Expert: Tonya - 3/12/2008

Question
should three and four year old children(combined in one class room)learn the same curriculum together?

Answer
It can be done but the teacher should be aware of the individual differences among three and four year olds and be able to tailor the instruction appropriately.

Here is an example:

If the curriculum calls for students to practice scissor skills, maybe the three year olds can practice cutting on lines while the four year olds are cutting shapes. BUT here's the catch. The teacher has to recognize what three year olds are ready to cut shapes and which four year olds need more practice cutting basic lines.

So in other words, the teacher has to tune into to the individual needs of the students and work with them on their level.

I work in a center where both the three and four year old teachers use the same curriculum (although they are not combined in the same classroom). We use Pearson's Opening the World of Learning.

If I taught in a classroom of 3 and 4 year olds I would WANT to use the same curriculum because I couldn't imagine using 2 different curriculums for the same class. I would use one curriculum and then individualize the program as needed.

Hope this helps...if not, please send more questions my way and I'll be glad to help!