What is an early years curriculum?

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Jan Dubiel's episode on: It’s not really about dinosaurs - www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum

On this episode Angelica talks to Ruth Swailes, Early Years Advisor and Curriculum Developer, and Jan Dubiel, Early Years Advisor with a specialism in pedagogy, assessment and curriculum development.

The idea of a curriculum in early years is still an uncomfortable one for many early years practitioners. In this episode, Jan Dubiel and Ruth Swailes unpick what an early years curriculum is, what considerations go into the construction of an early years curriculum, the recording and updating of it, and the challenges which exist in practice and around the concept of curricula.

Episode breakdown: 

01:30 - The notion of a curriculum being scary and an intimidating term 03:49 - The difference between curriculum and pedagogy 04:45 - What we want children to learn vs what children learn 06:49 - Curriculum from an early years lens 09:55 - Is 'the child' the curriculum? Is child development part of curricula? 14:30 - The role of dispositions and attitudes, and learning behaviours 18:20 - Coverage and depth of curriculum - deep level and surface level learning 19:30 - Development Matters is not a curriculum 22:30 - Educators' ownership of the curriculum 23:20 - The need for training and experience in implementing curricula 25:00 - Constructing your curriculum is a valuable process 29:28 - Does the curriculum need to be fluid or is it about flexible pedagogy? 40:00 - Curriculum sequencing and recording 40:25 - The curriculum hasn't met your children - you have 44:45 - Educator autonomy, confidence and knowledge 46:12 - Wellbeing at the heart of curricula 48:25 - Assertiveness for educators: Advocating for early years

Find out more on The Voice of Early Childhood website: www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com