#Curriculum Making for Early Childhood Education
In "crafting", there are no mistakes; it is your own unique creation!
If you only have 15 dots, how would you connect each, to come up with something that would TELL WHAT YOU WANT?
What would each dot represent and how could it align with your Philosophy, Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives?
Yes, in crafting, there are no mistakes … but considering that when you “craft” in Curriculum-Making the UNIQUE development of each CHILD” should be our “apple of the eye”, an educator’s COMMITMENT should then really matter the most.
TIMES may be tough and there may be VAGUE SPACES between dots YET, EVEN THE LIFTING OF OUR PENS would talk about our ADVOCACY while we DRAW OUR LINES so carefully so that our unique creativity will "not mark a mistake" in every child's life.
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InspiringInfluence.com 
15 dots to connect. Curiosity hit me hard when the professor asked about the number of times the pen was lifted while connecting the dots.
I stood up to show how I connected my dots which represent the 15 essential elements in Designing a Curriculum where the (1)child being number one is the focal point and is surrounded by the 4 basic learning competencies such as (2)Reading, (3)Language, (4)Math, (5)Science and under which are (6)P.E., (7)Arts, (8)Writing & (9)Practical Living. Considering the factors that affect the processes of the child’s development and his behavior, it is also important that the child learn how to properly deal with (10)problems and face life’s (11)challenges that he/she will have to face in life as he grows up but then, the stockholder such as the (12)Parents, (13)Teacher and (14)Community with the guidance and protection of (15)God, intertwined with the curriculum design, help shape up with the development of the child as a whole. They are placed on the four corners to show its significant role in the life of the child and in the success of the curriculum. All together, they prepare the child to become productive ready to face a more challenging world in the future.
How many times did I lift my pen as I connect the dots? I don’t honestly remember however for me,, pausing is an indication that as a teacher, and an administrator, I stop to thoroughly think MORE of what is BEST for the CHILD.
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If I have only 15 dots
These represent the 15 dots:
1.Heart
2.Child
3.Philosophy
4.Vision
5.Mission
6.Objectives
7.Curriculum
8.Commitment
9.School/Facilities
10.Administrator 11.Teachers
12.Lesson guide
13.Resources
14.Methods
15.Strategies
Yes Ma’am agree that crafting a curriculum is like a building a home. First must know our heart desire. So it is clear and exactly comes out the design that we’ve always dreamt of. For best results guard our heart. For the benefits of the children who are the future of the next generation must have a big heart. After the curriculum design are all set and done…It’s a teacher’s commitment in the implementation of the curriculum. However cannot do this right in a short period of time. Though according to Ma’am there are no mistakes in crafting the curriculum but will always have a room for improvements. So rather be careful in crafting and implementing the curriculum because it’s a child development that’s always been unique.
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Reflection on DOTS activity:
I believe that everything started in a dot. A dot needs to be connected to other dots to make a portrait of something or a better picture. When connecting dots it is never easy, we need to think first what dot to be connected with other dot. There are instances that we pause for a while and rest and then continue again. But there are times that dots remain just a single dot because we never wanted to continue or connect all the dots. If we are eager enough to achieve or reach our goals in finishing the connected dots we will give our precious time to continue what we’ve started. After all the pauses we’ve done and doubt “Are these dots can be connected?” I do believe with prayers and making one step forward towards your goal will make a big difference.
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If I have 15 dots:
1. kids
2. conducive room for learning
3. classroom management
4. fun learning environment for the kids
5. teaching strategies for kinder
6. school community
7. society involvement
8. parent’s active involvement in every activities
9. teaching core values for preschoolers
10. loving God
11. love one country
12. love oneself (kids)
13. love for one another
14. planned school year calendar
15. holistic approach
Connecting all the dots is kinda hard when we think about it. But when you put your heart on it and enjoy connecting it. You will the see the best result ever. Making a great curriculum for the kids is a challenge because you are making the life of the child and his/her future. As Mahatma Gandhi said “The future depends on what we do in the present”.
