So What Does Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum Look Like?

• Developmentally appropriate curriculum addresses all domains of child development: physical, cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic, and aesthetic.
• Curriculum takes into account the different cultures in the class, and it is intellectually stimulating – not too easy, and not too hard. Activities are personally meaningful to children.
• Activities build on what children already know and help them acquire new skills and concepts.
• Subject matter varies.
• Curriculum helps children build knowledge, not just practice what they already know.
• Children are active learners. They are not taught by lecture, but rather by experience. When a teacher presents a concept, the children are able to explore, experiment, and learn by doing!

• Curriculum takes into account the home culture of the children in the group. Very rarely is a class completely culturally homogenous. Teachers need to learn about the cultures that are represented, and integrate cultural activities into the curriculum. Help children become aware of different cultures and celebrate those differences!

• Curriculum goals are realistic. Most children within the group should be able to master the curricular content. Those that can’t should be given activities on their level.
• When available, technology is integrated into the curriculum.  Exposure to computers and how to use them prepares the children for the technological demands that will be placed on them.  Computer programs are available that can enhance the curricular concepts, and they are very enjoyable to the children.