10 Curriculum Planning Tips for Early Childhood Educators

Master Your Curriculum Planning

Effective curriculum planning is both an art and a science. These tips will help you create engaging programs while saving precious time.

Tip 1: Start with Observation

The best curriculum emerges from watching children. Before planning, ask:

• What are children currently interested in?
• What questions are they asking?
• What skills are they developing?

Action: Dedicate 10 minutes daily to focused observation. Keep a small notebook handy to capture moments.

Tip 2: Plan Backwards from Outcomes

Instead of choosing activities first, start with your learning goals:

1. Identify which EYLF outcomes need attention
2. Consider what experiences would support these
3. Then select specific activities

This ensures intentional, not random, programming.

Tip 3: Use the 80/20 Rule

Plan 80% of your program, leaving 20% flexible for:

• Spontaneous interests
• Extended play on engaging activities
• Unexpected teachable moments

Over-planning leads to rushing children through experiences.

Tip 4: Create Activity Banks

Build collections of go-to activities organised by:

• Age group
• EYLF outcome
• Interest area
• Season/weather

When planning, you'll have ready ideas to draw from instead of starting from scratch.

Tip 5: Involve Children in Planning

Even young children can contribute to curriculum:

• **Toddlers:** Observe their play choices
• **Preschoolers:** Ask what they'd like to learn about
• **Pre-K:** Have planning meetings where children suggest activities

This increases engagement and teaches decision-making.

Tip 6: Plan for Transitions

The moments between activities often cause the most stress. Plan for them:

• Have transition songs ready
• Use visual schedules
• Prepare materials in advance
• Consider staggered transitions

Tip 7: Think in Themes, Not Days

Instead of planning Monday's activities, Tuesday's activities, etc., think in weekly themes:

• Choose 2-3 focus topics per week
• Plan various activities around each theme
• Allow flexibility in when activities happen

This creates cohesion while maintaining flexibility.

Tip 8: Batch Your Planning

Set aside dedicated planning time rather than squeezing it in:

• **Weekly:** 30-60 minutes for next week's program
• **Monthly:** Review and adjust themes
• **Termly:** Big-picture planning and reflection

Focused planning time is more efficient than fragmented efforts.

Tip 9: Keep Materials Lists Updated

Nothing derails a planned activity like missing materials. Maintain:

• A master inventory of supplies
• A weekly shopping/request list
• Pre-made activity kits for common experiences

Tip 10: Reflect and Refine

After each week, spend 10 minutes noting:

• Which activities were most engaging?
• What didn't work as planned?
• What should be extended next week?
• Any individual children's breakthroughs?

This reflection improves future planning.

Bonus: Use Technology Wisely

Digital tools can dramatically reduce planning time:

• Templates save reformatting
• Digital outcome trackers prevent gaps
• AI assistants can suggest activities
• Cloud storage means access anywhere

Common Planning Pitfalls

Over-planning: Too many activities means rushing or abandoning plans

Under-planning: Leads to chaotic days and missed learning

Ignoring interests: Children disengage from irrelevant activities

Forgetting outcomes: Activities become entertainment, not education

Working alone: Collaboration brings fresh ideas

Sample Weekly Planning Routine

Friday afternoon (20 min): Review this week, note what to continue

Weekend (optional): Browse ideas, gather inspiration

Monday morning (30 min): Finalise week's plan, check materials

Daily (5 min): Quick review and adjustment

Transform Your Planning

ECT Planner was built by educators who understand these challenges. Enter your observations, and get a complete, EYLF-aligned weekly program with materials lists and educator scripts.

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