Responsive Classroom and Creative Curriculum the First Eight Weeks of School Sylvia Kennedy-Godin August 13, 2019

Responsive Classroom and Creative Curriculum philosophies have similarities. The first eight weeks of the school year are important for setting up a community of learning and caring. Through intentional planning specific to the first weeks of school teaching staff will build the foundation necessary for healthy boundaries for students and caring relationships that foster learning. Teachers will become familiar with the classroom set up and selection of materials for the beginning of the year. Teachers will learn how the philosophy and approaches of Responsive Classroom are similar to the philosophy and approaches of Creative Curriculum. Teachers will learn how to apply intentional teaching practices including room setup and material selection for the first few weeks of school. Teachers will learn how to intentionally and methodically introduce materials to maximize children's exploration, enjoyment and familiarity with classroom expectations for use of materials. Teachers will have a chance to plan and practice ways to apply this knowledge to their own classrooms. They will do this as a whole group and also in classroom teams with time in their own classrooms to select materials to use and how to introduce them with the support of the instructor. This is appropriate for 3-5 preschool classroom teaching staff.