Rachel Knott

ED. 308
Dr. Gale

Course Outline Assignment

Course Analysis
Course Name: ECH 301: Early Childhood Curriculum and Activity
Planning
Course Length: 10 Weeks
Course Type: Online
Average Student:
Upper Level Undergraduate Student. Familiar with early childhood theorists such
as Piaget and Vygotsky, as well as infant and toddler health/nutrition protocols
(PSY: 210 & CHD: 209 Pre-requisites). However, may not be experts on the
daily lesson plan template that will be implemented within this course.

Content Analysis:

Students should be familiar with concepts such as incorporating ageappropriate dance and movement into a lesson plan used within a
preschool setting. (Learned in Pre-Requisite CHD: 209)
Students should be able identify healthy eating habits for preschoolers
and how to immerse students in learning about general health issues
within their daily lessons. (Learned in Pre-Requisite CHD:209)
Students should be able to use Early Childhood theorists (Vygotsky,
Piaget, etc.) background knowledge to begin processing
activities/materials that are age and developmentally appropriate for a
lesson plan within the early learning setting. (Learned in Pre-Requisite
PSY:210)
Students should be able to use basic computer software such as Internet
Browser, Microsoft Office Suite, etc. (Assumed General Information)

General Goals:

Learn about the importance of hands-on learning within an early

intervention setting
Learn the common format for writing a daily lesson/activity plan
Identify the appropriate content area for specific learning activities
Develop a sequence of activities for each given area of learning (math,
science, social studies, reading, music/art enrichment)
Develop an effective lesson plan to use within an early learning
environment (Preschool- 3rd grade) and explain how it would best be
implemented within a classroom.

Enhancing Learning:
This course will give students experience in creating effective and ageappropriate lesson/activity plans for the early learning setting using a daily
lesson plan template. By learning how to write and create an effective lesson
plan for each given content area, ECH: 301 students will be able to engage
young students in hands-on learning as an instructor in the future early
learning classroom setting.

General Course Assessments

Multiple Choice Self-Tests: These assessments will measure general
conceptual information found on the educational theories constructed by
Early Childhood Philosopher such as Piaget, Vygotsky, etc., as well as
identifying prerequisite knowledge on general health/nutrition protocols for
young students. This includes being able to state definitions, key concepts,
and other foundational information.
Discussion Board Forums: The discussion board tool will be used to integrate
students within the course orientation, and build a sense of community
among distant learners. The discussion board tool will also serve as
communication device for students to display prior knowledge on presented
module topics associated within the ECH.301 course.

Feedback Surveys (3 total): These surveys have been placed throughout the
beginning, middle, and end of the course to help the instructor gather
feedback on areas that could use improvement.

Detailed Curriculum & Activity Plans: These lesson plan assessments will
exhibit student understanding on effectively constructing engaging activities
for young students, while connecting the activities to content specific areas.
This includes measuring the conceptual knowledge of manipulating the daily
lesson plan template used in P-12 classrooms.

Course Activity Planning Blog: This blog activity assigned throughout the
ECH.301 course is intended to guide students in reflecting on their skills using
the daily lesson plan template, activities that they construct, how they intend
to link them to a subject area, and how they could best be implemented
within their future teaching practices. This form of assessment is also
intended to assist the instructor in keeping students on task as well as giving
the instructor an idea on areas where essential feedback needs to be
supplied to the student.
Portfolio/Activity Planning Book Project: This form of assessment will be
utilized as a final-exam type tool to conclude curriculum/activity
writing/planning skills. This project will entail all of the assigned activity plans
that students will be required to construct over the duration of the course.
This final project can also be used a reference tool in students future career
field.

Course Outline - Objectives

Module 1: Course Introduction (Week 1)
Objectives:

Describe the importance of hands-on learning

State the importance of effective curriculum/activity planning.
Identify ideas of developmentally appropriate learning
activities/curriculum for early learning students.

