This third volume of the curriculum framework focuses on two learning domains: history–social science and science. It includes guiding principles; the vital role of the family in early learning and development; the diversity of young children in California; and the ongoing cycle of observing, documenting, assessing, planning, and implementing curriculum. The preschool curriculum framework takes an integrated approach to early learning and describes how curriculum planning considers the connections between different domains as children engage in teacher-guided learning activities.
Chapters 2 and 3 focus on the learning domains. Each chapter provides an overview of a domain, the foundations for that domain, principles in planning curriculum, and curriculum strategies illustrated by vignettes. The strategies pertain to both the learning environment and teachers’ interactions with children. These chapters offer key principles and a rich variety of ideas for early childhood educators to support the learning and development of preschool children. Additionally, there are specific principles and strategies for teaching children who are English learners.
Three themes are interwoven throughout this volume: early childhood educators need to be intentional in supporting learning in all domains, young children learn through play, and young children’s families are their first teachers. Young children benefit greatly from comprehensive and integrated curriculum planning that includes history–social science and science. As young children play, they express themselves by exploring ideas about the past, where they live, fairness and respect for others, their families’ cultural traditions, and how to use money to purchase things. They also are naturally interested in scientific inquiry, the properties and characteristics of nonliving objects and materials, living things, and the earth and materials. Observation of young children’s play gives insights into how to build on their interests and expand their learning. Early educators also enrich young children’s learning through ongoing collaboration with families. Together, early educators and family members can create meaningful learning experiences for children in preschool and at home.
The preschool curriculum framework speaks to new early childhood educators as well as experienced ones. It recognizes the best practices already used by preschool programs and provides new ideas that bring the preschool learning foundations to life for everyone responsible for the care and education of young children. Volume 3 completes the preschool curriculum framework and should prove to be instrumental in preparing children for school.
