Innovations

This guide is designed for training teachers in the use of the "Innovations" curricula for infants and for toddlers. The "Innovations" program is based on the view that curricula for young children should involve thinking and planning for everything that can contribute to child development as well as the teacher's relationship with the child and the family. This guide is organized in two sections. Section 1 contains an 8-hour training session providing a comprehensive introduction to the Innovations curricula. Included in this section are a list of preparation steps, a list of handouts/overheads and materials needed, and a detailed planning grid and agenda for conducting workshop activities. Section 2 contains 29 training modules designed to be used in inservice/preservice workshops or in biweekly/monthly staff meetings. Seven of these training modules address the following aspects of child development theory: principles of development/physical development, attachment, temperament, play, brain development and intellectual development, language development and literacy, and social development and social problem-solving. Topics for the remaining training modules are: (1) developmental tasks; (2) observation and assessment; (3) interactive experiences; (4) parent partnerships; (5) curriculum planning process; (6) environments; (7) dramatic possibilities; (8) sensory/art possibilities; (9) curiosity possibilities; (10) construction possibilities; (11) music/movement possibilities; (12) literacy possibilities; (13) outdoor possibilities; (14) projects; (15) prop boxes; (16) picture files/vocabulary; (17) guidance and discipline; (18) biting; (19) aggression; (20) social problem-solving; (21) toileting; and (22) portfolios. Each training module includes an outline for the workshop providing information on activities, the training technique used, and necessary materials. The guide's appendix includes the forms, checklists, worksheets, and information summaries used in the workshops. (KB)