The Hidden Curriculum

06/24/2015

Today - All Fool’s Day - is a day that for centuries had been associated with high spirits and merriment. It’s a perfect day for us to remember the importance of lightening up.
Sarah Ban Breathnach

Here (in part) is how Carol Hillman, in her book Teaching Four-Year-Olds, describes "what I teach — this is the hidden curriculum":

"I want to know each child like the back of my hand. I want to recognize their voices from across the room so if I'm busy tying Sarah's shoes, I can answer without looking up. I want to know their wardrobes so I can recognize a new pair of shoelaces or a new barrette when it is worn for the first time. I want to know what gives them pleasure and makes them smile. I want to know what really irritates them or makes them sad. I want to know what books they like to look at and what they like to eat. I want to know their favorite colors and their favorite stuffed animals. I want to know what scares them and what tickles their funny bones. I want to know the full range of their capabilities. I want to be able to read their eyes so I can tell if their day hasn't started well. I want to know lots of things. And, I want them to know that I know."

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