I believe that a child's physical development is an important part of the curriculum. Through the curriculum I focus on different ways to help develop mental growth as well as their motor development. Each morning begins with the children having social time to independently explore and make choices to do things that interest them. During circle time I corporate music and movement to allow the student’s time to get their bodies moving. Throughout the day there are other opportunities for physical development. During their outside play time, the kids practice skills such as climbing, riding bikes, or learning the coordination needed to swing by themselves. Obstacle courses or relay races are planned to reinforce teamwork and cooperative play as well as promote physical fitness.
In my class I provide many different paths for exploration. Centers are inviting to the children and replenished with new materials regularly. It is important to make these areas ready for the students and inviting so that they will want to visit them. I stock my art center with supplies that are open-ended to promote creativity. The home living area provides real life props that allow the students to act out roles of people that they see every day. My science projects include simple instructions for the kids to do by themselves to teach them about following directions. Our outdoor garden helps them to learn about nature and our earth and how we can take care of it.
From an early age, children learn to give verbal and non-verbal cues for the way they feel. In my class, I encourage the kids to express themselves in positive ways. They are encouraged to communicate with their classmates to express their needs and wants. I deal with behavior concerns by getting down on the child’s level and listen attentively to the problem that they need to resolve. We discuss how the child feels and ways to improve undesired behavior in the class. It is important to offer support and assistance so that the children feel secure and successful. I model positive behavior myself because I know how influential I am to them.
Music is fun to incorporate into the day. It helps to build vocabulary and provides mental and physical stimulation. I use finger plays, puppets and various songs to teach phonological awareness. We use instruments to teach the children about rhythm as well as culture. There are many benefits when you add music and movement to the learning experience. Some of the important benefits include focus and longer attention spans.
In closing I will continue to provide a classroom and environment that focuses on physical and intellectual development.