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When I saw the dots, I don’t know where should I start. I been thinking what’s the best. Then it came in my mind ,I should start at the center because it represent the child/ pupil. In our field of teaching the child is our focus / target. We are molding their young minds to become a new one. And then the remaining dots are, family teacher, community,the subject that should be taught to them, of course we should not forget our Almighty God that guide in everything we do. We really need to attach prayers to the decision that we made in order for us to stand even if sometimes, we fail. There’s a saying ” Try and try until you succeed “. We teachers let’s go for the best. We can make it.
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How do I connect the DOTS?
When I’m connecting the dots the ideas that come from my mind is to connect them without lifting my hand or going back on the first dot. I imagine it as my student when I teach them I want them to continue their work and learning that they can use in the future.
These 15 dots represent the heart of the child, the mind of the child, the philosophy, vision, mission, goals, objectives, administrator, the curriculum, the teacher, methods, strategies, the school facilities, the environment, and the community.
When crafting the curriculum you have to consider all of these to come up with the unique learning outcome that they can use in the future.
Jessabelle P. Espina
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If I have 15 important dots in my teaching life these are:
1. Children
2. Curriculum
3. Philosophy
4. Mission
5. Vision
6. Objectives
7. Method
8. Strategies
9. Good facilities
10. Resources
11. Values
12. Community and parents
13. Kind teachers
14. Private organization
15. Down to earth administrator
I believe that all of us were started with a simple dot. These simple dots plays a vital role in our life which makes one a good teacher. Without these dots, one cannot achieve his/her goals in life as a teacher. If we’re going to connect these dots to those fifteen terms above, these are very valuable things to be considered and a good teacher must possess. Hence, allowing teachers to become effective and efficient. Moreover, it also enhances the capacity and ability of a teacher to become more skillful in dealing difficult pupils, good molder, motivator, knowledgeable, and facilitator in order to have an environment which is conducive for learning.
s
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When my name was called to show how I connected the 15 dots, I refused to stand up. Honestly, I find it hard to connect the dots. YES! Its really hard for me to connect the dots. Its because we are talking about the child’s future, the things that he/she has to accomplished, what can be best for him/her to make him a better child, and a good citizen in the society, and how we as teachers will help him achieve those.
When Ms. Gail asked us to label the dots using the elements of curriculum, I started moving my pen and carefully connect each line until I closed every area of the dots. In the first layer of dots, on the left is my Vision, at the middle is my Mission and right is my Philosophy, 2nd layer dots is the child and the his/her learning experiences who influence him (Family, School and the Community, and the things around him) and the last layer dots is the Objective,Content, and the Assessment.
I didn’t remember how many times I’ve lifted my pen, but one thing is for sure, I think of the child and carefully continue connecting the dots where I think its best for the child.
Crafting a curriculum is not an easy task, we might make a lot of mistakes doing this, but the important is we never give up until we create a good one, and from that creation we can make it a perfect one.
By: Angeli Manzana
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I look forward in my life and try to imagine what future can possibly emerge from all the dots. Some things are easy to foresee. Some things are impossible to imagine and yet there is a marvel and mystery in what the future may hold. Because the picture that forms when you start drawing lines between your own life dots will soon become a map for a future so compelling and so promising that you’ll want to live it for real, starting now. You must move forward in your life without the numbered dots that will tell you what your next step should be.
My 15 dots represents the ff.
1. young learners
2. parents
3. teachers
4.environment
5. school
6. classroom
7.volunteers
8. learning materials
9. activities
10. participation
11.cooperation
12.management
13.education program
14.instruction
15. strategies
connecting all these dots gives u ideas on how to form your goal in making a curriculum.
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Within the child lies the fate of the future. All teachers should always be a model in everything we do and that will be their guide to be a good person.
My professor told us to connect all the 15 dots and what symbolizes those dots. As I look the 15 dots, I noticed the dot in the middle which symbolizes the child because child is the most important that we need to focus on for our future. The four dots in the corner represents the God, family, community and the teacher that he/she lives in. The four dots will be the protector of the child for all the challenges that he/she may encounter. The ten dots represents the Philosophy, Mission, Vision and seven learning areas. The philosophy will serve as your guide what is your vision, mission, goals and objectives in crafting your own curriculum. the seven learning areas are the subjects that you need to give to the child.
