ELM Curriculum User Guide: 3–5 Years

2nd Edition

Douglas R. Powell
with contributions from
Chanele Robinson-Rucker
Rena Sterrett
Amy Carlat
Kathy Broniarczyk
Karen Diamond
Sara Schmitt
David Purpura
Panayota Mantzicopoulos-James
Amy Napoli
 ELM Curriculum Development Group
Purdue University
Douglas R. Powell, Principal Investigator
Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Co-Principal Investigator
Chanele Robinson-Rucker, Project Manager

Content Experts
Sue Bredekamp, Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Karen Diamond, Language/Literacy
James Elicker, Infant-Toddler
Panayota Mantzicopoulos-James, Science
Catherine Mogil, Social-Emotional
Megan Purcell, Social Studies and Creative Expression
David Purpura, Mathematics
Sara Schmitt, Self-Regulation and Social-Emotional

Writers of Activity Plans and Related Resources

Birth–36 Months 3–5 Years
Linn Veen Rena Sterrett
Sara Lane Amy Carlat
Rena Sterrett Kathy Broniarczyk
Amy Carlat Megan Purcell
Douglas Powell, Editor Barbara Beaulieu
Karen Diamond
Douglas Powell, Editor

Graphic Designer
Margaret Martin
Editorial and Graphic Design Assistants
Bethann Schroeder
Jah-Sahrrang Horton
Ruth Wasmuth

Suggested Citation for ELM Curriculum: ELM Curriculum Development Group (2018). Early Learning Matters (ELM)
Curriculum. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University.

Contact ELM at: elmcurriculum@purdue.edu

Development of the Early Learning Matters (ELM) Curriculum was supported by the U.S. Department of Defense Child
Development Competitive Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA),
grant number 2013-48762-21537 to Purdue University as part of the DoD-USDA Partnership for Military Families. The ELM
Curriculum is based in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
47907-2055. Douglas Powell, Principal Investigator. Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Co-Principal Investigator.

Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University. All rights reserved.

 Table of Contents

Introduction to the ELM Curriculum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Key Characteristics of ELM: Intentional, Meaningful, Plentiful. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intentional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Meaningful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Plentiful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ELM’s Starting Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Developmentally Appropriate Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Guidance from Research Evidence and Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pilot Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Staff Credentials and Turnover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Areas Promoted by ELM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Language/Literacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
How ELM Promotes Language and Literacy Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Understanding Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Understanding Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Understanding Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Print Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Integration with Other Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Building on the Activity Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
More Practices for Promoting Language and Literacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Strengthening Your Understanding of Language and Literacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
How ELM Promotes Mathematics Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Counting Things . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Working with Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Making Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Measuring Things . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Integration with Other Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Building on the Activity Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
More Practices for Promoting Mathematics Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Strengthening Your Understanding of Math . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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Self-Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
How ELM Promotes Self-Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Using Self-Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Paying Attention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Focusing and Remembering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Integration with Other Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Building on the Activity Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
More Practices for Promoting Self-Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Strengthening Your Understanding of Self‑Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Social-Emotional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
How ELM Promotes Social-Emotional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Getting Along With Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Understanding Feelings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Being Responsible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Integration with Other Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Building on the Activity Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
More Practices for Promoting Social-Emotional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Strengthening Your Understanding of Social-Emotional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Social Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
How ELM Promotes Social Studies Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Respecting Our Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Appreciating Our Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Exploring Where We Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Exploring Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Integration with Other Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Building on the Activity Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
More Practices for Promoting Social Studies Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Strengthening Your Understanding of Social Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Creative Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
How ELM Promotes Creative Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Creating Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Creating Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Doing Drama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Making Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Integration with Other Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Building on the Activity Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
More Practices for Promoting Creative Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Strengthening Your Understanding of Creative Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

ii Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

All Rights Reserved
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Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
How ELM Promotes Science Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Being a Scientist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Exploring Living Things . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Exploring Life Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Exploring Habitats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Exploring Earth and Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Integration with Other Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Building on the Activity Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
More Practices for Promoting Science Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Strengthening Your Understanding of Science Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Physical/Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
How ELM Promotes Physical Development and Good Health Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Moving Our Bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Staying Healthy and Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Integration with Other Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Building on the Activity Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
More Practices for Promoting Physical Development and Good Health Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Strengthening Your Understanding of Physical Development and Good Health Practices . . . . . . 74

Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Effective Use of ELM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Planning a Daily Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Planning Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
How to Use Activity Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Adaptations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Attendance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Children Who Participate for More than a Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Quality of Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

iii Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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Individualizing Children’s Learning Experiences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Observations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Implementing Follow-up Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Connecting with Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Readiness Starts Early . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
What Children Will Learn this Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Tools for Communicating about Child-Specific Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Training Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Basic Training Plan: Five Key Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
ELM Online Trainings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
ELM Activity Observation Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
ELM Planning Form: Week of ________ Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Guide for Observing and Individualizing: Self-Regulation (includes examples) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
ELM Activity Observation Checklist Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

iv Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

The Early Learning Matters (ELM) Curriculum For classroom staff, ELM eliminates the daunting
is a comprehensive, research-informed program task of developing or finding activities that represent
to support the optimal learning and development the early childhood field’s best understandings of
of children from birth to five years of age. The how to bolster early learning and development.
curriculum promotes skills linked to school ELM offers coherent, sequenced learning plans that
readiness and life success with the best practices include guidance on how to tailor experiences in
available. The practices include developmentally response to children’s understandings and abilities.
appropriate teaching strategies and the proven In ELM, teachers are experts in adapting planned
benefits of a coordinated mix of staff-guided activities to meet the needs of children in their
and child-initiated learning experiences. ELM classroom.
offers practical, easy-to-use resources designed to
ELM’s goal of promoting school readiness
support a range of staff backgrounds and to support
is approached in a broad way. Studies point to
children’s learning in families.
the contribution of social competence as well as
ELM is based on results of rigorous research academic skills to success in school.3 ELM directly
on early childhood programs that enable young supports all developmental areas related to school
children to get off to a good start in school readiness: cognitive, social, emotional, language,
and in life. The curriculum is also based on the and physical.4
developmentally appropriate practice position
ELM promotes the development of the whole
statement1 and program accreditation standards2
child with planned learning experiences focused on
of the National Association for the Education of
specific skills. The plans offer clear guidance on how
Young Children (NAEYC). The development of
teachers can flexibly promote a specified learning
ELM included extensive pilot testing in military
goal. Research demonstrates the positive outcomes
child development centers and in-depth reviews
of a curriculum approach that integrates engaging,
of curriculum plans by prominent early childhood
skill-focused learning experiences in both social and
content experts and program leaders.
academic areas.5
ELM’s comprehensive approach includes content
areas that studies indicate are critically important to
children’s school readiness and well-being. Some of
these areas—especially self-regulation, literacy, and
mathematics—received limited emphasis in early
childhood programs and professional preparation
programs even a decade ago. Long-standing
components of early childhood programs, such as
social-emotional and language development, are
offered in ELM with updated approaches that reflect
the latest research and recommendations of experts.

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 Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

ELM consistently uses developmentally ELM’s resources for working with children 3–5
appropriate methods to promote skills that are basic years of age are designed for mixed-age classrooms
to school readiness and life success. For some, the and are the focus of this User Guide. There is a
phrase “school readiness” may trigger images of separate User Guide for classrooms serving children
worksheets, flash cards, and downward movement birth to 36 months of age.
of elementary school practices into preschool-age
ELM was developed by Purdue University for
classrooms. In contrast, ELM’s approach to school
the Department of Defense Child Development
readiness embraces a wide range of active learning
Program and civilian programs of early care and
strategies recommended by NAEYC and other early
education. The curriculum is available free of charge
childhood leaders.6 Guided play experiences are
at the Virtual Laboratory School (virtuallabschool.
valued in ELM.
org). Information about ELM may be requested at:
elmcurriculum@purdue.edu

Key Characteristics of ELM:

Intentional, Meaningful, Plentiful
At the heart of ELM are activity plans that The knowledge and abilities are called foundation
describe focused learning experiences for young skills in the ELM Curriculum. They represent strong
children. The curriculum also supports classroom research evidence and compelling recommendations
staff in planning and offering additional learning of early childhood experts regarding understandings
experiences by providing an overview of each of content to promote in the early years.
area promoted in ELM and suggesting more
ELM actively supports the development of
ways to promote specific skills in each area (see
27 foundation skills across eight broad areas for
Areas Promoted by ELM section of this Guide).
preschool-age children. The eight areas represent
These resources reflect three key characteristics
conceptual and developmental domains included
of the ELM Curriculum: learning experiences are
in NAEYC’s accreditation criteria.8 The skills are
intentional, meaningful, and plentiful. Each of these
described in this Guide’s section on Areas Promoted
characteristics is described below.
by ELM, and are summarized in an adjacent chart.
Intentional
Classrooms that make a significant difference
in children’s lives are intentional in supporting
children’s learning. Experiences that help children
move forward in their development and learning
do not happen by chance. Activities in high-quality
classrooms are thoughtful and purposeful, and staff
respond to unexpected events during the day with a
clear focus on goals for children’s learning.7
ELM is organized around a comprehensive set of
early childhood knowledge and abilities that provide
a solid foundation for success in school and in life.

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Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

Foundation Skills
Oral language
Phonological awareness
Letter knowledge
Print knowledge
Language/Literacy Writing

Number knowledge
Geometric and spatial knowledge
Pattern knowledge
Measurement knowledge
Mathematics
Self-control of behaviors, emotions, and thoughts
Concentrate on experiences, self, and others
Executive function

Self-Regulation
Relationship skills, including social problem-solving skills
Emotion knowledge
Perspective-taking
Personal responsibility
Social-Emotional
Positive sense of self
Appreciation of individual and family diversity
Knowledge of social and physical environments
Concepts of time
Social Studies
Appreciation of art, music, drama, and dance
Knowledge of creative processes
Skills that support creative expression

Creative Expression
Inquiry skills, including use of the five senses and tools
Knowledge of
y living things
y animal habitats
Science y life cycles
y earth and space
Motor development
Good health practices

Physical/Health
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 Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

Although each area promoted by ELM is teachers provide high-quality instruction explicitly
comprised of distinctive content, some areas centered on the skill being taught. Children showed
of learning and development are related to one the largest gains in language and literacy skills when
another. There are links between mathematics and teachers frequently interacted with children in
literacy skills,9 for example, and between physical engaging activities deliberately focused on language
(motor) and cognitive development.10 The research and academic skills.12
literature offers mostly speculations on why these
ELM promotes foundation skills and learning
associations exist and what they mean for early
goals in the sequence in which children develop
childhood programs. For certain, teaching a skill in
specific understandings and abilities. The
one area does not guarantee development of a skill
curriculum builds on the developmental paths
in another area. An obvious example is that learning
that children typically follow, including patterns of
about numbers does not lead to an understanding
progression toward more advanced skills over time.
of letters. There are no shortcuts to developing
For example, children generally develop the ability
important skills.
to segment and blend the two (component) words
ELM respects the content integrity of the eight in compound words before developing the ability to
areas by generally focusing on one skill in a learning identify the syllables in words.
activity. At the same time, many ELM learning
The idea of sequencing and pacing children’s
activities are designed to support the development
learning experiences is a key part of NAEYC’s
of a foundation skill in another area. For example,
developmentally appropriate practice position
a language/literacy activity aimed at improving
statement.13 Sequencing the order in which skills
children’s understanding of prepositions (often
are introduced to children distinguishes a well-
a challenging skill for English language learners)
planned curriculum from a resource that offers a
promotes the development of self-regulation skills
collection of activities that may not intentionally
by using a Simon Says game to engage children in
support mastery of beginning skills before expecting
learning and practicing prepositions (Week 3, Day
children to pursue more advanced content.
4).
Consistent with NAEYC’s third standard for
ELM reflects NAEYC’s accreditation standard for
program accreditation, high-quality classrooms
a high-quality curriculum.11 ELM offers a detailed
use a variety of teaching strategies. In ELM,
written plan that specifies desired goals for children’s
developmentally appropriate teaching strategies
learning and development, and learning experiences
are purposefully embedded in learning activities to
designed to achieve the desired goals. The desired
provide a sequenced mix of supports for children’s
goals are clearly defined, aligned with NAEYC
learning. See the Example of Intentionality in
standards, and communicated in straightforward
Developmentally Appropriate Teaching
terms that are accessible to families. The learning
experiences consist of a well-defined arrangement There also is an intentional use of different
of practices, materials, and settings that build on settings in the ELM Curriculum. Small group, large
children’s current skills and past experiences. group, child-initiated play, and other common
activity settings offer unique opportunities to
Effective support of children’s learning involves
support children’s learning. Small groups and
zeroing in on content and using an intentional
one-to-one interactions provide a child with
approach to teaching. Research based on results of
individualized attention.14 Large groups can be an
eight large child care studies found that children
efficient way to offer information, including
are more likely to succeed academically when their
demonstrations, to all children,15 and to foster a

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 Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

sense of classroom community. Periods of open- eighth grade compared to an approach that is mostly
ended play can support rich learning experiences, staff-directed or child-initiated only.18 Research
especially when there is sensitive adult guidance that with children in center-based and family child
elaborates upon children’s play activities.16 care homes indicates that children who spent a
majority of their day in a balanced arrangement of
Children’s daily experiences should not be
child-initiated and teacher-led activities had higher
dominated by one or several settings only. NAEYC’s
language scores than children who spent a majority
developmentally appropriate practice statement is
of their day in child-directed activity settings.19
clear that children benefit from both child-initiated
Studies have found that children who spent the
and teacher-guided learning experiences.17
highest proportion of their classroom time in free-
An approach that is high in a mix of staff- choice and gross-motor activities, and the lowest
guided and child-initiated activities is consistently amount of time engaged in academic content, had
linked to positive outcomes, including kindergarten smaller gains across the preschool year in language,
readiness and reading achievement in third and literacy, mathematics, and social competence

Example of Intentionality in Developmentally Appropriate Teaching

NAEYC views intentionality as a hallmark of developmentally appropriate teaching.35 Below are
descriptions of how an ELM math learning activity (Week 11, Day 3) uses a strategic mix of instructional
supports to help children sort items into groups of the same item, and then count the number of items in
each group. The activity uses 7 of 10 effective teaching strategies recognized by NAEYC early childhood
experts as developmentally appropriate.36 The teaching strategies appear in boldface.

Summary of Learning Activity How Teaching Strategies Help Children

The activity begins with a staff member asking The recall question helps children focus on the
questions: A basic recall question (How many fingers topic (numbers) and sets the stage for the higher-
do we have?) followed by a higher-level question (How level question that follows. Research supports this
do we know?). arrangement.37

The staff member then provides information by

reminding children what it means to sort things. The Children receive three different types of support for
staff member also demonstrates how to sort and gives remembering how to sort: a verbal description, a
directions for children’s actions (take an item from a demonstration, and directions for their sorting actions.
basket and put it in its appropriate group).

The staff member gives assistance during the activity

by offering occasional reminders of how to sort.
The activity plan also suggests the staff member Children receive two different types of support during
acknowledge a child’s actions as a way of offering a their sorting work: a verbal reminder and description
reminder of how to sort (“Treshawn picked a pencil. of a child’s sorting actions.
He put the pencil in the group with all of the other
pencils.”).

The ELM activity plan suggests the staff member could

If children readily sort the items by type, a teacher
add challenge by asking children to think of other ways
could use this scaffolding tip to stretch their thinking.
to sort the items (color, size, etc.).

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 Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

compared to children who participated in higher developmentally appropriate practice position

levels of individual and group learning.20 statement emphasizes the importance of teachers
having a solid repertoire of teaching strategies
Meaningful for responding to a range of child needs.22 The
scaffolding tips are suggestions for targeting
Children benefit from interactions with adults
teaching strategies to children’s needs.
that are tailored to their current skills and contribute
to progress in realizing worthwhile outcomes. The curriculum includes efficient progress
Meaningful support for learning and development is assessment procedures and child observation
responsive to children’s understandings and abilities guidelines focused on foundation skills promoted in
in the context of desired goals. This approach to ELM. Each assessment procedure and observation
working with young children is succinctly captured guideline includes suggestions for follow-up
in the idea of using challenging and achievable learning plans that can be used to build on what a
goals for children emphasized in NAEYC’s child or a small group of children already knows
developmentally appropriate practice statement. and is able to do. Details are offered in the Effective
Use of ELM section of this Guide. Also, numerous
ELM views classroom staff as experts in adapting
suggestions of additional ways to promote children’s
learning experiences. Teachers are in the best
learning and development are offered in the Areas
position to know the children in their classroom
Promoted by ELM section of this Guide.
and to determine the types of support that are likely
to help children move forward in learning and At a more global level, ELM’s focus on
development. consequential skills for school and life success is
likely to be viewed as meaningful among families
Effective teachers continually monitor children’s
and policy-makers who want children to have the
understandings and abilities, and make moment-to-
best possible start in life and view early childhood
moment decisions about how to adapt teaching and
education as a smart investment in society’s
interactions to better support children’s learning in
future. Strengthening the alignment between
an activity or a conversation.21 In the prior Example
pre-kindergarten and elementary school experiences
of Intentionality in Developmentally Appropriate
and goals is of keen interest to many constituencies,
Teaching, for example, a teacher can use children’s
including NAEYC.23
responses to the two questions at the beginning of
the activity to quickly and informally note children’s
Plentiful
understandings of counting. A teacher may decide
to adjust the activity plan by encouraging children ELM is plentiful in the amount and quality of
to count each finger on their hands if children seem attention given to early childhood skills that bolster
hesitant or confused in their responses to the two success in school and life. Content areas that are
questions. most strongly associated with school readiness—
language/literacy and mathematics—are promoted
ELM offers guidance designed to help classroom
in separate activities each day of the week. Self-
staff adapt activities in support of children’s
regulation, social-emotional development, and
learning. Each activity plan includes scaffolding
understandings of the world around us are also
tips that can be used by staff to provide children
promoted each day of the week. Science, creative
with extra support or increased challenge as part
expression, and physical/health areas receive
of their participation in the activity. NAEYC’s
generous and regular doses of support.

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 Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

A focus on one skill or set of closely related Promoted by ELM) recognizes that frequent practice
skills in ELM activity plans helps children give full is a proven way to master new skills but doing
attention to important dimensions of a targeted skill. something repeatedly without added challenge is
The Example of Intentionality in Developmentally unlikely to promote important growth. This general
Appropriate Teaching in the current section of this principle is applied to all areas promoted by ELM.
Guide shows a clear focus on sorting items into
Adding variation and challenge to the review
groups of the same type of item. Teaching strategies
and practice of an emerging skill is a highly
in this example pertain to sorting. Adding an
regarded way to sustain children’s interest and
unrelated element to this activity—such as inviting
participation. Children who are actively engaged
children to discuss how they could play with the
in learning are unlikely to wander aimlessly in
items—might dilute or divert children’s attention to
a classroom or to act out. Importantly, adding
the sorting goal.
variation and challenge to skill review and practice
ELM activity plans systematically review a supports children’s progress toward more advanced
concept, vocabulary word, or action soon after it is and complex skills.
introduced. For example, the last day of the week
ELM supplements skills promoted in large and
includes a review of the math skill(s) introduced and
small group sessions with suggested center activities
practiced during the week, and aspects of a letter
that reinforce content offered in group sessions.
of the alphabet (sound, shape) are briefly reviewed
In addition, each week ELM provides parenting
most days of the week starting in Week 7. The
tips that can be used by families to reinforce and
reviews encourage active child participation, such as
extend content emphasized during the week in ELM
making a letter shape in the air.
classrooms.
Some reviews of a concept occur in an integrated
There is ample opportunity within the ELM
connection to an activity in another area. For
framework for teachers to pursue topics of special
example, trees receive attention in a set of science
interest to children and families. Teachers make
activity plans focused on a forest habitat (Week 28).
decisions about books to share with children as
During the following week, traffic cones represent
part of ELM’s language/literacy activity plans, for
trees in a pretend forest created for physical/health
example, and a number of activity plans offer
activity plans focused on moving our bodies around
options for the specific direction of a learning
obstacles.
experience.
Frequent practice of an emerging skill is
ELM is plentiful with supports for classroom
particularly beneficial when the practice involves a
staff and trainers. A rich and efficient set of
new appropriate challenge. This Guide’s description
resources is summarized in the Ready-to-Go
of how ELM supports self-regulation (see Areas
Resources chart in this Guide.

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Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

Ready-to-Go ELM Resources

Classroom Supports

Comprehensive activity plans: 4 per day for 50 weeks

Printable classroom materials

Guide for Observing and Individualizing (focused on foundation skills)

Progress monitoring assessments and follow-up learning suggestions

Forms for planning and recording

ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years

ELM Planning Form: Week of ______

Optional activity plans for repeated book readings

List of classroom materials used each week

Staff Training Supports

User Guide

ELM Activity Observation Checklist

Online trainings (3 for direct care staff, 3 for trainers)

Family Engagement Supports

Readiness Starts Early tips for supporting children’s learning in families

What Children Will Learn This Week summaries of classroom learning

Examples of portfolio entries that describe a child’s progress

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 Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

ELM’s Starting Points

The ELM Curriculum is the result of a five-year but this interpretation does not fully represent the
project initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense present-day concept of developmentally appropriate
for the purpose of developing a comprehensive, practice.30
evidence-informed curriculum and related training
The original position statement on
materials designed to bolster children’s readiness
developmentally appropriate practice emphasized
for school. The project, known as the Curriculum
child-initiated play. Research and program
Development Project for Early Care and Education,
experiences led to a rethinking and refinement
was conducted by Purdue University’s Department
of this emphasis in the 1997 revision of the
of Human Development and Family Studies as
developmentally appropriate practice statement. The
part of the DoD-USDA Partnership for Military
1997 revision indicates that children “benefit from
Families.24
engaging in self-initiated, spontaneous play and
In addition to specifying broad-based school from teacher-planned and -structured activities.”31
readiness outcomes, DoD parameters for the This principle continues to be central to the current
curriculum included mixed-age classrooms for version of the position statement.
children 3–5 years of age; three age groupings
for children from birth to 36 months of age;25 Guidance from Research Evidence and Experts
inclusion of developmentally appropriate practices;
An extensive review of outcome research
and guidance for adapting a classroom-based
published in scholarly refereed journals was
curriculum for family child care homes.
conducted to answer two questions:
Four major factors contributed to the y What early childhood skills are linked to later
curriculum’s development. Each is described below. positive outcomes, particularly indicators of
school readiness?
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
y What early childhood classroom practices
The concept of developmentally appropriate significantly support the development of
practice is the dominant framework for best early childhood skills linked to later positive
practice in programs of early care and education. outcomes for children?
The concept was developed by NAEYC in the
Answers to the first question were used
mid-1980s26 and subsequently revised in 199727
to identify foundation skills promoted in the
and 2009.28 There are numerous references to
curriculum. Answers to the second question
the influence of the developmentally appropriate
informed decisions about teaching practices and
practice position statement and the program
other learning experiences offered in the curriculum.
accreditation criteria of the NAEYC on ELM in this
Guide’s description of key characteristics of ELM.29 The literature review represented more than 230
research reports plus an additional 115 background
The ELM Curriculum developers adhered to
readings. The review found uneven amounts of
the current (2009) version of developmentally
attention to different ages and content areas in early
appropriate practice and program accreditation
childhood. More is known about how to promote
criteria (2018). The concept of developmentally
positive outcomes in the preschool-age years than
appropriate practice is sometimes used by early
in years spanning birth to 36 months. Research
childhood professionals as “a shorthand term for
on strategies to improve children’s language and
the value of play or letting children be children,”
literacy development is more extensive than studies

9 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

of how to promote children’s growth in other of activity plan drafts in telephone consultations
areas. Summaries of research that influenced the with ELM Curriculum staff twice a month. They
curriculum’s development are provided in the Areas also wrote notes on activity plan drafts. Training and
Promoted by ELM section of this Guide. Curriculum Specialists provided feedback in weekly
telephone consultations with ELM staff. Also, ELM
Recognized experts in the care and education
Curriculum staff visited each pilot site three times
of young children and a range of stakeholders
during implementation (beginning, middle, end) to
within and outside of the DoD Child Development
secure in-depth information. About 25% of activity
Program were consulted at the outset of the
plans were significantly revised or replaced on the
project about needed directions in early childhood
basis of pilot feedback.
curricula, including curriculum training resources.
Experts and early childhood stakeholders also Trainers in pilot sites and program leaders
provided feedback on ways to support family provided feedback on drafts of ELM forms for
engagement in children’s learning. Consultations weekly planning, recording children’s progress, and
with DoD Child Development Program leaders classroom observations of activity plan use.
continued throughout the project.
Staff Credentials and Turnover
Leading early childhood specialists served
as content experts in the development of the ELM’s resources were influenced by prevalent
curriculum’s eight areas promoted for children 3–5 national patterns of considerable variability in
years of age and the five areas promoted for children the education and longevity of classroom staff.
birth–36 months. The content experts developed In 2012, less than one-half of teachers working
a sequenced plan for their respective area that with 3- to 5-year-old children in center-based
specified practices for supporting the development settings had a bachelor’s degree or higher.32 There
of foundation skills over time. The sequenced also is a relatively high staff turnover rate (about
plans for each area were used by curriculum 30% nationally) in programs of early care and
specialists to develop detailed drafts of learning education.33 Staff departures that occur mid-year
activity plans. The drafts of activity plans were and with limited advance notice may be particularly
reviewed by content experts, revised by curriculum challenging for programs.
specialists in response to feedback from content
More generally, it is important to acknowledge
experts, and subjected to pilot testing as described
NAEYC’s observation that many teachers lack the
below. Content experts also worked closely with
current knowledge and skills needed to provide
curriculum specialists to revise activity plans in
high-quality learning experiences for young
response to feedback from pilot sites. In addition,
children, at least in some areas of a curriculum. In
content experts contributed to the descriptions of
addition, NAEYC notes that even well-qualified
areas promoted by ELM (see next major section of
teachers find it challenging to create from scratch
this Guide).
a comprehensive curriculum that addresses all
important standards, learning goals, and assessment
Pilot Testing
procedures.34
Twenty-four preschool-age classrooms across
These patterns influenced the curriculum
six child development centers in four military
project’s development of user-friendly resources that
installations participated in a pilot implementation
include models of high-quality implementation of
of the curriculum for a period totaling 44 weeks.
activity plans. The provisions are described in the
Lead classroom staff provided feedback on their uses
Effective Use of ELM section of this Guide.

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 Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

Endnotes
1 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009). NAEYC position statement: Developmentally appropriate
practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/
naeyc/file/positions/PSDAP.pdf
2 National Association for the Education of Young Children (2018). NAEYC early learning program accreditation standards
and assessment items. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/
downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_and_assessment_web.pdf
3 Blair, C. (2002). School readiness: Integrating cognition and emotion in a neurobiological conceptualization of children’s
functioning at school entry. American Psychologist, 57, 111–127.
4 These five developmental areas are included in the U.S. Department of Defense goal of school readiness for its Child
Development Program. Department of Defense. (2014). Department of Defense Instruction (Number 6060.02).Washington,
DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
5 Weiland, C., & Yoshikawa, H. (2013). Impacts of a prekindergarten program on children’s mathematics, language, literacy,
executive function, and emotional skills. Child Development, 84, 2112–2130.
6 Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (2009). To be an excellent teacher. In C. Copple & S. Bredekamp (Eds.), Developmentally
appropriate practice in early childhood programs: Serving children from birth through age 8, 3rd ed. (pp. 33–50). Washington,
DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
7 Epstein, A. S. (2014). The intentional teacher: Choosing the best strategies for young children’s learning, revised edition.
Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
8 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2018).
9 Schmitt, S. A., Geldhof, G. J., Purpura, D. J., Duncan, R., & McClelland, M. M. (2017). Examining the relations between
executive function, math, and literacy during the transition to kindergarten: A multi-analytic approach. Journal of Educational
Psychology, 109, 1120–1140.
10 Cameron, C. E., Cottone E. A., Murrah, W. M., and Grissmer, D. W. (2016). How are motor skills linked to children’s school
performance and academic achievement? Child Development Perspectives, 10, 93–98.
11 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2018).
12 Burchinal, M., Zaslow, M., & Tarullo, L. (2016). Quality thresholds, features, and dosage in early care and education:
Secondary data analyses of child outcomes. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 81, 1–128.
13 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009).
14 Wasik, B. (2008). When fewer is more: Small groups in early childhood classrooms. Early Childhood Education Journal, 35,
515–512.
15 Cabell, S. Q., DeCoster, J., LoCasale-Crouch, J., Hamre, B. K., & Pianta, R. C. (2013). Variation in the effectiveness of
instructional interactions across preschool classroom settings and learning activities. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 28,
820–830.
16 Trawick-Smith, J. (2012). Teacher-child play interactions to achieve learning outcomes. In R. B. Pianta, W. S. Barnett, L. M.
Justice, & S. M. Sheridan (Eds.), Handbook of early childhood education (pp. 259–277). New York: Guilford.
17 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009).
18 Graue, E., Clements, M. A., Reynolds, A. J., & Niles, M. D. (2004). More than teacher directed or child initiated: Preschool
curriculum type, parent involvement, and children’s outcomes in the child-parent centers. Education Policy Analysis Archives,
12, 1–40.
19 Fuligni, A. S., Howes, C., Huang, Y., Hong, S. S., & Lara-Cinisomo, S. (2012). Activity settings and daily routines in preschool
classrooms: Diverse experiences in early learning settings for low-income children. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 27,
198–209.
20 Chien, N. C., Howes, C., Burchinal, M., Pianta, R. C., Ritchie, S., Bryant, D. M., … Barbarin, O. A. (2010). Children’s
classroom engagement and school readiness gains in prekindergarten. Child Development, 81, 1534–1549.
21 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009)
22 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009).
23 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009).
24 The project was supported by the U.S. Department of Defense Child Care Curriculum Competitive Program of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), grant number 2013-48762-21537.
25 Birth–12 months, 12–24 months, 24–36 months
26 Bredekamp, S. (1987). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age
8, expand edition. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.

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 Introduction to the ELM Curriculum 3–5 Years

27 Bredekamp, S., & Copple, C. (1997). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs, revised edition.
Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
28 Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (Eds.) (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs, third edition.
Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
29 In addition to NAEYC program accreditation standards, ELM’s foundation skills were reviewed in relation to the early
learning standards of 13 states with 10 or more child development centers on military installations. The review found strong
alignment between ELM foundation skills and the state early learning standards.
30 Bredekamp, S. (2014). Effective practices in early childhood education: Building a foundation, second edition. New York, NY:
Pearson.
31 Bredekamp & Copple (1997).
32 Institute of Medicine (IOM) and National Research Council (NRC) (2015). Transforming the workforce for children birth
through age 8: A unifying foundation. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. See also: National Survey of Early
Care and Education (NSECE). 2011. Center-based provider questionnaire. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and
Evaluation; Administration for Children and Families; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
33 Whitebook, M. (2014). Building a skilled teacher workforce: Shared and divergent challenges in early care and education and
in grades k–12. Berkeley, CA: Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, University of California, Berkeley. See also:
Institute of Medicine (IOM) and National Research Council (NRC). (2015).
34 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009).
35 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009).
36 Copple & Bredekamp (2009).
37 Blewitt, P., Rump, K. M., Shealy, S. E., & Cook, S. A. (2009). Shared book reading: When and how questions affect young
children’s word learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 101, 294–304.

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

Experts have long recognized that the

foundations of reading and related abilities develop Foundation Skills
early, well before formal instruction in reading.1 A y Phonological awareness
growing set of recent studies points to code-focused y Letter knowledge
and meaning-focused skills as early building blocks
y Oral language
of later reading and school success.2
y Print knowledge
Code-focused skills enable children to decode
y Writing
letters into sounds and then link the sounds to
single words.3 Phonological awareness, alphabet conventions of print.8 These practices include
knowledge, and beginning writing competence helping children understand how words form
contribute to this process. Preschool children’s sentences, the orientation for reading text (from left
phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge are to right in English), the role of a book’s author and
consistent predictors of reading comprehension and illustrator, and pointing out print in the classroom,
related skills at the end of kindergarten or later.4 The such as labels on centers or objects. Studies indicate
ability to write letters in isolation on request or to that explicitly drawing children’s attention to print
write one’s own name is predictive of later reading contributes to children’s literacy skills, including
competence.5 alphabet knowledge.9
Meaning-focused skills are central to Providing books, writing tools, posters with
understanding and using oral language. Vocabulary print, printed labels on classroom items, regular
knowledge is an especially important part of book readings, and other forms of exposure to
language competence. The size of children’s words is a good first step in promoting language and
vocabularies in the early years is linked to reading literacy development. Yet solid preparation for later
comprehension some 10 years later.6 What is more, reading competence requires more than ensuring
children who know more words in the early years access to literacy items and language experiences in
have a major advantage in learning new words.7 the early childhood years.
Experts support the common practice Research evidence indicates that young children
of introducing children to the purposes and benefit from intentional teaching of phonological
awareness, alphabet knowledge, and vocabulary
knowledge. Children make greater gains in
vocabulary knowledge, for example, when they
hear and talk about child-friendly definitions of
unfamiliar words.10 Evidence also suggests that
children’s code-focused skills are stronger when they
are explicitly introduced to phonological awareness
and alphabet knowledge at the same time.11
NAEYC Accreditation. Language and literacy
development receives important attention in the
National Association for the Education of Young

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

Children (NAEYC) early childhood program vocabulary knowledge. Books are to be read in an
standards and accreditation criteria.12 Early engaging manner that includes conversations aimed
childhood programs are expected to provide at helping children understand the content of a
multiple and varied opportunities for children book.
to develop phonological awareness, including
Link to VLS. The Virtual Lab School’s course
recognizing and producing words that have the
on Preschool Communication and Language
same beginning and ending sounds. Programs also
Development offers information on a range of
are to promote children’s understanding of alphabet
language and literacy topics.13 These include
letters and letter sounds and provide opportunities
phonological awareness (Lessons 1, 2, 4), alphabet
for children’s active engagement with print,
knowledge (Lessons 2 and 4), uses of books (Lessons
including writing letters of the alphabet and words
2, 3, 4), and print knowledge (Lesson 4).
on their own. Programs are to support children’s

How ELM Promotes Language and Literacy Development

ELM offers five days of language/literacy slight increase in the challenge of the games occurs
activity plans for each week. Code-focused skills are in Weeks 2 and 3 when children are encouraged to
promoted on Days 2 and 4. Generally, a small group identify a sequence of two sounds.
is used on Day 2 to facilitate children’s participation
Major chunks of sounds in words are introduced
and understanding of key concepts.
in a sequence of activity plans focused on rhyming
Meaning-focused skills are promoted on Days words, compound words, syllables, and initial
1, 3, and 5, with repeated reading of the same book. sounds beginning in Week 4. Active learning
The payoffs of repeated reading and the curriculum’s strategies include:
shared reading approach are significant (see y identifying and saying units of sound
Understanding Words).
y using picture/word cards to form (blend)
and take apart (segment) compound words
Understanding Sounds
y clapping syllables in children’s names
ELM follows a developmental progression in
y using “robot talk” to segment syllables in
children’s awareness of the sounds in spoken words,
words
moving from larger to smaller units of sounds in
words.14 The chart on the next page describes the y segmenting syllables in words as children
units of sound promoted in the curriculum. hop for each syllable
y identifying the initial (beginning) sounds of
The curriculum follows a developmental children’s names
progression in children’s awareness of the y singing a song that emphasizes initial sounds
sounds in spoken words. of words
A series of listening games is offered in Weeks ELM introduces children to identifying and
1–3 to heighten children’s attention to common manipulating small units of sound beginning
sounds, such as clearing a throat, closing a door, in Week 24. One-syllable words are used to help
and turning pages of a book. The games also involve children listen to and focus on initial and ending
the identification of quieter and louder sounds. A sounds of words. The technical terms for the

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

blending and segmenting (decoding) activities are in Week 23). Some children may benefit from
body-coda and onset-rime. continued and varied practice with larger units of
sound (compound words, syllables, initial sounds).
The activities in Weeks 24–25 focus on body-
The progress assessment plan for Week 23 offers
coda. Children are encouraged to blend the two
planning suggestions.
initial sounds (body) with the ending sounds (coda).
Here is an example: swee-t. The learning activities Technical terms, such as initial sounds and
in Weeks 27–29 focus on onset-rime. Children are final sounds, are included in activity plans for
encouraged to blend the initial sound (onset) with communicating with staff, but are not introduced
the remaining sounds (rime). Activities include a to children. There is a similar arrangement for
guessing game, riddles, and making new words by technical terms in mathematics, as described in the
changing the onset (example: p-ig becomes w-ig). Mathematics section of this Guide.
Children generally find it easier to do body-coda
Understanding Letters
blending than onset-rime blending. For this
reason, body-coda is introduced before onset- ELM introduces letters of the alphabet in the
rime.15 Although ELM focuses on blending skills context of children’s experiences. For each letter,
in these activities, attention is given to onset-rime children are invited to:
segmenting in Week 31 (example: b-all). y search for the letter in the child’s first name
Support for identifying and manipulating small and another child’s name;
units of sound also includes the final sound of y identify the name of several pictured items
one-syllable words. This occurs in Weeks 33–34. that begin with the letter;
Activities include games in which children identify y find the letter in the classroom;
the final sound and match words that end with the
y think of other words that begin with the
same sound (phoneme). Examples: bib and web.
letter;
The content on small units of sound beginning y connect the letter to the first letter of a word
in Week 24 may be too challenging for some emphasized in other learning activities
children, particularly children who need additional during or near the week the letter is
support for identifying initial sounds (assessed introduced;

Units of Word Sounds Promoted by ELM

Sound Definition Example
Rhyming Words Words that sound alike at the end of the word B-at and C-at (Week 4, Day 2)
Compound Word Combining two words to make a new word Foot-ball (Week 8, Day 2)
Syllables Parts or “chunks” of a word Ma • de • line (Week 13, Day 2)
Initial Sound Beginning sound of a word /h/, /h/, /h/, /h/, Hunter (Week 17, Day 2)
Body-coda* Beginning sound with the vowel (body) + the Ha-t (Week 24, Day 2)
letter(s) that follow (coda) in a word
Onset-rime* Beginning sound (onset) + string of letters that F-ox (Week 28, Day 2)
follow (rime) in a word
Final Sound* Ending sound of a word Bed (Week 33, Day 2)
*For children who are ready to learn this advanced skill

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

y learn the letter’s name, sound, and shape the wall where group activities are held. This list is
(both uppercase and lowercase); used repeatedly in the curriculum to help children
y write as much of the letter as possible with identify letters.
the help of a letter card. In the activity plans, uppercase is used to refer
Studies support the process described above. to a letter’s name. The reference to a letter’s sound
Not surprisingly, research suggests that children appears in brackets. Example: /b/.
tend to focus on letters in their own name when Pre-kindergarten children need to know more
beginning to use letters in their writing16 and than the letters in their name or in the names of
in learning letter names.17 Studies indicate that relatives and friends in order to be well prepared
teaching letter names and sounds together is more for later reading. Successfully decoding letters into
beneficial than teaching letter names and sounds sounds and then linking sounds to single words
separately.18 Recent research also suggests that young requires knowledge of many different letters.
children benefit from using a memory aid, such as
a key word, to help them remember letters and their How many letters should children know when
sounds.19 When the letter C is introduced in ELM, it they leave a preschool program? A recent study
is linked to the word “creative,” which is introduced suggests that the ability to identify 18 uppercase
and emphasized during the same week in Creative letters and 15 lowercase letters at the end of a
Expression learning activities. preschool program is an optimal benchmark for
predicting first-grade literacy achievement.21 The
Letters that children learn most readily are research involved children enrolled in public
introduced first in ELM. The easiest letters for preschool programs serving socioeconomically
children to learn include the letter O and the first disadvantaged populations.
letter of their name.20 The letters B, A, C, and X are
also introduced early in the curriculum because they
The ability to identify 18 uppercase letters and
are among the letters that appear easiest for young
15 lowercase letters at the end of a preschool
children to learn. The letters U and V are the most
p ro g ra m i s a n o p t i m a l b e n c h m a r k fo r
difficult for children to learn; they are introduced at
predicting first-grade literacy achievement.
the end of ELM’s introduction of letters.
Letters are defined for children as “special marks ELM introduces the common sound of a letter.
used to make words.” The opportunity for children It could be confusing to preschool-age children to
to write a letter in their letter journal is intended as a systematically introduce all of the sounds a single
low-key experience in which any attempt at writing letter could make. The activity plans for teaching
is accepted. Activity plans consistently describe and the sound of a letter include a scaffolding tip on
demonstrate two ways to write a letter—uppercase how to respond to children who indicate that a
and lowercase—and explain that an uppercase letter sounds differently in their name or someone
(big) letter is used at the beginning of a name. A else’s name (for an example, see Week 8, Day 4 third
letter’s case is not a major focus of instruction in Enrichment tip for the letter C).
ELM, however. The emphasis is on helping children
learn the letter name and sound associated with the ELM teaches short vowel sounds. Some research
corresponding letter form. suggests that short vowels are more useful for
children’s early efforts in spelling, perhaps because
It is important to keep a neatly-printed list of it can be initially confusing for children when letter
the first names of children in the classroom on names and sounds are the same.22 Short vowels were

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

used in an effective program for teaching letters and events, or other information. There is a strong
their sounds,23 and also are used in some popular research base for a shared book reading approach.24
commercially-available letter instruction programs
Repeated Reading. As part of shared book
for preschool-age children. Use a long vowel sound
reading with children, ELM uses repeated reading
if the target letter in a child’s name is said with a
of the same book to strengthen the benefits of
long vowel.
shared book reading, including the opportunity for
One letter is introduced each week beginning children to be more actively involved in the reading
in Week 7. Approximately every sixth week there is experience. It may seem unnecessary to read any
a review of the 3–5 letters most recently introduced. book to young children more than one time. But
Brief support for remembering the name, shape, there are good reasons to read a book several times
and sound of a letter is offered at the beginning of over a week or relatively short time period.25 As
each book reading session (Days 1, 3, 5) beginning children listen to a book being read again, the words,
in Week 8. A review of letters begins in Week phrases, and illustrations become more familiar and
46, focused on letters that an individual letter predictable. Children learn more about the book
knowledge assessment in Week 43 suggests would content as they listen to it being read and reread.
be helpful for children to review. Once children know what will happen in a book,
they begin to think and talk about the characters
Understanding Words and why events may have occurred as they did.26 It is
easier for children to analyze a book when they are
ELM supports children’s understanding and use
familiar with a book’s plot and characters and do not
of oral language for varied purposes, including:
need to work hard to remember what happens in the
y following directions; story.
y labeling objects, people, and events;
Children also learn new vocabulary words from
y describing observations, understandings, listening to and talking about a book that is read
and ideas; several times. Children are more likely to learn new
y engaging in give-and-take conversation; words from repeated readings of the same book
y understanding, comprehending, and than when they hear the same new words used in
interpreting a short book or passage read different books. We do not know exactly why this
aloud. happens, but one possibility is that children know
what will happen in a book read several times and
The curriculum uses a shared book reading pay more attention to new features in the book.
approach to encourage active child engagement of This includes paying attention to, and learning, the
a book’s text and illustrations. The adult who reads meanings of new words.27
a book with children draws attention to words and
pictures, sometimes by asking children to point to Repeated reading of the same book promotes
something on the page of a book. The reader also stronger vocabulary skills and comprehension
promotes discussion of information presented than does reading a book one time.
in the book by asking questions about characters
or the sequence of events in the book, how book Each repeated reading of a book involves
information connects to children’s own experiences, children in the reading process in different ways.
and children’s interpretations of book characters, Challenge is gradually increased across the three
readings. In the first reading of a book, for example,

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

the reader is encouraged to focus on the book’s text

Not all books written for young children are
and illustrations so children can concentrate on the
we l l s u i t e d f o r r e p e a t e d r e a d i n g a n d
book information. See the chart below for a
discussion.
description of what is emphasized in each reading.
Activity plans for each of the readings are offered Not all books written for young children are well
beginning in Week 3. suited for repeated reading and discussion. There
The third reading of a book focuses on children’s are excellent books that focus on literacy skills, such
reasoning about and explanations for why events as alphabet knowledge (example: Chicka Chicka
may have happened as they did. This type of Boom Boom by Martin and Archambault) and
discussion may be particularly difficult for younger predictable phrases (example: Brown Bear, Brown
children or children who are not fluent English Bear by Martin and Carle). These types of books
speakers. Below are some strategies you can use to are often favorites of young children, but they do
help all children analyze a story:28 not work well for talking about events or characters
because both the characters and plot are simple.
y Make comments about what a character may
There is little to discuss.
be thinking or feeling as you read.
y Ask questions directly related to your Sophisticated picture books are often good
comments. options for repeated reading. They typically
encourage children to think about a character’s
y Connect elements of the book to children’s
reason for behaving in a particular way and also
own experiences.
include rich vocabulary, some of it unfamiliar to
y Ask children to talk about what is happening young children. Examples: Stellaluna (Cannon), The
by focusing on the illustrations. Mitten (Brett), The Kissing Hand (Penn).
y Follow up children’s comments by inviting
Below are some guidelines for selecting books
them to say more.
for repeated reading. A book is a good option for

Gradual Challenge in Sequenced Conversations about the Same Book

1 Reading (Day 1)
st

• Focus: Children’s understanding of the book’s basic information

• Conversation supports: Questions to promote recall. Example: What is our book about?
2nd Reading (Day 3)
• Focus: Children’s comprehension of the book’s information
• Conversation supports: Questions to promote recall and connections to children’s experiences.
Example: Have you ever seen or touched a worm?
3rd Reading (Day 5)
• Focus: Children’s interpretations (explanations, reasoning) of the book’s information
• Conversation supports: Questions to promote recall and higher-level thinking, such as why and
how certain things happened. Example: Why did the animals want to get inside the mitten Nicki
lost? How do you think they all managed to get in?

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

rereading and discussing when you can answer “yes” children’s vocabularies because a book’s text offers
to all or most of the following questions. a shared context for discussing the meaning of an
y Does the book tell a connected story in unfamiliar word or concept.
which one event is directly related to the The activity plans include child-friendly
other? (non-fiction books can also tell a definitions of words that are likely to be unfamiliar
story) to most children. Often there is not enough
y Does the character (or characters) behave information in a book’s text or pictures for children
in a way that would lead children to think to accurately figure out the meaning of a novel
about why they did what they did? word on their own. It also can be challenging for
y Is the vocabulary appropriate and rich? young children to fully detect a novel word that
occurs within a stream of words. Research suggests
y Will children be able to relate what happens
that young children benefit from hearing brief
in the book to their own lives?
descriptions of novel words used in a book.31 This
ELM also offers a small collection of activity
plans for the repeated reading of selected books. The
What Words Should Be Taught to
book-specific plans identify novel words, offer child-
Preschool-Age Children?
friendly definitions of novel words, and include
book-specific questions to explore with children y Select unfamiliar words that children
in discussions of the book. Use of these plans is are likely to encounter in books and
optional. Even if not used, the book-specific plans conversations because the words are used
offer additional examples of recommended practices frequently by mature users of language.39
in shared book reading, including definitions of Avoid highly technical or specialized
novel words used in the selected books. The plans words unless they are part of a topic being
are located in a separate file. The plans include some introduced to children.
books suggested in a resource for multicultural y Give priority to words that children can
education for young children.29 easily practice through everyday use in
the classroom, with their families, and in
The repeated book-reading arrangement,
communities. Children understand and
beginning in Week 3, is modified beginning in Week
use words that are part of meaningful
46, which likely falls during a period of fluctuating
situations.
attendance in some classrooms. For Weeks 46–50, a
staff-selected book is read twice (on Days 1 and 3) y Select words that represent a concept
and a different staff-selected book is read on Day children may already understand. For
5. The learning goals focus on understanding basic example, teach the word beautiful to
information in the book, including the meaning of children who understand the word pretty.
novel words. This broadens the range of words children
can use to discuss or describe something.
Vocabulary Knowledge. The curriculum’s
y Help children understand basic
activity plans for shared book reading provide
prepositions, such as between, below, on,
concrete guidance on how to explicitly teach the
after, for, in, be, next, during. These words
meaning of novel (unfamiliar) words. Studies
help children understand a request or
consistently indicate that shared book reading
direction, such as “stand next to Jonah.”
promotes the growth of children’s oral language
skills.30 Books provide a strong opportunity to build

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

seems especially important in reading storybooks of words that all preschool-age children should
because a fiction book’s purpose is to tell a story, not know. There also is not research information on the
teach a new word. optimal number of novel words to teach in a session.
Different novel words are defined and discussed Classroom staff are encouraged to read
on each of the three days of repeated reading of the information books (non-fiction) with children in
same book beginning in Week 3 (see Days 1, 3, 5). addition to storybooks (fiction). Research shows
For the first reading of a book, novel words that are that the type of book read with children influences
essential to understanding the book are defined the type of talk that occurs between adult and
prior to reading the book without interruption. children.33 Storybooks can lead to conversations
Experience suggests that children do not like about book characters, sequence of events, and
interruptions during the first reading of a book,32 ideas about why certain things may have happened.
perhaps because they are working hard to make Information books can promote discussion of a
sense of basic information presented in the book. topic’s characteristics (such as the six legs of an
During the second and third reading of the same insect) and knowledge of words that are more
book, the activity plan suggests the reader pause technical in nature (such as observation and
briefly to define novel words as the words appear in experiment).
the book.
Print Knowledge
The word-teaching strategies also include:
y drawing attention to how the word is used in Attention to print knowledge is incorporated
the book into many activities across different domains. The
goals are to help children understand:
y reviewing novel words on subsequent days
y differences between writing and drawing
y the staff member writing and restating each
novel word on a chart y words form sentences
y promoting children’s understandings of a y words serve as labels and as titles of books
new word by and charts
o asking children to describe a picture y the orientation for reading text, including
related to the word where to begin and movement from left to
right in English
o defining a word without naming it and
then asking children to say the word y the roles of a book’s author and illustrator
o encouraging children to think about a There are activity plans for introducing how
novel word in another context books work, including cover, title, author, illustrator,
where to begin reading, and differences between
The box on the previous page summarizes
words and illustrations (Week 1, Day 3). Activities
experts’ suggestions on how to identify novel words
describe and demonstrate how words form
for introduction to children. The general guidance
sentences and what sentences look like (Week
is to teach words that most children are unlikely to
7, Days 2 and 4). There also are activity plans for
understand even though some children may know
helping children understand how to properly care
the words. Children’s dictionaries offer good help in
for books (Week 1, Days 4 and 5). In addition, there
developing child-friendly definitions. One resource
is a two-week focus on how children’s authors, Eric
is MacMillan’s First Dictionary (Simon & Schuster).
Currently there is not an expert‑developed list

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

Carle and Janell Cannon, wrote and illustrated some

of their famous books (Weeks 44 and 45).

Writing
The curriculum uses writing to reinforce
children’s understanding of letters, sounds and
words, and to promote further growth in children’s Tarynn writes her name at 3 years, 8 months. Note the
fine-motor skills. Studies indicate that preschool recognizable letters T, a, and n.
children’s writing skills are positively associated with to observe and practice writing help children
letter knowledge and awareness of the initial sounds distinguish writing from drawing, strengthen
of words.34 their understanding of letters and the spelling of
Researchers have documented a typical their name, and understand beginning and ending
progression in children’s writing development sounds in words.37
that begins with scribbles and eventually moves
to forming letters.35 Experts urge adults to accept Integration with Other Areas
all forms of children’s writing, including scribbles, Many activity plans suggest a specific book that
scribble writing, and letter-like shapes.36 The can be used to supplement an activity (see Optional
curriculum includes frequent, supportive Reading in the box on the left side of an activity
opportunities for children to practice writing plan). Many plans also include book reading as
without an emphasis on correct letter formation. a central part of an activity. For example, books
The curriculum does not approach writing as an are used to support children’s understanding of
early introduction to penmanship or techniques of counting and other math concepts; relationship
writing. skills, such as being kind to others; different
emotions; and individual and family diversity. Book
Experts urge adults to accept all forms of
sharings typically include child-friendly definitions
children’s writing.
of novel words related to the book’s content plus
Writing is a central part of activities and center opportunities to strengthen knowledge of how
activities included in many activity plans. In books work.
addition, activity plans regularly involve classroom Novel words are introduced in numerous activity
staff modeling writing for children with charts and plans. The plans sometimes suggest that children
dictation. Staff are encouraged to draw children’s say the word, typically with an emphasis on the
attention to how the spoken word can become print spoken syllables. The plans also encourage staff
when modeling writing. to demonstrate writing by recording information
Everyday use of sign-in sheets for program on charts and adding information to children’s
attendance and participation in centers is drawings and other work. In addition, a majority of
recommended (see More Ways for Promoting activities include conversations designed to promote
Language and Literacy). Frequent opportunities children’s comprehension and use of language.

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

Building on the Activity Plans

More Practices for Promoting Language and writing/drawing an idea from a book or an
Literacy experience during a field trip.
Teaching Practices y Provide meaningful reasons for children to write,
such as writing a note to a parent or peer.
y Establish a routine of children signing in for
program attendance or signing up for a center or y Promote give-and-take conversations with
job on the job chart. individuals or groups of children by using open-
ended questions focused on children’s interests
y Encourage children to write their names on their
or comments. Repeat and slightly expand on
work.
children’s statements. Look expectantly and
y Provide regular opportunities (at least once or show other signs of genuine interest in children’s
twice a week) for children to write and draw comments.38
in their journals. Writing topics might include

How a Morning Message Supports Many Language and Literacy Skills

The Morning Message is a common part of the first circle time in many early childhood
classrooms. Usually the staff member writes one or two simple sentences that provide information
about what will happen during the day or something that recently happened in the classroom.
Examples: Yesterday we watered our bean seeds. Today we will work on our shoebox houses.
The following practices strengthen the learning benefits of the Morning Message:40
y Write the message in front of children so they can watch the formation of letters and words. Say
the names of letters children are now learning, and point to and say each word. Emphasize the
beginning sounds of words as you write them.
y Try to include a word recently introduced to children. Remind children of the meaning of the
word.
y Use short, straightforward sentences. Limit the message to five or six words while children are
learning about letters, words, and sentences.
y Ask children to find in the Morning Message a letter they are learning or a letter that appears in
their name. Encourage children to say the letter sound.
y Focus on the meaning of the Morning Message by encouraging children to talk about the message’s
main topic. Examples: How did we water our bean seeds? Why is it important to put water on our
bean seeds?
y Invite children to contribute to the development of the Morning Message when their
understanding of how to form a sentence is reasonably firm. Example: Let’s write a Morning
Message today about how we worked with magnets yesterday. What should we say about our
magnets? (Note how this invitation draws attention to the concepts of today and yesterday, and
promotes recall and use of oral language.)

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

y Record children’s ideas by writing during group y Provide writing materials in key areas, such
and individual activities (examples: writing as dramatic play (examples: order pads for a
words that start with a particular letter, writing a restaurant, prescription pads for a doctor’s
child’s description on a drawing). office).
y Use routine activities, such as mealtimes, to y Display children’s writing attempts in the
further discuss children’s ideas about the day’s classroom.
activities and reinforce children’s use of new y Provide a wide range of books and other texts,
words in conversation. including information books and storybooks
y Use transition activities as an opportunity for that range in level of difficulty and topic. Include
children to respond to questions (example: What books related to children’s backgrounds, cultural
did you see on the way to our center today?), as experiences, and interests. Include books on
a way to reinforce understanding of letters and topics children are currently exploring in the
sounds (examples: What letter is this? What classroom and books made by children. Include
sound does it make?), and as a way to reinforce recorded books.
the meanings of new words (example: I’m y Prominently display books in accessible spots
thinking of a word that means small or little; it in a variety of classroom areas, such as science,
starts with /t/). dramatic play, and block areas.
y Use outdoor time to practice literacy skills y Place books in an orderly and inviting
children are learning. For example, road signs, arrangement. Include comfortable furniture
such as “Stop” and “Curve,” can be added to a in the book area. Locate the book area away
bike path. Signage provides a way to talk about from areas that involve higher levels of traffic,
letters and sounds as children learn to recognize movement, and talk.
familiar words. Playing the game I Spy offers
y Display posters and charts with text, such as
opportunities to reinforce letters and sounds
labeled pictures from a recent field trip or
(example: I spy something that flies in the air
classroom visitor. Display staff dictation on
and sings songs. It’s a /b/-/b/-/b/ . . . Yes, it’s a
children’s work.
bird!).
y Provide alphabet puzzles and puzzles with words.
Classroom Arrangements
y In one or more highly visible locations, put Strengthening Your Understanding of Language
a high-quality alphabet chart along with and Literacy
laminated cards with one letter each (uppercase
Here are some suggestions for reflecting on the
and lowercase forms). Provide templates that
curriculum’s recommended practices for promoting
help children form letters, such as alphabet
children’s language and literacy development.
stencils, sandpaper letters, and rubber stamps.
Provide laminated cards with children’s names y Have you ever read an article or book more than
and other familiar words. once (or wish you had read something more
than once)? Why do you think research shows
y Provide a distinct area for writing that is not
that rereading the same book has big payoffs for
used for other purposes. Include varieties of
young children?
paper and writing tools, such as pencils, markers,
colored pencils, chalk, and a whiteboard. Include y Studies show that young children benefit from
one or more alphabet books in the writing area. intentional teaching of phonological awareness,

23 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

alphabet knowledge, and vocabulary knowledge. Promotes in the left column of the first page of
In addition to using the activity plans, what are the activity plan). In what ways does the plan
some ways you can actively support children’s you selected promote children’s code-focused or
language and literacy skill development? meaning-focused skills?
y Use the “More Practices for Promoting
Language and Literacy” list to take stock of your
classroom’s teaching practices and physical
arrangements. Are there suggestions you would
like to implement or bolster in your classroom?
y The curriculum’s progress assessment procedures
include follow-up learning suggestions based
on a child’s level of understanding. Take a look
at the follow-up suggestions in Week 11, Day
2 for supporting children’s understanding of
compound words. How might the “Reinforce”
and “Reintroduce” suggestions be helpful to
children at different levels of understanding of
compound words?
y Select an activity plan in any of the curriculum’s
seven other preschool-age domains that also
promotes language/literacy (look for Also

Endnotes
1 Teale, W. H., & Sulzby, E. (Eds.). (1986). Emergent literacy: Writing and reading. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.
2 Powell, D. R., & Diamond, K. E. (2012). Promoting early literacy and language development. In R. C. Pianta, W. S. Barnett, L.
M. Justice, & S. M. Sheridan (Eds.), Handbook of early childhood education (pp. 194–216). New York: Guilford.
3 Whitehurst, G. J., Lonigan, C. J. (1998). Child development and emergent literacy. Child Development, 69, 848–872.
4 National Early Literacy Panel (2008). Developing early literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel. Washington, DC:
National Institute for Literacy. See also: Shanahan, T., & Lonigan, C. J. (Eds.). (2013). Early childhood literacy: The National
Early Literacy Panel and beyond. Baltimore, MD: Brookes.
5 National Early Literacy Panel (2008).
6 Cunningham, A. E., & Stanovich, K. E. (1997). Early reading acquisition and its relation to reading experience and ability 10
years later. Developmental Psychology, 33, 934–945.
7 Stanovich, K. E. (1986). Matthew effects in reading: some consequences of individual differences in the acquisition of literacy.
Reading Research Quarterly, 21, 360–407.
8 Shanahan & Lonigan (2013).
9 Piasta, S. B., Justice, L. M., McGinty, A., & Kaderavek, J. N. (2012). Increasing young children’s contact with print during
shared reading: Longitudinal effects on literacy achievement. Child Development, 83, 810–820. See also: Justice, L. M.,
Kaderavek, J. N., Fan, X., Sofka, A., & Hunt, A. (2009). Accelerating preschoolers’ early literacy development through
classroom-based teacher-child storybook reading and explicit print referencing. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in
Schools, 40, 67–85.
10 Marulis, L. M., & Neuman, S. B. (2010). The effects of vocabulary intervention on young children’s word learning: A meta-
analysis. Review of Educational Research, 80, 300–335.

24 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

11 Phillips, B. M., & Piasta, S. B. (2013). Phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge: Key precursors and instructional
targets to promote reading success. In T. Shanahan & C. J. Lonigan (Eds)., Early childhood literacy: The National Early Literacy
Panel and beyond (pp. 95–116). Baltimore, MD: Brookes.
12 National Association for the Education of Young Children (2018). NAEYC early learning program accreditation standards
and assessment items. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/
downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_and_assessment_web.pdf
13 www.virtuallabschool.org
14 Phillips, B. M., Clancy-Menchetti, J., & Lonigan, C. J. (2008). Successful phonological awareness instruction with preschool
children: Lessons from the classroom. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 28, 3–17.
15 Murray, B. (n.d.). Tuning in to the sounds and words. Retrieved from http://www.readingrockets.org/article/tuning-sounds-
words
16 Bloodgood, J. W. (1999). What’s in a name? Children’s name writing and literacy acquisition. Reading Research Quarterly, 34,
342–367.
17 Treiman, R., & Broderick, V. (1998). What’s in a name: Children’s knowledge about letters in their own names. Journal of
Experimental Child Psychology, 70, 97–116
18 Piasta, S. B., & Wagner, R. K. (2010a). Learning letter names and sounds: Effects of instruction, letter type, and phonological
processing skill. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 105, 324–344. See also: Piasta, S. B., & Wagner, R. K. (2010b).
Developing early literacy skills: A meta-analysis of alphabet learning and instruction. Reading Research Quarterly, 45, 8–38.
19 Piasta & Wagner (2010a).
20 Piasta, S. B. (2014). Moving to assessment-guided differentiated instruction to support young children’s alphabet knowledge.
The Reading Teacher, 68, 202–211.
21 Piasta, S. B., Petscher, Y., & Justice, L. M. (2012). How many letters should preschoolers in public programs know? The
diagnostic efficiency of various preschool letter-naming benchmarks for predicting first-grade literacy achievement. Journal of
Educational Psychology, 104, 915–958.
22 Treiman, R., Stothard, S. E., & Snowling, M. J. (2013). Instruction matters: Spelling of vowels by children in England and the
US. Reading and Writing, 26, 473–487.
23 Piasta & Wagner (2010a).
24 U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse (2015, April). Early childhood
education intervention report: Shared book reading (ED-IES-13-C-0010). Retrieved from http://whatworks.ed.gov
25 Sénéchal, M. (1997). The differential effect of storybook reading on preschoolers’ acquisition of expressive and receptive
vocabulary. Journal of Child Language, 24, 123–138. See also: Penno, J. F., Wilkinson, I. A. G., & Moore, D. W. (2002).
Vocabulary acquisition from teacher explanation and repeated listening to stories: Do they overcome the Matthew effect?
Journal of Educational Psychology, 94, 23–33. Biemiller, A., & Boote, C. (2006). An effective method for building meaning
vocabulary in primary grades. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98, 44–62. Leung, C. B. (2008). Preschoolers’ acquisition of
scientific vocabulary through repeated read-aloud events, retellings, and hands-on science activities. Reading Psychology, 29,
165–193.
26 McGee, L. M., & Schickedanz, J. A. (2007). Repeated interactive read-alouds in preschool and kindergarten. Reading Teacher,
60, 742–751.
27 Horst, J. S., Parsons, K. L., & Bryan, N. M. (2011). Get the story straight: Contextual repetition promotes word learning from
storybooks. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 17.
28 McGee & Schikedanz (2007).
29 Ramsey, P. G. (2015). Teaching and learning in a diverse world. New York: Teachers College Press. (see Supplemental
Resources)
30 Pentimonti, J. M., Justice, L. M., & Piasta, S. B. (2013). Sharing books with children. In T. Shanahan & C. J. Lonigan (Eds).
Early childhood literacy: The National Early Literacy Panel and beyond (pp.117–134). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes
Publishing. See also: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse (2015, April).
31 Penno et al. (2002).
32 Penno et al. (2002).
33 Price, L. H., Bradley, B. A., & Smith, J. M. (2012). A comparison of preschool teachers’ talk during storybook and information
book read-alouds. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 27, 426–440. See also: Price, L. H., van Kleeck, A., & Huberty, C J.
(2009). Talk during book sharing between parents and preschool children: A comparison between storybook and expository
book conditions. Reading Research Quarterly, 44, 171–194.

25 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Language/Literacy 3–5 Years

34 Diamond, K. E., Gerde, H. K., & Powell, D. R. (2008). Development in early literacy skills during the pre-kindergarten year in
Head Start: Relations between growth in children’s writing and understanding of letters. Early Childhood Research Quarterly,
23, 467–478.
35 Cabell, S. Q., Tortorelli, L. S., & Gerde, H. K. (2013). How do I write…? Scaffolding preschoolers’ early writing skills. The
Reading Teacher, 66, 650–659.
36 Gerde, H. K., Bingham, G. E., & Wasik, B. A. (2012). Writing in early childhood classrooms: Guidance for best practices. Early
Childhood Education Journal, 40, 351–359.
37 Gerde, Bingham, & Wasik (2012).
38 Piasta, S. B., Justice, L. M., Cabell, S. Q., Wiggins, A. K., Pence Turnbull, K., & Curenton, S. M. (2012). Impact of professional
development on preschool teachers’ conversational responsivity and children’s linguistic productivity and complexity. Early
Childhood Research Quarterly, 27, 387–400.
39 Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G., & Kucan, L. (2002). Bringing words to life: Robust vocabulary instruction. New York: Guilford
Press.
40 Wasik, B. A., & Hindman, A. H. (2011). The morning message in early childhood classrooms: Guidelines for best practices.
Early Childhood Education Journal, 39, 183–189. See also: Cabell et al. (2013)

26 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Mathematics 3–5 Years

Children’s early understanding of mathematics

is a key contributor to school readiness skills and Foundation Skills
a powerful predictor of mathematics achievement y Number knowledge
in school.1 Early math skills also are linked to later y Geometric and spatial knowledge
achievement in other domains, particularly reading.2
y Pattern knowledge
Engaging young children with math concepts may
strengthen their abstract thinking skills that in turn y Measurement knowledge
promote learning in other domains.3
and compare the size of items.10 Measurement
Young children are naturally curious about knowledge provides a foundation for later geometry
their world, and math is a meaningful tool for skills.11
helping them understand it. Young children also are
Experts emphasize the importance of children
highly capable of developing an early foundation of
developing a deep understanding of math concepts
mathematics knowledge.4 Early childhood programs
rather than simply memorizing facts.12 Children
are increasingly building on these interests and
often do not grasp the purpose of a math-related
abilities by providing developmentally appropriate
activity when they memorize information only. For
opportunities for children to understand and work
example, children may be able to recite numbers up
with numbers and shapes.
to 100 without knowing what the numbers mean.
Four broad sets of math skills are important Children also may be able to tell the names of shapes
to promote in the early years: number knowledge, without a genuine understanding of shape concepts
geometric and spatial knowledge, pattern (example: naming a square without the explicit
knowledge, and measurement knowledge. Number understanding that a square has four equal sides and
knowledge includes skills, such as counting, four right angles).13
comparing, and basic addition.5 Number knowledge
provides a foundation for the development of Experts emphasize the importance of children
more complex skills such as formal addition and developing a deep understanding of math
subtraction.6 Geometric and spatial knowledge7 concepts rather than simply memorizing facts.
includes skills such as naming, describing, and
Early childhood experts recommend offering
manipulating basic shapes. This knowledge
young children instructional time dedicated
helps children understand, interact with, and
specifically to math every day and integrating
communicate about the spatial environment around
math into other classroom activities and areas.14
them.8
Rigorous studies conducted in real-world early
Pattern knowledge includes identifying, creating, childhood classrooms document lasting outcomes
and extending simple (ABAB) and other kinds of of well-designed activities focused on math.15 Early
patterns (ABCABC). Pattern knowledge is related childhood programs that intentionally support
to children’s spatial understanding and advanced children’s math skills provide a strong foundation for
math skills in later years, including multiplication later learning.16 The growing research evidence on
and algebra.9 Measurement knowledge includes the development of children’s math skills supports a
understanding how nonstandard (example: our number of recommended teaching strategies in early
hand) and standard tools can be used to describe childhood programs.

Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

27 All Rights Reserved
 Areas Promoted by ELM
Mathematics 3–5 Years

Best practices introduce math concepts in a to children’s math development over the preschool
sequence, beginning with simpler concepts and year.21
moving to more advanced concepts when children
NAEYC Accreditation. A National Association
are ready. Early math skills must be developed
for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
before more advanced skills can be learned.17
position statement indicates that access to high-
Gradually introducing a limited number of math
quality math education in preschool programs is
concepts in a developmental sequence provides
critical to creating the foundation for children’s later
children with a solid building block for eventually
math learning.22 The NAEYC program accreditation
learning more complex concepts.
criteria specify a number of math concepts that
Best practices in promoting young children’s children should have the opportunity to develop,
math skills also include active learning including understanding of numbers, shapes,
opportunities, such as number songs and rhymes, patterns, and measurement.23
scavenger hunts, craft activities, storybooks, and
Link to VLS. The Virtual Lab School’s course
games. In addition, children benefit from being
on Cognitive Development describes examples of
asked open-ended questions during a math activity.
informal supports for math development (lesson
Research shows that children are more likely to
1), including math learning that can occur during
learn math concepts when they talk about the math
art, dramatic play, and play with blocks and
activity in which they are currently engaging.18 For
manipulatives (lesson 5). Math skills are included in
example, children are better able to find a correct
a description of cognitive development milestones
answer on their own when they are encouraged to
(lesson 2).24
explain their reasoning or actions.19
Children’s knowledge of math language is Best practices introduce math concepts in a
important for the development of their math skills.20 sequence, beginning with simpler concepts
Children benefit from hearing adults talk about and moving to more advanced concepts when
math. The amount of “math talk” that children children are ready.
hear from their teachers and caregivers is related

How ELM Promotes Mathematics Skills

The ELM curriculum promotes children’s implementing the curriculum (examples: cardinality,
understanding of mathematics in the four skill areas ABAB, one-to-one counting). The technical
described above. Activity plans focused on math are terms are defined in this Guide. The activity plans
offered five days each week, with each week focusing do not introduce these terms to children, even
on one or more of the four skill areas. The sequence though children are actively learning the concepts
of activity plans follows expert recommendations represented by the terms. For example, activity
for first introducing basic concepts in each area and plans consistently use the word number instead
phasing in more advanced information over time by of numeral in suggested talk with children, even
linking new information with existing knowledge.25 though numeral is the technical term for the Arabic
symbol and number (or number word) is generally
The activity plans use some technical math
used in reference to a specific quantity. The word
terms in communications aimed at staff who are

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Mathematics 3–5 Years

numeral is used in the learning goal prepared for Activity plans are designed to help children
staff. Young children do not need to know technical understand that numbers are all around us and that
terms in order to understand the concepts they we use counting to find out “how many” (Week 1)
represent. and which is more (Week 3). Consistent with best
practice recommendations,26 the activity plans begin
Counting Things with a focus on helping children understand how
to identify and create groups of two items (Week
Many activity plans focus on children’s
2). Attention is given to counting items as well
understanding of numbers and quantities. Each of
as identifying “how many” without counting,
the planned experiences with counting involves
because this skill is important to children’s
a meaningful purpose (example: counting the
development of understanding of quantities and
number of chairs at a table; see Week 1, Day 1).
numbers (number sense).27 Practice in identifying
No ELM activity plan involves children reciting
“how many” without counting is limited to groups
numbers for the purpose of memorizing a number
of five or fewer.
sequence (1 through 10) or determining “how
high” children can count, because such an activity ELM introduces children to the concept of
separates the counting sequence from its purpose one-to-one counting first by matching groups of
and meaning. Children’s counting experiences items. For example, in Week 7 children participate
in ELM begin with small sets of items, such as in a pretend task of helping a small group of
counting up to five books (Week 1, Day 2) and children get ready for the first day of school.
gradually move to larger quantities, such as counting Children are encouraged to help determine how
up to 20 claps (Week 16, Day 3). As with all ELM many children are in the group and how many of
activity plans, enrichment and extra support each school supply will be needed for each child to
scaffolding tips are suggested. have one. Children also use one-to-one counting
while pretending to prepare breakfast for three

Number Knowledge Promoted by ELM

Skill Definition Examples
Counting small groups Counting small sets of items to Groups of two (Week 2, Days 2–5)
determine quantity
Comparing Identifying a set of objects or Compare groups of blocks to determine
numeral that is larger or smaller which group has more and which group has
fewer (Week 16, Day 1)
Small number knowledge Identify the number of items in a Identify the quantity in a group of counters
small group without counting (Week 3, Day 2)
One-to-one counting Match one number to one item Count spots on animal cards and create an
when counting equal group of counters (Week 8, Day 3)
Last number counted When counting, the last number “How many stars are on your card? How do
(cardinality principle) tells us “how many” you know?” (Week 11, Day 1)
Numeral recognition Understand the quantity associated Identify the written number that tells the
with written numerals number of dots on a card (Week 13, Day 5)
Basic addition Understand that the next number in Adding “one more” counter above each
the counting sequence is “one more” number on a number list (Week 21, Day 2)
than the number before it

29 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Mathematics 3–5 Years

bears (Week 7, Day 2). The goal is to help children of “cookies” and compare the quantity of cookies
learn how to map (match) one number name per in their groups (Week 3). Children also use play
item when counting. The breakfast preparation food to compare quantities using terms such as
activity is made meaningful for children by reading “same,” “more,” and “equal” (Week 13, Day 3). These
the popular children’s story, Goldilocks and the math language concepts are embedded throughout
Three Bears. Similar scenarios occur throughout the curriculum and advance in complexity as the
the curriculum where specific storybooks are used activity plans progress.
to give meaning to children’s participation in an
Written numerals are first introduced in Week
activity.
13. Similar to learning that each alphabet letter
ELM systematically introduces the important represents a sound, activity plans are designed to
math concept of last number counted (Week 11). help children learn that each numeral represents a
The final number counted in a group indicates the certain amount. There are several visual supports
amount of items in that group. The technical term for learning this concept. Each
for this concept is the cardinality principle. An numeral card includes a
established teaching tool here is to state the total corresponding number of dots, and
amount of items before they are counted and then children count a group of items
restate the final total after counting.28 Here is an (counters, blocks) that match with
example from Week 11, Day 2: “I have 10 circles on the numeral on the card.
the floor. Let’s count them together to make sure
The activity plans provide children with
I have 10. [Lead children in counting the circles in
opportunities to engage in discussions about
unison. Point to each circle as you count.] We have
number order. For example, children are shown a
10 circles. We know this because when we counted
sequence of written numerals 1–10 (number list)
them, the last number counted was 10.”
and an invitation to determine which number comes
There are many guided opportunities for after a given number (Week 18, Day 1). The concept
children to learn the “language of math” so they of knowing one more is later introduced (Week 21).
are able to talk about math concepts. For example, This strategy helps children to learn about number
children are introduced to the term “more” by being order and may also help them develop early addition
told a story about cookies and pretending that and subtraction skills (example: 4 is 1 more than 3;
their counters are cookies. Children form groups 3 + 1 = 4). This concept is expanded in Weeks 22

Using Math Talk to Bolster Math Understanding

Children’s knowledge of math vocabulary is critical to their understanding of math concepts. Children
learn the language of math the same way they learn other types of words: by hearing the words used in
their classroom (and at home) and by having supportive opportunities to use the words themselves. Some
of the math words introduced in ELM include:
y More (Week 3, Day 3) y Diagonal (Week 9, Day 2) y Height (Week 24, Day 1)
y Shape (Week 4, Day 1) y Size (Week 10, Day 2) y Measure (Week 24, Day 3)
y Equal (Week 4, Day 1) y Pattern (Week 14, Day 1) y Whole (Week 27, Day 2)
y Corner (Week 4, Day 2) y Pair (Week 16, Day 2) y Fewest (Week 29, Day 1)
y Length (Week 24, Day 2) y Less (Week 18, Day 2) y Longest (Week 30, Day 3)

30 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Mathematics 3–5 Years

and 23 through the use of a game and number cards. decomposed, and manipulated to create new
There are opportunities for children to practice shapes.29
one-to-one counting with toy pennies and play food
items in Week 23. Manipulating shapes strengthens children’s
spatial skills and understanding of shapes.
Finally, children are introduced to organizing
and presenting information using charts (Weeks Children are encouraged to feel the outlines
29 and 30). For example, children vote for their of various shapes when they are introduced to
favorite color and then help create a visual display of basic shapes and their names (Week 4, Day 1).
numerical information (Week 29, Day 3). Children They also are invited to describe shapes, find
also work together to create a chart of each child’s matching shapes, and sort shapes. Activity plans
height. In addition, colorful stickers are used to emphasize that shapes are all around us. Prominent
create a chart with a partner (Week 29, Day 4). pre-kindergarten math
Activity plans provide opportunities for children to curricula, such as Building
discuss what a chart says (example: the most popular Blocks30 and other math
“favorite color” is blue) and what a chart does not activity resources commonly
say (example: just because the most children picked include a shape walk or hunt.
blue as their favorite color, it does not mean that the In ELM, a shape hunt is
other children do not like blue). designed to heighten children’s
awareness of shapes in
Working with Shapes familiar settings (Week 4,
Day 3). Activity plans also
The “Working with Shapes” heading reflects
describe how circles and
experts’ view that hands-on opportunities to
squares come in
manipulate shapes actively promote children’s
a variety of sizes
geometric and spatial skills through understanding
(Week 4, Day 2),
characteristics of shapes (particularly sides and
and that there
corners) and how shapes can be combined,
are different Variations of basic shapes

Geometric and Spatial Knowledge Promoted by ELM

Skill Definition Examples
Recognize and label shapes Understand basic characteristics of Circles, squares, and triangles (Week 4,
common shapes Days 1 and 2)

Match shape cutouts to items in the

classroom (Week 4, Day 4)
Create basic shapes Make shapes with correct Use yarn to make shapes (Week 9, Day 1)
characteristics (lines, angles)
Recognize how shapes are Recognize that shapes can be put Put together two triangles to make a
related to each other together or taken apart to form square (Week 9, Day 2)
different shapes

Recognize variations of basic Identify different sizes of circles and Sorting shapes of various sizes into
shapes squares and non-perfect forms of baskets (Week 10, Day 2)
triangles and rectangles

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Mathematics 3–5 Years

sizes of triangles and rectangles (Week 5, Day 2).

For example, opportunities to work with tall thin
rectangles and long thick rectangles seek to foster
children’s awareness that four sides that connect
in right angles (not length, width, and height) are
relevant characteristics of a rectangle.
ABAB and AABAAB Patterns
ELM provides different opportunities to create
shapes, such as children modeling shapes with different colors of cubes and with alternating clap
their hands (Week 5, Day 3) and watching how and tap actions.
new shapes are made out of other shapes (example: The pattern work begins with a simple pattern
separating a square into two triangles; Week 9, technically known as ABAB. Slightly more complex
Day 2). Children also can discover how shapes fit items are used for simple patterns in Weeks 19 and
together by using triangle and circle cutouts to 20 that can include blocks, beads, and other toys
create a clown wearing a hat or an ice cream cone with various characteristics (colors, shapes, sizes).
(Week 9, Day 3). There is preliminary exploration of Words and movements are also used to create
using basic shapes to create new shapes in Week 4. patterns. For example, a pattern song uses “quack”
and “waddle” (Week 19, Day 1). ELM introduces
Making Patterns another kind of pattern in Week 19, Day 2 as
The curriculum introduces patterns beginning children use manipulatives to copy a pattern known
in Week 14. The activity plans focused on patterns as AABAAB.
follow expertise regarding the developmental
trajectory (or pathway) of children’s understanding Measuring Things
of patterns and shapes.31 Learning about patterns Measurement is introduced in Week 24 as a way
may help in the development of children’s abstract for children to learn and talk about the size of
thinking32 and it is a strong predictor of children’s things. Understanding measurement helps children
later mathematics skills.33 to compare and quantify the things around them.34
The first activity plan focused on patterns draws Children are introduced to concepts such as height,
children’s attention to patterns in clothing (stripes weight, and length (Weeks 24, 25, and 26). The
on a shirt) and forming a boy-girl-boy-girl pattern curriculum first introduces children to
in a short line of children. There are opportunities measurement by comparing the heights of two
for children to create simple patterns with two items. For example, one way children compare
heights is by pairing up with another child and

Pattern Knowledge Promoted by ELM

Skill Definition Examples
Understand basic patterns Understand that patterns Identify patterns on clothing (Week 14, Day 1)
repeat themselves
Create basic patterns Create a basic repeating Create patterns with two different-colored
pattern (ABAB) beads (Week 15, Day 2)
Create more complex patterns Create a repeating pattern Create other kinds of patterns with cubes
(AABAAB) (Week 19, Day 4)

32 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Mathematics 3–5 Years

determining who is taller (Week 24, Day 1). Integration with Other Areas
Children are encouraged to measure items using
Mathematics concepts are part of activity plans
cubes (Week 24), and are introduced to the use of
in several other areas. For example, children practice
rulers (Week 25) and scales (Week 26) as common
counting skills when they count the number of legs
tools of measurement. ELM offers opportunities for
on insects (Science Week 14, Day 1) and count the
children to learn measurement words, such as tall/
number of letters in a word (Language/Literacy
short, wide/narrow, and light/heavy.
Week 6, Day 4). There also are opportunities to
practice counting skills when using a stopwatch to
determine the amount of time it takes to jump 10
times (Social Studies Week 32, Day 4).

Measurement Knowledge Promoted by ELM

Skill Definition Examples
Understand basic measurement Understand that measuring is used Comparing items to hands (Week
to compare and describe items 24, Day 3)
Understand that number values are Use one-to-one counting to assign Use hands to measure. “The table is
assigned when measuring items numbers to measurements __ hands long.” (Week 24, Day 3)
Understand standard forms of Use standard tools of measurement Use rulers to measure (Week 25,
measurement and understand that standard Day 2)
measurements are always the same

Building on the Activity Plans

Experts have only recently identified the lasting some ways that classroom staff members can build
benefits of promoting children’s mathematics skills on children’s math interests as a part of regular
prior to formal schooling.35 Providing focused classroom activities and interactions.
time each day to mathematics is a relatively new y Be specific about quantities when talking about
part of pre-kindergarten classrooms. The increased groups of items. Example: Say “We need to
attention to mathematics in programs of early care pick these three books up off the floor,” rather
and education is part of the growing interest in than “Let’s pick these books up off the floor.”
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics Using specific numbers may reinforce children’s
(STEM). number understanding.
y Ask questions that invite children to respond
More Practices for Promoting Mathematics Skills
with comparative language, such as fewer, more,
The curriculum is consistent with experts’ less, many. “Are there more boys or girls in the
recommendation that math skills be promoted room today?” “Whose glass has less milk in it?”
during a designated time each day. However, experts y Make spontaneous comparisons throughout the
also recommend explicit support for math skills day. Examples: “You have more grapes than I
throughout the day that is embedded in other do!” “Whose block tower is taller? How do we
activities (e.g., transitions, storybooks).36 Below are know?”

33 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Mathematics 3–5 Years

y During transitions in and out of the classroom, y What are your ideas about why young children’s
have children line up by height (e.g., shortest to math skills are linked to early reading ability and
tallest) or in a pattern (e.g., boy-girl-boy-girl). achievement in other domains?
y The outdoors provides many opportunities y Some parents and other adults assume that a
for children to engage in real world math.37 young child’s ability to count to a high number,
Children can count items and compare groups such as 50 or 100, is clear evidence of a child’s
of items in a fun setting. Children can also understanding of math. But, as indicated in this
classify items that they find outside by categories guide, children often do not grasp the purpose
(examples: color, shape, size). Connecting math of a math-related activity when they memorize
ideas to nature may help children understand information only. Children may be able to recite
purposes of math as well as the fun of it. numbers up to 50 or 100 without knowing what
y Provide math-related games during center times. the numbers mean. What are your ideas about
Games that involve dice encourage one-to-one how to help adults understand the importance
counting. Linear board games may improve of children developing a deep understanding of
children’s developing concept of the number math concepts rather than simply memorizing
sequence38 (similar to the number list used in facts?
the activities). Dominoes can be a great way to y Introducing children to an advanced math
work on one-to-one counting and comparing/ concept before they have mastered an earlier
matching groups. Decks of playing cards also math skill is likely to cause confusion or worse.
may help children to connect written numerals Make your own list of the sequence in which
with sets of items as well as identifying which math concepts are introduced to children by
numbers mean more. going through the activity plans in their order of
presentation, beginning with Week 1, day 1.
Strengthening Your Understanding of Math y Look for opportunities to promote math skills
The following suggestions are aimed at helping as part of activity plans in other domains of
classroom staff bolster their familiarity with best the curriculum (see Also Promotes in the left
practices in promoting preschool-age children’s column of the first page of the activity plan).
mathematics skills. How does the activity plan in another domain
promote children’s math skills?

Endnotes
1 Duncan, G. J., Dowsett, C. J., Claessens, A., Magnuson, K., Huston, A. C., Klebanov, P., … & Japel, C. (2007). School readiness
and later achievement. Developmental Psychology, 43, 1428–1446.
2 Duncan et al. (2007).
3 Claessens, A., & Engel, M. (2013). How important is where you start? Early mathematics knowledge and later school success.
Teachers College Record, 115, 1–29.
4 National Mathematics Advisory Panel. (2008). Foundations for success: The final report of the National Mathematics Advisory
Panel. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC.
5 Purpura, D.J., & Lonigan, C. J. (2013). Informal numeracy skills: The structure and relations among numbering, relations, and
arithmetic operations in preschool. American Educational Research Journal, 50, 178–209.
6 Ostergren, R., & Traff, U. (2013). Early number knowledge and cognitive ability affect early arithmetic ability. Journal of
Experimental Child Psychology, 115, 405–421.

34 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

All Rights Reserved
 Areas Promoted by ELM
Mathematics 3–5 Years

7 Spatial skills are the ability to perceive and manipulate objects and shapes flexibly. See: Mix, K. S., & Cheng, Y.-L. (2012). The
relation between space and math: Developmental and educational implications. Advances in Child Development and Behavior,
42, 197–243.
8 Sarama, J., & Clements, D. H. (2008). Mathematics in early childhood. In O. Saracho & B. Spodek (Eds.), Contemporary
perspectives on mathematics in early childhood education (pp. 67–94). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
9 Mulligan, J., & Mitchelmore, M. (2009). Awareness of pattern and structure in early mathematical development. Mathematics
Education Research Journal, 21, 33–49. See also: Papic, M. M., Mulligan, J. T., & Mitchelmore, M. C. (2011). Assessing the
development of preschoolers’ mathematical patterning. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 42, 237–268.
10 Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2007). Effects of a preschool mathematics curriculum: Summative research on the Building
Blocks project. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 38, 136–163.
11 Frye, D., Baroody, A. J., Burchinal, M., Carver, S. M., Jordan, N. C., & McDowell, J. (2013). Teaching math to young children:
A practice guide (NCEE 2014–4005). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance
(NCEE), Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from the NCEE website: http://whatworks.
ed.gov
12 Frye et al. (2013).
13 Clements, D. H., Swaminathan, S., Hannibal, M. A. Z., & Sarama, J. (1999). Young children’s concepts of shape. Journal for
Research in Mathematics Education, 30, 192–212.
14 Frye et al. (2013).
15 Clements & Sarama (2007). See also: Frye et al. (2013).
16 Arnold, D. H., Fisher, P. H., Doctoroff, G. L., & Dobbs, J. (2002). Accelerating math development in Head Start classrooms.
Journal of Educational Psychology, 94, 762–770. See also: Jenkins, J. M., & Duncan, G. J. (2017). Do pre-kindergarten curricula
matter? The Current State of Scientific Knowledge on Pre-Kindergarten Effects. (pp. 37–44). Brookings Institute. Retrieved from:
https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/duke_prekstudy_final_4-4-17_hires.pdf
17 Daro, P., Mosher, F. A., & Corcoran, T. B. (2011). Learning trajectories in mathematics: A foundation for standards,
curriculum, assessment, and instruction. Consortium for Policy Research in Education Research Reports.
18 Hofer, K. G., Farran, D. C., & Cummings, T. P. (2013). Preschool children’s math-related behaviors mediate curriculum effects
on math achievement gains. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 28, 487–495.
19 Sarama & Clements (2008).
20 Purpura, D. J., Napoli, A. R., Wehrspann, E. A., & Gold, Z. S. (2017). Causal connections between mathematical language and
mathematical knowledge: A dialogic reading intervention. Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, 10, 116–137.
21 Klibanoff, R. S., Levine, S. C., Huttenlocher, J., Vasilyeva, M., & Hedges, L. V. (2006). Preschool children’s mathematical
knowledge: The effect of teacher “math talk.” Developmental Psychology, 42, 59–69.
22 National Association for the Education of Young Children (2002). Early childhood mathematics: Promoting good beginnings.
Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/psmath.pdf
23 National Association for the Education of Young Children (2018). NAEYC early learning program accreditation standards
and assessment items. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/
downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_and_assessment_web.pdf
24 www.virtuallabschool.org
25 Frye et al. (2013).
26 Frye et al. (2013).
27 Sarama & Clements (2008).
28 Mix, K. S., Sandhofer, C. M., Moore, J. A., & Russell, C. (2012). Acquisition of the cardinal word principle: The role of input.
Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 27, 274–283.
29 Clements, D. (1999). Geometric and spatial thinking in young children In J. V. Copley (Ed.), Mathematics in the early years
(pp. 66–79). Reston, VA: The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Inc.
30 Clements, D.H., & Sarama, J. (2013). Building blocks. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill.
31 Frye et al. (2013).
32 Ginsburg, H. P. & Ertle, B. (2008). Knowing mathematics in early childhood mathematics. In O. Saracho & B. Spodek (Eds.),
Contemporary perspectives on mathematics in early childhood education (pp. 45–66). Charlotte, NC: Information Age
Publishing, Inc.
33 Rittle-Johnson, B., Fyfe, E. R., Hofer, K. G., & Farran, D. C. (2017). Early math trajectories: Low-income children’s
mathematics knowledge from ages 4 to 11. Child Development, 88, 1727–1742.
34 Frye et al. (2013).

35 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Mathematics 3–5 Years

35 Watts, T. W., Duncan, G. J., Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2018). What is the long-run impact of learning mathematics during
preschool. Child Development, 89, 539–555.
36 Frye et al. (2013).
37 Basile. (1999) The outdoors as a context for mathematics in the early years. In J. V. Copley (Ed.), Mathematics in the early years
(pp. 156–161). Reston, VA: The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Inc.
38 Siegler, R. S., & Ramani, G. B. (2009). Playing linear number board games—but not circular ones—improves low-income
preschoolers’ numerical understanding. Journal of Educational Psychology, 101, 545–560.

36 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

All Rights Reserved
 Areas Promoted by ELM
Self-Regulation 3–5 Years

Self-regulation is the ability to manage our

behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. These skills Foundation Skills
develop early in life and are strong predictors of y Self-control of behaviors, emotions, and
school readiness and later life success.1 Children thoughts
who are able to pay attention, follow instructions, y Ability to concentrate on experiences, self,
stay focused on a task, and control impulses, for and others
example, demonstrate stronger academic skills
y Executive function
than children who have not developed these
regulatory skills. Their academic gains include early system to manage the arrival and departures” of
mathematics and literacy.2 numerous planes on multiple runways.6 Executive
function develops rapidly in the preschool-age years
Children are better able to make the most of
and is a building block of higher-order skills, such as
classrooms and other learning settings when they
reasoning, problem-solving, and planning.7
can control their behaviors, emotions, and thoughts,
and concentrate on their experiences, self, and Self-regulation,
Self-regulation can be
others. Attention span persistence, a key aspect including executive
bolstered during the early
of self-regulation, in the preschool years predicts function, can be
childhood years through
achievement at 21 and 25 years.3 Self-regulation bolstered during
fun games and activities.
in childhood also has a modest association with the early childhood
financial well-being and other indicators of adult years through fun games that involve attending to
functioning.4 pertinent information by listening, watching, and
following requests. Studies of planned experiences
One important component of self-regulation
for improving self-regulation point to positive
for school readiness and academic achievement is
impacts on the intended outcome of self-regulation8
executive function. Executive function is a set of
and, as an important bonus, on early mathematics
mental processes that include:
and literacy skills even though these content
y paying attention and flexibly shifting focus, areas were not the target of intentional games and
y holding onto and using information, and activities. Further, dual language learners from
y inhibiting natural thoughts and responses that lower-income families made a one-year gain in
are inappropriate to the situation. mathematics ability within a six-month period.9

These mental processes help children exercise NAEYC Accreditation. The importance
self-control of their behaviors in many ways. of promoting children’s self-regulation skills is
Examples include listening to and following recognized in the national program accreditation
requests, remembering multi-step tasks, pausing system of the National Association for the
and thinking before reacting. All of these learning- Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Standard
related skills contribute to children’s success in 1 (Relationships) calls for staff to actively help
school.5 children develop social, communication, and
emotional regulation skills. The NAEYC standard
Harvard University’s Center on the Developing expects teaching staff to help children persist when
Child describes executive function as similar to “an they are frustrated and to control their physical
airport having a highly effective air traffic control impulses.10 ​

Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

37 All Rights Reserved
 Areas Promoted by ELM
Self-Regulation 3–5 Years

Link to VLS. The Virtual Lab School’s course appropriate regulation of their emotions (lesson 2).
on preschool social-emotional development The VLS course on social-emotional development
describes children’s abilities to regulate their also describes some reasons children may exhibit
emotions, thoughts, and behaviors as part of self- challenging behaviors, such as not understanding
management skills (lesson 1).11 The course notes that how to do an activity (lesson 3).
preschool-age children need help and practice with

How ELM Promotes Self-Regulation

ELM offers a sequenced mix of self-control can be a useful way to help children understand the
explanations and practices, deep breathing and yoga concept of routines. Children’s transitions from one
exercises, and circle time games to foster children’s activity or setting to another can move smoothly
abilities to manage their behaviors and thoughts. when children are able to reliably anticipate “what
Each of these areas is described below. Support for happens next.”
children’s regulation of their emotions is included in
The benefits of listening carefully and waiting
ELM’s activities in the Social-Emotional area.
patiently for our turn to talk or act are introduced
in Week 3. The activity plan describes why listening
Using Self-Control
is important. A group activity in which all children
The use of self-control applies to a wide range of talk at the same time illustrates the value of waiting
situations in daily life. ELM begins its attention to for our turn to speak. This helps set the stage for a
self-control with a focus on the classroom in Weeks Week 4 activity on what it means to concentrate.
1–3.
Beginning in Week 5, activities are designed to
The activity plans provide an opportunity for help children understand that self-control helps us
staff to review existing classroom and circle time “do the right thing” by pausing to think before we
rules (Week 2). The activity plan explains that rules act and resisting temptations and distractions.
“tell us how to behave” and describes reasons for Two short stories about a child who struggles to
rules. Children are more likely to follow rules when control her impulses are used to focus children’s
they understand the reasons for rules. ELM provides attention on consequences of impulsive actions,
picture-based charts of common classroom and such as knocking down another child’s block tower.
circle time rules for discussion with children and There is a guided discussion with children of how
for posting in the classroom as visual reminders. the child in the stories needs to think about her
These are offered as examples for classroom staff. actions as part of making good choices. A theme is
Classrooms may have additional or different sets of thinking about what we should do rather than what
rules. we want to do.

Children are more likely to follow rules when Children are introduced to specific ways to
they understand the reasons for rules. wait patiently for a desired object, such as time at
a computer station (Weeks 6 and 7). High-quality
The ways in which routines help us learn are classrooms minimize the amount of time children
described in Week 2. The sequence of steps in must wait for something, yet a period of waiting is
playing on a slide is used as an example of a routine. often a necessary part of the daily schedule. ELM
A review of the classroom’s posted daily schedule uses scenarios of waiting for a turn at a computer

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Self-Regulation 3–5 Years

and waiting for a snack to describe waiting strategies of breathing. Children are encouraged to quietly
featured in a description of how Cookie Monster rock the toy animal to sleep by breathing in and out
waited to eat a cookie. One of Cookie Monster’s (Weeks 17 and 32).
strategies is to sing quietly to himself while waiting.
In addition to deep breathing, concentration
Research suggests this can be a useful way for
activities draw attention to contrasts between
children to wait for something.12
intentionally tightening and then relaxing specific
parts of children’s bodies. Children are encouraged
Paying Attention
to concentrate on their hands and arms by
A set of activity plans offered early in the ELM imagining they are squeezing juice from two small
curriculum introduces the concept of concentration oranges, one in each hand. Attention is drawn to the
as paying close attention to something. The Week 4 relaxed state of hands and arms after squeezing all
session demonstrates the process of concentrating juice from the pretend oranges. Concentration on a
on the task of assembling a puzzle and on the child’s face is promoted by encouraging children to
in-and-out flow of air as we breathe. Later sessions gently scrunch their nose and face in order to move
are designed to strengthen children’s ability to along an imaginary butterfly that has landed on the
concentrate on their breathing and body through child’s nose. Children are cautioned to not touch
activities that reflect mindfulness practices, the delicate butterfly, and to notice how their face
including yoga. Mindfulness involves a state of relaxes after the imaginary butterfly flies away (see
awareness and attention to one’s thoughts and Week 10 for an example).
emotions plus being fully present in each and every
The deep breathing and muscle tightening/
moment. Research suggests that young children
relaxation contrast practices are common in
can grasp and enjoy the core aspects of mindfulness
mindfulness activities with young children.16
exercises through developmentally appropriate
activities, such as deep breathing and yoga.13 Yoga poses are introduced in Week 11 as a way
for children to concentrate on their breathing while
Deep breathing activities promote mindfulness
stretching their bodies. Yoga promotes mindfulness
because they help children to slow down, focus
because it allows children to focus their attention
their attention, and become aware of thoughts and
on the sensations occurring within their bodies at a
emotions occurring in the moment. These processes
given moment in a given pose. Among established
in turn enhance sustained attention and emotion
approaches to promoting mindfulness, yoga is a
regulation. Deep breathing exercises are introduced
good concentration activity for young children
in Week 10.14 The first session emphasizes what it
because it involves physical movement (versus
feels like to have a calm mind (noisy thoughts get
sitting) and can be engaged in for brief periods of
quiet) and a relaxed body. Experts in mindfulness
time. ELM’s activity plans for yoga suggest that
note the importance of helping children understand
children take two or three deep breaths while
and experience calmness.15 Deep breathing activities
holding a pose. Benefits of this mindfulness activity
are interspersed across activity plans (Weeks 14,
can be strengthened when children are encouraged
23, 26, 29, 32, 35). Initially children are invited
to focus attention on their bodies as well as their
to put their hand on their stomach and to notice
breathing.
how their hand moves as they breathe in and out.
In several later breathing activities, a stuffed toy Yoga is a good concentration activity for young
animal or some other type of prop is placed on a children because it involves physical move-
child’s abdomen to promote attention to the rhythm ment for brief periods of time.

39 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Self-Regulation 3–5 Years

Yoga poses are featured during 1–2 days of Although all of the games focus broadly on
eight different weeks spread across the 50-week improving children’s executive function, some of
curriculum. The primary resource is an illustrated the games target specific skills initially and then
book of yoga poses for young children, organized introduce other skills by adding or changing game
by letters of the alphabet.17 Staff are encouraged to rules. For example, when the Freeze Game is first
select poses they feel comfortable demonstrating introduced (Week 9, Day 1), children primarily
and that are suited to the abilities and interests of practice their impulse control (freezing when the
children in their setting. music stops rather than continuing to dance). As
new rules are introduced in subsequent weeks,
It is challenging for children (and adults) to fully
children also practice remembering requests (such
concentrate on their breathing and body posture
as dance slowly to slow music and fast to fast
as part of yoga activities. Other thoughts can easily
music) and flexibly shifting to changing rules (such
occupy our minds. The curriculum’s yoga lessons
as doing the opposite of the previous rule). This
readily acknowledge this pattern and, at the same
gradual change in complexity of the games keeps
time, suggest that children try to “put our thoughts
children engaged as their executive function skills
on a big cloud in the sky…[and] imagine we are
are developing and allows children to integrate these
watching our thoughts float away on a big cloud so
skills.
our mind is quiet” (Week 14).
In each game, children are expected to focus on
Research evidence suggests that a mindfulness
and remember a set of requests, attend carefully to
practice, such as yoga paired with an emphasis on
verbal or aural cues that signal when to carry out
gratitude, sharing, and related acts of kindness18
a particular action, successfully switch an action
(see the section on Social-Emotional development
when a rule changes, and resist temptations to
in this User Guide) are linked to academic, social-
behave inappropriately. The games are based on
emotional, and learning gains.19
activities20 that researchers have found to be effective
Children’s ability to concentrate is also promoted in promoting preschool children’s behavioral self-
in several games focused on awareness of another regulation skills.21
child’s facial characteristics, such as eye color (Week
20), and on using the sense of touch to describe Frequent practice is a proven way to master
characteristics of an object the child cannot see new skills, yet doing something again and
(Week 26). again without added challenge is unlikely to
promote growth in self-regulation.
Focusing and Remembering
The 12 games are offered in three sets of four
ELM offers 12 different circle time games that games each. Approximately 3–5 weeks after a
are fun yet challenging for children to play. They are game is introduced, it is repeated with incremental
similar to some popular children’s activities, such as increases in challenge. The increased challenge is
Red Light, Green Light. The games begin in Week 8 offered through new rules and switches in rules
and build on ELM’s attention to using self-control within a game. Introducing the new rules is critical
and paying attention (see above) by adding more for the development of self-regulation. Children
elements of self-regulation, particularly executive are appropriately challenged to use and practice
function. different executive function skills as rules change
and the games become more complex. The four
games in each set are offered two times before a new

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Self-Regulation 3–5 Years

game, first played in Week 16, Day 2. The initial set

of rules include children tapping their knees lightly
and stopping in response to different drum beat
cues. Game rules are then changed after children
become familiar with the initial game rules. Drum
Beats is played a second time (Week 19, Day 2) and
additional rule changes add more challenge. There
also is a provision during the second offering of
Drum Beats for children to try the new rules in an
opposite manner.
set of four games is introduced. Frequent practice
is a proven way to master new skills, yet doing Integration with Other Areas
something again and again without added challenge ELM promotes self-regulation skills in many
is unlikely to promote growth in self-regulation.22 activity plans designed to primarily promote other
Some children may show some initial resistance areas of development. For example, a Simon Says
to a new rule when it is first introduced because game is used to strengthen children’s understanding
it increases the difficulty of the game. But most of prepositions and relational words (Language/
children will begin to understand the new rule Literacy Week 3, Day 4). Also, a Musical Chairs
quickly through teacher and peer modeling and game promotes cooperation (sharing a chair with
repeated instruction. Consistent with all ELM someone) while also offering opportunities for
activity plans, the circle time game plans include children to strengthen self-regulation skills, such
scaffolding tips that staff may use to tailor a game as their actions associated with the start and stop
through extra support or enrichment. of the music (Social-Emotional Week 4, Day 2).
Support for children’s regulation of their emotions is
The Freeze Game described above is an example provided mostly in ELM’s activity plans for Social-
of adding challenge to a game. Another example Emotional development, as noted earlier.
of adding increased challenge is the Drum Beats

Building on the Activity Plans

ELM’s activity plans offer a solid foundation for More Practices for Promoting Self-Regulation
helping children manage their behaviors, emotions,
An organized classroom with predictability
and thoughts. Additional steps should be taken
in activities and clear expectations for behavior
to help children practice good self-regulation
can help children to learn and demonstrate self-
in the classroom and to maximize the benefits
regulation. For example, research indicates that
of intentional activities. These steps pertain to a
children make greater gains in self-regulation and
classroom’s routines and organization, and to the
academic skills when their teachers help them
classroom staff ’s understanding of practices that
anticipate what will happen during the day.23
promote children’s self-regulation.
Following is a list of classroom practices that set the
stage for children’s positive use of self-regulation
skills:24

41 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Self-Regulation 3–5 Years

y Embed brief self-regulation reminders in routine children’s self-regulation skills found positive
interactions with children. effects on self-regulation plus early mathematics
y Draw children’s attention to spontaneous and early literacy skills even though
examples of positive self-regulation. mathematics and literacy were not emphasized
in the games and other experiences. What are
y Provide immediate supportive feedback to
your ideas about why self-regulation games and
children who exhibit good self-regulation.
other planned activities would also promote
y Act promptly to prevent a child’s breakdown in children’s skills in mathematics and early
self-regulation (such as grabbing an item from literacy?
another child) from escalating into a larger
y During what times of your classroom’s daily
challenge by helping the child recognize his/her
schedule is it particularly important for children
feelings and think about a good choice.
to stay focused, filter distractions, or switch
y Prepare children for a transition with a clear gears? In addition to using ELM’s self-regulation
advance notice, such as a five-minute signal for activities, are there other practices (see above)
center clean-up time. that you might use differently or more frequently
y In organizing the daily schedule, recognize to help children learn good self-regulation
that children may be ready for a movement- during these times?
based self-regulation activity at the beginning y Select an activity plan in any of ELM’s seven
of the day and may be better prepared for some other preschool-age areas of development that
“sitting” time after engaging in some movement. also promotes self-regulation. (Look for the Also
y Use a simple tool, such as carpet squares, to Promotes in the left column of the first page of
help children know their intended space during an activity plan.) In what ways does the activity
group time. plan intend to help children strengthen their
y Develop and use a consistent set of routines for self-regulation skills? What do you think might
circle time, including rituals for a greeting and a be the payoff for children of integrating self-
closing. regulation into some activity plans in another
area of development?
y Build secure and trusting relationships with all
children in the classroom, y Children are offered strategies for using self-
control while waiting for their turn (Weeks
y Remember that the process of developing
5, 6, 7). They also are introduced to a simple
self-regulation skills requires lots of time and
definition of concentration in Week 4. How
practice that is likely to include mistakes.
might you promote children’s use of self-control
and concentration as an explicit part of other
Strengthening Your Understanding of
activities in your classroom?
Self‑Regulation
y Children are given guidance on deep breathing
Below are some suggestions for reflecting on and exercises aimed at calming their minds and
increasing your understanding of children’s self- bodies (Weeks 14, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35). Are there
regulation skills. recent experiences in your classroom where a
y This guide reports that studies of games and brief deep breathing exercise might have helped
other planned experiences for improving some children to calm down?

42 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Self-Regulation 3–5 Years

Endnotes
1 Blair, C., & Raver, C. C. (2015). School readiness and self-regulation: A developmental psychobiological approach. Annual
Review of Psychology, 66, 711–731.
2 McClelland, M. M., Cameron, C. E., Connor, C. M., Farris, C. L., Jewkes, A. M., & Morrison, F. J. (2007). Links between
behavioral regulation and preschoolers’ literacy, vocabulary, and math skills. Developmental Psychology, 43, 947–959.
3 McClelland, M. M., Acock, A. C., Piccinin, A., Rhea, S. A., & Stallings, M. C. (2013). Relations between preschool attention
span-persistence and age 25 educational outcomes. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 28, 314–324.
4 Moffitt, T. E., Arseneault, L., Belsky, D., Dickson, N., Hancox, R. J., Harrington, H., & Caspi, A. (2011). A gradient of
childhood self-control predicts health, wealth, and public safety. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108, 2693–
2698.
5 McClelland, M. M., & Tominey, S. L. (2016). Stop, think, act: Integrating self-regulation in the early childhood classroom. New
York: Routledge.
6 Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2011). Building the Brain’s “Air Traffic Control” System: How Early
Experiences Shape the Development of Executive Function: Working Paper No. 11. Retrieved from www.developingchild.
harvard.edu.
7 Diamond, A., & Ling, D. S. (2016). Conclusions about interventions, programs, and approaches for improving executive
functions that appear justified and those that, despite much hype, do not. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 18, 34–48.
doi:10.1016/j.dcn.2015.11.005
8 Tominey, S. L. & McClelland, M. M. (2011). Red light, purple light: Findings from a randomized trial using circle time games
to improve behavioral self-regulation in preschool. Early Education and Development, 22, 489–519.
9 Schmitt, S. A., McClelland, M. M., Tominey, S. L., & Acock, A. C. (2015). Strengthening school readiness for Head Start
children: Evaluation of a self-regulation intervention. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 30, 20–31.
10 National Association for the Education of Young Children (2018). NAEYC early learning program accreditation standards
and assessment items. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/
downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_and_assessment_web.pdf
11 www.virtuallabschool.org
12 Winsler, A., Ducenne, L., & Kourey, A. (2011). Singing one’s way to self-regulation: The role of early music and movement
curricula and private speech. Early Education and Development, 22, 274–304.
13 Zelazo, P. D., & Lyons, K. E. (2012). The potential benefits of mindfulness training in early childhood: A developmental social
cognitive neuroscience perspective. Child Development Perspectives, 6, 154–160.
14 The curriculum’s deep breathing activities are informed by the work of the Families OverComing Under Stress (FOCUS)
program at the Nathanson Family Resiliency Center, University of California, Los Angeles.
15 Zelazo & Lyons (2012).
16 Zelazo & Lyons (2012).
17 Power, T. A. (2009). The ABCs of yoga for kids. Pacific Palisades, CA: Stafford House.
18 Razza, R. A., Bergen-Cico, D., & Raymond, K. (2015). Enhancing preschoolers’ self-regulation via mindful yoga. Journal of
Child and Family Studies, 24, 372–385.
19 Flook, L., Goldberg, S. B., Pinger, L., & Davidson, R. J. (2015). Promoting prosocial behavior and self-regulatory skills in
preschool children through a mindfulness-based kindness curriculum. Developmental Psychology, 51, 44–51.
20 McClelland & Tominey (2016).
21 Schmitt et al. (2015). See also Tominey & McClelland (2011).
22 Diamond, A., & Ling, D. (in press). Fundamental questions surrounding efforts to improve executive functions (including
working memory). In M. Bunting, J. Novick, M. Dougherty, & R. W. Engle (Eds.), An integrative approach to cognitive and
working memory training: Perspectives from psychology, neuroscience, and human development. New York: Oxford University
Press.
23 Cameron, C. E., & Morrison, F. J. (2011). Teacher activity orienting predicts preschoolers’ academic and self-regulation skills.
Early Education and Development, 22, 620–648.
24 McClelland & Tominey (2016).

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social-Emotional 3–5 Years

Social-emotional competencies are a significant

contributor to success in school and life.1 Studies
Foundation Skills
show that children with strong social-emotional y Relationship skills, including social
skills in the preschool years demonstrate on average problem-solving skills
stronger abilities in reading and mathematics in y Emotion knowledge
first grade than preschool-age children with weaker y Perspective-taking
social-emotional skills.2 Children with strong social-
y Personal responsibility
emotional skills in the preschool years also tend to
have positive transitions to kindergarten.3 Research shows that social and emotional
The “social” part of social-emotional learning can be successfully promoted in early
competence includes skills in getting along well with childhood programs, with lasting contributions to
others. Especially important are abilities to engage social-emotional functioning.10 Effective approaches
in positive interactions with peers and adults, and use active forms of learning that provide sequenced
to solve typical social problems, such as wanting and explicit attention to the development of
to play with a toy another child is using. Positive particular skills.11 Practices include brief and well-
peer relationships and prosocial behaviors during focused instructional sessions in large or small
the preschool years predict later adjustment and group settings;12 modeling and role play, sometimes
academic achievement.4 with the use of puppets;13 visuals such as pictures
of different emotional expressions to help children
Preschoolers’ positive peer relationships and label an emotion;14 games, songs, stories, and guided
prosocial behaviors predict later adjustment discussion to emphasize key points of an activity.
and achievement.
NAEYC Accreditation. The National
The “emotion” part of social-emotional Association for the Education of Young Children
competence includes children’s abilities to identify, (NAEYC) program standards and accreditation
control, and express their own emotions5 as well criteria15 call for early childhood programs to help
as identify the emotions and views of another children to learn how to:
person (perspective-taking). Children’s skills in y recognize and name their own and others’
understanding and managing emotions are linked feelings
to their academic success,6 including appropriate y regulate their emotions
classroom behaviors and academic performance in
kindergarten.7 y understand, empathize with, and take into
account other people’s perspectives
Personal responsibility involves skills in making y interact positively, respectfully, and
constructive choices about personal behavior and cooperatively with others
social interactions in different settings.8 A key skill
y resolve conflicts in constructive ways, and
in this area is thinking about likely consequences
of a possible action and how behaviors may affect y appropriately enter into social groups, develop
others.9 Personal responsibility also includes the friendships, and be helpful to others.
ability to adhere to classroom guidelines and take The important role of attentive and responsive
ownership of actions. caregivers in developing social-emotional

Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

44 All Rights Reserved
 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social-Emotional 3–5 Years

competencies is also emphasized in the NAEYC self-management (emotion regulation), social

accreditation standards. awareness (perspective-taking), relationship skills,
and responsible decision-making (lesson 1). The
Link to VLS. The content of Virtual Lab School’s
course also offers information on social-emotional
course on Preschool Social-Emotional Development
milestones (lesson 2) and ways to promote social-
aligns with the curriculum’s foundation skills related
emotional development (lessons 3 and 4).
to social-emotional development.16 The VLS content
includes self-awareness (emotion knowledge),

How ELM Promotes Social-Emotional Development

The curriculum’s targeted support for social-emotional skills. As a follow-up to a
social-emotional development is organized into description and demonstration of four different
three broad areas: Getting Along with Others; ways of asking someone to play, for example,
Understanding Feelings; Being Responsible. children are offered support for trying out the
options with a puppet (Week 2, Day 3). Other
There are one or two activity plans each week for
examples of active learning of relationship skills
promoting social-emotional development. The plans
include children’s experiences in playing musical
are scheduled for Days 2 and/or 3. Activity plans in
chairs in a cooperative way (Week 4, Day 2), and
other domains also offer content related to a social-
sharing tools and tasks in making a class quilt (Week
emotional topic.
4, Day 3).
Getting Along With Others Children’s understanding of relationship skills is
also promoted through focused discussion of books
The relationship skills addressed in the
read aloud. For example, children are encouraged
curriculum focus on a range of important aspects of
to identify and describe how Sarah, in The Mitten
getting along with peers: initiating play (Weeks 1–2),
Tree by Candace Christiansen, helped the children
sharing and taking turns (Week 3), cooperating
with no mittens (Week 7, Day 3). As a follow-up
(Week 4), social problem-solving (Weeks 5–6),
to sharing the book Try a Little Kindness by Henry
helping others (Week 7), being friendly (Week 8),
Cole, children are invited to talk about some of the
and offering compliments (Week 9).
kind behavior highlighted in the book, such as a
The curriculum’s intentional teaching of peacock in the story saying that how we feel on the
relationship skills includes demonstrations and inside is more important than how we look on the
visuals. For example, a session on sharing includes outside (Week 8, Day 2).
illustrations of sharing play dough by splitting it in
half and playing together with a puzzle (Week 3, Day
3). A poster featuring a child shows four steps in
solving a social problem (Week 5, Day 3). In another
session on considering different responses to typical
problem situations, children can work with picture
cards that depict possible solutions (Week 6).
The activity plans offer numerous guided
opportunities for children to practice emerging

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social-Emotional 3–5 Years

Understanding Feelings relevant to different children. Learning a label for

an emotion can help children talk about how they
The curriculum’s activity plans introduce a wide
feel and how others might feel. In addition, children
range of emotions, one at a time beginning in Week
benefit from knowing there are many different
10. Without knowledge of a variety of emotion
feelings and that it is “okay” to experience different
words, children are unable to accurately perceive
feelings, sometimes during one day or week or
and identify feelings in themselves or others.17
situation. It also is helpful for
Preschool-age children’s ability
Learning a label for an emotion can children to know it is “okay”
to recognize different emotions
help children talk about how they for people to have different
contributes to the quality of
feel and how others might feel. feelings about the same thing.
interactions with peers and
This understanding directly
teachers18 and is associated with
connects to the curriculum’s attention to respecting
academic skills in first grade.19 ELM’s introduction
differences in others (Weeks 1–9 in Social Studies).
of many different emotions builds on an established
pattern of substantial increases in children’s An emotion is defined simply as “how we feel
emotion-related vocabulary in the preschool years. 20
on the inside” (Week 10, Day 2). Children are
ELM initially introduces relatively straightforward introduced to the idea that various feelings can be
emotions (happy, silly, sad) as a basis for children’s sorted into “feeling good inside” (happy, excited,
later understanding of more complex emotions. 21
proud) and “not feeling good inside” (scared, sad,
frustrated).
Children are not expected to remember each of
the emotions introduced in activity plans. The goal A similar format is used to introduce each
is to expose children to a variety of emotions, laying emotion. The book The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
the foundation for later skill development. But it is is used to define an emotion and provide a picture
likely that particular emotions will be of interest and of a facial expression and body language associated
with an emotion. A curriculum-provided poster
of different emotion-related facial expressions also
is used. Children are encouraged to use their own
face and body to show what a targeted emotion
might look like. Children also are invited to discuss
what might prompt someone to experience the
target emotion and whether they have ever felt the
emotion. Other tools are used to heighten awareness
of emotions, such as creating and using feeling faces
(Week 11, Day 2), and discussing the book Taking a
Bath with the Dog and Other Things that Make Me
Happy by Scott Menchin (Week 10, Day 3).
For many of the emotions explored in the
curriculum, at least one practical way is offered
for how children can positively manage the
emotion. For example, the curriculum describes
and provides practice opportunities with the turtle
technique,22 an established strategy for reducing

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social-Emotional 3–5 Years

are not always accurate indicators of how someone

is feeling. There also is implicit communication of
this idea. For example, the wording of the questions
cited earlier suggests a facial expression could mean
different things (“How might I be feeling . . .” versus
“How am I feeling. . . .”).

Being Responsible
The importance of taking responsibility for our
behaviors is introduced early in the curriculum
with information on how to make good choices
(Self-Regulation Week 5, Day 1). The concept is
broadened in later activities to include content on
decision-making (Week 33) and setting goals (Week
32). Acting responsibly is applied to situations that
involve change (Week 34) and basic safety (Weeks
feelings of anger (Week 12, Day 2). Options for 35 and 36). The activity plans on this topic offer
dealing with sad or lonely feelings are described specific scenarios, pictures, and books for children
with the help of a picture chart of Things that Make to discuss plus practice opportunities.
Us Feel Better (Week 11, Day 3). In the activity plan
focused on feeling scared, there is discussion of
things a little bear did in response to feeling scared,
based on the book When I Feel Scared by Cornelia
Maude Spelman (Week 20, Day 2). Activity plans Some Follow-Up
focused on feeling embarrassed (Week 16) or Reminders for Children
nervous (Week 21) include concrete reminders of y Taking turns means we are cooperating.
ways to use deep breathing and other self-control (Week 4, Day 2)
techniques introduced in prior activities related to y There are different ways we can share
self-regulation. things when we play together. (Week 3,
Helping children consider how others might Day 3)
be feeling is an integral part of the curriculum’s y We can help others by doing something
attention to emotion knowledge. In an early activity, useful for them. (Week 7, Day 3)
for example, children are invited to look at a big y There are many different feelings. We can
smile on the caregiver’s face and respond to two have different feelings about the same
questions: “How might I be feeling right now? What thing. (Week 9, Day 2)
about my face tells you how I might be feeling right
y When we feel sad or lonely there are
now?” (Week 10, Day 3). Later activities use role things we can do to help ourselves feel
plays with puppets, pictures, and a shared book better. (Week 10, Day 3)
reading to help children consider what another
y When we feel angry there are things we
person might be feeling and thinking (Weeks
can do to calm down. (Week 11, Day 2)
28–31). Activities related to perspective-taking
indicate that facial expressions and body postures

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social-Emotional 3–5 Years

Integration with Other Areas focus on moving includes guidance on saying

goodbye to friends and making friends in a new
Many activity plans in other domains promote
setting (Social Studies Weeks 38–40). Also, Creative
social and emotional learning. For example,
Expression activities in Week 29 include attention
activities in Social Studies provide attention to
to social-emotional topics, such as facial expressions
working with a partner (Week 23, Day 4) and
included in Our Feelings poster (Week 29, Day 2).
making choices (Week 29, Day 4). A three-week

Building on the Activity Plans

Social and emotional learning is an ongoing y help a child say how he/she is feeling by jointly
process that benefits from thoughtful staff actions discussing different emotions in the poster of
in all aspects of daily life in a classroom. Below are facial expressions (Week 10, Day 2)
some suggestions for additional steps staff may take y accept children’s emotions (positive and
to optimally promote children’s social-emotional negative) by showing awareness through
skills. verbalizations or gestures
y remind children of how Tucker the Turtle calms
More Practices for Promoting Social-Emotional
down (Week 12, Day 2)
Development
y remind children of key ideas in getting along
Each of the “more practices” suggested in with others and managing our emotions (see
the User Guide for Self-Regulation also supports Some Follow-Up Reminders for Children on
children’s social-emotional development. The prior page)
practices include an organized classroom with
y support children’s emerging friendships by
predictable routines and clear expectations for
acknowledging and encouraging play within
children’s behavior. Social and emotional learning is
pairs or small groups
also promoted with the following practices:
y remember that the process of developing
y model strong social-emotional skills by labeling
social-emotional skills is similar to developing
your own emotions, objectively discussing
self-regulation: lots of practice is required and
problem-solving steps you use, and showing
mistakes will be made.
kindness and respect to adults and children
y respond promptly and sensitively to child signals Strengthening Your Understanding of Social-
of distress in order to foster child trust and Emotional Development
confidence in the relationship with the caregiver
Here are some suggestions for reflecting on the
y offer verbal praise for a child’s spontaneous
curriculum’s plans for promoting children’s social-
demonstration of a target behavior such
emotional development.
as waiting for a turn or initiating positive
interactions with a peer y What are your ideas about why children with
strong social-emotional skills in the preschool
y provide informal coaching to a child faced with
years tend to have positive transitions to
a problem by gently asking questions in the
kindergarten and stronger reading and
problem-solving chart posted in the classroom
mathematics performance in first grade? How
(Week 5, Day 3)
might the curriculum’s foundation skills in

48 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social-Emotional 3–5 Years

social-emotional development help children to establish and maintain positive relationships

succeed in school and in life? with their peers?
y A goal of the curriculum is to expose children to y Use the “More Practices for Promoting Social-
a variety of emotions. What are your ideas about Emotional Development” list to reflect on
why it is helpful for children to know there are your classroom’s current practices. Are there
many different feelings and that it is “okay” suggestions you would like to use or enhance in
to experience different feelings? Why might your classroom?
particular emotions be of interest and relevant to
Select an activity plan in any of the curriculum’s
different children?
seven other preschool-age domains that also
y The activity plans include numerous promotes social-emotional development (look for
opportunities for children to practice their Also Promotes in the left column of the first page of
emerging skills in getting along with others the activity plan). In what ways does the plan you
(examples: Week 2, Day 3; Week 4, Day 3; Week selected promote children’s social and emotional
6, Day 3). What staff practices do you think are learning?
most helpful to children while they try out ways

Signs of Distress in Children

The following information was prepared for this Guide by child and adolescent psychiatrist Patricia Lester, M.D., a
noted authority on children in military families. She is Director of the Nathanson Family Resilience Center and the
Jane and Marc Nathanson Family Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California Los Angeles.

Preschool-age children may be particularly vulnerable to disruptions in family routines and

relationships, parental separations including deployment or divorce, and parental well-being. Early
childhood program staff may notice changes in behavioral or emotional responses, such as the following:
y increased upset or resistance during transition to y increased difficulty in regulating behaviors during
or from the center routine activities, such as meal and nap times, and
y increased clinginess with caregivers or objects in interactions with peers or adults
y worries about parent well-being or safety y increased difficulty with cognitive tasks, such as
y backward movement (regression) in keeping focused on classroom activities.
developmental milestones, such as toileting,
independent sleep, and language use

Persistent signs of distress might warrant referral to primary care, family support, or child health
specialists for possible behavioral health evaluation. These signs may include the following:
y unexplained crying or tearfulness y persistent eating difficulties or change in eating
y persistent tantrums and/or disruptive behaviors patterns
y increased sleep difficulties or disturbances y increased aggressive behaviors towards others
(waking, bad dreams) y persistent fears about transition separations from
caregivers.

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social-Emotional 3–5 Years

Endnotes
1 Denham, S. A., Zinsser, K. M., & Brown, C. A. (2013). The emotional basis of learning and development in early childhood
education. In O. N. Saracho & B. Spodek (Eds.), Handbook of research on the education of young children, 3rd ed. (pp. 67–88).
New York: Routledge.
2 NICHD Early Childhood Research Network (2004). Multiple pathways to early academic achievement. Harvard Educational
Review, 74, 1–29.
3 Blair, C. (2002). School readiness: Integrating cognition and emotional in a neurobiological conceptualization of children’s
functioning at school entry. American Psychologist, 57, 111–127.
4 Domitrovich, C. E., Moore, J. E., Thompson, R. A., & Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (2012).
Interventions that promote social-emotional learning in young children. In R. C. Pianta, W. S. Barnett, L. M. Justice, & S. M.,
Sheridan (Eds.), Handbook of early childhood education (pp. 393–415). New York, NY: The Guilford Press. See also: Caprara,
G. V., Barbaranelli, C., Pastorelli, C., Bandura, A., & Zimbardo, P. G. (2000). Prosocial foundations of children’s academic
achievement. Psychological Science, 11, 302–306.
5 Rivers, S. E., Tominey, S. L., O’Bryon, E. C., & Brackett, M. A. (2013). Developing emotional skills in early childhood settings
using Preschool RULER. The Psychology of Education Review, 37, 19–25. See also: Brackett, M. A., Rivers, S. E., Reyes, M. R.,
& Salovey, P. (2012). Enhancing academic performance and social and emotional competence with the RULER Feeling Words
Curriculum. Learning and Individual Differences, 22, 218–224.
6 McClelland, M. M., Ponitz, C. C., Messersmith, E. & Tominey, S. (2010). Self-regulation: The integration of cognition and
emotion. In B. Overton (Ed.), Handbook of lifespan development (Vol. 4 pp. 509–553). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons. See
also: Spinrad, T. L., Eisenberg, N., Cumberland, A., Fabes, R. A., Valiente, C., Shepard, S. A., & Guthri, I. K. (2006). Relation of
emotion-related regulation to children’s social competence: A longitudinal study. Emotion, 6, 498–510.
7 Graziano, P. A., Reavis, R. D., Keane, S. P., & Calkins, S. D. (2007). The role of emotion regulation in children’s early academic
success. Journal of School Psychology, 45, 3–19.
8 Weissberg, R. P. Durlak, J. A., Domitrovich, C. E., & Gullotta, T. P. (2015). Social and emotional learning: Past, present, and
future. In J. A. Durlak, C. E. Domitrovich, R. P. Weissberg, & T. P. Gullotta (Eds.), Handbook of social and emotional learning:
Research and practice (pp. 3–19). New York: Guilford.
9 Wentzel, K. R. (1991). Social competence at school: Relation between social responsibility and academic achievement. Review
of Educational Research, 61, 1–24.
10 Nix, R. L., Bierman, K. L., Heinrichs, B. S., Gest, S. D., Welsh, J. A., & Domitrovich, C. E. (2016). The randomized controlled
trial of Head Start REDI: Sustained effects on developmental trajectories of social–emotional functioning. Journal of
Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 84, 310–322. See also: Bierman, K. L., Nix, R. L., Heinrichs, B. S., Domitrovich, C. E.,
Gest, S. D., Welsh, J. A. et al. (2014). Effects of Head Start REDI on children’s outcomes 1 year later in different kindergarten
contexts. Child Development, 85, 140–159.
11 Weissberg et al. (2015).
12 Domitrovich, C. E., Cortes, R. C., & Greenberg, M. T. (2007). Improving young children’s social and emotional competence:
A randomized trial of the preschool “PATHS” curriculum. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 28, 67–91. See also: Webster-
Stratton, C., Reid, M. J., & Stoolmiller, M. (2008). Preventing conduct problems and improving school readiness: Evaluation of
The Incredible Years teacher and child training programs in high-risk schools. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 49,
471–488.
13 Webster-Stratton, Reid, & Stoolmiller (2008).
14 Izard, C. E., Trentacosta, C. J., King, K. A., & Mostow, A. J. (2004). An emotion-based prevention program for Head Start
children. Early Education and Development, 15, 407–422.
15 National Association for the Education of Young Children (2018). NAEYC early learning program accreditation standards
and assessment items. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/
downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_and_assessment_web.pdf
16 www.virtuallabschool.org
17 Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning. (2013). Promoting the social emotional competence of
young children module 2: Social emotional teaching strategies. Retrieved from http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/modules/module2/
handout6.pdf
18 Thompson, R. A., & Lagattuta, K. H. (2006). Feeling and understanding: Early emotional development. In K. McCartney & D.
Phillips (Eds.), Blackwell handbook of early childhood development. (pp. 317–337). Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.

50 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social-Emotional 3–5 Years

19 Rhoades, B. L., Warren, H. K., Domitrovich, C. E., & Greenberg, M. T. (2011). Examining the link between preschool social-
emotional competence and first grade academic achievement: The role of attention skills. Early Childhood Research Quarterly,
26, 182–191.
20 Denham, S. A., Bassett, H. H., Way, E., Kalb, S., Warren-Khot, H., & Zinsser, K. (2014). “How would you feel? What would
you do?” Development and underpinnings of preschoolers’ social information processing. Journal of Research in childhood
Education, 28, 182–202. See also: Curby, T. W., Brown, C. A., Bassett, H. H., & Denham, S. A. (2015). Associations between
preschoolers’ social–emotional competence and preliteracy skills. Infant and Child Development, 24, 549–570.
21 Denham, S. A., & Couchoud, E. A. (1990a). Young preschoolers’ ability to identify emotions in equivocal situations. Child
Study Journal, 20, 153–169. See also: Denham, S. A., & Couchoud, E. A. (1990b). Young preschoolers’ understanding of
emotions. Child Study Journal, 20, 171–192.
22 Robin, A. L., Schneider, M., & Dolnick, M. (1976). The Turtle Technique: An extended case study of self-control in the
classroom. Psychology in the School, 13, 449–453.

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social Studies 3–5 Years

Helping children learn about their immediate

and larger social and physical worlds occupies Foundation Skills
a respected role in the field of early childhood y Positive sense of self
education. Social studies is at the center of one y Appreciation of individual and family
of the pioneering and most prominent preschool diversity
curricula in the U.S., developed at Bank Street
y Knowledge of social and physical
College of Education.1 The Bank Street curriculum environments
includes numerous opportunities for children to
learn about the world in which they and others live, y Concepts of time
beginning with attention to families and then larger
connections to faraway places, people, and events.6
communities.2
In addition, the life experiences of children in
The social studies learning goals for 3 to 5-year- military families—first-hand exposure to different
old children generally seek to foster a positive sense types of communities, living in and amongst
of identity and provide early foundations of active families with direct connections to a wide range
civic participation, especially a value of diversity of other places—likely support young children’s
across people, families, and communities. A basic emerging understandings of diversity and concept
understanding of how communities are organized of a larger world. The staff of child development
socially and physically is also a common learning centers also may represent cultural backgrounds that
goal in pre-kindergarten social studies. A sense can be readily shared in formal and informal ways
of change over time in how people live is often with children.
emphasized.3
Technologies now provide virtual connections
The early childhood program setting offers to faraway places, people, and events.
rich opportunities for children to engage in
social studies learning. For many children, the NAEYC Accreditation. National and many
program may be their first ongoing participation in state standards for pre-kindergarten programs
a community outside the home.4 It is a forum for include social studies. Unfortunately, there is little
helping children strengthen their sense of identity, research on child outcomes and best practices in
particularly the understanding that they are unique early childhood social studies. The curriculum’s
yet also share some similarities with other children.5 foundation skills related to social studies are based
on the program standards and accreditation criteria
The early childhood program also offers here-
of the National Association for the Education of
and-now opportunities to learn about meaningful
Young Children (NAEYC).
differences across families, participate in individual
and shared decision-making, become familiar with Providing opportunities for children to develop
helpers in the program community, and understand a positive identity and sense of belonging in a
the larger physical setting in which the program is classroom community are among the NAEYC
located. standards related to social studies.7 The NAEYC
standards also emphasize opportunities for children
Children’s here-and-now experiences are no
to: understand different forms of diversity; explore
longer limited to the immediate settings in which
social roles in families and workplaces; understand
they participate. Technologies now provide virtual

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social Studies 3–5 Years

the community in which they live, including its in classrooms (Lesson 4), identity development
physical characteristics; understand how people (Lessons 1 and 2), and disabilities (Lesson 4).
affect their environment (e.g., recycling); understand The Preschool Cognitive Development course
economic concepts; engage in discussions about includes information on alternatives to stereotypical
fairness, responsibility, and related topics; and images of individuals and families (Lesson 4) and
contribute to the well-being of their classroom and a video on embracing culture (Lesson 5). The
community. Family Engagement course offers information on
how to honor diversity in families (Lesson 1) and
Link to VLS. The Virtual Laboratory School’s
background information on children in military
course on Self and Cultural Understanding offers
families (Lesson 5).8
information and resources related to different forms
of diversity (Lessons 1 and 3), anti-bias practices

How ELM Promotes Social Studies Knowledge

The exploration of topics in social studies begins in hair and clothing, including color (Week 2); and
with the child’s immediate world, including self and learning about physical disabilities (Weeks 3 and 4).
family, and moves outward to home, neighborhood,
Discussions are designed to help children
different types of communities, and eventually
understand how persons can have different and
to earlier times, such as pioneer days. Activity
similar characteristics. For example, discussion of
plans are organized into five areas: Respecting
the book When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb
Our Differences (Weeks 1–4); Appreciating Our
focuses on how Charley and Emma are different
Families (Weeks 5–9); Exploring Where We Live
than some other children. Charley likes to draw
(Weeks 10–30 and Weeks 35–44); and Exploring
quietly, and Emma gets around in a wheelchair.
Time (Weeks 31–34). Activity plans directly related
The two children also like to do some of the same
to social studies are offered on days 4 and 5 of each
things, including drawing and playing tag (Week
week.
3, Day 4). In the following week, an ELM activity
The exploration of social studies begins with plan introduces ways to move from place to place by
children and their families and moves outward using a wheelchair, a walker, or braces (Week 4, Day
to homes, neighborhoods, different types of 4).
communities, and earlier times.
Appreciating Our Families
Respecting Our Differences The idea of individual uniqueness is extended
to differences across families beginning in Week
The uniqueness of each individual is
5. To encourage reflection on families, children
introduced in activity plans for Weeks 1–4.
describe what they like to do with their families
Attention is focused on similarities and differences
or with a member of their family (Week 5) and
among children in the classroom and other persons.
how families may be the same or different (Week
There are opportunities for children to consider
6). Grandparents (Weeks 7–8) also are explored
differences in physical characteristics by creating a
through guided discussions, reflecting on how
full-body tracing (Week 1); reflecting on variations
children are the same and different from their

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social Studies 3–5 Years

grandparents, and the creation of a class book about grocery store are explored in the book Places in My
grandparents. Neighborhood by Shelly Lyons. Children also discuss
places they have seen in their own neighborhood.
The curriculum recommends the designation
of an ongoing family culture shelf or protected The neighborhood in which the child
space in the classroom for displaying photographs, development center is located is used as a shared
artifacts, or items, such as chopsticks, that represent or common framework for a concrete investigation
family cultures. One or two sessions also are of neighborhood features, including spatial
recommended for family members to visit to share arrangements. Small groups of children are invited
stories about their families, including culturally- to work together with shoeboxes to create a specific
based practices (Week 9). The Week 7 activity plan place in the center’s neighborhood (example: fire
recommends communicating in advance with family station) in Week 14. In a follow-up activity, children
members to agree upon a plan for their visit. The use a map of the center’s neighborhood created by
following questions are suggested as possible ways to classroom staff to put their shoebox places in their
facilitate discussions with children: approximate locations on the classroom’s floor
y Where were the older members of your family (Week 15).
born? Communities are complex settings physically
y How does your family celebrate special holidays and socially. ELM introduces many dimensions
or other events? of a community beginning in Week 16. The topics
y What do you remember that was special about reflect NAEYC standards.
growing up in your family? The curriculum’s exploration of community
y Tell us about your family’s favorite thing to eat. begins with how several neighborhoods can make
up a community (Week 16). Children work in
Exploring Where We Live “neighborhood groups” within the classroom as
they use blocks and other building manipulatives to
The content of activity plans in Social Studies
create several pretend neighborhoods that make up
moves from child and family to home and
a community.
neighborhood beginning in Week 10. Attention
is given to different types of homes, including Large cities (Week 17) and small towns and
apartments and duplexes, and to inside and farming communities (Week 18) also are explored.
outside characteristics of homes (Weeks 10 and Pictures are used to describe how people live,
11). Photographs are a core part of the information work, and get around in different communities.
discussed with children.
Hands-on opportunities for children to learn
more about homes include use of a shoebox to
create a miniature version of a home (Week 11)
and an identification of items in the classroom’s
housekeeping center that are similar to items at
home (Week 10).
Places that can be found in different
neighborhoods are discussed in Week 13. Places
such as a library, fire station, police station, and

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social Studies 3–5 Years

For example, a description of skyscrapers includes Information about rules for adults in the center,
photographs of an elevator’s doors, buttons, and such as washing hands before cooking meals and
cables (Week 17, Day 4). Photographs also are signing children in and out of the center, serves
used to describe silos, barns, and other structures as an introduction to this topic. Week 26, Day
found in smaller communities. Hands-on learning 5 emphasizes practical reasons for adhering to
opportunities include the creation of a cityscape rules, such as wearing seat belts and respecting
(Week 17, Day 5) and drawing a picture of a farm parking places designated for people with physical
building (Week 18, Day 4). disabilities. The “how communities work” theme
also includes information on how people get news
Characteristics
through newspapers, television, radio, and internet
of a community’s
resources (Week 27). Children work as a group
geography are
to construct a brief article with a classroom staff
described beginning
member about something that happened in the
in Week 19. Specific
classroom.
attention is given
to types of bridges Two highly valued aspects of American society
(Week 19, Day 5) and railroad tracks (Week 20, Day are introduced in Weeks 28–30. Songs and symbols
4). There is an opportunity for children to make of our nation—the American flag, the pledge of
replicas of items found in their community and to allegiance, and the national anthem—are described
describe their item in a later session (Week 21, Day in child-friendly terms. The meanings of “brave” and
4). Children sing a song as they make a pretend “respect” are discussed as part of this topic (Week
community by placing their item on the rug/floor 28). The concept of voting is introduced through
(Week 21, Day 5). voting experiences in the classroom regarding book
reading, physical activity choices, table toy options,
Attention to community helpers is focused on
and a name for a classroom teddy bear (Week 30).
people who work in the child development center
The activity plans offer guidance on how to help
or community, including children’s family members
children accept a majority vote that does not reflect
(Weeks 22–23). Tools and worker uniforms are
their own choice.
explored. Opportunities for children to connect
the content to their own interests and experiences ELM offers four activity plans on economic
include pretending to be various community helpers concepts beginning in Week 35. This content
in different areas of the classroom (Week 23, Day 5). reflects the NAEYC expectation that early childhood
classrooms introduce economic concepts to young
The topic of community helpers is extended to
children. ELM uses the book Ox-Cart Man by
include uniforms and patches worn by community
Donald Hall to explore the idea of selling items
helpers in Weeks 24 and 25. Children are given
for money and using money to buy things. In a
clues about clothing worn by community helpers
follow-up activity, children have an opportunity
while listening to Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do
to use pretend coins to buy pretend scoops of ice
by Kathryn Helling and Deborah Hembrook (Week
cream (Week 35, Day 5). The curriculum also gives
25, Day 5). Classroom staff may wish to supplement
attention to differences between needs and wants,
the activities with guest visitors and other resources.
and explains that some families may use food banks
The theme of “how communities work” includes and soup kitchens when they do not have enough
discussion of official and unofficial rules that money to meet basic needs (Week 36).
are likely familiar to many children (Week 26).

55 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social Studies 3–5 Years

What happens when families move from one The concept of time is broadened in Week 32 to
place to another is explored in 15 activity plans include change over time in the development of a
beginning in Week 38. The activities feature the child, chicken, dog, tree, and plants with the help of
experiences of two children (Jason and Nakita) who the book The Growing Story by Ruth Krauss. There
each move to a different home, neighborhood, and also is an opportunity to review main ideas from a
child development center. In the ELM curriculum, study of life cycles in the science domain.
children explore different ways items can be moved
The activity plans for Weeks 33–34 explore life
from one place to another, and have hands-on
in earlier periods of time. There are opportunities
opportunities to pretend to pack a box of items. The
for children to discuss how pioneers lived long ago
activity plans describe emotions associated with
while reading My First Little House Books: A Little
moving, including the possibility of feeling sad,
Prairie House by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
and offer suggestions of ways to say goodbye and
become connected with new people and places. Children are invited to play games popular
among children in pioneer days in Week 34. These
Children explore different kinds of
include marbles, jump rope, hopscotch, Pick-up
transportation in Weeks 41–44. Topics include
Sticks, and Who Has the Button? Children also are
transportation that moves on land, water, and
introduced to the work of a historian and have an
through air. The activity plans give attention to a
opportunity to ask questions and look at pictures for
wide range of transportation including a bus, canoe,
some answers.
passenger and freight trains, airplanes, helicopters,
boats, and ships. The use of animals and walking are
Integration with Other Areas
also discussed as ways to move from one place to
another. Social studies content is closely connected to
self-regulation and social-emotional development.
Exploring Time Children’s success in using their experiences in the
early childhood program setting to learn about
The concept of time is approached in several
self and others requires relationship skills and
different ways with children (Weeks 31–32).
regulation of emotions and behaviors. For example,
There is discussion of the amount of time it takes
the problem-solving steps introduced in a social-
to do things in the daily schedule (comparison of
emotional activity plan ask children to consider the
snack and outdoor time) and use of a stopwatch to
fairness of possible solutions to a problem (Social-
measure how long it takes to jump 10 and 20 times.
Emotional Week 5, Day 3). The curriculum’s use
Pictures and drawings of activities are posted within
of the same time block for implementing activity
a daily schedule to draw attention to yesterday,
plans in self-regulation, social-emotional, and social
today, and tomorrow.
studies is intended to strengthen connections across
content in these interrelated areas.

56 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social Studies 3–5 Years

Building on the Activity Plans

Social studies is a broad content area that can y Create a weekly or monthly classroom newsletter
be expanded or deepened in many different ways. for families. Share the newsletter with children
Cultural and linguistic responsiveness is particularly to promote a better understanding of how the
appropriate in pursuing social studies topics with news relays important information.
children. The following suggestions may help y Informally discuss bravery in our nation and
classroom staff make the most of the activity plans. how bravery is shown by military parents and
families. Example from outdoor play: “You are
More Practices for Promoting Social Studies very brave when you climb to the top of the
Knowledge slide. Who else is brave in your family? How?”
y Take the initiative to learn about children’s y Support opportunities for children to vote
home languages and cultures. Provide books during center play by providing slips of paper
for children to look at and enjoy that reflect and a ballot box. Encourage children to vote
their cultures and home languages. Offer an with a show of hands during outdoor time when
opportunity and support for a child(ren) to deciding on a game to play together or changes
teach other children several words in their home in the rules of a game.
language.
y Create a picture timeline for each child to
y Provide daily opportunities for children to strengthen understanding of the passage of time.
participate in dramatic play that fosters positive Include 3–4 snapshots of children from infancy
self-concepts and encourages use of language through preschool age (provided by families).
and relationship skills. Discuss how children have changed over time.
y Display children’s artwork and drawings in y Promote a better understanding of the past by
the classroom to help promote a sense of sharing pictures, items, and stories from the
community within the group. Displaying past that correspond to current activities in the
children’s work also helps foster children’s self- classroom. Example: When discussing a child’s
esteem and respect for individual differences. favorite toy, share information about the toys
y Promote a better understanding of the you played with when you were a child.
geography of your center’s community by
providing a simple map and photographs Strengthening Your Understanding of Social
of nearby buildings and spaces. Encourage Studies
children’s drawing of maps of their classroom, y This Guide offers a summary of resources related
home, center, and community. to social studies available at the Virtual Lab
y Encourage role play with community helpers’ School (VLS). Identify one or two VLS lessons
clothing, military uniforms and patches to help that align with social studies topics introduced
children gain a better understanding of the in ELM. How could the VLS information and
range of work roles in their community. resources be used to extend and further develop
y Compare and contrast rules in your classroom the topics you selected?
and your community. Ask children to describe y The concept of fairness is of keen interest
to a pretend “new person” how the rules help to many preschool-age children (example:
them stay safe and respect others. equitable access to and amount of time at a

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Social Studies 3–5 Years

classroom’s computer station). Fairness is a schedule and routines for engaging children in a
consideration in the problem-solving steps discussion of fairness and related issues?
introduced to children (Social-Emotional Week y What resources can you draw upon in your
5, Day 3) and among the topics the NAEYC classroom and center to help children appreciate
program standards encourage children to the cultures, languages, and values of children
discuss. What opportunities exist in your daily and staff in their classroom or center?

