Course Description:

This course introduces the theories, methods, and materials of curriculum planning in early childhood education (preschool to second grade), with an emphasis on providing developmentally and culturally appropriate learning environments and experiences that encourage creativity in young children. The following topics are explored in-depth: the intellectual and emotional importance of fostering creativity, the role of play in learning, the design of effective arts-based learning environments; the role of visual arts, music, movement, and language arts/emergent literacy in developing children’s cognitive, social-emotional, physical, language and self-help skills. Course work includes workshops in planning and implementing creative arts experiences for young children.

Artifacts: Learning Environment Project, Curriculum Web & Activity Plan