It is easily for me to connect all the dots but then after connecting I hardly think what would all the dots represents and that is the time that I need to pause and think carefully. Because when crafting the curriculum, you need to plan it carefully. Just like in our day to day lesson. You need to plan all the things you need to do in order to have a smooth flow in your lesson.
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15 Dots
This would represent the steps I would take in establishing my own school.
1. Goal
2. Philosophy
3. Vision
4. Mission
5. Objectives
6. Drafting
7. Curriculum
8. Physical planning
9. Trial
10. Implementation
11. Evaluation
12. Improvements
13. Expansion
14. Giving back to the community
15. Passing the torch
I would connect the dots systematically because it is who I am. Besides, having my own school is a dream. And teaching has been a vocation. I would take everything by heart. When one is talking about lives and the future, one should always give the best to provide it.
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My 15 Dots are the ff.
1. God
2. Child
3. Parent
4. Teacher
5. School
6. Environment
7. Philosophy
8. Mission
9. Vision
10.Objectives
11.Lesson/Topics
12. Self Help Skills/Practical Living
13. Implementation/Strategies in Teaching
14. Community
15. Society
The reason why we make a curriculum is for a child to learn, to have fun in learning by giving them real life experience in school and prepare them to be a useful responsible and better person to their adult life. When we craft a curriculum make a difference in child’s life using these 15 dots/criteria. In crafting a curriculum we must put in our mind and heart to work together for the benefit of a child to be successful and learn by heart with the help of God and when we give our best way or strategies for them to learn.
-Brigette M. Ballega
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As I reflect on the 15 dots It means that those are the steps I made in my life. It symbolizes the every decisions and trials happened to me and how did I face every challenges came in my way. Every dot also represent an open door in every opportunities that awaits me at the back of it. Do I decide to open that door and try to take a step in my life? Or leaving it behind without trying. Everything will happen is all up to me..its all about what I decided to think and do in action. As I inline this to education, I as a teacher the purpose of everything what I am doing,are my students, they are the center of everything. We must teach them very well and give the best thing that we can give for them which is the quality education, this education will help them to become holistically well develop, effective and effective citizens of our nation someday. If we know how to touch the lives of our students they will never have doubts to face another challenge
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goal, objective, vision, mission, community, family, parent, love, care, protection, child, discipline, respect, learning, humane being.
children will not remember you for the material things that you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them in the same context that in order to show the child the real world. let them work on their own, explore the concepts they want to know, experience the real… let them remember their childhood memorable…. let them learn the way they want to learn..
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Jolly S. Peralta MA ECE
IF YOU ONLY HAVE 15 DOTS…
If I have 15 dots of elements that need to connect to achieve well-rounded learner in a well-honed curriculum, I will place the first dot in the middle portion that represents the (1) learner as the center of the curriculum, the very reason a curriculum is developed. Then connect to the integral components (written and taught curriculum) which are (2) objectives, (3) subject matter/contents, (4) learning experiences, (5) grade placement, (6) time allotment, (7) methods and organizations and chain to the stakeholders who are promotes and greatly affects the holistic development of the learner: (8) teacher, (9) family, and (10) community. Then link to the different aspects that a child should be developed to sufficiently prepare him towards a more rigorous formal education and become lifelong learner; (11) emotional, (12) intellectual, (13) physical, (14) social, (15) spiritual.
As you can see the dots form a heart signifies ‘touching the heart of the learner is influencing and changing his life to be better one’. If you touch the child’s heart, it is no longer difficult to develop his other parts.
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Crafting the curriculum is the most challenging activity that we made… Why?! It because lots of ideas are in my mind… Which puzzle my mindset… which are my priorities and which is the least. I keep on writing whatever in my minds connecting a dots is an exciting one, based on my activity Child is my priority followed by VMO-P to be able to discuss the essence of the school, next is my curriculum design and approach if it is a play based curriculum, child centered and a creative curriculum, next is the history of the school which has a greater impact to achieve the goal of the school, next is the features of the school which is connected also to the background of the school, next community which is one of the important to check if it is in line with the VMO-P, next resources / materials that is suitable to the kids, next activities as a play based school it is necessary to look into the activities needed by the kids. Next Subject matter what are the skills suitable to the learners and programs to be conducted. Next is the workers if there credentials are valid to be part of the institution. Next of course as the stakes holders of the school and to lead the young as well. Next cost which expense all the factors needed to put up a school. And lastly, the trends to maintain the quality of education and explore beyond the real world.