Endnotes
1 Biber, B., Shapiro, E., & Wickens, D. (1971). Promoting cognitive growth: A developmental-interaction point of view.
Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
2 Cuffaro, H. K., & Nager, N. (2013). The developmental-interaction approach at Bank Street College of Education. In J. L.
Roopnarine & J. E. Johnson (Eds.), Approaches to early childhood education, sixth edition (pp. 261-278). New York: Pearson.
3 National Council for the Social Studies (2010). National curriculum standards for social studies: A framework for teaching,
learning, and assessment. Silver Spring, MD: Author.
4 Epstein, A. S. (2014). The intentional teacher: Choosing the best strategies for young children’s learning, revised edition.
Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
5 Bredekamp, S. (2014). Effective practices in early childhood education: Building a foundation. New York: Pearson.
6 Seefeldt, C., Castle, S., & Falconer, R. C. (2014). Social studies for the preschool/primary child. New Jersey: Pearson.
7 National Association for the Education of Young Children (2018). NAEYC early learning program accreditation standards
and assessment items. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/
downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_and_assessment_web.pdf
8 www.virtuallabschool.org

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Creative Expression 3–5 Years

The creativity of young children spans many

forms of expression in early childhood programs, Foundation Skills
including imaginative play, music, drawing, painting, y Appreciation of art, music, drama, and
collage construction, block construction, writing dance
(usually via dictation), music, and movement. y Knowledge of creative processes
Assessment of creativity in young children is
y Skills that support creative expression
challenging and, unfortunately, there is little
rigorous research on strategies for supporting
NAEYC Accreditation. The National
creative expression in early childhood programs.
Association for the Education of Young Children
Music appears to have received the most relative
(NAEYC) accreditation criteria indicate that young
attention. ELM’s foundation skills for creative
children should have varied opportunities to gain
expression are based on NAEYC program
appreciation of art, music, drama, and dance in
accreditation criteria.
ways that reflect cultural diversity. Programs also are
Research indicates that children’s music to offer varied opportunities for children to learn
experiences are linked to prosocial behavior1 new concepts and vocabulary related to these four
and related social-emotional outcomes.2 Effects areas of creative expression and to have many and
of planned music experiences on children’s varied open-ended opportunities and materials to
academic outcomes are mixed. A preschool music express themselves creatively. In addition, children
and movement curriculum was found to impact are to have varied opportunities to develop and
children’s communication (but not receptive widen their repertoire of skills that support artistic
language or phonological awareness) skills,3 whereas expression.6
a study of a different music curriculum pointed to
Link to VLS. The Virtual Lab School preschool
positive impact on children’s print awareness but not
course on Creative Expression notes that creativity
concepts of print.4 An experimental study of a brief
is a trait that exists in everyone, and the preschool
preschool music enrichment program found no
years are an optimal time to develop an individual’s
non-music cognitive benefits.5
creativity (Lesson 1). The course describes supports
for creative work, including the availability of spaces
for exploring and learning, a respect for children’s
work, and carefully chosen materials (Lesson 3).
Adaptations for children with special needs are
described (Lesson 3). Attention is given to music
from different cultures and genres, and to games
that encourage dramatic emotional expressions,
including acting out scenes from storybooks (Lesson
2).7

Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

59 All Rights Reserved
 Areas Promoted by ELM
Creative Expression 3–5 Years

How ELM Promotes Creative Expression

ELM provides opportunities for children to The curriculum offers guidance for children to
learn about and engage in creative expression look closely at art to identify and discuss features
in art, music, drama, and dance. Creativity is of artistic creations. Attention is given to types of
defined for children as using an idea to make lines and shapes used in paintings (Weeks 35 and
or do something new. Children tour various 36), and to creative uses of illustrations and text in
centers in their classroom to suggest and discuss books written and designed by Steve Jenkins and
how a center can be used in creative ways (Week Robin Page (Week 37). Awareness of art in homes,
1). Pretend experiences are used frequently to museums, and communities is also promoted
facilitate awareness of creative expression. Early (Week 49). Ways in which art can tell stories are
in the curriculum, for example, children imagine explored, including children’s use of their own
themselves as artists pretending to do things an artwork to tell a story (Week 50).
artist might do: paint a picture, play a musical
instrument, sing a song, dance, or use clay to Creating Dance
make something (Week 5, Day 1). Later that same
ELM’s approach to dance emphasizes different
week, children have an opportunity for hands-on
types of movements. Children are invited to
experiences with artistic expression.
practice moving forward and backward, and to
stretch and bend, as they listen to classical music.
Pretend experiences are used frequently to
Children also roll an ELM-developed activity cube
facilitate awareness of creative expression.
that depicts different dance movements (jumping,
gliding, spinning, hopping) and then incorporate
Creating Art
the movement shown on the top of the cube into a
ELM introduces a broad understanding of dance (Week 11).
how art can be created by using a book entitled The
Activity plans focused on dancing to music
Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. In the book, a girl named
involve moving in response to music tempo, volume,
Vashti tells her teacher that she cannot draw. Vashti’s
and instrumental sounds. Several sets of activities
teacher shows how art can be created by using dots.
invite children to dance to segments of the Carnival
In the ELM activity plan, children then have the
of the Animals by French composer Camille Saint-
opportunity to create their own art with dots (Week
Saëns by pretending to move like a particular
5, Day 3). There are more hands-on experiences
animal, including a lion, elephant, fish, bird, and
in creating art when tools are introduced the
swan (Week 24). The work of a choreographer is
following week. The tools include paintbrushes,
introduced when children are encouraged to
sponges, and stencils. Children also explore paints,
create their own dance movements, giving careful
markers, pencils, and clay as artistic media (Week 7).
attention to the use of arms and legs (Week 25).
Additional direct experiences in creating art include
using felt shapes and shape stencils to create designs
Doing Drama
and experimenting with mixing colors (Week 36).
Children have opportunities to work in small groups The practice of imitating what another
to create a mural, make a print with bubble wrap, person or animal looks or sounds like is used to
create a drawing with different types of tools, and to introduce the concept of drama. To practice voice
make a collage with pieces of paper (Week 48). imitation, children listen to, and then pretend to
be, one of the characters in the story Goldilocks and

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Creative Expression 3–5 Years

the Three Bears. Children also work with a partner Making Music
to imitate each other’s facial expressions and then
ELM helps children broaden and deepen
follow a leader in imitating body movements (Week
their understanding of music through a focus
29).
on different musical instruments, including
Subsequent activity plans offer a more advanced children’s voices. An activity plan explains how a
approach to dramatic expression by inviting song can be created by putting music and words
children to pretend to be a particular person together. The words and the tune of The Wheels on
and to enact randomly selected activities (Week the Bus are explored separately and then together.
30). In one activity, children use the voice, facial The curriculum provides opportunities for children
expressions, and body movements of an individual to look at pictures of different instruments, hear
shown in a picture selected by a child (examples: and compare their sounds, and pretend to play the
veterinarian, grandparent). Questions are available instrument (Week 16). There are descriptions of how
in the activity plan to help children imagine, and musical sounds can be made by using air, moving a
then act like, one of the individuals. Children also bow or fingers on strings, and by striking or shaking
take turns rolling an ELM-developed activity cube an instrument (Week 17).
that depicts a different activity, such as soccer or
Additional instruments are introduced in Week
swimming, on each side. The child who rolls the
18 when children explore the sounds of a marching
cube describes the randomly chosen activity, and
band by listening to The Military Band Salute to
then the entire group is invited to pretend to do
the Services. Children are invited to pretend to
the activity. There is an opportunity for children
play a band instrument while marching around
to reflect on their experiences in acting out the
the classroom. Awareness of beat and volume is
activities.
promoted by encouraging children to move scarves
There are opportunities to learn about the use fast and slow, and to clap their hands, in response to
of props when imitating characters in familiar music.
nursery rhymes. For example, mittens are provided
for imitating characters in the Three Little Kittens Integration with Other Areas
nursery rhyme (Week 31, Day 3). The role of
Creative expression is part of activity plans
costumes in dramatic expression is introduced
in other areas promoted by ELM. For example,
when children are invited to use masks to act out the
children are supported in creating cityscapes to
story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Paul Galdone
strengthen their understanding of skyscrapers
(Week 40).
(Social Studies Week 17, Day 5). Shapes are put
together to make new shapes (Mathematics Week
9, Day 3). Children are encouraged to create silly or
nonsense words as part of learning about the sounds
of words (Language/Literacy Week 23, Day 4).

61 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Creative Expression 3–5 Years

Building on the Activity Plans

More Practices for Promoting Creative Expression the same materials in different ways. Example:
y Intentionally vary the types of art materials “Raina used blue paint to make a bird with long
available for child-initiated activities. flowing feathers. Connor used blue paint to
make swirls of clouds in the sky.”
y Encourage children to use music to accompany
activities such as cleaning up, washing hands, or y Invite families to create an art piece with
creating art. children at home. Encourage children to share
the art piece with others in your classroom.
y Encourage small groups of children to create
music and dance together. Several children can y Encourage children to use natural outdoor items
make music as several other children dance with to create art. Examples: leaves, sticks, flowers.
the music.
Strengthening Your Understanding of Creative
y Emphasize the creative process rather than the
Expression
final product when children create art.
y Process art provides children with open-ended
y Use new experiences as opportunities to create
experiences for exploring their own ideas and
art. Example: After taking children to a museum,
interests. Product art encourages children to
park, or other area of interest, encourage
follow directions and copy a model. What are
children to create art or drama based on
your ideas about the advantages of process art
something they saw or heard.
over product art?
y Encourage children to use dance or drama to
y ELM promotes the idea that each child and
transition from one activity to another activity.
family is unique. ELM also seeks to help children
Example: “Let’s pretend to be our favorite animal
appreciate diversity in family traditions and
as we take turns finding a seat on a carpet
cultures. What are your ideas about how creative
square.”
expression can be used to promote these ideas?
y Use clean recycled materials to encourage artistic
y A goal of the curriculum is to broaden children’s
expression. Examples: paper bags, egg cartons,
awareness of different emotions. How might
craft tubes. Discuss how materials are used again
creative expression be used to help children to
rather than being thrown away.
identify or communicate different feelings?
y In a nonjudgmental manner, point out
differences in children’s artwork when they use

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Creative Expression 3–5 Years

Endnotes
1 Kirschner, S., & Tomasello, M. (2010). Joint music making promotes prosocial behavior in 4-year-old children. Evolution and
Human Behavior, 31, 354–364.
2 Ritblatt, S., Longstreth, S., Hokoda, A., Cannon, B.-N., & Weston, J. (2013). Can music enhance school-readiness
socioemotional skills? Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 27, 257–266. See also: Winsler, A., Ducenne, L., & Koury,
A. (2011). Singing one’s way to self-regulation: The role of early music and movement curricula and private speech. Early
Education and Development, 22, 274–304.
3 Yazejian, N., & Peisner-Feinberg, E. S. (2009). Effects of a preschool music and movement curriculum on children’s language
skills. NHSA Dialog, 12, 327–341.
4 Register, D. (2001). The effects of an early intervention music curriculum on prereading/writing. Journal of Music Therapy, 38,
239–248.
5 Register (2001)
6 National Association for the Education of Young Children (2018). NAEYC early learning program accreditation standards
and assessment items. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/
downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_and_assessment_web.pdf
7 www.virtuallabschool.org

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Science 3–5 Years

Preschool-age children are well known for

asking “why” and “how” questions about nearly Foundation Skills
everything in their worlds. Their questions reflect a y Inquiry skills, including use of the five
strong interest in understanding how things work, senses and tools
and often pertain to people, objects, behaviors, or y Knowledge of
connections they are unable to figure out on their
ƒ living things
own.
ƒ animal habitats
Preschoolers’ inquisitive nature is a tremendous ƒ life cycles
resource for early childhood programs. Children’s
“eager to learn” orientation is well suited to exploring ƒ earth and space
science1 as well as other content domains. Asking
growing number of studies offer guidance on how to
and exploring answers to questions are central
promote children’s science knowledge.
processes in science. The content of science
embraces preschoolers’ curiosities about worms, Research on science education programs
insects, butterflies, frogs, elephants, farm animals, for young children points to the importance of
deserts, forests, water, soil, rocks, the sun, the moon, emphasizing key concepts or “big ideas” in science.4
stars, the weather, seasons, and much more. Studies also indicate it is beneficial to provide
focused attention to each step of an investigation.5
There is growing interest in improving the
Typical steps include planning and predicting, acting
quality of science education in early childhood
and observing, and reporting and reflecting. A
programs. Studies show that young children
preschool science program that is the basis for the
are more capable of understanding scientific
PBS Sid the Science Kid program introduces one step
concepts than experts have long assumed.2 It is
at a time, with an active exploration role for children
related to each step.6 Children’s use of science
Young children are more capable of under-
journals is also recommended by experts as a way to
standing scientific concepts than experts have
help children develop visual representations of their
long assumed.
work.7
widely believed that early childhood programs Evidence suggests that a combination of implicit
can provide children with a strong foundation and explicit teaching practices has a stronger
for the study of science in elementary school effect on children’s science learning than use of
and beyond.3 A workforce that excels in science, implicit teaching strategies alone.8 Examples of
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) implicit practices include the teacher describing
is increasingly viewed as essential to the economic children’s behavior during their exploration of ice
strength and overall well-being of the U.S. cubes, and commenting on and asking questions
about children’s actions and statements. An
The ELM curriculum’s foundation skills are
implicit approach does not direct children’s play or
informed primarily by content standards. There
provide an activity. A combination of implicit and
is limited research on specific preschool science
explicit strategies involves the teacher providing
competencies that predict later achievement. A
the types of implicit supports described above
plus a brief (10 minute) activity at the beginning

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64 All Rights Reserved
 Areas Promoted by ELM
Science 3–5 Years

of a session on concepts and vocabulary. Other can help children learn more about a culture, such
research suggests that children benefit from explicit as Native American connections with the earth.14
teaching combined with hands-on guided discovery
NAEYC accreditation. ELM’s activity plans
experiences.9
related to science are fully consistent with program
Experts recommend the use of information standards and accreditation criteria of the National
books in science and other domains.10 Information Association for the Education of Young Children.15
books generally provide child-friendly definitions The NAEYC standards include science content on
of science vocabulary and visuals that show how living and nonliving things, earth and sky, and states
to communicate findings from an investigation. of materials (example: melting). The NAEYC science
Some evidence suggests that using both storybooks content standards also call for children to learn
(fiction) and information books is beneficial for about the five senses, to use simple tools to observe
children’s understanding of science and social objects, and to collect and represent data. The
studies.11 science standards note the importance of engaging
children in thinking, questioning, and reasoning
Outdoor settings are highly appropriate for
about observations.
learning about science. Short nature walks through
a center’s play yard can help children identify Link to VLS. The curriculum’s science domain
many living things. Families may also take their extends information provided in the Virtual
children on outings, such as an “insect hunt,” to Laboratory School’s (VLS) course on Cognitive
find as many insects as possible and record what is Development. The VLS content gives attention
found.12 Garden projects provide many participation to children as natural observers (Lesson 4) and
opportunities for community volunteers and to experiments and children’s problem-solving
extended family members.13 Garden projects also explorations (Lesson 6).16

How ELM Promotes Science Knowledge

ELM’s science activities are sequenced to help world as baby butterflies and that plants get all of
children move gradually from simple to more their energy from the soil.
complex understandings of science concepts. Basic
The curriculum’s activity plans recommend that
information is offered in several different ways
classroom staff include new concepts in their talk
before more advanced concepts are introduced.
with children. For example, staff are encouraged
Each week novel words related to science and
to use the word “observe” rather than “look” when
everyday life are introduced and used in suggested
inviting children to engage in an observation of
conversations with children.
something.
Children often maintain misconceptions about The science center’s materials can serve as a
science topics. stand-alone opportunity for exploratory learning.
Children who find it challenging to participate
Helping children understand accurate
in an activity may be more productively engaged
information is emphasized because children often
in the corresponding center activity. A possible
maintain misconceptions about science topics. For
arrangement is for one staff member to lead an
example, many children think butterflies enter this
activity with a group of children while, at the same
time, a different staff member works with another

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Science 3–5 Years

group of children to facilitate exploration of center 4). In later activities, children use science journals to
activities. draw pictures of their discoveries.
Activity plans in the science domain are Child-friendly explanations and experiences
designed to promote children’s understanding of are offered for each scientific concept and novel
the five topics listed in the foundation skills: science word. The process of experimenting, for example, is
process skills, living things, habitats, life cycles, and described in part as “trying to change something”
earth/space. so we can better understand it. Children put ice in
different locations (sun, shade) to see what happens
Being a Scientist to ice in particular conditions (Week 3).
The process of doing science is introduced in Our five senses—seeing, hearing, touching,
a series of activity plans called “Being a Scientist.” tasting, and smelling—are explored as ways to learn
Activities focus on how investigations include the about something (Weeks 8–9). The activities include
use of: attention to accommodations for people who have
y inquiry skills, such as observing, comparing, a disability related to one of the five senses. For
and experimenting, example, an activity describes how a person with
limited or no vision can use their other senses to
y our five senses, and
investigate a topic (Week 9, Day 1).
y tools for observing and measuring.
During the first few weeks of the curriculum,
ELM emphasizes inquiry skills that are children use inquiry skills and their five senses with
commonly included in state early learning ice and magnets. The aim is to provide repeated
standards.17 These include observing, describing, experiences with specific inquiry skills and to
comparing, representing, predicting, experimenting, help children understand that inquiry skills are
and recording. Experiences with comparison skills useful in learning about different types of objects.
include categorizing objects and, in later activities, Although the activities provide some information
identifying similarities and differences in the on characteristics of ice and magnets, the primary
life cycles of a range of living things, including goal is to help children understand how inquiry
frogs, butterflies, and bean seeds. Early attention skills and their five senses can be used to learn about
to representation includes simple charts where something of interest.
children’s observations are recorded (Weeks 3 and
Tools for observing and for measuring are
introduced through hands-on experiences (Week
10). There are opportunities for children to learn
how a magnifying glass and a balance scale can be
used as part of an investigation.

Exploring Living Things

The first week of activities on living things
introduces the four basic characteristics of living
things (eat/use food, breathe, grow, make another
like itself). Center activities include opportunities
for children to sort picture cards of things into living
and nonliving categories.

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Science 3–5 Years

Photographs accompany short descriptions of y some living things (such as people) take longer
key characteristics of living things, such as how than other living things (such as dogs) to move
animals use lungs to breathe. Photographs also are from young to adult stages, and
used to show sources of food for animals and plants. y there are different types of animal life cycles.
Children are briefly introduced to the idea that
plants can generate their own food by using energy The topic begins by asking children to think
from the sun. about their own life cycle. How are children different
today than when they were babies? Changes over
Animals are compared by different time in the lives of familiar animals (dog, cat) also
characteristics, such as body covering, body parts, are used to introduce the concept of a life cycle.
and how they move (Week 13). One week of activity
plans offer a closer look at insects (Week 14). Most Picture cards are used to show specific stages
children are likely familiar with insects but they of each life cycle explored in the curriculum. There
may have limited understanding of how they use are many opportunities for children to put the life
their six legs, how they use their body parts, and cycle cards in their correct order. Activity plans
their physical characteristics. Children also compare also provide children with the option of acting out
different types of animals through the use of charts, different stages of a specific living thing. Children
photographs, and games. For example, there is an I are also able to watch the life cycle of a bean plant
Spy game with insect picture cards that is intended by planting, caring for, and observing a bean seed.
to draw children’s attention to differences across The idea that there are different types of animal
insects. life cycles includes attention to whether the animal
Children are introduced to the use of a science was hatched from an egg (chicken, penguin) or
journal for learning how to represent and record looked like its parents when it was born (dog, cat,
what they observe (Week 14). In one of the early people). Another major type of animal life cycle is
uses of the journal, for example, children are metamorphosis (butterfly, frog).
encouraged to draw a picture of an insect after
learning about different insect body parts. Exploring Habitats

ELM’s emphasis on parts of living things shifts to ELM seeks to broaden children’s understandings
plants in Week 15. The activity plans give attention of living things during a six-week investigation
to parts of a plant. Outdoor exploration is again of animal habitats in Weeks 26–28 and 32–34.
encouraged. Children are introduced to animals that live
in water, desert, forest, polar, rainforest, and
The topic of dinosaurs is explored in 10 mountain habitats. There are opportunities for
sessions beginning in Week 46. Attention is given children to use inquiry skills to compare habitats
to characteristics and types of dinosaurs, dinosaur and to learn how animals and plants live in each
fossils, and how scientists learn about dinosaurs. type of habitat. For example, in Week 26 children
observe shells that can be found in a water habitat.
Exploring Life Cycles Children are invited to describe how the shells are
Children are introduced to animal and plant different from one another.
life cycles in Weeks 19–23. Three big ideas are Science journals are again used to record
emphasized: and represent animals. For example, after being
y there are different stages in a life cycle, introduced to animals that live in a forest habitat,

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Science 3–5 Years

children are invited to make a classroom book in helping children learn about recycling include
which they represent an animal that may live in a sorting recyclables and making a trash collage.
forest habitat (Week 28). The introduction to soil includes uses of soil for
making building materials, such as tile flooring.
Children use what they learn about how a
The exploration of rocks includes opportunities
desert animal can survive in the hot sun to better
for children to find and examine rocks with a
understand how desert animals get food and water
magnifying glass. Science journals are used to
(Week 27, Day 3). Children are also invited to move
represent rock characteristics.
like animals that live in different habitats, including
a fish, snake, camel, and fennec fox.
Integration with Other Areas
An activity related to mountain habitats (Week
Some concepts introduced in science are part of
34) introduces children to the first and third parts of
learning activities in several other areas. The concept
a K-W-L chart. The chart is a teaching strategy for
of a life cycle is revisited in content related to the
helping children organize what they know (K), what
passage of time, particularly changes that take place
they want to know (W), and what they have learned
over time with persons, animals, and plants (Social
(L). K-W-L charts are used extensively beginning
Studies Week 32, Day 5), for example. Children are
in kindergarten or first grade. The activity plan
invited to use their five senses to think of things that
does not introduce the K-W-L chart terminology
make them feel disgusted (Social-Emotional Week
to children. The focus on the first and third parts of
18, Day 3). Creative Expression activities in which
the chart (K and L) is intended as a cognitive task
children are encouraged to dance like different
in organizing information, similar to reflecting on
animals (Week 24) connect to a Science activity on
what was learned from an investigation. The first
how animals move (Week 13, Day 3).
and third parts of the K-W-L chart are also offered
as a preliminary introduction to a tool children are
likely to use often in elementary school and beyond.

Exploring Earth and Space

There are three content clusters of activity
plans related to earth and space. The first grouping
pertains to day and night, weather, and seasons
of the year (Weeks 37–39). A hands-on learning
activity includes shadow-making (Week 37). Science
journals, photographs, and a globe are among the
items used in various activities.
The second cluster explores recycling, soil,
and rocks (Weeks 42–44). Activities aimed at

68 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Science 3–5 Years

Building on the Activity Plans

Below are some suggestions for enhancing y Encourage exploration of items and materials in
children’s science knowledge as well as your new and different ways. Example: Add animals
understanding of how the curriculum is designed to or natural items to the block center or water
promote children’s science skills. table.
y Point out characteristics of natural habitats
More Practices for Promoting Science Knowledge explored by children. Example: “Our playground
y Provide a rich variety of information books has many different plants and trees. What kinds
related to science concepts. Add new and replace of animals might like to live here?”
current books on a regular basis, based on y Help children use a chart to record changes in
children’s varying interests. the weather, temperature, changes in plants and/
y Encourage children to explore their world by or animals, and movement of the sun during
using their five senses. Example: “I see you are the day. The activity will promote children’s
working with green clay. What does the clay predictions and observations of patterns and
smell like? What does the clay feel like?” change.
y Provide daily opportunities, both indoors and y Encourage daily recycling in your classroom to
outdoors, for children to observe and explore promote children’s awareness of responsible care
their environment with scientific tools. of the earth.
y Use science vocabulary throughout the day to
promote children’s understanding. Example: Strengthening Your Understanding of Science
“We usually have cheese for lunch on Monday. Knowledge
Today is Monday. What do you predict we will y Studies show the benefits of using a combination
have for lunch today?” of explicit teaching and hands-on guided
y To help promote inquiry skills, plant a garden in discovery opportunities to promote children’s
the play yard or a small planter box. Encourage understanding of science concepts and
children to observe, describe, compare, predict, vocabulary. What are your ideas about why this
represent, and ask questions while using a combination is a best practice in early childhood
hands-on approach to learning. programs? What might be some downsides of
using explicit teaching only or child-initiated
y Provide opportunities for hands-on exploration
discovery only?
of nature. Include regular observations of living
things in their environment. y A core practice in early childhood programs is
to build on children’s current understandings
y Regularly ask open-ended questions to promote
of a topic. Review several activity plans in the
critical thinking skills. Examples: “What might
science domain to identify specific ways the
happen if…?” “What do you think about…?”
plan attempts to find out what children know
y Provide clipboards, paper, and drawing tools (such as asking questions and skill practice
to promote children’s skills in recording and opportunities) and offers options for adapting
representing their ideas in all areas of the (such as scaffolding tips) to what children
classroom. understand. Are there additional ways the

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Science 3–5 Years

activity plans you reviewed could find out and y The activity plans on the five senses (Weeks 8–9)
build on what children currently understand introduce children to glasses as a way people
about a concept? can accommodate the limitation of one of their
y What steps might you take to become senses. This information is linked to the theme
accustomed to using science terms, such as of respecting diversity in the social studies
“observe” instead of “look,” in your regular talk domain. What are some other ways respect for
with children? diversity might be incorporated into science
activities?

Endnotes
1 Lee, P. C. (2012). The human child’s nature orientation. Child Development Perspectives, 6, 193–198.
2 French, L. A., & Woodring, S. D. (2013). Science education in the early years. In O. N. Saracho & B. Spodek (Eds.), Handbook
of research on the education of young children, third edition (pp. 179–196). New York: Routledge. See also: Trundle, K. C., &
Saçkes, M. (Eds.). (2015). Research in early childhood science education. New York, NY: Springer.
3 National Research Council (2007). Taking science to school: Learning and teaching science in grades K–12. Washington, DC:
National Academy Press.
4 Vosniadou, S. (2009). Science education for young children: A conceptual-change point of view. In O. A. Barbarin & B. H.
Wasik (Eds.), Handbook of child development and early education (pp. 554–557). New York: Guilford.
5 Conezio, K., & French, L. A. (2002). Science in the preschool classroom: Capitalizing on children’s fascination with the
everyday world to foster language and literacy development. Young Children, 57, 12–18. See also: Hong, S.-Y., & Diamond, K.
E. (2012). Two approaches to teaching young children science concepts, vocabulary, and scientific problem-solving skills. Early
Childhood Research Quarterly, 27, 295–305.
6 Gelman, R., Brenneman, K., Macdonald, G., & Román, M. (2009). Preschool Pathways to Science (PrePS)™: Facilitating scientific
ways of thinking, talking, doing, and understanding. Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing.
7 Gelman, R., & Brenneman, K. (2004). Science learning pathways for young children. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 19,
150–158.
8 Hong & Diamond (2012).
9 Greenfield, D. B., Jirout, J., Dominguez, X., Greenberg, A., Maier, M., & Fuccillo, J. (2009). Science in the preschool classroom:
A programmatic research agenda to improve science readiness. Early Education and Development, 20, 238–264. See also:
Peterson, S. M., & French, L. (2008). Supporting young children’s explanations through inquiry science in preschool. Early
Childhood Research Quarterly, 23, 395–408.
10 Mantzicopoulos, P., & Patrick H. (2010). “The seesaw is a machine that goes up and down”: Young children’s narrative
responses to science-related informational text. Early Education and Development, 21, 412–444.
11 Gonzalez, J. E., Pollard-Durodola, S., Simmons, D. C., Taylor, A. B., Davis, M. J., Kim, M., & Simmons, L. (2011). Developing
low-income preschoolers’ social studies and science vocabulary knowledge through content-focused shared book reading.
Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, 4, 25–52.
12 Mantzicopoulos, P., Patrick, H., & Samarapungavan, A. (2013). Science literacy in school and home contexts. Cognition and
Instruction, 31, 62–119.
13 Starbuck, S., & Olthof, M. R. (2008). Involving families and community through gardening. Young Children, 63, 74–79.
14 McWilliams, M. S., Maldonado–Mancebo, T., Szczepaniak, P. S., & Jones, J. (2011). Supporting Native Indian preschoolers and
their families: Family-school-community partnerships. Young Children, 66, 34–41.
15 National Association for the Education of Young Children (2018). NAEYC early learning program accreditation standards
and assessment items. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/
downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_and_assessment_web.pdf
16 www.virtuallabschool.org
17 Greenfield et al. (2009).

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Physical/Health 3–5 Years

Most attention to physical development in the

early years focuses on skills that enable children Foundation Skills
to move their bodies, or parts of their bodies, in y Motor development
space. Early childhood experts are interested y Good health practices
in gross motor skills that involve large muscle
movements of trunk and limbs, including balance levels of physical activity and improving physical
and coordination. They also are interested in fine development.8 Research indicates that teacher-
motor skills, especially the coordination of small directed physical activities can lead to positive
muscle movements needed for drawing, writing, effects on children’s physical activity levels.9
and manipulation of other types of objects, such The physical activity components of effective
as zippers of a coat or jacket. Gross and fine motor preschool-age programs focused on improving
skills develop together, but strengths in one set of health indicators include jumping, hopping,
motor skills are not a guarantee of strengths in the galloping, skipping, ball bouncing, kicking, catching,
other.1 and throwing for large motor development and art
activities for fine motor skills.10
Children’s motor development is linked to
academic and social outcomes.2 Gross motor Playground time alone appears to be an
skills are associated with social skills, including insufficient approach to promoting physical
participation in sports and games.3 It seems that activity and development.
children who are clumsy may be rejected socially
or not feel confident to play in sports or games Good health practices involve more than regular
that involve gross motor skills.4 Fine motor skills physical activity. Exploratory research suggests that
are more strongly associated with academic lessons on healthy nutrition can improve children’s
achievement,5 perhaps because fine motor abilities snack choices. One nine-lesson program included
facilitate literacy experiences, such as letter and brief presentations (using food puppets), activities
name writing, as well as math experiences, such as focused on healthy food, and open-ended questions
counting objects. about food choices.11 A different six-week program,
which focused on eating fruits and vegetables,
In addition to academic and social outcomes,
involved circle time lessons and an imaginary
the development of motor skills is widely viewed as
trip each week.12 Exploratory studies also point
a main path to good physical health. Increases in
to the promise of activity-focused lessons on sun
child and youth obesity have heightened national
protection, including use of sunscreen, hats, and
interest in ways to promote early physical activity
sleeved shirts.13
for purposes of improving health and well-being.
Studies indicate that children benefit from regular NAEYC Accreditation. The National
unstructured and structured physical activity, Association for the Education of Young Children
but the appropriate balance of structured and (NAEYC) program accreditation criteria14 indicate
unstructured physical activity time is not clear.6 that programs should provide opportunities
and materials to improve children’s fine motor
Pediatric experts recommend generous amounts
development, particularly small muscle movements
of free playtime,7 although playground time alone
(usually fingers) that support functions such as
appears to be an insufficient approach to increasing
writing, grasping small objects, and fastening

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Physical/Health 3–5 Years

clothing. Children also should have opportunities Link to VLS. The Virtual Lab School’s preschool
for large motor experiences that stimulate a variety course on Physical Development describes how
of skills, enhance sensory-motor integration, and physical development is connected to brain growth
develop controlled movements, such as balance, and development (Lesson 1) and factors that
strength, and coordination. The purpose of large influence patterns of physical development (Lesson
motor experiences is also to help children learn 2). Indoor (Lesson 3) and outdoor (Lesson 4)
physical games with rules and structure. environments and experiences that support physical
development also are described. The VLS preschool
NAEYC’s accreditation criteria regarding good
course on Healthy Environments includes guidance
health practices include learning about nutrition
on proper hygiene, such as reducing the spread
such as sources of food and healthy foods; awareness
of germs (Lesson 2) and toileting (Lesson 3). The
of safety rules in the classroom and opportunities to
course also presents information on daily health
practice safety procedures; and awareness of healthy
checks (Lesson 4), nutrition and physical activity
practices, such as washing fruits and vegetables,
(Lesson 5), mental health needs (Lesson 6), and
exercise, handwashing, and toothbrushing.
special health needs (Lesson 7).15

How ELM Promotes Physical Development and Good Health Practices

ELM promotes gross and fine motor “movement” is used often in physical activities,
development in activity plans entitled Moving including dance in Creative Expression activity
Our Bodies. Support for good health practices is plans. Children are introduced to concepts such
offered in activity plans that use the Staying Healthy as around (in walking around obstacles) as part of
and Safe title. Attention to these two broad sets of activities.
foundation skills alternates across ELM’s 50 weeks,
Most locomotor movements are introduced
as shown in the Sequence of Skills and Learning
and practiced through games. Children learn
Goals chart. Decisions about physical development
to gallop as part of a Gallop and Get game (Week
and health topics to include in ELM were
6) and alternate running and jogging in a game
significantly influenced by NAEYC accreditation
called Zig Zag (Week 16), for example. In addition
criteria because research on best practices in this
to galloping, running, and jogging, gross motor
area is relatively thin.
movements emphasized in ELM include jumping,
marching, hopping, skipping, kicking, throwing,
Moving Our Bodies
and catching. After a gross motor movement has
ELM activity plans introduce and reinforce been introduced and practiced, it often is combined
vocabulary that is directly and indirectly related with one or more other movements in an activity,
to motor development. For example, early in the such as moving a ball or bean bag away from
curriculum there are descriptions of and practice our body by kicking and also by throwing (Week
with personal space and activity space. Children 32). Movement combination activities provide
are invited to follow the leader around indoor and children with opportunities to reflect on different
outdoor activity spaces to learn their boundaries. ways their bodies can accomplish similar goals
The concept of movement is introduced as moving (example: moving a ball away from us by kicking
our body, or part of our body, from one place and by throwing), or work together to accomplish a
to another place (Week 4, Day 4). The word

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Physical/Health 3–5 Years

larger goal (example: arm and leg movements in an Awareness of differences in hand size (length) is
underarm throw aimed at a target). promoted in activities focused on measurement
beginning in Week 24. A Physical/Health activity in
Stability is discussed and practiced often
Week 25 involves using clothespins or fingers to pick
in movement activities. The concept of balance
up pretend pizza toppings.
is introduced early in the curriculum (Week 8)
with experiences in balancing our bodies using
Staying Healthy and Safe
different limbs and positions. Cards that show
different poses are used to help children learn and Children are introduced to basic care practices
practice balancing their bodies in various stationary that contribute to healthy bodies. Topics include
positions. Stability also is described and practiced in the importance of teeth and how to brush teeth
locomotor situations, such as a Walking and Turning (Week 11), exercise (Week 12), rest (Week 13),
game in Week 9. eating nutritious foods (Weeks 19–20 and 24–25),
and the importance of protecting our skin from sun
Variations in physical activities that involve a
(Week 33) and visiting a healthcare provider and
slight increase in challenge are common elements of
dentist (Week 34). The activity plans include the
activity plans. For example, there are opportunities
use of engaging books, such as Mitchell Sharmat’s
to throw and catch different types of objects: balls,
Gregory the Terrible Eater to introduce discussion
scarves, beanbags (Week 17), and to kick an object
of picky eating (Week 24, Day 5). The topic of what
from a stationary position, and then from a one-step
we eat is introduced with the story of Frances, who
moving position (Week 31).
wants to eat only bread and jam (Week 20, Day
Children are encouraged to reflect on and 4). There is an opportunity for children to make a
increase their awareness of how parts of their pretend pizza with items from each type of food in
body move in movement activities, including Week 25.
contrasting movements. Activity plans draw
Children also are introduced to a broad range
attention to how our arms and legs (including
of ways to stay safe, which is defined as not getting
knees) move while marching and walking (Week 5),
hurt or sick or into danger (Week 3, Day 4). The
for example. Each part of multi-part movements is
topics include germs and how not to spread germs
introduced by itself before it is combined with other
(Weeks 1 and 2), what to do during classroom
parts. Children practice each sequential element
emergencies (Week 3), and keeping safe while riding
of an underarm throw (Week 18), for example,
a bike and in a vehicle (Week 27).
before throwing an object. Where to focus our eyes
during movements receives consistent attention. Vocabulary related to health and safety is
Reminders such as “look at the ball” are paired emphasized. For example, the word protect (to keep
with explanations, so children can learn how visual something safe from harm) is used in connection
attention contributes to the success of a movement. to many actions, such as wearing a helmet and
sunscreen. The concept of a routine is applied to
ELM’s support of fine motor development
steps in health care practices, such as handwashing,
occurs mostly in activities offered in other areas
use of tissue for a sneeze, and brushing teeth. The
of the curriculum. Holding up a specified number
idea of a routine is introduced in Week 1 as part
of fingers is a common request in math activities,
of a Self-Regulation activity that emphasizes the
particularly early in the curriculum. There are
predictability of a daily schedule.
frequent opportunities to draw and write letters,
and to move objects, such as counters, with fingers.

