Early Childhood Curriculum Development

Sydney Hamilton
Dr. Maureen Maiocco – Early Childhood A.S. Program

Featured Lesson Theme: Zealous Zoo Animals

Curriculum Focus Lesson Plan Title HSELOF Standards Featured Lesson Plan
Head Start Early Learning
Language & Literacy Zoo Look book P-LIT-2; P-LIT-6; PLC-8
Outcomes Framework Math & Numbers Slithering Snakes P-MATH 9; P-MATH 8;
[HSELOF]Goals and Objectives:
Science & Discovery Ferocious Bears P-SCI 4; P-SCI 3; P-SCI 2
HSELOF Code: IT- ATL 9 Creative Arts Zoo Time Helpers P-ATL 4; P-ATL 3; IT-ATL 9
HSELOF Goal: Child show imagination in play and Physical Development Sand Table Zoo Lot P-PMP 3
interactions with others.
Objective 1:The children will enhance communication skills Large & Small Penguin Waddle Relay P-PMP 1; P-PMP 2
by engaging and interacting with peers as they care for zoo Social Studies Zoo-keepers P-ATL 10; P-ATL 11;P-SE10
.
animals through a dramatic play skit.
Sensory Experience Desert Zoo Animals P-ATL 8; P-SCI 1; P-SCI 4
HSELOF Code: P-ATL 3 Well-Being Healthy Habits P-PMP 4; P-PMP 5
HSELOF Goal: : Child appropriately handles and takes care
of classroom materials
Objective 2:The children will gain an understanding of how
to utilize materials needed to assist in the care of zoo animals
as they pretend to be zoo keepers.

HSELOF Code: P-ATL 9

HSELOF Goal: Child manages actions, words, and behavior
with increasing independence.
Objective 3: The children will develop social skills by
engaging in a cooperative dramatic play experience while
taking care of the animals in their “zoo”.

Featured Activity Title: Zoo Time Helpers

Steps/Directions:
1. I will ask the children to help me read the story book “The
View at The Zoo” by Kathleen Long Bostrom
2. I will conclude the story by asking the children a series of
open questions, about the bears in our book.
• “What animals did you see in the zoo?”
• “Did you see the animals that we have in our classroom?”
3. I will ask the children if they are ready to become zoo
helpers.
4. I will direct the children to explore each habitat.
5. I will show the children each station and what they will
do to care for the animals. For example, I will show the
children that when they are in the washing station, they are
cleaning the animal etc.
6. I will ask the children to work together to care for each
My Theme About D.A.P.
My curriculum theme is Zoo Animals which Developmentally appropriate practice is a
includes common animals that a child will guide to help educators accurately teach
observe during a trip to the zoo. Animals that children. Each lesson is tailored to suit the
my lessons introduce include bears, lions, intended audience. When executed
snakes, penguins and more. When choosing a appropriately children should feel
curriculum theme it is imperative that challenged, empowered, and supported.
Children learn best when they can relate or
educators not stray too much from children's
likes, interests and skill set, but incorporate can draw connections to each lesson.
them into the lesson plan. Children by nature Lessons about zoo animals stimulates new
are curious about their surroundings. A zoo conversations, introduces rich vocabulary,
animal theme offers much learning, and offers activities for many subject areas.
engagement, and meaningful References:
Copple, C. & Bredekamp, S. (2006). Basics of developmentally appropriate practice. Washington DC: NAEYC
Jackman, H. L., Beaver, N.H., Wyatt, S.S. (2016). Early education curriculum: A child’s connection to the world.

zoo animal.
activities for the developing child. 6th Ed. Clifton Park, NY: Cengage
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (2015). Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework Ages Birth to
Five. Administration for Children & Families Office of Head Start: Washington, DC .