Curriculum Philosophy

Your Curriculum Philosophy: Building a Foundation
In order to effectively choose a curriculum approach, you must have the knowledge base regarding curricular approaches, an understanding of your own core beliefs about children, and your image of yourself as a professional. Much of how you approach choices related to curriculum relates to the assumptions and internalized values you bring to your particular school or center (Jaruszewicz, 2013, section 2.4). An important step in this process is connecting what you know about curriculum approaches and how this information fits into your core beliefs. As Jaruszewicz (2013) posits, excellent teachers and caregivers are “reflective” and purposefully think about the curriculum decisions they make and their teaching practices (section 1.5). This journal is a start in that reflective process.

To prepare for this journal:

Please refer to the Week One Guidance for further tips and examples that will support your success on this journal.
In your journal,

Describe the major differences between an approach and a model.
Compare and contrast the effectiveness of multiple early childhood curricular approaches to your own beliefs by completing the Matrix for Reflection and Decision Making and Interactivity.
Explain how making these comparisons supports your ability to make appropriate curricular decisions (i.e., respond to the unique needs of children based on culture and experiences, consider developmentally appropriate practice, etc.).
Suggested Journal Length:

One to two double-spaced pages (not including title and reference pages).
Research and Resource Expectations:

Sources are not required for your journal assignments. However, if you need to cite information, you must cite in APA format and include a reference page.
Writing and Formatting Expectations:

First person: You may write in first person within a journal assignment.
Syntax and Mechanics: Writing displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Before you submit your written assignment, you are encouraged to review the The Grammarly Guide: How to Set Up & Use Grammarly tutorial, set up a Grammarly account (if you have not already done so), and use Grammarly to review a rough draft of your assignment. Then carefully review all issues identified by Grammarly and revise your work as needed.