Module 2: Introduction to Effective Lesson Planning (Week 2)

Objectives:

Differentiate the early learning theories of Piaget and Vygotskys

approaches to developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Illustrate the relevance of the theorists findings on developmentally
appropriate curriculum.
Detail ideas of what an effective lesson plan must include.
Translate how general health issues/ proper nutrition are included
within early intervention.

Module 3: Implementing Activities effectively within an Early Classroom

Setting (Week 3)
Objectives:

Indicate ways that activities can keep students thoroughly engaged

through the learning process.
Describe problems/concerns that could arise from a posed activity in
the classroom setting.
Detail how to effectively detour from problems that surround a specific
activity, and to regain student attentiveness.

Module 4: Parts of an Effective lesson plan (Week 4)

Discuss the parts of the daily lesson plan template
Apply college-level writing skills
Identify parts of an effective curriculum/activity plan
*Note: Students will begin lesson plan writing in the following
module/module 5.
Module 5: Creating a Content Area-Specific Lesson Plan- Mathematics
& Reading (Week 5)
Objectives:

Detail how activities within the constructed lesson plan integrate within
the selected content areas listed above.
Apply a specific theme within the lesson plan draft.
Express how selected theme is to conduct student engagement
Create a lesson plan detailing one activity for the content areas of
Math & Reading, and detail how they are appropriate for early learners.

Module 6: Creating a Content Area-Specific Lesson Plan- Science &

Social Studies (Week 6)
Objectives:

Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the daily lesson plan template

to construct a content-specific lesson plan.

Detail how activities within the constructed lesson plan integrate within
the selected content areas listed above.
Reapply specified theme within the lesson plan draft.
Reapply how specified theme is to conduct student engagement.
Create a lesson plan detailing one activity for the content areas of
Science & Social Studies, and detail how they are appropriate for early
learners.

Module 7: Creating a Content Area-Specific Lesson Plan- Music/Art

Enrichment (Week 7)
Objectives:

Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the daily lesson plan template

to construct a content-specific lesson plan.
Detail how activities within the constructed lesson plan integrate within
the selected content areas listed above.
Reapply specified theme within the lesson plan draft.
Reapply how it is to conduct student engagement.
Create a lesson plan detailing two Music/Art Enrichment activities, and
detail how it they are appropriate for early learners.

Module 8: Creating a Content Area-Specific Lesson Plan- General Health

& Nutrition Issues/Concerns (Week 8)
Objectives:

Describe the general health/nutrition protocols for toddler/preschool

aged students.
Use foundational knowledge of the daily lesson plan template to
construct a content-specific lesson plan.
Detail how activities within the constructed lesson plan integrate within
the selected content areas listed above.
Reapply specified theme within the lesson plan draft.
Reapply how it is to conduct student engagement.
Create a lesson plan detailing two General Health/ Nutrition activities,
and detail how it they are appropriate for early learners.

Module 9: Portfolio/ Lesson Plan Book Activity (Week 9 &10)

Objectives:

Reflect on knowledge gained from interacting with the daily lesson plan
template
Summarize how constructed lesson plan writing assignments can be
utilized in future teaching practices
Construct/Complete lesson plan portfolio

Detailed Course Navigation / Outline

General Information

Syllabus

Course Schedule

Grading Policy and Evaluation

University Services (academic and student support) and Technical

Support

Prerequisite Knowledge and Technical Skills Required

How To Access Course Materials and Technologies

Instructor Information

Biography

Contact Information

Response Times and Grading / Feedback Timeframe

Course Orientation

Purpose of the Course

Navigation Structure

How to Proceed Through the Course

Lessons & Materials

Module 1: Course Introduction- (Week 1)

Orientation Quiz (Assessment LINK TO TESTS)

Orientation Discussion Board

-topic: My favorite Activity as a Young Student. (Student

Interaction)

Lecture: Beginning the Year in a Preschool Classroom.

-

(link for lecture video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=OfqPr8CWb98) /approximately 9min. 54 sec.

