1. Indiana District
Two’s Curriculum

2. Really?? A curriculum for 2’s??
YES!! And, here’s why If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll never get there !!
What are our goals for the 2-year olds in our centers?
Faith in Jesus Christ
Foundational skills for social competence (self-confidence, cooperation, empathy)
Foundational skills for academic success
“Fun” is not enough. Success in school/life.
Really?? A curriculum for 2’s??

3. Really?? A curriculum for 2’s??
YES!!! And, here’s why A stimulating curriculum and a safe, stimulating environment:
Keeps hands and bodies busy
Helps young brains make magnificent connections
What does a 2’s curriculum look like? It requires:
A loving facilitator; partner in learning
Many hands-on, sensory experiences
Flexibility
Repetition, repetition, repetition!!
Programs that are not stimulating lead to boredom, aggression and tears.
Really?? A curriculum for 2’s??

4. What does a 2’s curriculum look like?
2’s have different emotional, intellectual, and physical needs than preschoolers. They need:
Adult support – stay close
Opportunities for success and
independence
Room to run and climb
Activities that are inviting and stimulating
Adults who follow their lead (flexibility is “key”)
What does a 2’s curriculum look like?

5. Form partnerships with families (home visits; gradual entry; open-door policy; frequent communication)
BE FLEXIBLE!!
Plan, observe, evaluate, and plan again (cyclical process). Make changes based on the needs, moods, and interests of the children.
Provide limited choices (centers on trays; simple and clutter-free shelves)
BE ENGAGED!!! Join their play.
STAY CLOSE!!!
Suggestions

6. Dealing with challenges
Overly active
Taped blocks to saw apart
Hammer golf tees
Circle Time (It’s okay if not everyone comes. Provide quiet activities near circle.)
“Sit-upons”
Items to hold
Needs time alone
Peel off tape from under a table
Blow bubbles
Aggressive
Kick ball at red cups
Paper towel tubes – hit soft balls or Easter eggs
Dealing with challenges

7. Indiana District’s 2’s Curriculum
Respected resources
High/Scope
Southwest and Michigan Districts
Early Childhood curriculums from New Jersey and Massachusetts
Etc.
Suggested supports
Suggested learning experiences
Wonderful appendix
Schedules
Assessments
Indiana District’s 2’s Curriculum

8. A “Walk-Through” The Indiana District Early Childhood Curriculum
Spiritual Foundation
Overview
Adult-child interactions
Learning Environment
Materials
Progress reports
8 Domains (Religion, Social/Emotional, English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Creative Art, Physical Health
A “Walk-Through”

9. Now what??? Evaluate the learning environment
Centers
Materials (DAP? Too many/too few?)
Review schedule – is it working? Make adjustments
Review lesson plan formats (Remember, “Fun isn’t enough.”)
Planned
Focused
Intentional
Identify goals (group/individual)
Lighten up and ENJOY!!
Now what???

10. You are priveledged!!!

11. Advice for Every Early Childhood Educator
Laugh a lot
Work hard
Advice for Every Early Childhood Educator

12. Eat well, but treat yourself to something special now and then.
Don’t forget to take breaks and rest well

13. Carefully plan your curriculum with each child in mind.
Know that sometimes you have to throw your plans away and follow a child’s lead.

14. Take many photos and notes.
Learn to see what children see.

15. Be silly sometimes and enjoy every moment with children.
Nurture friendships

16. Take risks and encourage children to take risks as well.
Help children explore the natural world.

17. Take children outdoors.

18. Savor the quiet moments.
Stop yourself from saying no. Find out what the plan is first.

19. Build loving relationships and love with all of your heart!!