Overview and Getting Started with the Building Blocks Framework
Overview and Getting Started with the
Building Blocks Framework
B UI L D I N G B LO C KS FO R TEAC HI N G P RES C HO O L ERS WI TH S P EC I A L N EED S
Objectives
- Describe the Building Blocks framework
- Define and describe each of the four blocks or tiers of support
- Describe the steps for planning and implementing the framework
- Consider the Building Blocks framework in the context of inclusion
Building Blocks
Child-focused Instructional Strategies
Embedded Learning Opportunities
Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations
Social and Well-Organized Instructional
Quality Early Childhood Program
Emotional Support Classrooms Interactions
Developing the Framework
Using the Building Blocks framework can help all children participate, learn, and thrive in their preschool classrooms and other early learning settings.
Based on the work of the Early Childhood Research Institute on Inclusion.
Inclusion
- Write down how you describe or define early childhood inclusion
- Read the DEC/NAEYC definition
- Find similar terms or ideas
Activity 1:
- Share
Foundation
- Child-focused Instructional Strategies
- Embedded Learning Opportunities
- Curriculum Modifications & Adaptations
Examples of Curriculum Modifications
8 Types of Curriculum Modifications
- Environmental Support
- Special Equipment
- Materials Adaptation
- Adult Support
- Activity Simplification
- Peer Support
- Child Preferences
- Invisible Support
Embedded Learning Opportunities
What to teach
When to teach
How to teach
Child-focused Instructional Strategies
Learning Activity 2: Blocks
- Read the vignettes
- Match to block
- Provide additional examples
Getting Started with Building Blocks
• Assess the quality of the learning environment
• Identify and clarify the classroom schedule
• Gather information on individual goals and objectives
• Assess the learning needs of the child
• Clarify the current concerns of the child
• Create a plan
• Construct an activity matrix
• Implement the plan
• Evaluate the plan and monitor child progress
Assess the Quality of the Learning Environment
Classroom Action Worksheet
Identify and Clarify the Classroom Schedule
Gather Information on Individual Goals and Objectives
Clarify Current Concerns
Create a Plan: ELO-at-a-Glance
Create a Plan: Instruction-at-a-Glance
Construct an Activity Matrix
Classroom Activity Matrix
Implement the Plan
Evaluate the Plan and Monitor Progress
Learning Activity 3: Implementation Steps
- Assess the quality of the learning environment
- Identify and clarify the classroom schedule
- Gather information on individual goals and objectives
- Assess the learning needs of the child
- Clarify the current concerns of the child
- