What does curriculum look like for 2 year olds?

Curriculum happens in the relationship between teachers and children as they share their days together over time. At APS it’s not about teachers bringing a set of activities and sharing them. It’s not about stepping back and just observing children without adding our own feedback. It’s somewhere in the middle.

In Reggio it’s called Negotiated Curriculum.

At the beginning of the year, much of the curriculum for two year olds happens as adults move in partnership with children through eating, cleaning, using the bathroom, getting an ouchie. This work is profound and deep . Our teaching moves at the pace of children adjusting to a new class: SLOWLY!

In the US it’s common to divide "care" from "education," to silo everyday routines from formal learning. It is our opinion that care and education are always in partnership (at any age!), and this is especially true for young children. When we engage in Slow Teaching, we elevate all of children's learning.

As we move through our days at the pace of children, themes begin to emerge: trying new things, enjoying the familiar, doing things together, trying things alone. Slowly over time, a unique classroom culture emerges with its own unique curriculum.

Below, a group of two year olds pivot from gluing onto cardboard to painting Atelierista Riley's arm.

The Storm Dolphin class explore the sensation of cold glue on their bodies

rriculum is what happens in the relationship between teachers and children as they share their days together over time.

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ime.