AboutTonya Expertise I can help with the following categories: infant-toddler care,curriculum for two through four year olds, child development associate (CDA), teacher-parent concerns, classroom projects and ideas, developmental questions, lesson planning, developmentally appropriate practice, child care director questions. I can give information based on my experiences, opinions, and education although I cannot answer questions that require psycholgical or developmental diagnosis.
Experience I have worked in the field of early childhood education for fifteen years. I previosly taught preschool and kindergarten. I am currently an administrator for a center accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. I also conduct and attend parent and teacher workshops on various topics related to early childhood.
Organizations National Association for the Education of Young Children
Publications Mailbox Magazine
Local Community Association Newsletter
Newsletter for local chapter of National Association for the Education of Young Children
Education/Credentials BS in Psychology with Early Childhood Credits
Infant-Toddler Certification
Currently working on MS in Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) Advisor
Level Six Maryland Credential
Expert: Tonya Date: 3/12/2008 Subject: preschool(daycare)three and four year old
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!
