T412 – Preschool Curricular Approaches in Diverse and Inclusive Settings
This course examines the history of and current research base for quality education programs for preschool and kindergarten children of diverse cultures, languages, and economic and developmental backgrounds. The course explores how teachers of three- to-five-year-old children can promote the development of knowledge and skills of thinking and symbolic representation in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, physical growth, and the fine arts. Simultaneously, the course furthers the language as well as conceptual thinking of all children, including ELLs and bilingual children. The course examines the dynamics of teachers and children in a variety of teaching and learning philosophies. The course prepares future teachers to promote the intellectual potential of children from English speaking homes as well as ELLs and bilingual children. Teacher candidates learn to use a range of strategies for three- to five-year-olds within a variety of learning activities such as dramatic play, group problem-solving, observation, direct instruction, and Socratic discussions.