The curriculum is organized by themes, units and webbing to support an age appropriate learning environment. Choices, decision-making and a curriculum framework that integrates learning are especially important for young learners (Katz 1989). The K-W-L method (what you KNOW, what you WANT to know and what you have LEARNED) supports thematic learning for the young child.
Thematic units integrate a variety of concepts and skills into a topic area that is interesting, appropriate and gives meaning and context to these concepts. Such an approach also facilitates co-operative learning and yet promotes diverse ideas in a unified context.
Developmental domains are interrelated. The thematic unit correlates children’s learning experiences in ways that help children make meaningful connections across domains. Hence, our thematic curriculum supports childrens' development in all domains and across the six areas of learning.
Each unit organizes learning experiences and activities around a unifying topic or theme. Units typically last from two to four weeks, but may be shorter or longer depending on the interest of the children and available resources.
For example, let's look at a specific unit in kindergarten 1 that is designed around the theme, "All About Myself".
We are all special and unique. Children love to celebrate themselves. They come to kindergarten with feelings, abilities and knowledge that they are anxious to share.
The areas of focus of this theme are: knowing oneself, friends and family, knowing about their body, hygiene, clothes they wear, their senses and feelings. Through this theme, they realize they are special and cared for.
Through the context of this theme, they learn age appropriate content like letters, numbers, colours, shapes and basic concepts like fat and thin.
The duration of the unit is four weeks.
The thematic curriculum provides an integrated context for the child to develop, share and explore meaningful experiences in a supportive and creative environment.
Rooted in educational theory (including Erik Erikson's stages of socio-emotional development and Jean Piagets theories of how children think and learn) and incorporating best practices in early childhood education, our theme-designed programs are in line with international child care policies and standards mandated by organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Curriculum Framework of India.