4.2 Learning Environment Part 1

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CHS425 – Curriculum Approaches in ECE

Unit 4.2 Assignment: Universal Design: Learning Environments Part I

Due Date: 11:59 pm EST Sunday of Unit 4 Points: 10 Universal Design Project Part 1 Instructions

Unit 4 What You Will Do

1. Review the course materials on universal design.

2. Familiarize yourself with the Universal Design Checklist and Assessment Template provided in Unit 4.

3. Decide if you will conduct an on-site observation or use the alternative option.

On-site Observation: Schedule and make two visits (approximately 2 to 3 hours total) to a prekindergarten or kindergarten classroom of your choice.

Alternative Observation: *Instructor Approval Required! If you cannot observe in a live classroom, you will be required to evaluate pictures of a classroom environment provided in the course. You will utilize the “Environmental Photos for Universal Design Project” found in Unit 4. Note: This option is only available as a last resort option and with approval by your instructor.

4. Conduct Observation and Record Documentation

A. Using the textbook (see chapters for each topic), select 10

checklists to analyze for each category below.

B. Review and utilize the checklists to guide your observation and recording specific evidence of:

• Language & Literacy (page 108)

• Social Studies, Science & Dramatic Play Environment

(page 182)

• Art Environment (page 144)

• Music Environment (page 148)

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C. Observe and document 10 areas for each of the following checklists:

• Indoor and Outdoor Areas Safety Checklist (page 77)

• Learning Environment Checklist (page 81)

• Science Environment Checklist (page 237)

• Engineering and Construction Checklist (page 321)

• Mathematics Environment Checklist (page 271)

D. Your documentation must include:

i. Dates of Observations (live observation) or Page Numbers (environmental photographs)

ii. Evidence statements for live observations or environmental photos. Write specifically and objectively: a) what you see, b) what is present in the environment (materials, equipment such as technology, furnishings), c) representation of diversity, d) support for children with special needs, e) supportive interactions between adults and children, etc.

E. Submit all completed checklists in Unit 4.

Requirements: Complete and submit: All “Due in Unit 4” sections of the Universal Design Checklist and Assessment Template.

Be sure to read the criteria below by which your work will be evaluated before you write and again after you write.

Evaluation Rubric for Unit 4 Assignment

CRITERIA Outstanding Good Fair Needs Improvement

9-10 Points 8 Points 6-7 Points 0-5 Points

Completed Template

Unit 4 sections on checklist submitted and includes all key details.

Unit 4 sections on checklist submitted are mostly complete with some key details missing.

Unit 4 sections on checklist have significant details missing.

Unit 4 sections on checklist are missing or inadequate.

© 2022 Post University, Waterbury, CT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED