Page 7 - LESSION 12.pmd

Planning Developmentally Appropriate ECCE Curriculum

Broadly, there are two types of planning viz. Long Term Planning and Short
Term Planning. Medium Term Planning is a part of Long Term Planning.
Notes 12.4.1 Long Term Planning means drawing up a plan for the whole year. At

the beginning of each academic year, it is decided as to what to teach and how to
teach for the next twelve months. This planning includes:

• Learning experiences and curriculum i.e. what children need to achieve during
the preschool years
• Identification of skills and concepts

• Teaching strategies to be used
• Selection of themes for the whole year

• Development of schedules/calendar of activities on selected themes
• Play equipment and Teaching Learning Material (TLM) to be resourced

• Strategies to note progress in the learning
• Budgeting and allocation of funds for various expenditures, events, activities,
repairs and maintenance

Medium Term Planning means monthly and term planning. After long term
planning, monthly planning to decide themes and concepts need to be identified.
Themes and concepts using child oriented methods and strategies benefit children.
Monthly planning also assists in reflecting on how children engage and respond
with space to modify strategies and improve the quality of the programme. Monthly
planning contributes to mid-term planning with the aim of noting the progress
made by the children. Term-wise planning is based on identifying themes and
concepts that promote children’s exploration and development in different domains
such as enhancing mental functions, increasing skills in communication as well as
social competence. Themes have to appeal and engage children so that they can
display their skills and comprehension. Children’s progress can be recorded and
shared with parents and families. In short, this planning focuses on a term or a
month.
From the year’s plan, a monthly plan is drawn, which sets the goals for a fixed
period of time and gives a broad outline of activities. Mid-term planning is the
actual period of execution of work with children requiring consistent review of
children’s participation and response to the content. Content and methods of work
can be modified based on how children engage and benefit.

12.4.2 Short Term Planning means weekly and daily planning. These plans
are more specific than long term and medium term plans. Short term planning
can address individual children’s needs and interests. Listening to children and
incorporating their needs by watching how they engage is a way to involve them
actively in the planning process. Short term plans can be used to focus attention
on particular children who may require additional support. In preparing short
term plans, points to be decided are:
42 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION