Creative Curriculum
What are the four parts of a daily routine in Creative Curriculum?
Greeting Time, Planning Time, Work Time, Recall Time (may also include Small Group, Large Group, Outside Time, Meals, Rest)
What is one benefit of family-style dining for preschoolers?
Encourages independence, social skills, language, and healthy food choices
What is the purpose of coaching in early childhood classrooms?
To support teacher growth, reflect on practice, and improve child outcomes
What does it mean to “document learning”?
Collecting evidence (photos, notes, work samples) of children’s progress and experiences
What’s one way to greet families in the morning to build relationships?
Warm verbal greeting, eye contact, ask about their morning, acknowledge the child
What is the purpose of "Mighty Minutes"?
Quick, engaging activities that build skills in literacy, math, and social-emotional development during transitions or downtime
What are children expected to do during family-style meals?
Serve themselves, pass food, use utensils, clean up, engage in conversation
What’s one effective way to receive feedback from a coach?
Be open-minded, ask clarifying questions, reflect on observations, set goals
Name two tools used for collecting child observations.
Anecdotal notes, photos, checklists, video, portfolios, TS GOLD app
How do consistent routines support children’s development?
Help children feel safe, build independence, reduce behavior challenges, and promote self-regulation
What does the "Study Approach" mean in the Creative Curriculum?
A way of learning through in-depth exploration of real-world topics (like buildings, pets, etc.) based on children's interests
How does family-style dining support early math skills?
Measuring, counting, comparing portion sizes, using positional words (e.g., "more," "less")
Give an example of a collaborative goal you might set with a coach.
Improve classroom transitions; increase open-ended questions; organize learning centers
How does data inform individualizing instruction?
Helps tailor activities to meet children's developmental levels and interests
What’s one way to include families in learning activities?
Invite them to read aloud, help with a project, send home activities, share family traditions
Name two ways the curriculum promotes social-emotional
Using the Teaching Strategies objectives; building positive relationships; daily routines; problem-solving strategies
What role should a teacher play during mealtimes?
Model conversation, encourage self-help, ensure safety, support peer interactions
What are the steps in a coaching cycle?
Planning, observation, feedback/reflection, next steps (repeat)
What makes documentation “high quality”?
Objective, specific, tied to learning objectives, dated, shows child voice/work
How can you communicate progress to families effectively?
Through portfolios, family conferences, daily updates, newsletters, or messaging apps
How can you adapt materials for children with differing needs using the curriculum?
Modify tasks, provide sensory alternatives, visual supports, use adaptive tools or simplified instructions
Describe how mealtime can be used to support language development.
Encourage conversation, label food items, ask open-ended questions, model turn-taking in talking
How can a teacher reflect on practice after a coaching visit?
Review notes, think about what worked, identify areas for change, journal or discuss with coach
Explain how documentation supports TS GOLD scoring.
It provides the evidence needed to assign accurate ratings and track progress across objectives
Give an example of a family routine that supports school readiness.
Bedtime reading, regular sleep/wake times, helping set the table, discussing the day