difference between teacher-dominated planning and child-centered curriculum

• The value of child-center curriculum and its relationship to developmentally appropriate practice

• Suggestions to help move her teacher-dominated orientation more toward a child-centered approach.