Page 10 - LESSION 12.pmd

Planning Developmentally Appropriate ECCE Curriculum

monthly theme based programme should be prepared with a good selection of
learning experiences that strengthen all domains of development and are age
and developmentally appropriate. The activities for different domains and concepts Notes
should be planned purposefully to enable children to actively engage with and
experience the concepts. These will help to consolidate the early learning and lay

the foundation for the future.

12.5.1 Steps in Theme Based Planning

(a) Identify a Theme

The first step is to identify a theme and related sub-themes. Questions to consider
during this step include:

• What content are children expected to learn as a result of participating in
this theme?
• Is the theme right for the age and developmentally appropriate experiences.

• Do children have some understanding and background knowledge about
this theme?

(b) Think and create activities, ideas and experiences for different themes

The second step involves brainstorming ideas for activities for each theme. It is
often helpful to include children’s ideas. Watching children during free play in school or
in parks often provides ideas that will naturally appeal to children. Consider questions
such as:

• Why am I choosing this activity?
• Are all the activities chosen age appropriate and developmentally appropriate?

• Are all the activities meaningful and relevant?
• Are the activities catering to all children?

• Are the selected activities and games according to the local specific context?

(c) Planning a Theme Web
Now let’s take a look at a sample web. This web takes a thematic approach but
still focuses on areas. The chosen theme is 'Animals'. The teacher has to decide
what s/he wants to include in the activity areas to allow the theme to be explored
further. The activity areas need to have specific activities and learning material

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 45