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Physical/Health 3–5 Years

Integration with Other Areas is leg movements only, and the third day is both
arms and legs. Activity plans that promote the
Physical movements are central to numerous
foundation skill focused on personal responsibility
activities in other areas promoted by ELM,
(Social-Emotional area) reinforce safety information
including the circle time games (Remembering
introduced in the Physical/Health area. For example,
and Focusing) in Self-Regulation. For example,
children look at pictures of children in different
Creative Expression activities (Week 25) invite
situations and give a thumbs up or thumbs down
children to be choreographers creating dance
depending on whether the situation is safe (Week 35,
movements with specific parts of the body. The
Day 3).
first day is arm movements only, the second day

Building on the Activity Plans

More Practices for Promoting Physical y Draw children’s attention to how they are
Development and Good Health Practices balancing their bodies as part of yoga poses.
y Use a specific physical movement for helping y Acknowledge children’s good health practices.
children transition to/from an activity. Examples: “You are resting quietly on your cot.”
Examples: “March to the sink to wash your “There is something from all the types of food on
hands when I say your name.” “Jump to the table.” your plate.”
y Invite children to incorporate a specific physical
movement into an existing outdoor game. Strengthening Your Understanding of Physical
Example: When playing hide-and-seek, invite Development and Good Health Practices
children to gallop to their hiding spot. y There is wide variation in when children reach
y Designate an outside area and target for specific physical development milestones.
throwing and kicking practice, perhaps As noted in the Introduction to the ELM
alternating days so some are “throwing days” Curriculum section of this Guide, there can be a
and others are “catching days.” Provide one or 15-month spread in the fine motor skills of five-
more boxes for children to use as targets. year-old children.16 Reflect on children you have
known or children in your current classroom.
y Integrate turning and bending into dance
What developmental differences do you notice,
movements. Encourage children to add turning,
and what adaptations might be appropriate to
bending, marching, and/or jumping into their
consider for accommodating the differences in
dance.
classroom activities?
y Share with families the instructions for games
y Select an activity plan in one of the other areas
played in physical activities. Example: Gallop
of development that also promotes physical
and Get (Week 6, Day 5) may appeal to many
well-being or health. (Look for Also Promotes
families for use at home.
in the left column on the first page of an activity
y Provide cones during an outside time and plan.) In what ways does the activity plan
encourage children to decide how they would intend to help children strengthen their physical
like to use the cones. Examples: Walk around development or good health practices?
the cones, hop to one cone, run to the next, and
gallop to a third cone.

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 Areas Promoted by ELM
Physical/Health 3–5 Years

y Motor skills are linked to social skills, as in your classroom or among children you have
described earlier. To what extent do you see known?
examples of this connection among children

Endnotes
1 Pagani, L. S., & Messier, S. (2012). Links between motor skills and indicators of school readiness at kindergarten entry in
urban disadvantaged children. Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, 2, 95–107.
2 Cameron, C. E., Cottone, E. A., Murrah W. M., & Grissmer, D. W. (2016). How are motor skills linked to children’s school
performance and academic achievement? Child Development Perspectives, 10, 93–98.
3 Wilson, A., Piek, J. P., & Kane, R. (2012). The mediating role of social skills in the relationship between motor ability and
internalizing symptoms in pre-primary children. Infant and Child Development, 22, 151–164. See also: Pagani & Messier
(2012)
4 Skinner, R. A., & Piek, J. P. (2001). Psychosocial implications of poor motor coordination in children and adolescents. Human
Movement Science, 20, 73–94.
5 Grissmer, D., Grimm, K. J., Aiyer, S. M., Murrah, W. M., & Steele, J. S. (2010). Fine motor skills and early comprehension of
the world: Two new school readiness indicators. Developmental Psychology, 46, 1008–1017.
6 Ward, D. S., Vaughn, A., McWilliams, C., & Hales, D. (2010). Interventions for increasing physical activity at child care.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 42, 526–534.
7 Burdette, H. L., & Whitaker, R. C. (2005). Resurrecting free play in young children: Looking beyond fitness and fatness to
attention, affiliation, and affect. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 159, 46–50.
8 Goodway, J. D., Ozmun, J. C., & Gallahue, D. L. (2013). Motor development in young children. In O. N. Saracho & B. Spodek
(Eds.), Handbook of research in early childhood education, third edition (pp. 89–101). New York: Routledge.
9 De Marco, A. C., Zeisel, S., & Odom, S. L. (2014). An evaluation of a program to increase physical activity for young children
in child care. Early Education and Development, 26, 1–21.
10 Ward et al. (2010). See also: Goodway, J.D., & Branta, C. F. (2003). Influence of a motor skill intervention on fundamental
motor skill development of disadvantaged preschool children. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 74, 36–46. Robinson,
L. E., Webster, E. K., Logan, S. W., Lucas, W. A., & Barber, L. T. (2011). Teaching practices that promote motor skills in early
childhood settings. Early Childhood Education Journal, 40, 79–86.
11 Warash, B. G., Fitch, C., & Bodnovich, K. (2003). Snack choices: Helping young children make decisions. Journal of Family &
Consumer Sciences, 95, 60–64.
12 Witt, K. E., & Dunn, C. (2012). Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among preschoolers: Evaluation of ‘color me
healthy’. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 44, 107–113.
13 Gritz, E. R., Tripp, M. K., James, A. S., Harrist, R. B., Mueller, N. H., Chamberlain, R. M., & Parcel, G. S. (2007). Effects of a
preschool staff intervention on children’s sun protection: Outcomes of sun protection is fun! Health Education and Behavior,
34, 562–577. See also: Loescher, L. J., Emerson, J., & Taylor, A. (1995). Educating preschoolers about sun safety. American
Journal of Public Health, 85, 939–943.
14 National Association for the Education of Young Children (2018). NAEYC early learning program accreditation standards
and assessment items. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/
downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_and_assessment_web.pdf
15 www.virtuallabschool.org
16 Kim, H., Murrah, W. M., Cameron, C. E., Brock, L. L., Cottone, E. A., & Grissmer, D. (2014). Psychometric properties of the
teacher-reported motor skills rating scale. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 33, 640–651.

75 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

All Rights Reserved
76 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University
All Rights Reserved
 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

This chart provides a map of curriculum content across 50 weeks in each of the eight areas promoted by
ELM in the preschool-age years. It offers an efficient overview of foundation skills and learning goals that are
described in greater detail in the Areas Promoted by ELM section of this Guide.
The chart shows ELM’s incremental support of skills that are building blocks of success in school and
life. Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs recognizes that many aspects of
children’s development and learning follow predictable sequences. Abilities and knowledge build on prior
development and learning. The ELM Curriculum’s activities are aligned with well-documented pathways of
skill acquisition in domains, such as motor development, and in content areas, such as social studies.
For example, Weeks 1–3 in Language/Literacy show progression from identifying single sounds to several
sounds to sequences of sounds. The ability to pay close attention to sounds in words is a critical early literacy
skill that does not emerge naturally. As another example, the content in Social Studies begins with a focus
on self and peers (Weeks 1–4), broadens the lens to include families (Weeks 5–9), and then explores larger
contexts of homes, neighborhoods, and communities (Weeks 10–18).
Children benefit from frequent practice, review, and extension of emerging skills. These learning
opportunities are also shown in the chart.

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4

Phonological awareness Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Single sounds y Word knowledge y Word knowledge including y Word knowledge
LANGUAGE/

y Understand, comprehend, prepositions and relational y Understand, comprehend,

Print knowledge
LITERACY

interpret book text and words interpret book text and

y Parts of a book
illustrations y Understand, comprehend, illustrations
y Proper care of books interpret book text and
Phonological awareness Phonological awareness
illustrations
y Several sounds y Rhyming words
Phonological awareness
y Sequence of sounds

Number knowledge Number knowledge Number knowledge Geometric and spatial

MATHEMATICS

y Counting items y Counting items y Verbal counting knowledge

y Groups of items y Groups of items y Circle, square, triangle
y Number words
y Concept of more

Self-control Self-control Self-control Concentrate

REGULATION

y Routines y Rules y Listening and talking y Paying attention

SELF-

Relationship skills Relationship skills Relationship skills Relationship skills

EMOTIONAL

y Types of play y Asking to play y Sharing an item y Cooperating

SOCIAL-

y Asking to play

Appreciation of individual Appreciation of individual Appreciation of individual Appreciation of individual

diversity diversity diversity diversity
STUDIES
SOCIAL

y Same and different y Same and different y Unique y Abilities and adaptations
y Unique

Appreciation of art, music, Appreciation of art, music, See Mathematics See Physical/Health
drama, and dance drama, and dance
EXPRESSION
CREATIVE

y Forms of creative expression y Creative ideas

Inquiry skills Inquiry skills

SCIENCE

y Observing, describing, y Observing, describing,

comparing, predicting, comparing, predicting,
experimenting, recording experimenting, recording

Good health practices Good health practices Good health practices Motor development
PHYSICAL/

y Germs y Germs y Safety rules and routines y Physical activity safety

HEALTH

y Handwashing y Emergency procedures y Walking and marching

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 5 WEEK 6 WEEK 7 WEEK 8

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge
y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend,
LANGUAGE/
LITERACY

interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and
illustrations illustrations illustrations illustrations
Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Print knowledge Phonological awareness
y Rhyming words y Rhyming words y Sentences y Compound words
Print and letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Alphabet, letters, and words y Letter B y Letter C

Geometric & spatial Geometric & spatial Number knowledge Number knowledge
MATHEMATICS

knowledge knowledge y 1-to-1 counting y Counting

y Rectangles and triangles y Squares and triangles y Counting items and actions y Equal groups
Number knowledge y 1-to-1 counting
y Groups of items
y Counting
y “More” and “fewer”
Self-control Self-control Self-control Executive function
REGULATION

y Stop and think y Waiting patiently y Waiting patiently y Focusing

SELF-

Relationship skills Relationship skills Relationship skills Relationship skills

EMOTIONAL

y Social problem solving y Social problem solving y Being helpful y Being friendly
SOCIAL-

Appreciation of family Appreciation of family Appreciation of family Appreciation of family

STUDIES
SOCIAL

diversity diversity diversity diversity

y Family uniqueness y Special family activities y Special family activities y Grandparents and older
y Grandparents family members

Knowledge of creative Knowledge of creative Knowledge of creative

processes processes processes
EXPRESSION

y Artist y Art tools y Tools for painting, drawing,

CREATIVE

y Types of art and sculpting

Skills that support creative
Skills that support creative expression Skills that support creative
expression y Using art tools to create art expression
y Creating art y Using tools to create a
painting, drawing, and
sculpture
Inquiry skills
SCIENCE

y Five senses

Motor development Motor development Motor development Motor development

PHYSICAL/
HEALTH

y Walking and marching y Galloping y Hopping y Balancing

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 9 WEEK 10 WEEK 11 WEEK 12

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge
y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend,
LANGUAGE/
LITERACY

interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and
illustrations illustrations illustrations illustrations
Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Letter knowledge
y Compound words y Compound words y Compound words (assess) y Review letters B, C, O, and A
Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Letter O y Letter A y Letters B, C, O, and A

Geometric and spatial Geometric and spatial Number knowledge Number knowledge
MATHEMATICS

knowledge knowledge y Last number counted tells y Last number counted tells
y Four basic shapes y Variations of four basic how many (cardinality) how many (cardinality)
shapes y Sorting and counting items y Forming groups of a given
y Forming groups of a given quantity
quantity

Executive function Concentrate Concentrate Executive function

EMOTIONAL REGULATION

y Paying close attention y Deep breathing y Yoga poses y Listening

SELF-

y Remembering

Relationship skills Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge

y Compliments y Different kinds of feelings y Sad y Angry
SOCIAL-

y Happy and silly y Ways to feel better y Managing anger

Appreciation of family Knowledge of physical Knowledge of physical Knowledge of physical

diversity environments environments environments
STUDIES
SOCIAL

y Different cultures y Types of homes y Home characteristics y Home characteristics

See Mathematics and Skills that support creative See Mathematics

EXPRESSION

Science expression
CREATIVE

y Dance movements

Inquiry skills Inquiry skills Knowledge of living things

SCIENCE

y Five senses y Tools y Characteristics of living

things

Motor development Motor development Good health practices Motor development

PHYSICAL/

y Turning and balancing y Bending and balancing y Oral health y Muscles

HEALTH

y Exercising

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 13 WEEK 14 WEEK 15 WEEK 16

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge
y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend,
LANGUAGE/

interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and
LITERACY

illustrations illustrations illustrations illustrations

Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Phonological awareness
y Syllables y Syllables y Syllables y Syllables (assess)
Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Letter X y Letter S y Letter P y Review letters X, S, and P

Number knowledge Pattern knowledge Pattern knowledge Number knowledge

MATHEMATICS

y Counting and “how many” y Identifying and making ABAB y Making and extending ABAB y Comparing groups
(assess) patterns patterns y Numerals 5, 6, 7, and 8
y Sorting items
y Forming and comparing
groups
y Numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4
Executive function Concentrate Executive function Executive function
REGULATION

y Watching and remembering y Deep breathing y Listening and remembering y Watching and remembering
SELF-

y Yoga poses y Listening and watching y Listening and remembering

Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge

EMOTIONAL

y Bored y Disappointed y Shy y Embarrassed

SOCIAL-

y Excited

Knowledge of physical Knowledge of physical Knowledge of physical Knowledge of physical

STUDIES
SOCIAL

environments environments environments environments

y Neighborhood y Places in the center y Neighborhood maps y Community
y Places in a neighborhood neighborhood

Skills that support creative

EXPRESSION

expression
CREATIVE

Knowledge of creative
processes
y Musical instruments
y Songs
Knowledge of living things Knowledge of living things Knowledge of living things
SCIENCE

y Animals y Insects y Plants

Good health practices Motor development Motor development Motor development

PHYSICAL/
HEALTH

y Rest and sleep y Running and jogging y Jogging and walking y Throwing

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 17 WEEK 18 WEEK 19 WEEK 20

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge
LANGUAGE/

y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend,

LITERACY

interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and
illustrations illustrations illustrations illustrations
Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Letter knowledge Phonological awareness
y Beginning sounds y Beginning sounds y Review letters X, S, P, E, and H y Beginning sounds
Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Letter E y Letter H y Letter M
Number knowledge Number knowledge Pattern knowledge Pattern knowledge
MATHEMATICS

y Numerals 9 and 10 y Number after y Simple patterns (ABAB) y Counting

y Forming groups y Number chart y Other kinds of patterns y Sorting
y Number after y Number list (AABAAB) y Making simple and other
y Number list y Identifying patterns kinds of patterns

Concentrate Executive function Executive function Concentrate

REGULATION

y Deep breathing y Listening and remembering y Watching and taking turns y Looking closely
SELF-

y Watching and taking turns y Listening and remembering y Deep breathing

Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge

EMOTIONAL

y Loved y Disgusted y Proud y Scared

SOCIAL-

y Frustrated

Knowledge of social and Knowledge of social and Knowledge of social and Knowledge of social and
physical environments physical environments physical environments physical environments
STUDIES
SOCIAL

y City y Town y Geography y Geography

y Skyscrapers y Farm y Bridges y Railroad tracks
y Barn and silo

Knowledge of creative Knowledge of creative See Social Studies

EXPRESSION

processes processes
CREATIVE

y Instruments y Marching band

y Instrumental music
y Beat

See Creative Expression See Social Emotional Knowledge of life cycles Knowledge of life cycles
SCIENCE

y People y Chickens
y Puppies and kittens y Penguins

Motor development Motor development Good health practices Good health practices
PHYSICAL/
HEALTH

y Catching y Underarm throwing y Different types of farms food y Five different kinds of healthy
y Throwing y Throwing at a target comes from foods

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 21 WEEK 22 WEEK 23 WEEK 24

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge
y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend,
LANGUAGE/
LITERACY

interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and
illustrations illustrations illustrations illustrations
Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Phonological awareness
y Beginning sounds y Beginning sounds y Beginning sounds (assess) y Blending two sounds
Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Letter R y Letter F y Letters E, H, M, R, and F y Letter T

Number knowledge Number knowledge Number knowledge Measurement knowledge

MATHEMATICS

y Number list y Number list y Number list y Measuring and comparing

y One more y Written numerals (assess) y One more size
y Counting y Counting
y Price

Executive function Executive function Concentration Executive function

REGULATION

y Listening and remembering y Watching and taking turns y Deep breathing y Focusing and taking turns
SELF-

y Watching and taking turns y Listening and remembering y Yoga poses

Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge

EMOTIONAL

y Nervous y Lonely y Guilty y Thankful

SOCIAL-

Knowledge of social and Knowledge of social and Knowledge of social and Knowledge of social
STUDIES
SOCIAL

physical environments physical environments physical environments environments

y Geographic characteristics y Community helpers y Community helper tools y Community helper uniforms

Knowledge of creative
EXPRESSION

processes
CREATIVE

Skills that support creative

expression
y Music
y Dancing

Knowledge of life cycles Knowledge of life cycles Knowledge of life cycles See Creative Expression
SCIENCE

y Frogs y Butterflies y Bean plant

Motor development Motor development Motor development Good health practices

PHYSICAL/

y Jumping and landing y Combinations of physical y Shifting weight y Healthy foods

HEALTH

movements

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 25 WEEK 26 WEEK 27 WEEK 28

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge
y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend,
LANGUAGE/
LITERACY

interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and
illustrations illustrations illustrations illustrations
Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Phonological awareness
y Blending sounds y Initial sound y Blending sounds y Blending sounds
Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Letter W y Review letters M, T, R, F, and W y Letter D y Letter L

Measurement knowledge Measurement knowledge Number knowledge Number knowledge

MATHEMATICS

y Measuring length and height y Measuring weight y Splitting a group of items y Splitting a group of items
y Ruler y Scales into two parts into two parts
y Counting y Counting
y One more (assess)

Executive function Concentrate Executive function Executive function

REGULATION

y Listening and remembering y Describing a hidden item y Focusing and taking turns y Listening and remembering
SELF-

y Listening and taking turns

Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge

EMOTIONAL

y Different emotions y Different situations, facial y Different situations, facial

SOCIAL-

Perspective-taking
expressions, and emotions expressions, and emotions
y Another person’s view

Knowledge of social Knowledge of social Knowledge of social Knowledge of social

environments environments environments environments
STUDIES
SOCIAL

y Job uniforms y Rules for adults y News y American flag

y Laws y Pledge of Allegiance
y National anthem

Skills that support creative

EXPRESSION
CREATIVE

expression
y Dance movements

Knowledge of habitats Knowledge of habitats Knowledge of habitats

SCIENCE

y Water y Desert y Forest

Motor development Good health practices Good health practices Motor development
PHYSICAL/
HEALTH

y Fine motor skills y Safe and not safe actions y Vehicle safety y Rolling our bodies
Good health practices y Emergency safety y Bike safety
y Healthy foods

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 29 WEEK 30 WEEK 31 WEEK 32

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge
y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend,
LANGUAGE/

interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and
LITERACY

illustrations illustrations illustrations illustrations

Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Letter knowledge
y Blending sounds y Blending sounds (assess) y Taking away a sound y Review letters D, L, N, and G
Letter knowledge y Taking away a sound Letter knowledge
y Letter N Letter knowledge y Letter G
y Letters D, L, and N
Number knowledge Number knowledge Number knowledge Number knowledge
y Sorting y Organizing information on a y Adding y Adding
MATHEMATICS

y Counting chart y Taking away y Subtracting

y Organizing information on a y Sorting
chart Geometric and spatial
knowledge
y Shapes
Measurement knowledge
y Length and height

Concentrate Executive function Executive function Concentrate

REGULATION

y Deep breathing y Watching and remembering y Listening and watching y Deep breathing
SELF-

y Yoga y Listening, watching, and y Watching and remembering

remembering

Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge Personal responsibility

EMOTIONAL

y Goal
SOCIAL-

Perspective-taking Perspective-taking Perspective-taking

y Empathy y Empathy y Empathy

Knowledge of social Knowledge of social Concepts of time Concepts of time

STUDIES
SOCIAL

environments environments y Yesterday, today, and y Amounts of time

y Voting y Voting tomorrow y Change over time
y Morning and afternoon

Knowledge of creative Knowledge of creative Knowledge of creative

EXPRESSION

processes processes processes

CREATIVE

Skills that support creative Skills that support creative Skills that support creative
expression expression expression
y Imitating y Pretending y Imitating
y Props

Knowledge of habitats
SCIENCE

y Polar

Motor development Motor development Motor development Motor development

PHYSICAL/
HEALTH

y Moving around obstacles y Skipping y Kicking a ball y Kicking and throwing a ball
y Practicing different
movements

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 33 WEEK 34 WEEK 35 WEEK 36

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge
LANGUAGE/

y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend,

LITERACY

interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and
illustrations illustrations illustrations illustrations
Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Phonological awareness Letter knowledge
y Ending sound y Ending sound y Beginning and ending sounds y Review letters K, J, and Y
Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Letter K y Letter J y Letter Y
Number knowledge Number knowledge Geometric and spatial Number knowledge
MATHEMATICS

y Adding y Adding knowledge y Graphing

y Subtracting y Subtracting y Basic shapes y Adding
Pattern knowledge y Numerals 1–20
y Simple patterns Geometric and spatial
Number knowledge knowledge
y Numerals 1–20 y Shapes

Executive function Executive function Concentrate Executive function

EMOTIONAL REGULATION

y Watching and remembering y Listening, watching, and y Deep breathing y Watching and remembering
SELF-

remembering y Yoga y Listening and remembering

Personal responsibility Personal responsibility Personal responsibility Personal responsibility

y Making decisions y Making good choices y Staying safe y Staying safe
SOCIAL-

Concepts of time Concepts of time Knowledge of social and Knowledge of social and
physical environments physical environments
STUDIES

y Moving long ago y Games played long ago

SOCIAL

y Economy: making and y Economy: needs and wants,

spending money help for families

Skills that support creative Skills that support

EXPRESSION
CREATIVE

expression creative expression

y Using lines y Using shapes
y Using color

Knowledge of habitats Knowledge of habitats

SCIENCE

y Rainforest y Mountain

Good health practices Good health practices Good health practices Good health practices
PHYSICAL/
HEALTH

y Sun safety y Doctor y Body parts y Bones

y Dentist y First aid kit

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 37 WEEK 38 WEEK 39 WEEK 40

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge
LANGUAGE/

y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend,

LITERACY

interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and
illustrations illustrations illustrations illustrations
Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Letter Z y Letter Q y Letter I y Letter U

Number knowledge Number knowledge Number knowledge Number knowledge

y One more (review/extend) y Part-Whole (review/extend) y Adding (review/extend) y Subtracting (review/extend)
MATHEMATICS

See Physical/Health See Physical/Health See Physical/Health

EMOTIONAL REGULATION

See Social Studies

SELF-

See Social Studies See Social Studies

SOCIAL-

Knowledge of social and Knowledge of social and Knowledge of social and Knowledge of physical
physical environments physical environments physical environments environments
STUDIES
SOCIAL

y Moving: kinds of moves, y Moving: movers, moving y Moving: new places and y Types of transportation:
packing equipment, feelings about people, unpacking automobiles
moving

Knowledge of creative
EXPRESSION
CREATIVE

processes
y Designing books

Knowledge of earth and Knowledge of earth and Knowledge of earth and

space space space
SCIENCE

y Day and night y Weather y Seasons

Motor development Motor development Motor development Motor development

PHYSICAL/
HEALTH

y Galloping (review/extend) y Balancing (review/extend) y Throwing (review/extend) y Throwing at a target (review/

y Hopping (review/extend) y Turning and bending (review/ y Catching (review/extend) extend)
extend) y Throwing and catching
(review/extend)

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 41 WEEK 42 WEEK 43 WEEK 44

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge Print knowledge
LANGUAGE/

y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend, y Understand, comprehend,

LITERACY

y Author study (Carle): writing

interpret book text and interpret book text and interpret book text and fiction books, creating
illustrations illustrations illustrations illustrations
Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Letter V y Review letters Z, Q, I, U, and V y Letter assessment

Number knowledge Number knowledge Geometric and spatial Geometric and spatial
y Numbers (review/extend) y Comparing quantities knowledge knowledge
MATHEMATICS

y Counting (review/extend) (review/extend) y Shapes (review/extend) y Shapes (review/extend)

See Physical/Health See Physical/Health Executive function

EMOTIONAL REGULATION

y Listening and remembering

SELF-

Concentrate
y Deep breathing
y Describing a hidden item

Relationship skills
y Asking to play (review/
SOCIAL-

extend)

Knowledge of physical Knowledge of physical Knowledge of physical

environments environments environments
STUDIES
SOCIAL

y Types of transportation: y Types of transportation: y Types of transportation:

buses, bicycles, tricycles, airplanes, helicopters, boats, walking and animals
motorcycles, trains ships

Skills that support creative Skills that support creative See Mathematics
EXPRESSION
CREATIVE

expression expression
y Telling stories y Using puppets

Knowledge of earth and Knowledge of earth and

SCIENCE

space space
y Recycling y Soil

Good health practices Good health practices Motor development Motor development
PHYSICAL/
HEALTH

y Where food comes from y Different kinds of healthy y Jumping and landing y Combinations of physical
(review/extend) foods (review/extend) (review/extend) movements (review/extend)
y Resting (review/extend) y Hopping and jumping
(review/extend)

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 45 WEEK 46 WEEK 47 WEEK 48

Oral language Oral language Oral language Oral language
LANGUAGE/

Print knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge y Word knowledge

LITERACY

y Author study (Cannon): y Understand and comprehend y Understand and comprehend y Understand and comprehend
writing fiction books, creating book text and illustrations book text and illustrations book text and illustrations
illustrations Letter knowledge Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Review of selected letters y Review of selected letters y Review of selected letters

Number knowledge Number knowledge Pattern knowledge Pattern knowledge

MATHEMATICS

y Number comparison words y 1-to-1 counting (review/ y Patterns (review/extend) y Patterns (review/extend)
(review/extend) extend)

Concentrate Concentrate Concentrate Concentrate

REGULATION

y Looking closely y Deep breathing y Deep breathing y Deep breathing

y Deep breathing y Yoga y Describing a hidden item y Yoga
SELF-

Executive function Executive function Executive function Executive function

y Watching and taking turns y Watching and taking turns y Listening and remembering y Listening and remembering

Relationship skills Relationship skills Emotion knowledge Emotion knowledge

EMOTIONAL

y Sharing (review/extend) y Solving a problem (review/ y Different emotions (review/ y Different emotions (review/
SOCIAL-

y Cooperating (review/extend) extend) extend) extend)

y Problem solutions (review/ y Managing feelings (review/ y Managing feelings (review/
extend) extend) extend)
STUDIES
SOCIAL

Knowledge of creative
EXPRESSION
CREATIVE

processes
Skills that support creative
expression
y Types of art

Knowledge of earth and Knowledge of living things Knowledge of living things

space Knowledge of earth and Knowledge of life cycles
y Rocks space
SCIENCE

Inquiry skills
Inquiry skills y Dinosaurs: characteristics, life
y Dinosaurs: characteristics, cycles, how scientists learn
fossils, how scientists learn about dinosaurs
about dinosaurs

Motor development Good health practices

PHYSICAL/
HEALTH

y Shifting weight (review/ y Vehicle safety (review/

extend) extend)
y Rolling our bodies (review/ y Bike safety (review/extend)
extend)

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 Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals 3–5 Years

WEEK 49 WEEK 50
Oral language Oral language
y Word knowledge y Word knowledge
LANGUAGE/
LITERACY

y Understand and comprehend y Understand and comprehend

book text and illustrations book text and illustrations
Letter knowledge Letter knowledge
y Review of selected letters y Review of selected letters

Number knowledge Number knowledge

MATHEMATICS

y Last number counted y Last number counted

(review/extend) (review/extend)
y Graphing (review/extend)

Concentrate Concentrate
REGULATION

y Deep breathing y Deep breathing

SELF-

Executive function y Yoga

y Watching and taking turns Executive function
y Watching and taking turns

Perspective-taking Relationship skills

EMOTIONAL

y Another person’s perspective y Being helpful (review/extend)

SOCIAL-

(review/extend) y Being friendly (review/

y Empathy (review/extend) extend)

See Creative Expression

STUDIES
SOCIAL

Knowledge of creative Knowledge of creative

processes processes
EXPRESSION
CREATIVE

Skills that support creative Skills that support creative

expression expression
y Art in different places y Wordless picture books
y Using art to tell a story
SCIENCE

Motor development Motor development

PHYSICAL/

y Obstacles (review/extend) y Kicking (review/extend)

HEALTH

y Galloping and skipping

(review/extend)

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

Effective use of ELM involves an efficient and The arrangements and procedures for using
predictable daily schedule, intentional use of activity ELM reflect established practices and standards
plans, learning experiences that are tailored to in early childhood programs, feedback from ELM
individual children, and collaborative connections pilot sites, and in-depth reviews by early childhood
with families. Guidelines for each of these important professionals and leading experts in early care and
aspects of ELM are offered below. ELM training education. The development of the ELM curriculum
resources are also described. is described in the Introduction to the ELM
Curriculum section of this Guide.

Planning a Daily Schedule

Guidelines The ELM curriculum offers four daily activity

plans of approximately 15 minutes each. Each plan
An early childhood classroom schedule typically
describes a small or large group session that includes
includes three types of time use:
active learning and scaffolding strategies. Devoting
y child-initiated activities such as center times about 15 minutes to a teacher-guided small or large
and outdoor play periods; group session is supported by literature on best
y teacher-guided activities that promote active practices in early care and education.1
learning in one-to-one and group settings; and
The four 15-minute teacher-guided sessions are
y routine activities such as meals/snacks, organized as follows:
transitions, rest periods, and personal care.
y Language/Literacy (5 days a week)
In high-quality classrooms, the daily schedule y Mathematics (5 days a week)
reflects a coordinated balance of child-initiated play
y Self-Regulation (1–2 days), Social-Emotional
and staff-guided learning activities. This approach is
(1–2 days), and Social Studies (2 days)
fully consistent with NAEYC’s position statement on
developmentally appropriate practices, as described
earlier in this Guide.

ELM Benchmarks for a Daily Schedule

1. A predictable daily schedule offers a coordinated balance of teacher-guided and child-initiated
activities.
2. The four ELM large/small group activities are interspersed across the day.
3. Each ELM large/small group activity is offered by itself and not combined with another organized
group activity.
4. Each of the four ELM large/small group activities is offered each day when all or most children are
present.
5. ELM’s language/literacy and mathematics learning activities are offered in the morning.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

y Science or Creative Expression (3 days a week, to learn, practice, and extend the skills promoted by
rotating across weeks) and Physical/Health (2 ELM and recommended by NAEYC.
days a week)
Some classrooms begin the morning with a
Offering approximately 60 minutes a day gathering time to welcome children with a song and
of teacher-guided activities (spread across four to talk about the day. Classroom leaders are urged
sessions) is generally consistent with national to not combine a gathering time with one of the
patterns in preschool schedules.2 In a typical eight- 15-minute sessions. One option in some programs is
hour classroom day that offers a total of about 60 to offer a brief gathering time prior to breakfast.
minutes in teacher-guided activities, there are about
Each of the curriculum’s activity plans suggests
240 minutes in child-initiated activities (spread
a center activity related to the topic being explored
across two center times and two outdoor play
in a group session. The suggested center activity can
periods) and a total of about 240–300 minutes of
be offered when other centers (sand/water, dramatic
routine activities (including 120 minutes of rest),
play, etc.) are available.
depending on child arrival and departure times.
In planning a daily schedule, it is valuable to
It is strongly recommended that classroom
remember that children function best in settings
leaders intersperse the four 15-minute sessions
that use a similar, predictable schedule and
across a day in the described order. The order is
environment for the day. Research indicates that
consistent with research on the relative impact of
positive classroom management and routines—
each area on school readiness. Language/literacy
including consistent expectations for behavior and
and mathematics skills are consistently strong
clear routines—are linked to increases in children’s
predictors of later outcomes that deserve focused
inhibitory control.3 Research on family child care
attention when children are “fresh” in the morning.
homes shows that planned activities and routines
Interspersing teacher-guided activities with plus positive caregiver attention to children are
child-initiated and routine activities helps ensure associated with children’s positive behavior.4
that children are not sitting for long periods of time
ELM contributes to the maintenance of a
(although many teacher-guided activities in the
predictable classroom day with large/group activity
ELM curriculum involve some physical movement).
plans that signal a clear end and with content that
Examples:
helps children understand routines and regulate
y offer 60 minutes of child-initiated play in centers their behaviors.
between Language/Literacy and Mathematics
sessions (15 minutes each) Planning Form
y the 15-minute session that offers Self-
ELM provides a one-page planning form for a
Regulation, Social-Emotional, or Social Studies
week that is entitled ELM Planning Form: Week of
content could occur after an afternoon snack
_____. A printable version of the form is located
and before outdoor play
in the collection of preschool forms. A sample of a
y the 15-minute session on Science, Creative completed form is located in the Appendix of this
Expression, or Physical/Health could occur after Guide. Week 8 activity plans are the focus of the
outdoor play sample form.
It is important for each of the four activity plans The planning form provides space for noting
to be offered when all or most children are present. area-specific Adaptations of ELM Activity Plans.
All children in a classroom deserve the opportunity There are columns for listing adaptations of large/

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

small group activities and related center activities. y Staff teamwork can contribute to smooth
The form also includes a space for noting Tailored transitions for children. Determine staff roles
Learning Supports for individual children. and responsibilities in advance of transitions,
including decisions about where staff members
The process for determining activity plan
will be located in the room and who will
adaptations for all children is described in the
monitor and help children who may need extra
Adaptations section of How to Use Activity Plans.
assistance with a transition.6
Procedures for determining tailored learning
supports for individuals or small groups of children y In addition to consistently providing a five-
are described in the Individualizing Children’s minute signal that center time or another
Learning Experiences section of this Guide. play period is coming to an end, provide an
individualized signal to children who may
Classrooms often provide centers that are not struggle with a transition and miss hearing the
part of a week’s ELM activity plans. There is space “it’s almost time to . . .” message to all children.
on the ELM Planning Form for recording plans for
y Make sure that all materials for the next activity
these centers (see Other Centers). There also are
are ready and waiting.
spaces for noting plans for Outdoor Experiences and
Connections with Families which may or may not y Use part of a favorite activity in a transition.
be directly related to ELM activities. Example: The Sleeping, Sleeping, All the Children
Are Sleeping game (Self-Regulation Week
Lastly, the ELM Planning Form offers a section 12, Day 1) could end with guidance on what
for noting reflections on the week. Especially helpful children are to do next.
are “next time” comments that can be considered
y Engage children in practicing and talking about
in future uses of an activity. The reflections section
a transition. Demonstrate how transitions work
may pertain to activities offered in the prior week
for children who join the classroom.7
or to the week in which the plans on the form are
implemented. The reflections in the Appendix y If a transition must include a waiting period,
sample of the form represent the prior week. such as waiting to go outside, remind children of
options for waiting patiently. See Self-Regulation
Completed copies of the ELM Planning Form: Week 6, Day 1.
Week of ____ should not be posted in a classroom
y Remember that not everyone needs to move to
because they contain confidential information about
the next activity at the same time. Placing staff
individual children.
members in strategic locations in the room can
enable children to leave center time or free play
Transitions
time individually or in small groups.
A typical day in an early childhood classroom y Invite a child who manages transitions well to
involves many transitions, including transitions to serve as a “transition mentor” to a child who
and from the four separate ELM learning activities finds transitions to be challenging.
offered daily. The NAEYC accreditation criteria call
y Consider inviting an experienced staff member
for classroom staff to plan for and support children’s
from another classroom to observe a transition
transitions in addition to providing a predictable
in your classroom and provide suggestions on
daily schedule.5 The following are some suggestions
how the process might be improved. It is difficult
for successfully facilitating children’s transitions
for staff in a room to see all that is going on and
from one activity to another.
an extra set of eyes may be informative.8

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

The Virtual Lab School (VLS) offers information Schedules and Routines) and in the course on
on transitions in the course on Preschool Learning Preschool Positive Guidance (Lesson 3: Promoting
Environments (Lesson 5: The Environment: Guidance).9

How to Use Activity Plans

Organization literacy activity plans focused on phonological

awareness begin by inviting children to identify (1)
ELM’s activity plans for classrooms serving
single sounds, (2) several sounds, and (3) a sequence
children 3–5 years of age are organized by days
of sounds (see Weeks 1–3 in the Sequence of Skills
within a week. The first page of each week’s set of
and Learning Goals chart in this Guide).
activity plans—called What Children Will Learn
This Week—provides a brief summary of content Effective use of ELM requires implementing
emphasized during the week. A slightly modified activity plans in the sequence they are offered.
version of this one-page document is also available New and more advanced skills build on simpler
for posting in a classroom (see Connecting with skills, as explained earlier in this Guide. The
Families section of this Guide). progression of ELM’s activity plans is intentional
and developmentally sound.
Day numbers are used on the activity plans to
provide some flexibility in when plans are used. The content sequence assumes the first week
A special classroom event on Day 3, for example, of ELM use occurs when older children leave a
might prompt an ELM Day 3 activity plan to be used mixed-age classroom for kindergarten and other
on Day 4 or combined with the Day 4 activity plan. children (often younger) enter a room. There is not a
fixed start date for ELM use, however.
ELM provides 50 weeks of 20 preschool-level
activity plans per week (a total of 1000 activity Some special topics are explored during weeks
plans). The content is developmentally sequenced, that typically would occur during summer months.
as described earlier in this Guide. Plans are also The topics include moving from one home or
sequenced with regard to introducing, reviewing, community to another, transportation, dinosaurs,
and extending foundation skills promoted by ELM. and how authors create books. The special topics
Planned activities gradually increase in level of are described briefly in this Guide in their respective
challenge and complexity. For example, language/ areas.