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The impact of the curriculum design in teaching and learning is the well-arranged or proper arrangement of the curriculum to facilitate learning.
The varied designs make difference in the way I teach because through these; I can organize my lesson very well, know what strategies of teaching I could use and easy managing the flow of the class – from discussion to assessment of the learners.
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As I look at the dots and start to think how I will craft my curriculum it came into my mind that what will be the form of my line after connecting this dot. Is it straight, intersecting or curved? But no matter what form of line will I make that most important is I have a clear vision of what would I liked to achieved in making my own curriculum. I come with these the Learner which aligns to My Philosophy, Vision, Mission and Objectives, the Spirituality, the teacher and me as an Administrator. Considering also the parents, the society and it’s environment, the subjects which should be engaging and empowering, the facilities and the strategies to be used in teaching.
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How to connect my 15 dots
The moment I start moving my pen in connecting the first dot to the next one, The first thing that came to my mind is to consider the young learners. They are the top consideration in designing a Curriculum in Early Childhood.
I came up with a big picture in mind, a Christian Learning Center where God is the head. It is important that the philosophy of the school will serve as guide to come up with a vision, mission, goals and objectives.
The most important goal in Early Childhood curriculum is to help the young children become enthusiastic learners, in all areas of development. [ social, emotional, cognitive, physical].
As a teacher, we play a very important role in a child’s life, for them to be a responsible citizen in our society and be able to compete globally.
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Crafting a curriculum is like choosing some ingredients in cooking one of my favorite recipes, the chicken adobo. The ingredients should be carefully inspected and in good quality so that it cannot affect the desired taste that I want to achieve. The chicken is the main ingredient. At first, it has no taste but after putting all the ingredients and seasonings in step by step process, the once tasteless chicken has been improved and taste good.
In relation to that, the 15 dots signify the 15 important ingredients that must be consider in crafting my own curriculum. The first dot and the main ingredient is the CHILD. The rest are PHILOSOPHY, VISION, MISSION, GOALS, LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, SUBJECT MATTER, METHOD, TECHNOLOGY, APPROACHES, PARENTS, TEACHERS, COMMUNITY, OTHER STAKE HOLDERS, and GOD. Each contributes a significant impact for the holistic development of the child.
In connecting the dots, we have to pause for a while and ponder for the next move without lifting the pen. I believe that lifting the pen means a dead-end, and we need to start taking a first step again. In crafting a curriculum, there is no room for a mistake because every mistake has a great effect to the life of the young ones. It should be carefully planned to ensure the proper development of the child.
