Activity, Lesson Planning, and Curriculum Implementation in Prekindergarten
Implementing the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines (TPGs) using research-based and developmentally appropriate practices impact a child’s ability to understand concepts and carry out specific activities successfully during the school day. Early childhood educators should plan strengths-based, play-based lessons and structure their classrooms with an awareness of the ultimate developmental goals they want children to achieve to demonstrate school readiness for kindergarten and beyond.
TPGs: Using Adopted Instructional Materials to Support School Readiness
Developmental research tells us that children’s acquisition of concepts and skills is not always linear and evenly paced. Children need to be exposed to new concepts multiple times and across a variety of contexts to solidify their understanding and demonstrate mastery of skills. An effective teacher uses high-quality adopted instructional materials to model, demonstrate, and “think aloud” as children begin to understand the thoughts behind what the teacher is modeling and saying. A high-quality prekindergarten classroom provides children with multiple opportunities to practice the skill or concept with the teacher beside them as they are being guided through their practice with scaffolds and supports to make the learning experience successful.
The state of Texas provides educators with a variety of instructional materials options. Adopted instructional materials have been review for alignment with TPGs.