Benchmarks for Using ELM Activity Plans

1. Activity plans are used in the sequence in which they are offered in the ELM curriculum.
2. Materials needed for an activity are secured in advance of implementing the activity. Space is
arranged in advance of implementing the activity.
3. Adaptations of activity plans are made before and/or during use of an activity for the purpose of
engaging children in challenging and achievable learning related to the activity goal.
4. Staff members use their own words and style to implement a planned activity.
5. Implementation of an ELM activity plan maintains the goal and content of the plan.
6. Staff members look at, listen to, and appropriately respond to children to support their active
participation in an activity.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

Components to be used flexibly while maintaining a clear focus

on the activity’s learning goal.
The format and components of ELM activity
plans are designed to facilitate ease of use. The left Each activity plan offers scaffolding tips
side of the first page of each plan offers the following intended to help staff engage in the developmentally
basic information about an activity: the area appropriate practice of offering challenging and
and foundation skill(s) promoted by the activity; achievable experiences for children. There are two
the activity’s learning goal; the recommended types of scaffolding tips. Extra support strategies
configuration (large and/or small group); key offer children additional help, often by focusing on
concepts introduced or reviewed in the activity; specific parts of an activity. Enrichment tips offer
materials needed; whether the activity promotes ideas for adding challenge to an activity.
another content area; and often an optional book
Decisions about scaffolding tips often occur
that can be shared at a different time during the day
during the here-and-now use of an activity.
to extend children’s understanding of the topic.
Children may seem unclear about an idea or action
Each activity plan offers a model of high-quality introduced early in an activity, for example, and
implementation of the large/small group activity. an extra support tip may offer an appropriate staff
There are suggested phrases to use for engaging response. Scaffolding tips also may inform decisions
children in an activity and child-friendly definitions about how to adapt an activity plan prior to offering
of unfamiliar (novel) words and concepts. the activity, as discussed below.
Each large/small group activity is organized Activity plans include a suggested center
by action words such as Begin, Explain, Ask, Act. activity that seeks to extend the focus of the activity
The actions are connected to developmentally plan to children’s play experiences. The center
appropriate teaching practices discussed in the activity may be offered when other centers are
Introduction to the ELM Curriculum section of this available to children. Each activity plan also offers
Guide. a suggestion for using the activity in a family child
care setting. Many of the suggestions build on the
ELM’s large/small group activities end with a
multi-age character of family child care homes.
Recap that helps children review the activity. The
Recap also signals the end of the activity, which is an
Adaptations
important element of a predictable schedule that can
help children regulate their behaviors. In the ELM curriculum, classroom staff serve
as experts in adapting ELM’s activity plans. There
The model of high-quality implementation is not
is a range of abilities and interests among children
intended to be used as a script that is read aloud or
in any classroom, particularly in mixed-age
memorized. Consider the model as the talk captions
classrooms. Classroom staff members are in
of a video without the images. Staff who participated
excellent positions to determine how to adjust ELM
in the ELM pilot phase often prepared note cards
activities to support meaningful learning among
with key points they wanted to remember when
children in their classroom. The role of classroom
using an activity plan.
staff as experts in adapting planned learning
In an effective learning activity, staff use their activities is described in Introduction to the ELM
own words and remain fully connected to children Curriculum section of this Guide.
through eye contact and responsiveness to their
Classroom staff decide whether a planned
participation and comments. ELM activity plans are
activity needs to be adapted while using the activity.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

By watching children’s reactions and listening words twice is a good attempt to strengthen
carefully to their comments and questions, a children’s opportunities to be successful in
responsive staff member quickly knows whether an identifying compound words.
important element of activity information needs to y Draw on classroom staff understandings
be rephrased, repeated, broken into smaller parts, of children’s abilities or interests. There are
or expanded into a more challenging opportunity examples of this practice in the adaptations
for children to learn. The scaffolding tips described section of the sample ELM Planning Form in the
above are one way ELM seeks to support adaptations Appendix. Staff members’ understandings of
of learning activities. children’s interests led to a plan to begin a social
Classroom staff also may make adaptation studies activity with an invitation for children
decisions before an activity is offered. An adaptation to talk again about their grandparents. Staff
often applies to the content of all activity plans members’ informal understandings of children’s
offered for a week in a given area (example: color knowledge led to a plan to review purple
compound words in language/literacy). An and orange prior to playing a circle game that
adaptation of an ELM activity also might pertain to assumes children are familiar with purple and
support for the participation of specific children in orange.
an activity. y Review the scaffolding tips offered in pertinent
activity plans. Determine whether your use of
During the week represented in the ELM
one or more of the tips might help children
Planning Form sample included in the Appendix, the
in your classroom benefit from the learning
language/literacy activity plans promote children’s
activities of interest. In the ELM Planning
understanding of compound words. The staff
Form sample in the Appendix, the adaptation
member who prepared the sample form anticipates
for Social-Emotional activity plans reflects a
children would benefit from her pointing to and
scaffolding tip in the Week 8, Day 2 Social-
saying each component word twice (example:
Emotional activity plan, and the adaptation for
cup, cake; cup, cake) during the large/small group
Physical/Health activity plans is informed by a
activity. The staff member listed specific picture
scaffolding tip in the Week 8, Day 4 Physical/
cards (cupcake, raincoat, etc.) she anticipates would
Health activity plan.
be helpful to children during the center activity.
For the math large/small group activities, the staff Some activities may not need adaptations during
member intends to use small numeral cards to the planning stage. In the sample ELM Planning
help children during the week’s activity focus on Form in the Appendix, adaptations were not
counting small groups, forming equal groups, and identified in advance of offering four of the ELM
one-to-one counting. center activities. However, adaptations may have
been made during the activity.
How do classroom staff determine appropriate
adaptations of activity plans? Three major sources of
Guidelines
information are described below.
1. Be familiar with the “big picture” and the details
y Reflect on children’s responses to prior related
of the activity plan.
activities. For example, the staff member who
prepared the adaptations listed on the sample y Identify the foundation skill promoted by
Elm Planning Form in the Appendix may have the plan and review information on the
noticed puzzled looks on children’s faces when pertinent area to bolster your understanding
he/she said only once the two words that make of how the foundation skill is important to
up a compound word. Saying the component children’s growth and development.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

y Look at how the activity plan connects to large group might be better implemented
ELM’s sequence of attention to a foundation with a small group.
skill. Move backward and forward with y Identify natural stopping points in the
several weeks of activity plans in the activity, including a book sharing, that you
pertinent area to remind yourself of where can implement if time runs short. Determine
the curriculum has been and where the when during the current day you can return
curriculum is going to reinforce and further to the activity or book, if appropriate. Take
develop a specific foundation skill. note of parts of an activity plan that offer
y If the plan’s left-side box indicates the additional experiences (typically with the
activity also promotes another area, look phrase: “if child interest and time permit”).
closely at the plan to understand how it may y Determine if/when an optional book
help children develop skills in an additional suggested in an activity plan might be shared
area. and whether any parts of an optional book
y Decide whether the activity plan offers are especially important to emphasize.
a professional development opportunity y Secure all materials needed for the session,
for you to strengthen a particular skill in including the suggested center activity. Use
teaching and nurturing young children. substitute materials, if necessary.
y Read the model of high-quality use of the y Arrange space for optimal use of the plan.
plan, including scaffolding tips, and consider
3. Determine ways to adapt the activity plan.
making notes of aspects you want to be
certain to use. y Anticipate how children in your room
may react to the activity. Consider making
y Read any book that is central to the activity
adaptations that will improve children’s
several times. Sing any song that is part of an
opportunities to learn from the activity. See
activity several times. If you are not familiar
the previous section on Adaptations.
with the song, search for an online source
or ask a coworker familiar with the song to y Ensure that adaptations of the activity plan
teach it to you. directly support the activity’s goal and do not
encourage drift from the goal or confusion
y We discourage use of recorded music (such
for children.
as a compact disc) when an activity plan calls
for staff to sing. You can vary the pace of a y If the activity involves physical movement,
song in response to children’s participation such as children forming pairs or moving
and emphasize key words or phrases. A around the classroom, determine how best to
singer’s voice is often overpowered by the efficiently facilitate movement. Many activity
sounds of an accompanying instrument(s) in plans offer suggestions (sometimes in
a recorded song. Children tend to participate scaffolding tips) that you may wish to adapt.
more fully in response to live music, such as y Determine whether additional pictures or
your voice. props might be helpful to include.
2. Determine your basic approach to using the y If the activity involves a book, determine
activity plan. responsive ways to share the book with
y Decide whether an activity’s suggested children in your classroom. Examples:
configuration is likely to work with children  how to use your own words to describe
in your room. An activity plan suggested for book illustrations, including actions,

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

objects, and characters shown in an specific interests in the topic of the activity
illustration plan.
 ways to use your voice inflections and y Highlight parenting tips in this week’s
facial expressions to communicate Readiness Starts Early resource that are
interest in the book and a child(ren)’s especially important for specific families to
responses consider.
 ways to meaningfully involve a child(ren) y Identify and plan additional ways to help a
in the book sharing child or small group of children develop the
foundation skill by considering the follow-up
 sentences or passages that may need
learning suggestions offered in the pertinent
elaboration or paraphrasing
Guide for Observing and Individualizing.
 novel words to define Also explore suggestions of additional ways
y Help children connect the topic of the to promote the foundation skill described
activity plan to a recent or forthcoming event in the User Guide. See the Building on the
in your classroom, center, or community or Activity Plans section in descriptions of each
to children’s particular interests. area promoted by ELM.
y Plan how to transition children into the y Record reflections on the activity and follow-
activity and from the activity to the next up suggestions in your planning form for the
activity, keeping in mind that segments of week.
some activities may be incorporated into
a transition. See the previous section on Attendance Considerations
Transitions.
Periodically there are weeks of lower attendance
y During the activity, listen carefully to and/or partial weeks during the 52-week period
children’s comments and responses for that many early childhood programs operate. Also,
opportunities to build on children’s current toward the end of the day in some programs there
understandings and interests. is a pattern of combining into one room children
4. Reinforce and extend the activity plan. from two or more classrooms when enrollment
y Seize upon naturally occurring opportunities drops due to children leaving for the day. While
and transitions during the rest of the day these situations are not good times to introduce
or on following days to support children’s new skills, they offer opportunities to reinforce
understanding of the concepts or words and extend skills emphasized in previously-used
introduced during the activity. Talk ELM activity plans. Below are suggestions of how
spontaneously with individual or several to maximize the potential of ELM activity plans
children about some aspect of the activity. to promote meaningful learning among children
who participate in programs during low-attendance
y Make adjustments in the suggested center
periods.
activity based on (a) children’s participation
in the activity, and (b) your classroom staff ’s Children often want to repeat or continue an
availability to engage with children during activity for which there is limited time during a
part or all of the center activity. typical day. Ask children to identify their favorite
y Provide and draw attention to books, props, activities during the previous week (or earlier in the
and/or other materials related to children’s same week). Use their responses to select activity
plans that can be implemented again, perhaps with

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

use of a scaffolding tip that enriches the activity. In The longer response to this question is that
a combined classroom, children may wish to repeat younger children have qualitatively different
or continue an activity offered earlier in the day. experiences than older children in a mixed-age
Many counting activity plans in mathematics can be classroom. Younger children’s experiences are
repeated with different materials, for example. shaped in part by watching and interacting with
slightly more advanced peers. Children connect
In repeated activities, invite a volunteer
with curriculum content and play experiences
child(ren) to facilitate parts of the activity. For
at a level that is appropriate for their cognitive
example, a child may like to show other children
and social skills. Younger children are often the
how to match component cards in the center activity
intended recipients of the extra support scaffolding
focused on compound words in Language/Literacy
tips offered in ELM activity plans and guidance
Week 8, Day 2.
on involving younger children in more complex
Consider reading one or more of the books activities. In the language/literacy activities, for
suggested in the Optional Reading section of activity example, there are suggestions on how to help all
plans implemented recently. The books offer an children interpret what happens in a book (see
efficient way to deepen children’s understanding of Areas Promoted by ELM section on language/
topics of keen interest. literacy). Younger children are more likely to
participate in the review of larger units of sound
Revisit some of the charts made as part of ELM
than in content on smaller units of sound beginning
activities. With time, children may have thought of
in Week 24. In a second year of ELM, children may
or learned additional information or ideas to add
be ready for activities focused on smaller units of
to a chart. For example, children may like to add
sound.
information to the chart of things to do at home or
somewhere else (Social Studies Week 6, Day 4). A second year in a classroom based on ELM will
be a much different experience than the first year.
Each of the descriptions of the eight areas
Children in a second year are likely to get more out
promoted in ELM include a section entitled
of learning activities due to more mature cognitive
Building on Activity Plans. Within this section is
and social skills plus their familiarity with basic
information on more practices for promoting the
content. They are likely recipients of an activity
area’s foundation skills. Review these practices
plan’s scaffolding tips focused on enrichment and
as part of planning activities for low-attendance
“more practices to support” suggestions found in
periods. Low-attendance periods often are
the descriptions of each area promoted by ELM
good times for one-to-one work with children.
(see Areas Promoted by ELM section). Children
Approaches to tailoring children’s learning
in a second year are now the advanced peers for
experiences are described in the next section of this
younger children and potential informal leaders of a
Guide.
classroom’s community.
Children Who Participate for More than a Year The above response to the “will children
become bored” question assumes classroom staff
Children who enter a mixed-age preschool-age
intentionally and consistently accommodate a full
classroom at the age of three years are likely to
range of children’s abilities and interests. ELM’s
continue in the classroom for one or maybe two
activity plans and other resources support this
more years. ELM provides sequenced activities
approach. Mixed-age classrooms fall short of their
for one year. Will children become bored in the
mission when they are geared primarily to one of
classroom after one year of participation in ELM
the ages represented in the classroom.
activities? The short answer is “no.”

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

Quality of Implementation ELM directly addresses five of 10 NAEYC

program standards (relationships, curriculum,
The success of any curriculum depends in part
teaching, assessment of child progress, families).
on the quality of its implementation.10 Activity plans
The remaining five standards are equally important
and other written resources require careful and
(health; staff competencies, preparation, and
thoughtful use. Using an ELM activity plan to its full
support; community relationships; physical
potential requires attention to the plan’s details from
environment; leadership and management). They
the perspective of children.
directly and indirectly contribute to children’s
For example, ELM activities often include both daily experiences, including the quality of learning
close-ended and open-ended questions. Both types activities included in a curriculum. ELM can
of questions are beneficial to children’s learning, flourish when these standards are solidly in place.
especially when they are paired in a sequence11
For example, a classroom’s physical arrangement
as illustrated in the Introduction to the ELM
sets the stage for children’s social and cognitive
Curriculum section (see Example of Intentionality
engagements with materials, peers, and adults.
in Developmentally Appropriate Teaching).
The physical arrangement also facilitates efficient
A question only works when it is followed by a routines and transitions that maximize learning
pause of sufficient length that invites a response and time.12 Research suggests that the spatial layout of
signals to children that the question is authentic. It a classroom,13 and the placement and contents of
is not a directive in disguise. Questions are teaching learning centers,14 are important contributors to the
tools. A teacher who asks and then quickly answers quality of children’s learning, including play.
his/her own question misses a valuable opportunity
Positive and supportive relationships between
to engage learners in thinking about the topic at
staff and children are another example of how a
hand.
classroom’s quality impacts use of a curriculum.
Attending to the implementation details of a Research with preschool-age children shows that
curriculum requires a strong support system. A higher levels of positive staff-child interaction and
teacher may quickly answer his/her own question classroom emotional support are linked to children’s
(or skip the question) when distracted by other social competence,15 and to declines in children’s
issues in a classroom or center. A curriculum is not cortisol and alpha-amylase levels, two major
implemented in a vacuum. Other dimensions of a indicators of activity in the stress response system.16
classroom’s quality impact the effectiveness of any
curriculum.

Individualizing Children’s Learning Experiences

The idea of “meeting children where they are” skill.17 An “achievable stretch” for one child may be
is central to excellence in early care and education. a frustrating and confusing experience for another
This perspective is clearly articulated in the NAEYC child.
position statement on developmentally appropriate
Responsiveness to differences among children
practice. The statement reminds us that learning
occurs at two levels in ELM. One level is the
and development are optimally promoted when new
adaptation of large/small group learning activities.
experiences build on what a child already knows
Ways to adapt ELM activities before and during the
and is able to do, and when learning experiences
use of a large/small group activity are described in
promote an achievable stretch for developing a new

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

the How to Use Activity Plans section of this Guide. expected to conduct ongoing formal and informal
A second level of responsiveness happens with assessments that help staff provide appropriately
individual children primarily in one-to-one and challenging activities and tailored learning
small group arrangements. experiences.19
The process of individualizing children’s learning
Assessments
experiences begins with information about a child
secured through developmentally appropriate ELM offers assessments of children’s progress
assessments and focused observations. Thoughtful in developing literacy and math skills that research
review of this information by classroom staff leads indicates are strong predictors of longer-term
to the development of follow-up learning plans that positive outcomes, including school readiness. The
are implemented individually or in small groups of skills are to be assessed after children have been
children. A child’s experiences with a follow-up plan introduced to and had multiple opportunities to
inform the development of future plans. practice the skill through ELM activity plans. See
the Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals chart in
ELM offers tools for conducting focused
this Guide.
observations and assessments of children’s progress
in acquiring foundation skills promoted by the Assessments are available for six literacy skills:
curriculum. Observations are well suited for compound words (Week 11); syllables (Week 16);
securing information on skills that are exhibited initial sounds of familiar words (Week 23); blending
spontaneously. Examples include relationship skills the sounds of one-syllable words (body-coda and
and self-control of behaviors. Assessments are an onset-rime in Week 30); and letter knowledge (Week
efficient way to learn about skills that would be 43).
difficult to observe in spontaneous play. Examples
The blending sounds assessment (Week 30) is
are number knowledge and letter knowledge.
designed for children who are ready to learn this
The NAEYC position statement on advanced skill and have productively participated
developmentally appropriate practice emphasizes in activities focused on blending sounds offered in
the value of assessing children’s development Weeks 24–30. This assessment should not be used
and learning for the purposes of planning, with children who struggle with blending sounds.
implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness
Three math assessments are offered, each
of classroom experiences.18 Assessment of child
focused on counting skills: one-to-one counting and
progress is the fourth standard in the NAEYC
understanding the last number counted indicates
accreditation criteria. Early childhood programs are
how many (Week 13); recognizing and naming

ELM Benchmarks for Individualizing Children’s Learning Experiences

1. Focused observations and/or assessments are conducted approximately every four weeks for
each child.
2. A child’s follow-up learning plan directly pertains to the content focus of observations or
assessment.
3. Follow-up learning plans provide precise information on how a child is to be supported.
4. Children’s follow-up learning plans are implemented as intended in small groupings of children
or one-to-one settings.
5. A child’s follow-up plan is phased out, extended, or revised in response to a child’s progress.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

numerals (Week 22); and understanding the concept Yet). Staff members are to decide which strategy or
of “one more” (Week 27). strategies are appropriate for a child based on the
assessment results and other informal knowledge of
The assessments are brief and supportive of a
the child’s skill understanding. The follow-up plans
child’s active participation. Each assessment begins
may be implemented with small groups of children
with a practice or demonstration of a familiar task
or in a one-to-one setting. We suggest reassessing
(example: count out two circles). Most assessments
children who received a Not Yet designation after
are one-to-one, conducted at a table in an area of the
they have been reintroduced to activities focused on
room with few or no distractions. Two of the literacy
the skill.
assessments are done in small groups of children.
We suggest assessing 4–5 children each day of an Each assessment plan provides examples of
assessment week. Procedures for each assessment descriptive entries for a child’s portfolio based on
are located in the set of activity plans for the week in the child’s performance. The portfolio examples
which an assessment is scheduled. briefly describe assessment results and follow-up
support.
Children generally enjoy and look forward to
the attention of a staff member in a one-to-one In the language/literacy area, results of the Week
assessment. There may be instances where a 23 assessment of a child’s skill in identifying initial
child seems uncomfortable participating in an sounds of familiar words offer an important decision
individual assessment. If this occurs, promptly and point. In general, children who find it especially
supportively bring the session to a close. You may challenging to identify initial sounds (a Not Yet
wish to try an individualized assessment again soon, assessment designation) may not be ready to engage
especially if situational factors seemed to influence in the sound blending activities that begin in Week
the child’s reaction to the assessment. Alternatively, 24. The Week 23 assessment plan describes ways to
observation procedures are available in ELM for support and move forward with children with a Not
securing information on all but one of the math Yet designation.
and literacy skills that are the focus of assessments
(there is not an observation procedure for letter Observations
knowledge). See the next section on Observations.
ELM offers guidance for conducting focused
Evaluation of a child’s assessment performance observations of a child’s progress in acquiring
leads to one of three designations: Got It, Getting It, foundation skills promoted by ELM. The guidance
or Not Yet. Straightforward criteria for determining is described in a Guide for Observing and
a designation are set forth in each assessment Individualizing. There are 24 guides, each specific
procedure. ELM provides printable forms for to a foundation skill promoted by ELM.20 In the
recording each child’s assessment performance. Appendix is a sample of a guide focused on a child’s
The recording forms are located in the collection of ability to concentrate, a foundation skill related to
preschool forms. self-regulation. The guides are available as printable
documents in the collection of observation guides.
Each assessment procedure offers two types of
follow-up learning supports: strategies that reinforce Each guide lists behaviors to observe. The
a child’s emerging understanding of the skill and behaviors represent dimensions of a foundation
strategies that reintroduce the skill. The reinforce skill. Staff select a behavior to observe. For example,
activities are designed for children with a Got It or staff who wish to observe a child’s concentration
Getting It designation. The reintroduce activities are skills may focus on a child’s ability to (1) concentrate
for children who do not demonstrate the skill (Not on an experience, such as a puzzle activity, (2)

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

concentrate on self, such as using deep breathing Succinct entries are appropriate. There are examples
to calm down, or (3) concentrate on others, such as of observation entries in the sample Guide for
listening to what someone is saying. Observation Observing and Individualizing in the Appendix.
opportunities are suggested for each behavior. The
The observations are to be reviewed by
opportunities generally involve different settings,
classroom staff for purposes of determining a
including an ELM learning activity, center time, free
follow-up plan that supports continued development
play, cleanup, rest time, and meal and snack times
of the observed skill. Each child’s follow-up plan is
where appropriate.
to be recorded on the child’s ELM Snapshot of Child
Experts recommend conducting more than Progress: 3–5 Years form. This form is described
one focused observation of a child’s progress in below in the section on Implementing Follow-Up
developing a specific foundation skill.21 A child’s Plans.
behaviors in one setting, or on one day, may not
Each Guide for Observing and Individualizing
be an accurate indicator of a child’s mastery of a
suggests some options for follow-up support.
skill. We suggest conducting at least two focused
Similar to the assessment procedures, the follow-up
observations of the same skill, preferably on
suggestions offer ways to reinforce an emerging
different days and/or in different settings (example:
skill and ways to reintroduce activities that support
observe a child’s skill in paying attention during
development of the target skill. See examples in
an ELM activity and during free play). Additional
the Guide for Observing and Individualizing in the
observations may be needed if two observations
Appendix. One guide in each of the eight areas
do not provide a reasonably consistent pattern of
promoted by ELM offers examples of portfolio
information about a child’s progress in developing
entries that vary by child skill level.
the skill of interest.
The observation guides for language/literacy
The observations are to be recorded on a form
and math skills include attention to skills for which
or card provided by your center or organization.
ELM provides assessments. With the exception of

Examples of Using Observations to Develop Follow-up Learning Plans

There are examples of observations and follow-up plans for two children—Quentin and Sarah—in
the Appendix sample of a Guide for Observing and Individualizing.
In the Appendix examples, note that a classroom staff member prepared a short summary of two
observations of Quentin’s concentration skill and wrote a simple follow-up plan designed to reinforce
his ability to concentrate. The observations suggest that Quentin has strengths in concentration. For
example, in one observation he ignored a potential distraction from his clean-up activities when another
child ran by laughing. The follow-up plan builds on Quentin’s interest in problem-solving games and
fine motor activities by encouraging him to engage in slightly more challenging activities that involve
concentration and to talk about his thoughts and actions during the activities.
The observations of and follow-up plan for Sarah in the Appendix examples focus on her
concentration skills in preparing for a rest. The observation entries indicate that Sarah has a consistent
rest preparation routine that includes deep breathing introduced in ELM self-regulation activities. It
appears that deep breathing could work better in her attempts to calm down for rest time. The follow-up
plan developed by a classroom staff member focuses on helping Sarah improve the way she does deep
breathing at rest time.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

letter knowledge (assessed in Week 43), there are Frequency

opportunities to systematically observe a child’s
We recommend conducting an assessment and/
progress in developing phonological awareness and
or focused observation with each child every four
counting skills with the aid of a Guide for Observing
weeks. In a preschool classroom of 24 children,
and Individualizing. Use of these observations is at
for example, six children would be assessed and/
the discretion of classroom staff. The availability
or systematically observed each week. Flexible
of both assessment and observation tools for these
adherence to an every-fourth-week pattern of
language/literacy and math skills enables classroom
observing or assessing is necessary because
staff to consider information from different
assessments of various skills need to occur in the
sources for determining follow-up supports. Also,
weeks specified in the activity plans.
observation may be a better option for securing
skill development information for children who Classroom staff may have insufficient time to
find it difficult to participate in an individualized conduct focused observations of individual children
assessment, as described earlier in the Assessment during a week in which individualized assessments
section. are conducted. However, focused observations may
be done during the weeks of the first two literacy
assessments (Weeks 11 and 16) because these
assessments occur in small groups.

What Skills Should Be Observed?

Classroom staff need to make decisions about specific skills to systematically observe for each child.
We suggest these priorities:
1. Observe skills that are strongly linked to school readiness and later positive outcomes, the goal of
ELM. These include (but are not limited to) self-regulation skills in self-control, executive function,
and concentration; social-emotional skills in emotion knowledge and peer relationships; and physical
development skills related to motor development. Language/literacy and math skills, which are
especially strong predictors of later school success, are the focus of various assessments described
above. Supplementing the assessments with observations of these skills is optional, as described
earlier.
2. Observe skills for which you or family members have particular interest or concern regarding the
child. A child may have difficulty sharing and taking turns, for example. Focused observations of
these skills can provide insights into appropriate supports in this area. Skills of interest or concern to
you and/or family members might pertain to one or more of the skills suggested as a first priority for
observation.
3. Observe skills directly related to a child’s interests. For example, topics related to science or creative
expression might be of keen interest to a child. Focused observations of pertinent skills can help staff
develop targeted opportunities for a child to deepen or expand special interests.
Observations of a specific skill should occur after a child has been introduced to the skill and had
multiple opportunities to practice or use the skill. The ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years form
indicates the week in which ELM activities begin giving attention to each foundation skill. See also the
Sequence of Skills and Learning Goals chart in this Guide.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

Implementing Follow-up Plans It is important for follow-up plans to be precisely

written so classroom staff can implement a plan with
Follow-up plans may be implemented in a
a child who was observed or assessed by a different
one-to-one arrangement and/or with a small
staff member. It is also important for a plan to
grouping of children who would benefit from the
specify the intended frequency of using a follow-up
same type of follow-up support. Each configuration
plan.
is described below.
Child responses to a follow-up plan should be
Focused observations typically result in a
consistently monitored. Sometimes it is appropriate
one-to-one follow-up plan. For example, an
to continue provision of follow-up support beyond
observation of a child’s understanding of basic
the week it is initially offered. If a child readily
shapes may indicate that the child has difficulty
demonstrates solid progress in developing the
identifying shapes in an environment other than
targeted skill, consider taking a one-day break from
a planned activity in which specific shapes are
the plan to see if the skill continues to move in the
presented by a staff member. The follow-up plan is
desired direction. Phase out use of the follow-up
to encourage the child to look for and say the names
plan if the child continues to show positive
of shapes in the classroom or outside, and to use a
development of the skill of interest. Another option
set of shape cutouts as supports for finding basic
is to revise the follow-up plan. It may be beneficial
shapes as needed. Other children may see the child
to adjust a plan by slightly increasing its challenge.
engaged in this activity and want to join the process.
In this situation, the follow-up plan involves a small If a child shows no or limited progress with a
grouping of children. The involvement of peers may targeted skill, one or more of the following options
be helpful to all involved, including the target child. may be pursued:
It’s important that the child for whom the follow-up y Consider revising the follow-up plan. Is it
plan was originally developed remain centrally sufficiently focused or might attention to
involved in the hunt for shapes. a different component of the skill be more
Assessments may result in follow-up plans that productive to pursue?
can be implemented in one-to-one or small group y Consider whether a related, simpler skill
arrangements. Similar to the situation described may be more appropriate to promote. For
above, a follow-up plan designed for a specific child example, a child who is struggling with syllable
may attract the interest of other children. A plan identification may benefit from a review of
intended for one-to-one implementation may evolve components of compound words.
into a small group activity. y Gather more information through additional
A more common pattern is that assessment observation and/or assessment. If the skill is
results identify a set of children who need the a focus of one of the assessments, learn more
same type of follow-up support. An assessment by also conducting observations of the skill
of children’s understanding that the last number with the pertinent Guide for Observing and
counted tells the number of items in a collection of Individualizing.
the items (assessed in Week 13), for example, may y Involve classroom staff who are familiar with
identify six children who need to be introduced the child in decisions about follow-up plans.
to this skill. It would be efficient to provide this Tapping multiple perspectives on child’s skills
follow-up support to a small grouping of the can be informative.
targeted children.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

y Secure the expertise of a specialist. likely a follow-up plan will be entered on the ELM
Developmental issues may be involved in a Planning Form about a week after the assessments
child’s progress. Challenges in identifying or observations were conducted, depending on the
rhyming words may signal a hearing limitation, timeline for leadership review of a classroom’s plans
for example. for a week. As noted above, it may be appropriate
to continue one or more child’s follow-up supports
A follow-up plan is entered on two forms: the
for an additional week or longer. The form provides
child’s ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years
more spaces (eight) than number of children to
and the classroom’s ELM Planning Form for a week
be assessed or observed during a week (six) to
(in the Tailored Learning Supports section). The two
accommodate this possibility.
forms serve different purposes.
The samples of the ELM Snapshot of Child
The ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years
Progress: 3–5 Years form and ELM Planning Form
form is a summary of assessments and observations
for a week, located in the Appendix, show follow-up
conducted on a specific child during a year or a
plans for Quentin (also represented as Q.T.), whose
period of time determined by classroom staff. The
observed concentration skill is the basis of sample
Snapshot form provides classroom staff with an
observations and follow-up plan in the Guide for
efficient reminder of individualized work with a
Observing and Individualizing form in the Appendix.
child. The form is appropriate for sharing with
Note the Snapshot form entry of the follow-up plan
families during conferences and other confidential
to support development of Quentin’s concentration
exchanges (see Connecting with Families section).
skill (self-regulation), based on observations
Additional copies of the form will be needed
conducted October 2 and 3, is also an entry on the
for recording results of reassessments and/or
ELM Planning Form.
observations of a skill that was previously observed.
Below is example of an entry for the ELM
Entering follow-up supports for specific
Planning Form (Tailored Learning Supports section)
children on the ELM Planning Form moves the
regarding use of a follow-up plan with a small group
individualized work to an implementation plan.
of children (listed with initials) who did not show
The form provides spaces for individualized work
an understanding of the last number counted in the
with up to eight children for a given week. Most
Week 11 assessment of this skill.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

Connecting with Families

ELM offers four curriculum-based resources involves parent/caregiver and child looking together
to help classroom staff develop and maintain into a large mirror and talking about physical
reciprocal relationships with families. The resources characteristics that are similar and different. The
include family learning activity suggestions, weekly activity links to a Week 1 Social Studies emphasis on
summaries of the classroom’s learning focus, understanding that each person is unique.
examples of written portfolio descriptions of a
The one-page document may be sent to and
child’s progress, and a summary of a child’s observed
easily viewed on smart phones. Hard copies of the
and assessed progress. In addition, some ELM
document also may be prepared and distributed to
activity plans include opportunities for parents/
families. There is space for a staff member to add a
caregivers to contribute to children’s classroom
personalized or general note to a hard copy.
experiences. In Week 9, for example, Social
Studies activity plans are based on families sharing Parent/caregivers are likely to be selective in
information about their traditions and cultures. what activities they pursue with their child based
on the child’s interests and/or parent goals for
ELM fully embraces the NAEYC
their child. Some families may ignore the resource
developmentally appropriate practice position
or look at it infrequently. In general, however,
statement regarding the value of classroom staff and
recent research conducted with large, nationally
families sharing with each other their knowledge of
representative samples indicates that parents of
the child and understandings of child development
preschool-age children are more engaged in learning
and learning.22 The resources also reflect the NAEYC
activities with their children than parents a decade
accreditation standard that calls for programs to
ago.25
establish and maintain collaborative relationships
with each child’s family to foster children’s
What Children Will Learn this Week
development in all settings (standard 7).23
ELM provides a brief summary of foundation
The Virtual Laboratory School (VLS) preschool
skills and activities emphasized each week in the
course on Family Engagement offers information
curriculum. The summary is a one-page document
on family contributions to children’s development
intended for posting in a classroom. The title of
(Lesson 1), honoring diversity among families
the summary—What Children Will Learn this
(Lesson 1), ways to promote family participation
Week—conveys an outcomes focus related to school
in a classroom (Lesson 2), information to gather
readiness and life skills. The summary may trigger
from and share with families (Lesson 3), families of
parent/caregiver questions that hopefully lead
children with special needs (Lesson 4), and risks and
to curriculum-based discussions about a child’s
protective factors in families (Lesson 5).24
learning in both family and classroom settings.
Readiness Starts Early
Tools for Communicating about Child-Specific
ELM provides a weekly set of brief parenting tips Progress
in a handout known as Readiness Starts Early. The
As noted earlier, there are examples of portfolio
tips correspond to ELM activity plans scheduled for
entries for sharing specific information about a
the same week. The intent is to provide families with
child’s progress in each of the eight areas promoted
an opportunity to reinforce and extend children’s
by ELM. The examples are offered in each of the
current learning experiences in the classroom.
language/literacy and math assessment procedures
For example, a suggested family activity in Week 1
and in eight versions of the Guide for Observing

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

and Individualizing.26 These resources are described serve as a useful springboard for conversations
in the Assessment and Observation sections of about specific areas of development and learning.
Individualizing Children’s Learning Experiences Talking about how classroom and family can
in this User Guide. Also, many ELM activity plans collaboratively support particular aspects of a child’s
lead to work that may be used as artifacts in a child’s growth and development is a meaningful way to
portfolio. Examples include drawings in a science act on the program-family partnership concept
journal and writing attempts in a letter journal. emphasized in NAEYC developmentally appropriate
practices. Discussions guided in part by the ELM
In addition, the ELM Snapshot of Child
Snapshot form also may lead to information about
Progress: 3–5 Years form is appropriate for sharing
parent/caregiver priorities or concerns that can be
with families during parent-staff conferences, as
included in decisions about skills to systematically
described previously in this Guide. The form can
observe. See the section on Observations.