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In doing dots activity, I found out that we should think first the most important to consider most especially in planning for what we are aiming in the future. There should be step by step procedure because the starting point of all achievements is our desires. If I only have 15 dots to connect to come up with what I want in crafting a curriculum to an early childhood, I’d rather choose first to start at the center which represents the hearts of a child as one of my major priority as to consider my heart desired to really satisfied my want that I am dreaming for. Second is my philosophy in life in which I am aiming to form close relationship with each child under my care, and to their families. Third is my vision that I envisioned in providing excellent quality through valuing of play as a medium of learning and development yet affordable early childhood education services. Fourth is my mission that provides a stimulating early child care development and education experience which promotes holistic development and provide a child-centered laboratory setting, programs and activities appropriate for all preschool children. Fifth and sixth is my goals and objectives which support children in their play and encourage to take charge, construct and create their own knowledge, to facilitate, create and support an environment that sets for the opportunities of young children to explore and discover, plan and reflect in their experiences, to instill positive attitude toward learning to develop positive relationship with others and to promote a good self-image and high self-esteem. Seventh is my knowledge in terms of dealing with this kind of major responsibility. Eight is the curriculum in which can arouse the interest of every child by sharing their experiences and developing their full potential through the different activities .Ninth is the conceptual framework in which scope and integration side by side arrangement of curriculum develop sequence and continuity. Tenth is the school which serve as an agent of society that should draw the idea for the curriculum analysis of social situation. Eleventh is the administrator that ensure the organization of school operates with efficiency that requires a set of skills that can handle many different people and situations within the organization. Specific skills essential to an effective administrator include good communication and being organized. Twelfth the teacher who has the major role and responsibility for the future leader. Thirteenth are the stakeholders the people in the community, parents, teachers, principal each of whom needs to play his role effectively in order to help all our children learn better and reach their fullest potential. Fourteenth is the conducive learning environment to create an effective learning and last is the facilities to be able to have a conducive learning environment. Above all this 15 dots the most important that we should not to forget is to communicate with our almighty god through our prayer so that all the circumstances/ struggle that we encounter will serve as our developing strength that we need every day and for tomorrow. God has a plan for our life, be ready for both just be wise enough to know which one to battle and one to embrace. Whenever we do not understand what is happening in our life, just close our eyes take a deep breath and say, God i know this is your plan just help me through it seek the lord, and his strength seek his presence continually.
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I connected my 15 dots and made an infinity symbol. Why an infinity symbol? Infinity means it is never ending because learning and teaching never ends. Learning is a continuous process.
These are my 15 dots
1. Child
2. Developmental milestone
3. Need and interest
4. Multiple Intelligences
5. Teacher
6. Curriculum
7. Vision
8. Mission
9. Educational Philosophy
10. Objectives
11. Goals
12. Learning Domains
13. Stakeholders
14. Learning Environment
15. Community
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As I connect the dots, immediately my hand and my pin point at the center of it. For me it represents a child. All the dots around it represent everything that a child needs in order for him to become educated and be the best that he can be as he grows up. We teachers should do our best to help our children reach their dreams and goals. We educate them to become morally good individual. We are not just there to teach and impart knowledge but to inspire them to do good things and unleash the talents and abilities they have in them. While connecting the dots all I’m thinking is what is best for my pupils, I didn’t mind how many times I lifted up my pen, what is important for me is how I plan and decide of what to do for them to have everything they need.
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MY 15 DOTS
In teaching ,it is either “we make or break “ a child. Giving our best to know the needs of our students really matters. The lifting of our pen is the time for us to think hard, breathe out and plan for us to create the best curriculum for them. My 15 dots would represent the ff.:
1. Child
2. Child-friendly environment
3. Conducive classrooms and sufficient learning materials
4. Caring and loving teachers
5. Supportive parents
6. Cooperative Community
7. Subject-matters
8 Interventions
9. Vision
10.Mission
11. Philosophy
12 .Aims
13. Goals
14. Objectives
15. GOD
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If I have only 15 dots…
Crafting the curriculum is not that easy. We have to plan it very well. It is like planting a seed. We have to put our HEART in it until it grow and bear good fruits.
In crafting the curriculum, a lot of things should be consider and it must be connected to each other.
Here are my 15 dots;
1. God – Everything is impossible without HIM.
2. Child – The focus of the curriculum
3. Philosophy
4. Vision
5. Mission
6. Goals/ objectives
7. Teacher
8. Curriculum
9. Learning domains
10. Learning invironment
11. Community/ stakeholders
12. Implementation/ Strategies in teaching
13. Needs and interest
14. Instructions/ resources
15. Commitments
For me, the lifting of the pen on how we connect each dot signifies our interest and commitment to create the best curriculum and for the children, making them the BEST that they can be.
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Crafting a curriculum is not easy. It is like writing your own lesson plan. We have to do our best to make sure that the learners gain knowledge, skills and good values. It is a task that all teachers should know and understand or better still, to know to craft one Here are my 15 dots;.
1. Learners
2. Teacher
3. Parents
4. Learning domains
5. Needs and interest
6. Learning environment
7. Community/ stakeholders
8. Implementation/ Strategies in teaching
9. Instructional materials
10. Physical environment
11. School
12. Technology
13. Family income
14. Subject –matter
15. GOD
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