Textbook Reading: Lesson Planning for the Early Learning Student.

Module 1-Self-Test

Module 2: Introduction to Effective Lesson Planning - (Week 2)

Textbook Reading: Effectively Planning for Toddlers/Preschoolers.

Lecture: Activity Planning for the Early Learner

-

(link for lecture video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=7T4cJDByyC0) /approximately 2min. 20 sec.

Module 2- Self-Test

Module 3: Implementing Activities Effectively Within an Early Classroom

Setting- (Week 3)

Textbook Reading: Lesson Implementation within the Early Learning

Classroom

Lecture: Useful Lesson Planning Strategies

(link for lecture video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=iPhy_sU8610) /approximately 1min. 17sec.

Blog 1 Posting-Math & Reading Activity Planning Ideas/ Brainstorm

(Assessment/Student Interaction)
o

Students will be able to comment on other students blogs to

earn extra credit

Students will be able to communicate and exchange activity ideas for

the upcoming Math & Reading lesson plan.

Discussion Board #1- Topic: Describe some effective instructional

strategies you plan to incorporate within your future teaching
practices.

Module 3- Self-Test

Module 4: Parts of an Effective Lesson Plan- (Week 4)

Textbook Reading: Curriculum & Planning Content.

Lecture: Setting Up Effective Curriculum & The Daily Lesson Plan

Template
-

(link for lecture video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=hA7rJKF12VM) /approximately 15min. 22sec.

Module 4- Self-Test

Discussion Board #2-Topic: What aspects of a daily lesson plan do you

feel are crucial to ensure student engagement?

Begin Constructing Mathematics & Reading Lesson Plan (Assessment/

Due in Module 5)
Students will be able to exercise newly acquired & background
knowledge to form a lesson plan, using the daily lesson plan template.

Module 5: Creating a Content Area-Specific Lesson Plan- Math &

Reading - (Week 5)

Textbook Reading: Effective Strategies for Planning Early Math &

Reading Curriculum
Lecture: Integration of the Daily Lesson Plan Template
- (link for lecture video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=05QCAh9KRtE) /approximately 2 min. 40 sec.
Module 5-Self-Test
Math & Reading Lesson Plan-Due (Assessment)
Blog 2 Posting- Science & Social Studies Planning Ideas/Brainstorm
(Assessment/Student Interaction.)
o

Students will be able to comment on other students blogs to

earn extra credit

Students will be able to communicate and exchange activity

ideas for the upcoming Science/Social Studies lesson plan.

Module 6: Creating a Content Area-Specific Lesson Plan- Science &

Social Studies- (Week 6)

Textbook Reading: Effective Strategies for Planning Early Science/Social

Studies Curriculum

Lecture:
Video One-Supporting cultural and linguistic diversity in early
childhood
-

(link for lecture video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWgZrV3wPk) /approximately 4min. 55 sec.

Video Two- Science Curriculum for Early Childhood Education

-

(link for lecture video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=TP0VaPNfP_E) /approximately 11min. 3 sec.

Science & Social Studies Lesson Plan- Due-(Assessment)

Blog 3 Posting (Assessment / Student Interaction)

Students will be able to comment on other students blogs to

earn extra credit

Students will be able to communicate and exchange activity

ideas for the upcoming Music & Art Enrichment lesson plan.

Module 6-Self-Test

Begin to construct portfolio that will entail all of your written lesson
plan assignments-(Assessment-DUE IN MODULE 9)
o

Will be worked on continuously through future modules to

enhance engagement

Module 7: Creating a Content Area-Specific Lesson Plan- Music & Art

Enrichment - (Week 7) THIS IS THE MOUDLE I INTEND TO CREATE FOR THE
MODULE DEVELOPMENT ASSIGNMENT.

Textbook Reading: Engaging the Early Learner in Music and Art.

Lecture: The Importance of Music & Art in the Preschool Classroom.