Training Resources

Basic Training Plan: Five Key Steps through several plans to see how the
1. Understand essential information in the ELM components work together.
User Guide, including the following: y Consider how an activity plan’s goal (listed
y ELM’s research-based approach to in upper left area of first page) is promoted
promoting school readiness and life success; in the plan.
y the importance and sequence of foundation y Imagine how the plan might work with
skills promoted by ELM; and different children you know. How might
you adapt the activity plan? See Adaptations
y how ELM reflects developmentally
section of How to Use Activity Plans.
appropriate practice and supports NAEYC
accreditation. y Become familiar with the ELM Planning
Form: Week of ______.
2. Plan your classroom’s daily schedule.
4. Understand options for tailoring children’s
y Review the guidelines in the Planning a
learning experiences.
Daily Schedule section of this Guide.
y Review the Individualizing Children’s
y Make adjustments in the existing daily
Learning Experiences section in this Guide.
schedule, if needed.
y Become familiar with how assessments and
y Center-level decisions about staff schedules
focused observations are used to develop
and classroom age groupings may be needed
follow-up learning plans.
for effective use of ELM.
y Consider how follow-up plans could be used
3. Become familiar with components and effective
with children you know.
use of activity plans.
y Become familiar with the Snapshot of Child
y Review all information in the How to Use
Progress: 3–5 Years form.
Activity Plans section of this Guide.
5. Consider ways ELM can help strengthen existing
y Look closely at each component of an
partnerships with families.
activity plan and carefully read or talk
y Identify ways to introduce ELM to families.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

y Determine a dissemination plan for the plan adaptations and tailored learning experiences
weekly Readiness Starts Early and What for children (Lesson 2); and approaches to
Children Will Learn This Week resources. coaching classroom staff on effective use of ELM,
y Brainstorm strategies for using the Readiness including feedback on activity plan use based on an
Starts Early resource to foster collaborations observation checklist described below (Lesson 3).
with families that support each child’s
learning and development. ELM Activity Observation Checklist
y Determine how to incorporate staff-recorded A checklist of items for observing classroom
information on planning forms (such as the staff use of an ELM activity plan is available. The
Snapshot of Child Progress) into parent-staff checklist is designed for observing an ELM large/
conferences. small group activity during its typical time. The
checklist also offers items for observing staff
ELM Online Trainings actions during a period of child-initiated activities.
The checklist may be used by classroom staff for
Six trainings are available through the ELM
deepening their understanding of best practices in
portal at the Virtual Laboratory School (www.
implementing an ELM activity plan.
virtuallabschool.org). Three trainings are for trainers
of direct care staff and three trainings are for direct The checklist’s 16 items focus on planning and
care staff. The content of each training pertains to preparation, staff actions during the large/small
the full age span (birth through five years) of the group activity, and staff support of child-initiated
ELM curriculum. activities. The form offers space for observation
notes. There are four response options for each item:
The online trainings supplement and enhance
information available in the two User Guides for y N/A: not applicable. Example: You did not
ELM: Birth–36 months and 3–5 years. The trainings observe a center time.
offer additional examples of curriculum use and y No: no evidence of the checklist item during the
suggestions of how to strengthen understanding period of your observation. Example: The staff
of ELM. The online trainings are not an alternative member did not attempt to connect the content
way to become familiar with essential information of the activity to children’s experiences and/or
included in a User Guide. current understandings.
The trainings for direct care staff give attention y Partial: some but not all aspects of the item were
to successful use of ELM, including developmentally observed. Example: During your observation of
appropriate teaching strategies (Lesson 1); ways child-initiated activities, a staff member actively
to make the most of activity plans, including monitored children’s efforts and asked questions
adaptations designed to engage all children in a or offered suggestions for approximately one-
learning activity (Lesson 2); and approaches to half of the time and talked with another staff
effectively supporting differences in children’s member for the remaining period of your
development and learning (Lesson 3). observation.
y Yes: the staff actions or classroom arrangements
The online trainings for trainers of direct care
described in the item were fully present.
staff offer suggestions of how to introduce ELM
to direct care staff by expanding on the five key Prior to an observation, the trainer (observer)
steps described above (Lesson 1); ways to support should (a) become familiar with the ELM activity
classroom staff in making decisions about activity plan that is the focus of the observation, and

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

(b) review notes from prior observations to be appropriate during the early months of ELM
identify actions that may have been targeted for use and/or if staff seem to have challenges in using
improvement or strengthening. It is beneficial to the activity plans. We recommend observing
monitor and provide feedback on staff progress in activity plans in different areas. Example: Observe
supporting children’s learning. a language/literacy activity in the first month and
a math activity in a second month. Staff skills in
We recommended using the checklist to
implementing activity plans may differ across
observe staff use of a ELM activity plan at least
content areas promoted by ELM.
once a month. More frequent observations may

Example of an Activity Observation and Coaching Session with Staff Member

The sample of a completed ELM Activity Observation Checklist in the Appendix reports a trainer’s
observation of a math activity (Week 7, Day 2) and a center time that followed the math activity.
The observation form indicates the staff member was prepared for the activity and seemed familiar
with the book shared during the activity. The trainer observed considerable drift from the activity goal.
Children described their breakfast food and the staff member extended this discussion with questions
about healthy food. The activity’s intended focus on one-to-one counting was overshadowed by attention
to foods. There was a clever transition from the activity. The staff member appropriately engaged children
for about one-half of the observed center time.
A coaching session was held with the classroom staff member two days after the observation. The
trainer gave the staff member a completed copy of the observation form and shared highlights of what
was observed, including good preparation for the activity (including the book), the transition, and
staff support of children during the first segment of center time. The trainer described how the activity
focused more on healthy foods than on one-to-one counting. The trainer noted that in a previous activity
observation (a science topic, conducted about a month ago) the staff member kept focused on the goal
and plan.
The staff member explained that healthy food is important to discuss and she is not comfortable with
math. She felt okay while reading the book but was nervous talking about math after finishing the book.
The staff member explained that she stayed with the science topic during the last observation because she
likes science. She indicated that she understands math is important and feels bad about not doing a good
job with the activity. The staff member explained that she disengaged from the last segment of center
time because another staff member wanted to talk about the next day’s schedule.
During the coaching session the trainer and staff member made a list of positive teaching practices
the staff member is to continue. They talked about how children benefit from these practices. The trainer
suggested the staff member become more familiar with math by rereading the math section of the User
Guide and doing some of the activities suggested in Strengthening Your Understanding of Mathematics.
The staff member mentioned ways she could remind herself to stay on topic. One of her ideas is to
remember that topics of interest to her (such as healthy foods) are or can be introduced another time.
The staff member and trainer agreed that talking with other staff about a schedule should not occur
during times staff are to be interacting with children. The next time another staff member wants to
interrupt classroom time for a non-essential topic, the staff member is going to ask for the discussion to
happen when she is not with children.

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 Effective Use of ELM 3–5 Years

A structured discussion with the classroom staff examples of how he/she could have connected
member(s) about the observation should occur the content of the observed activity to children’s
promptly. We recommend the discussion include the experiences. The staff member (again, perhaps
following elements: with the help of the trainer) describes steps
y The trainer (observer) objectively shares to take to ensure future uses of activity plans
observation information by showing the include an effort to help children connect the
completed form and describing observed staff activity content to recent experiences or current
actions that contributed to the selected response understandings.
option (NA, No, Partial, Yes). The trainer also y The trainer and staff member review observed
shares observations about staff progress in staff actions that are important to continue in
supporting children’s learning by comparing future uses of activity plans.
actions observed in the most recent observations y The trainer and staff member discuss benefits of
to staff actions previously observed. desired staff practices for children’s learning and
y The staff member offers his/her perspective development.
on the observed actions, including reasons for
Steps to improve or strengthen use of an activity
various actions taken or not taken.
plan may involve revisiting procedures and guidance
y The trainer and staff member identify aspects offered in this Guide or examples offered in an
of the activity plan use that can be improved online training. A staff member may benefit from
or strengthened, and jointly agree on steps reviewing information on how to adapt activity
to take toward the desired improvement or plans or facilitate transitions to a group activity, for
strengthening. Example: A staff member example.
(perhaps with the help of the trainer) offers

Endnotes
1 Virtual Lab School (n.d.) The environment: Schedules & routines. Retrieved from https://www.virtuallabschool.org/preschool/
learning-environments/lesson-5?module=3601
2 Chien, N.C., Howes, C., Burchinal, M., Pianta, R. C., Ritchie, S., Bryant, D. M., … Barbarin, O. A. (2010). Children’s classroom
engagement and school readiness gains in prekindergarten. Child Development, 81, 1534–1549.; see also: Early, D. M., Iruka,
I. U., Ritchie, S., Barbarin, O. A., Winn, D-M. C., Crawford, G. M., …Pianta, R. C. (2010). How do pre-kindergarteners spend
their time? Gender, ethnicity, and income as predictors of experiences in pre-kindergarten classrooms. Early Childhood
Research Quarterly, 25, 177–193.
3 Hamre, B., Hatfield, B., Pianta, R., & Jamil, F. (2014). Evidence for general and domain-specific elements of teacher-child
interactions: Associations with preschool children’s development. Child Development, 85, 1257–1274.
4 Rusby, J. C., Jones, L. B., Crowley, R., & Smolkowski, K. (2013). The child care ecology inventory: A domain-specific measure
of home-based child care quality to promote social competence for school readiness. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 28,
947–959.
5 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2018). NAEYC early learning program accreditation standards
and assessment items. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/
downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_and_assessment_web.pdf
6 Hemmeter, M. L., Ostrosky, M. M., Artman, K. M., & Kinder, K. A. (2008). Moving right along... planning transitions to
prevent challenging behavior. Young Children, 63, 18–25.
7 Hemmeter et al. (2008).
8 Hemmeter et al. (2008).
9 www.virtuallabschool.org
10 Halle, T. G., Metz, A. J., & Martinez-Beck, I. (Eds.). (2013). Applying implementation science in early childhood programs and
systems. Baltimore, MD: Brookes.

111 Copyright 2018 The Trustees of Purdue University

All Rights Reserved
11 Blewitt, P., Rump, K. M., Shealy, S. E., & Cook, S. A. (2009). Shared book reading: When and how questions affect young
children’s word learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 101, 294–304.
12 Reutzel, D. R., & Jones, C. D. (2013). Designing and managing effective early childhood classroom environments. In D. R.
Reutzel (Ed.), Handbook of research-based practice in early education (pp. 81–99). New York: Guilford.
13 Roskos, K., & Neuman, S. B. (2011). The classroom environment. The Reading Teacher, 64, 110–114.
14 Morrow, L. M., Berkule, S. B., Mendelsohn, A. L., Healey, K. M., & Cates, C. B. (2013). Learning through play. In D. R. Reutzel
(Ed.), Handbook of research-based practice in early education (pp. 100–118). New York: Guilford.
15 Bulotsky-Shearer, R. J., Wen, X., Faria, A.-M., Hahs-Vaughn, D. L., & Korfmacher, J. (2012). National profiles of classroom
quality and family involvement: A multilevel examination of proximal influences on Head Start children’s school readiness.
Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 27, 627–639.
16 Hatfield, B. E., Hestenes, L. L., Kintner-Duffy, V. L., & O’Brien, M. (2013). Classroom emotional support predicts differences
in preschool children’s cortisol and alpha-amylase levels. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 28, 347–356.
17 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009). NAEYC position statement: Developmentally appropriate
practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/
naeyc/file/positions/PSDAP.pdf
18 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009).
19 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2018).
20 Of the 27 foundation skills promoted in the ELM curriculum, two creative expression skills are combined for observation
purposes. There is not a guide for observing a child’s positive sense of self, an important skill that is challenging to assess.
There is an assessment plan but not an observation guide for letter knowledge.
21 Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children. (2015). DEC recommended practices monograph series
no. 1: Enhancing services for young children with disabilities and their families. Author: Arlington, VA.
22 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009).
23 National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2018).
24 www.virtuallabschool.org
25 Bassok, D., & Latham, S. (2017). Kids today: The rise in children’s academic skills at kindergarten entry. Educational
Researcher, 46, 7–20.
26 The following versions of the Guide for Observing and Individualizing offer portfolio examples: Language/Literacy: Oral
language; Mathematics: Pattern knowledge; Self-Regulation: Concentration; Social-Emotional: Relationship skills; Social
Studies: Appreciation of individual and family diversity; Creative Expression: Skills that support creative expression; Science:
Inquiry skills; Physical/Health: Motor development

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Appendix 3–5 Years

ELM Planning Form: Week of ________ Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Guide for Observing and Individualizing: Self-Regulation (includes examples). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
ELM Activity Observation Checklist Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

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 Sample
Classroom: 121 Staff:
T.R.

ELM Planning Form: Week of October 16, 2017

3–5 Years
Adaptations of ELM Activity Plans

Large/Small Group Centers
Point to and say each component word twice.
Language/Literacy _________________________________________________ ________________________________
Provide pic cards for cupcake, fireman,

_________________________________________________ ________________________________
raincoat, toothbrush, snowman.
Display small numeral cards to help children with counting
Mathematics _________________________________________________ Provide small numeral cards for use as a
________________________________
groups.
_________________________________________________ reference.
________________________________

Self-Regulation Review purple and orange before doing circle game.
_________________________________________________ None
________________________________

_________________________________________________ ________________________________

Point out children’s friendly actions in classroom each day.
Social-Emotional _________________________________________________ ________________________________
Provide Chrysanthemum book.

_________________________________________________ ________________________________


Begin session with children talking again about their
Social Studies _________________________________________________ None
________________________________
grandparents
_________________________________________________ ________________________________

Use 5 Senses chart each day as a reference.
Science or _________________________________________________ None
________________________________

Creative Expression _________________________________________________ ________________________________

_________________________________________________ ________________________________

Make sure each child is standing next to a chair when balancing
Physical/Health _________________________________________________ None
________________________________
poses are done.
_________________________________________________ ________________________________

Other Centers
Tailored Learning Supports Manipu- Lacing beads
_______ ________________________
(see Snapshots of Child Progress)
latives
________________________
Child Initials Activity _______ ________________________
Listening Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom
M.T. Say each request 2x while making eye contact in S-R game and ________________________
___________ ____________________________________________________
other times. _______ ________________________
____________________________________________________
R.S. Suggest he look for and say names of basic shapes outside. Take ________________________
___________ _____________________________________________________
shape cutouts for R.S. to use as a reference. _______ ________________________
____________________________________________________
C.R. Provide costumes (tutu, etc.) in dramatic play. Encourage use of ________________________
___________ _____________________________________________________
new words from Amazing Grace, especially ballet and audition.
____________________________________________________
K.B. Provide chalk and water outdoors for comparing the looks of wet
___________ _____________________________________________________ Outdoor Experiences
and dry chalk on sidewalk.
____________________________________________________ (include adaptations of ELM activity plans)
L.V.
___________ Provide clay and play dough throughout week. Invite L.V. to
_____________________________________________________ If raining during Day 3 science activity,
________________________________
describe her sculptures.
____________________________________________________ secure large motor room.
________________________________
A.C. Place 2 cones about 5 feet apart outside. Encourage A.C. to hop
___________ _____________________________________________________ ________________________________
from cone to cone.
____________________________________________________ ________________________________
Q.T. Provide slightly more challenging activities of interest (puzzles,
___________ _____________________________________________________ ________________________________
game, drawing) and encourage him to talk about what he is doing. 
____________________________________________________ ________________________________
___________ _____________________________________________________ ________________________________
____________________________________________________ ________________________________

Next Time: Reflections on the Week _________________________(Week of October 9) Connections with Families
L/L: Children seemed to understand better when I pointed
_____________________________________________________________ to words and spaces. Meet with T.M.’s family about upcoming
________________________________
Math: Children did well in matching groups of items (Days 1–3). Struggled when just
_____________________________________________________________ move.
________________________________
heard the number in Simon Says game.
_____________________________________________________________ ________________________________
S-E: Loved the book and listened well! Didn’t seem to grasp that children were helpful
_____________________________________________________________ Make available recipes for play dough (in
________________________________
to Sarah.
_____________________________________________________________ the FCC section).
________________________________
SS: Loved talking about their families and doing the class book. Need more time to
_____________________________________________________________ ________________________________
share.
_____________________________________________________________ ________________________________
P/H: Needed balance support for hopping. Needed more space. ________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
CE: Sculpting had a calming effect. Put dough/clay in art area. ________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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 Guide for Observing and Individualizing Self-
Regulation

3–5 Years

Self-Regulation: Concentration
WHEN INTRODUCED AND EMPHASIZED: Weeks 4, 10–11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, and 35

BEHAVIORS TO OBSERVE
y Concentrating on an Experience
y Concentrating on Self
y Concentrating on Others

OBSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES
Concentrating on an Experience
In what ways does the child concentrate on an activity as he/she:
y puts puzzle pieces together (Week 4, Day 1 center activity)?
y puts away materials (any cleanup period after Week 4, Day 1)?
 example: attempts to match blocks to the block outline when returning blocks to a shelf
y plays and creates (any free play period after Week 4, Day 1)?
 examples: stacks blocks on top of each other; mixes two colors to create a preferred color
y pays attention to and attempts to follow requests in a circle game?
 examples Orange Circle, Purple Circle (Week 8, Day 1 or Week 13, Day 2); The Freeze Game
(Week 9, Day 1 or Week 15, Day 1)

Concentrating on Self
In what ways does the child concentrate on self as he/she:
y participates in a breathing exercise (Weeks 10, 17, 20, and others)?
 examples: watches a stuffed animal/toy move on his/her stomach as he/she breathes; attempts
to relax body after scrunching up face or squeezing muscles tight
y calms body for a rest (any rest time after Week 10, Day 1)?
 examples: puts hand on tummy; appears to focus on breathing; takes deep calming breaths
y engages in a yoga pose (Weeks 11,14, 23, and others)?

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 Guide for Observing and Individualizing Self-
Regulation

Concentrating on Others
In what ways does the child concentrate on others as he/she:
y helps put away materials with staff or other child(ren) in the classroom (any cleanup time after Week
20, Day 1)?
 example: picks up dolls after noticing another child put away dishes
y participates in the Hello Game (Week 20, Day 1)?
y listens to what staff or other child(ren) say during an organized activity (any large or small group
activity after Week 3)?

FOLLOW-UP LEARNING SUPPORTS

Reinforce
The following activities are designed to support the ongoing development of concentration skills.
y Verbally acknowledge children’s appropriate behaviors in concentrating on activities, self, and
others.

Concentrating on an Experience
y Encourage a child to describe what he/she is doing to concentrate on an activity.
 examples: “How do you figure out where a puzzle piece might go on the puzzle board?” Invite
a child to play games that require concentration, such as Jenga®. Invite a child to complete an
activity that involves concentration, such as drawing a still-life picture or doing a puzzle.

Concentrating on Self
y Encourage the child to use the book The ABCs of Yoga for Kids by Teresa Power to practice various
poses.
y During a mealtime, encourage children to focus on how full their stomach feels, the taste of a food
item, and how their mouth feels when chewing.

Concentrating on Others
y Invite a child to participate in an activity in which he/she has to focus on the other child’s actions,
such as determining how many pennies he/she and another child can put on a boat before the boat
sinks.
y Encourage a child to be aware of others by naming classroom children who are absent today or who
are playing in a specific area of the room.

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 Guide for Observing and Individualizing Self-
Regulation

Reintroduce
The following activities are designed to support the development of concentration among children who find it
challenging to concentrate. The activities are also appropriate for all children.

Concentrating on an Experience
y Repeat Week 4, Day 1. Remind children what it means to concentrate. Help a child describe how
each person is concentrating in the two pictures shown in the activity. Practice one of the activities
shown in a picture.
y Provide materials that promote concentration. Draw attention to ways in which a child(ren) is
concentrating or attempting to concentrate.
 examples: “I see your eyes are looking at the puzzle you are doing.” “I see you are taking deep
breaths while you work on the puzzle.”
y Remember that children are most likely to concentrate on activities that they find interesting and
enjoyable.
 examples: caring for a classroom pet, building with blocks, drawing, doing puzzles

Concentrating on Self
y Repeat Week 10, Day 1. Remind children how to concentrate on their breathing to help their bodies
feel calm. Help children remember how to quiet their minds and make their thoughts less noisy.
y Encourage children to talk about what they are doing during a yoga pose.
 examples: “I am concentrating on taking deep breaths.” “I am paying attention to how to hold
my pose.”

Concentrating on Others
y Repeat Week 20, Day 1. Remind children what it means to concentrate. Help children think of
examples of concentrating on others. Support children as they look at each other and say what color
another child’s eyes look like.
y Draw attention to how children are concentrating as part of a circle game, such as Drum Beats.
 examples: “We are concentrating on many different things.” “We are paying attention to the
drum and to what we are doing with our bodies.” “We are making sure we do not bump into
anyone.”

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 Guide for Observing and Individualizing Self-
Regulation

EXAMPLES OF OBSERVATIONS AND FOLLOW-UP PLANS

Concentrating on an Experience (Quentin)
Observation #1 (10-02-2017): During center time, I asked Quentin to tell how he figured out where a
puzzle piece might go. He said, “This piece has blue on it like the sky at the top of the puzzle. I tried
putting the piece at the top. It fit!”
Observation #2 (10-02-2017): During cleanup, Quentin began picking up blocks in the block area and
putting them back on the shelf. Alex ran in front of Quentin, laughing as he ran. Quentin ignored Alex
and continued to put the blocks on the shelf.
Observation #3 (10-03-2017): During free play, Quentin sat at a table with number pegboards. He
picked up a board and counted the dots on the board. He said, “1, 2, 3, 4. Four dots. I need to find the
number five pegboard.”
Summary: I observed Quentin during center time, cleanup, and free play. In each situation, Quentin
demonstrated skill in concentrating on an activity. In two activities (puzzle and pegboard), he talked
about what he was doing to solve a problem.
Follow-up Plan: Provide slightly more challenging activities of interest to Quentin (puzzles, games,
drawing) and encourage him to talk about what he is doing.
Portfolio Example: We are helping children learn how to concentrate on an activity. I observed
Quentin during center time, clean-up, and free play. In each situation, Quentin demonstrated skill in
concentrating on an activity. In two activities (puzzle and pegboard), he talked about what he was
doing to solve a problem. We are offering Quentin slightly more challenging activities that are of
interest to him (especially puzzles) and encouraging him to talk about what he is doing.

Concentrating on Self (Sarah)

Observation #1 (11-27-2017): Sarah put her hand on her stomach and took deep breaths in and out
as the staff member counted and coached on how to breathe deeply. Sarah relaxed her face after
scrunching it up and pretending there was an imaginary butterfly on it.
Observation #2 (week of 11-27-2017): I observed how Sarah got ready for rest time on three different
days this week. She did the same thing each day. She rolls back and forth on her cot and then stands
up to fluff her blanket. She lays back down and breathes loudly. Then she asks for a staff member to
rub her back.
Summary: I observed Sarah during a deep breathing activity. She seemed fully focused on her
breathing and relaxing her face muscles. On three different days in one week, I observed how Sarah
gets ready for rest time. Each day she followed the same routine (which included breathing loudly)
and then asked for someone to rub her back.

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 Guide for Observing and Individualizing Self-
Regulation

Follow-up Plan: Help Sarah get ready for rest time by building on her breathing efforts. Offer verbal
guidance on breathing deeply the same way she does in our breathing activities. Improving Sarah’s
focus on breathing may reduce her requests for back rubs.
Portfolio Example: We are helping children learn how to concentrate on their own behaviors, feelings,
and thoughts. I observed Sarah during a deep breathing activity led by a staff member. She seemed
fully focused on her breathing and relaxing her face muscles. On three different days in one week,
I observed how Sarah gets ready for rest time. Each day she followed the same routine (which
included breathing loudly) and then asked for someone to rub her back. We are helping Sarah get
ready for rest time by building on her breathing efforts. We are offering verbal guidance on breathing
deeply, the same way she does in our breathing activities.

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 Sample

ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years

Child: Q.T. Classroom: 121 Staff:

T.R. Period: Aug. 28, 2017 to June 27, 2018

Foundation Skill Observed or Follow-Up Learning Plan

Assessed (dates)
Language/Literacy
Oral language (begins Week 2)
Understanding and using new words

Understanding and remembering key 2x week: Provide book and felt board characters to promote
April 4, 6
information in a book QT’s interest in retelling stories.
Understanding how to draw inferences from
book information
Phonological awareness (begins Week 1)
Identifying sounds 1x day: Show QT 2 items and make their sounds. Invite QT
Sept. 5, 7 to close eyes, make item sounds again, and ask what made
sound.
Recognizing, naming, and suggesting words
that rhyme
Forming and segmenting compound words 1x day: Show up to 4 compound word cards, 1 at a time.
Nov. 9
(assessed week 11) Say 1 component word. Ask: What word is left?
Segmenting words into syllables and 1x day: Encourage QT to say his family members’ names in
Dec. 12
blending syllables (assessed week 16) robot talk.
Identifying the initial sounds of familiar 1x day: Show pics of 3 items (2 with the same initial sound).
Feb. 8
words (assessed week 23) Invite QT to choose items that start with same sound.
*Blending the two initial sounds (body) with
the ending sounds (coda) of one-syllable N/A Does not seem ready to learn this skill.
word (assessed week 30)
*Blending the initial sound (onset) with the
remaining sounds (rime) of one-syllable N/A Does not seem ready to learn this skill.
word (assessed week 30)
*Identifying final sound
N/A Does not seem ready to learn this skill.

Letter knowledge (begins Week 6)

Letter sounds

Identifying uppercase letters (assessed week

June 27 3x week: Encourage QT to make uppercase letters in the air.
43)
Print Knowledge (begins Week 1)
Understanding how books work

Understanding how sentences work

Writing (begins Week 7)

Beginning skills in forming letters and words

*For children who are ready to learn this advanced skill

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 Sample

ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years continued

Child: Q.T. Classroom: 121 Staff:

T.R. Period: Aug. 28, 2017 to June 27, 2018

Foundation Skill Observed or Follow-Up Learning Plan

Assessed (dates)
Mathematics
Number knowledge (begins Week 1)
Understanding small numbers

Understanding comparison words used with

number quantities
One-to-one counting (assessed week 13)
Nov. 22 2x week: Invite QT to set the table for lunch.

Understanding that the last number

counted indicates “how many” (assessed Nov. 22 1x day: Ask QT to make groups of 6–9 counters.
week 13)
Recognizing and naming numerals 3x week: Read a counting book and encourage QT to name
Feb. 2
(assessed week 22) the numerals in the book.
Understanding the concept of “one more” 2x week: Offer beanbag activity from Week 21, Day 4
March 7
(assessed week 27) outside.
Geometric and spatial knowledge (begins Week 4)
Recognizing and labeling basic shapes

Creating basic shapes

Recognizing how shapes are related to each

other
Recognizing variations of basic shapes

Pattern knowledge (begins Week 14)

Identifying basic patterns

Creating basic patterns 2x week: Invite QT to lead children in movement pattern

Jan. 9, 11
during a transition.
Creating more complex patterns

Measurement knowledge (begins Week 24)

Assigning number values when measuring

Using basic measurement skills

*Understanding and using standard forms of

measurement
*For children who are ready to learn this advanced skill

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ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years continued

Child: Q.T. Classroom: 121 Staff:

T.R. Period: Aug. 28, 2017 to June 27, 2018

Foundation Skill Observed or Follow-Up Learning Plan

Assessed (dates)
Self-Regulation
Self-control (begins Week 1)
Self-control of behaviors

Self-control of emotions

Self-control of thoughts

Concentration (begins Week 4)

Concentrating on an experience Provide more challenging activities of interest to QT
Oct. 2, 3 (puzzles, games, drawing) and encourage QT to talk about
what he is doing.
Concentrating on self

Concentrating on others

Executive function (begins Week 8)

Paying attention and flexibly shifting focus

Holding onto and using information

Inhibiting thoughts and responses 1x week: After children understand game, invite QT to be
April 30, May 1
inappropriate to situation the leader of the game.
Social-Emotional
Relationship skills (begins Week 1)
Initiating Play

Sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with

peers or adults
Solving social problems

Being friendly and helpful

Emotion knowledge (begins Week 10)

Understanding different emotions 2x week: Ask QT to point to an emotion on Our Feelings
Dec. 6, 7
poster and talk about why someone might feel this way.
Managing emotions

Perspective-taking (begins Week 28)

Understanding another person’s perspective

Personal responsibility (begins Week 32)

Understanding and taking personal
responsibility

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 Sample

ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years continued

Child: Q.T. Classroom: 121 Staff:

T.R. Period: Aug. 28, 2017 to June 27, 2018

Foundation Skill Observed or Follow-Up Learning Plan

Assessed (dates)
Social Studies
Appreciation of individual and family diversity (begins Week 1)
Understanding some of the ways individuals
are unique
Understanding some of the ways families
are unique
Knowledge of social/physical environments (begins Week 10)
Characteristics of physical environments

Characteristics of social environments

Concepts of time (begins Week 31)

Understanding yesterday, today, tomorrow,
morning, afternoon
Understanding how families lived long ago

Creative Expression
Appreciation and knowledge of creative expression (begins Week 1)
Understanding how an artist creates art

Understanding basic dance concepts

Understanding music concepts

Understanding drama concepts

Skills that support creative expression (begins Week 5)

Creating one’s own artwork

Exploring basic dance movements

Creating music

Creating drama

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 Sample

ELM Snapshot of Child Progress: 3–5 Years continued

Child: Q.T. Classroom: 121 Staff:

T.R. Period: Aug. 28, 2017 to June 27, 2018

Foundation Skill Observed or Follow-Up Learning Plan

Assessed (dates)
Science
Inquiry skills (begins Week 3)
Using inquiry skills 2x week: Provide QT with balance scale and items that
Oct. 30, 31 weigh similar amounts. Invite QT to use scale to compare
items.
Understanding basic characteristics of:
living and nonliving things (begins Week 12)

life cycles (begins Week 19)

habitats (begins Week 26)

earth and space (begins Week 37)

Physical/Health
Motor Development (begins Week 4)
Gross motor

Fine motor

Good health practices (begins Week 1)

Knowledge of safety rules, routines, and
emergency procedures
Knowledge of how to take good physical Provide food pictures from Week 20, Day 5 to promote QT’s
Feb. 22, 23
care of self interest in healthy foods. Invite him to make new riddles.

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 Sample

ELM Activity Observation Checklist

Classroom: 218 Staff: A.T. Date: 10-10-2017 Begin/End Time: 9:30–10:30

Activity: Math Activity—Counting Things (Week 7, Day 2) Observer: S.J.
Observe one ELM large/small group activity offered during its typical time. Use the activity plan in the ELM
curriculum as a reference for the observation. Use one Classroom Observation Checklist form for each ELM
large/small group activity you observe. Observe at least 15 minutes of time devoted to child-initiated activities.

Planning and Preparation

NA No Partial Yes

1. The physical space for an ELM large/small group activity was arranged in    
advance of the session.
2. Materials used in an ELM large/small group session and in the center    
activity were gathered in advance of the session.
3. The ELM Planning Form for this week includes staff-determined    
adaptations of large/small group activities. (Adaptations on the planning
form may not apply to the activity you observe.)
4. The staff member’s implementation of the ELM large/small group activity    
suggested advance planning and preparation had been done. Evidence
might include: activity notes (sometimes on a 3 x 5 card) prepared by
staff member; staff member singing a song without hesitation; staff
member’s book sharing suggests familiarity with the book.
Notes:
No adaptations for Math on ELM Planning Form. A.T. was prepared for the activity (materials were
in place, sufficient seating for the children). Note cards were written to help with implementation of
the activity. A.T. was comfortable with the book content. Transition to the group was orderly. Children
seemed to know what to expect and how to act.

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 Sample

ELM Large/Small Group Activity NA No Partial Yes

5. Staff member attempted to connect the content of the activity to    

children’s experiences and/or current understandings.
6. Staff member frequently looked at and listened to children during the    
activity.
7. The activity seemed well matched to children’s abilities, with the staff    
member making adaptations during the activity if it appeared children
were confused or not sufficiently engaged.
8. Staff member used an appropriate range of instructional strategies,    
including questions, to facilitate children’s participation and encourage
learning.
9. The activity plan’s goal and content were addressed during all or nearly    
all of the session (no significant “drift”).
10. During a book sharing, the staff member (a) offered child-friendly    
definitions of novel words, (b) acknowledged child questions or
comments, (c) used his/her own words to describe and connect book
illustrations to the book’s story or information, and (d) facilitated
children’s discussion of book information.
11. Staff member used an engaging transition from the large/small group    
session to the next segment of the schedule.
Notes:
5: Related it to what they had for breakfast and setting the table for lunch.
6: Listened to the children but did not always have eye contact with them.
7: Did not take opportunity to count items in the book.
8: Missed some opportunities for children’s engagement with the book.
9: Quickly moved to activity about healthy food to eat.
10: Porridge is like oatmeal—had for breakfast yesterday—not counting the items.
11: Walking like bears.
A.T. started the activity by addressing the learning goal (one-to-one counting) but it ended up being
an activity about health and eating healthy food. It had quite a bit of drift from the original learning
goal. A.T. connected the activity to both what the children sometimes have for breakfast and setting the
table for lunch. She followed up on children’s comments about food but let he food topic take over the
activity. It was hard to know if the children understood the counting as part of the activity.
Transition to outside play was clever—maintaining the bear idea and walking like bears.

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 Sample

Child-initiated Activities NA No Partial Yes

12. If you observe during center time: There is a center activity directly    
related to the content of the large/small group session you observed.
13. Staff member uses naturally occurring opportunities to mention a novel    
word or concept or information related to a large/small group activity (it
may be a large/small group session you did not observe).
14. Staff member actively monitors children’s efforts and asks questions or    
offers suggestions directly related to children’s (or a child’s) interests or
actions without directing the activity.
15. Staff member encourages children to express their ideas.    
16. Staff member is involved in a one-to-one exchange with a child.    
Examples: a brief back-and-forth conversation, a book, a response to a
child question.
Notes:
13: Reminded several children in block center of basic shape names.
14: Watched two groups of children and asked some questions about their activities during first part of
center time. Was not engaged in second half.
15: Asked a child what he was building. Asked another child to tell about her painting.
16: Talked briefly with child looking at pictures in book.

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