Cassandra Nicole Graham
Dental Hygiene For Toddlers
7:00 am - 8:00 am: Arrival and Morning Activities
Montessori Inspired Activity: Provide a table with various dental-themed toys (toothbrushes, fake teeth, mirrors) for children to explore independently.
Reggio Emilia Inspired Activity: Set up an art area with toothpaste and toothbrushes for children to create toothpaste paintings on paper.
8:00 am - 9:00 am: Circle Time
Emergent Curriculum Approach: Begin with a story about friendly animals who brush their teeth. Encourage discussion about dental hygiene habits.
Reggio Emilia Inspired Activity: Use puppets or pictures to engage children in a dialogue about why dental hygiene is important.
9:00 am - 10:00 am: Sensory Play and Exploration
Montessori Inspired Activity: Arrange a sensory bin with items related to dental hygiene (toothbrushes, floss, dental flossers) for tactile exploration.
Emergent Curriculum Approach: Introduce a playdough station where children can mold teeth and practice brushing with toothbrush-like tools.
10:00 am - 11:00 am: Snack Time
Reggio Emilia Inspired Activity: Offer a variety of healthy snacks and discuss which foods are good or bad for teeth. Use mirrors for children to examine their teeth after eating.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Outdoor Play
Emergent Curriculum Approach: Set up an obstacle course where children pretend to be toothbrushes navigating through "cavity" obstacles.
Montessori Inspired Activity: Create a gardening area where children can plant seeds and discuss how taking care of plants is like taking care of teeth.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch and Clean-up
Reggio Emilia Inspired Activity: Discuss the importance of washing hands before meals and maintaining cleanliness to prevent germs that affect teeth.
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Rest and Quiet Time
Provide naptime or quiet activities. Consider playing soft music related to dental hygiene to create a calming atmosphere.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm: Arts and Crafts
Emergent Curriculum Approach: Invite children to create a collage using pictures cut from magazines showing healthy and unhealthy foods for teeth.
Montessori Inspired Activity: Provide materials for children to make a toothbrush holder or a dental hygiene chart.
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Group Activity
Reggio Emilia Inspired Activity: Conduct a group experiment with eggs or another item to simulate the effect of different liquids on teeth (e.g., water, soda) and discuss the results.
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Free Play and Exploration
Emergent Curriculum Approach: Allow children to explore a dental hygiene-themed sensory bin, incorporating new materials or objects based on their interests throughout the day.
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Wrap-up and Reflection
Gather together for a reflection time, discussing what the children learned about dental hygiene throughout the day and encouraging them to share their favorite activities.
Remember, flexibility is key in emergent curriculum planning. Allow room for spontaneity and adjust activities based on the children's interests and engagement levels.
