ECEA 201 Assignment Instructions

READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BEGIN

This assignment includes four written questions and one lesson plan.

All parts must be completed and submitted in one document.

General Formatting Requirements

• APA format (Title Page, in-text citations, Reference Page)
• Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman
• Copy each question before your answer
• Use paragraphs, no bullet points for the written questions
• Submit as PDF or Word Document

Part 1 – Written Questions

Length & References

• Each question must be 500 words or more (not including the question or references).
• Each answer must include at least two (2) different references.
• You may use the course textbook plus an additional credible academic source.

Question 1: Key People in Early Childhood Education

Identify three important people in the field of Early Childhood Education and explain their contributions.

Your answer must include:

• A brief background of each person
• Their main theories or contributions
• How their ideas influence ECE programs today
• At least 2 APA-formatted references

Question 2: Impact of Current Political, Social, and Economic Events on ECE

How have current political, social, and economic events affected Early Childhood Education?

Your answer must include:

• Explanation of political, social, and economic influences
• Examples (e.g., funding, affordability, immigration, inclusion, wages, technology)

How these factors affect:

• children
• families
• educators

At least 2 APA-formatted references

Question 3: Early Childhood Program Philosophies or Methods

Identify and describe three different Early Childhood program philosophies or methods, their differences, and similarities.

Your answer must include:

• Description of three approaches (e.g., Montessori, Reggio Emilia, HighScope, Waldorf, Play-Based)
• Beliefs about how children learn
• Role of the TA
• How the environment is set up
• Similarities and differences
• At least 2 APA-formatted references

Question 4: Roles and Responsibilities of Today’s Early Childhood Teacher

What are the roles and responsibilities of today’s Early Childhood teacher, and why are they important?

Your answer must include:

• The teacher’s responsibilities (planning, observation, communication, inclusion, safety, guidance)
• Why each role is important for children’s development
• Partnership with families
• Professionalism and ethical practice
• At least 2 APA-formatted references

Part 2 – Lesson Plan (Montessori Science Activity)

Length & References

Minimum 800 words

Must include at least two (2) academic references

Based on Montessori principles

Target group: children ages 2.5 to 4 years old

Include the Following Sections:

1. a) Number of Students Targeted

Approximate class size (e.g., 8–10 preschoolers)

State if the activity is one-on-one, small group, or whole-group introduction

1. b) Objectives / Goals

Your objectives must be:

Clear and measurable (e.g., “Children will be able to sort natural objects based on size or texture.”)

Include both:

• Science learning
• Developmental skills (fine motor, language, independence)

Written as “Children will be able to…”

1. c) Materials Needed

List all materials in detail:

• Montessori trays, bowls, baskets
• Natural items (rocks, shells, leaves, seeds, magnets, water, etc.)
• Safety considerations (non-toxic, age-appropriate, sensory-safe)
• Enough materials for independent exploration

1. d) Step-by-Step Procedure (Include Duration)

• Provide a detailed sequence, such as:
• Setup and Preparation
• Invitation to the Activity
• Montessori Demonstration (slow, minimal language, purposeful movements)
• Independent Work Time
• Guided Observation
• Clean-up and Returning Materials

Reflection or Closing Discussion

Include approximate timing for each section (e.g., 5 minutes introduction, 15 minutes exploration, etc.).

1. e) Possible Challenges & Solutions

Describe at least 3 possible challenges, such as:

• Spilled materials
• Difficulty waiting for turns
• Sensory sensitivities
• Limited fine motor skills
• Language barriers
• For each challenge, give a clear solution:
• Simple adaptations
• Extra demonstrations
• Visual supports
• Smaller groups
• Safety strategies

1. f) Expected Outcomes

Explain what children will learn and show:

• Science understanding (e.g., floating vs. sinking, observing plant growth, magnet attraction)
• Skills (fine motor coordination, concentration, vocabulary)
• Social-emotional behaviours (turn-taking, independence, confidence)
• How you will observe or assess learning (anecdotal notes, photos, checklists)
• Make sure outcomes match your objectives.

 

No. of Pages: 14