-

(Link for lecture video -Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=Zd019acp320) /approximately 2min. 14sec.
(Link for lecture video- Art:

Discussion Board #3: Topic- How important do you feel art/music

enrichment opportunities are to an early learning setting?

Blog 4 Posting (Assessment / Student Interaction)

Students will be able to comment on other students blogs to

earn extra credit

Students will be able to communicate and exchange activity

ideas for the upcoming General Health & Nutrition lesson plan.

Continue working on Portfolio/Lesson Plan Book Activity- (Assessment Due in Module 9)

Will be worked on continuous through future modules to

enhance engagement

Module 7-Self-Test

Module 8: Creating a Content Area-Specific Lesson Plan- General Health

& Nutrition Issues/Concerns-(Week 8)

Textbook reading: Teaching Health Habits to Young Children

Module 8-Self-Test
Video Clip One-Preschool Montessori Activities: Teaching Handwashing
to Kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx_FcKpTZIw
/approximately 1min. 18 sec.
Video Clip Two- Teaching Children about Germs and Handwashing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4pAjf3PsUY /approximately
2min.56 sec.
Blog 5- Any Parting Thoughts/Concerns on Final Activity due in Module
9.
o

Students will be able to comment on other students blogs to

earn extra credit

Continue working on Portfolio/Lesson Plan Book Activity-(Assessment

ROUGH DRAFT DUE by end of Module 8.)

Will be worked on continuously through future modules to

enhance engagement

Module 9: Portfolio/ Lesson Plan Book Activity-(Week 9 & 10)

Textbook Reading: The Early Learning Instructor & Polished Planning.

Lecture/Video: Parting Words of Wisdom & Final Project Assistance-(*

this will be an instructor created video detailing the expectations for
the final project, and a source of feedback/communication for the
instructor/students to discuss any course material and answer
questions.)

Discussion Board #4- (Assessment / Student Interaction)

o

Topic: State a classroom scenario where one of your lesson

plans constructed throughout this course could effectively be
used, and some problem/concerns it may cause.

Module 9- Self-Test

Final Project-Portfolio/Lesson Plan Book Activity-FINAL DRAFTDue as a Microsoft Word Document-(Final Assessment)

Blogs & Discussions

Discussion Boards
o

How To Post

Link to Discussions

Netiquette and Posting Standards

High quality rubric and example

Blog Assignments
- Course Activity Planning Blogs: This blog activity assigned
throughout the ECH.301 course is intended to guide students in
reflecting on their skills using the daily lesson plan template, activities
that they construct, how they intend to link them to a subject area, and
how they could best be implemented within their future teaching
practices. This form of assessment is also intended to assist the
instructor in keeping students on task as well as giving the instructor
an idea on areas where essential feedback needs to be supplied to the
student.

Dates to Post

Instructions and Participation Requirements

Link to Student Blogs

High quality rubric and example

Tests & Quizzes

Practice- Weekly Self-Test

Orientation quiz

Assignments

Detailed Curriculum & Activity Plans: These lesson plan assessments

will exhibit student understanding on effectively constructing engaging
activities for young students, while connecting the activities to content
specific areas. This includes measuring the conceptual knowledge of
manipulating the daily lesson plan template used in P-12 classrooms.
-

Detailed Instructions
High quality rubric and example

Course Activity Planning Blogs: This blog activity assigned throughout

the ECH.301 course is intended to guide students in reflecting on their
skills using the daily lesson plan template, activities that they construct,
how they intend to link them to a subject area, and how they could best
be implemented within their future teaching practices. This form of
assessment is also intended to assist the instructor in keeping students on
task as well as giving the instructor an idea on areas where essential
feedback needs to be supplied to the student.

Portfolio/Activity Planning Book Project: This form of assessment will

be utilized as a final-exam type tool to conclude curriculum/activity
writing/planning skills. This project will entail all of the lesson plans
constructed throughout the course and will be submitted as a Microsoft
word document.
- Instructions
- High quality rubric and example