How to: DIY Toddler Curriculum

Two words: Toddler curriculum. It dawned on me that a lot of people send their children to daycare. And in daycare, the days are structured with a routine, where early childhood educators build curriculums. Maybe you’re thinking, “Curriculum? Don’t you mean messy activities like painting?” You’re right, I do mean messy activities like painting, but it’s actually curriculum. So, it got me thinking: I should do the same.

Where do you start to build a curriculum for your kid? Especially if you don’t have an early childhood education degree? I may not have a degree in early childhood education, but I do have a degree that requires me to understand childhood development at varying ages. So based on what I know about development- this is what I did:

Step 1: Need to have a Plan.

(Sketch Plan): Research different activities in different subjects. (Language, Science, Math, Art, Music, Gym). Spread throughout the day…lets say at 30- 45 minute intervals ( for 18-24mons). Now, I’m saying this, because McKinley’s attention span is about 15-30 minutes depending on the activity. In those 30-45 minute intervals I am including set up & clean up.

Step 2: Need to have activity ideas -age appropriate- in varying subjects/ Need to create routine through the day.

Step 3: Need equipment.

Step 4: Put projets together.

These are some examples of the activities I’ve read about, heard about, or thought of: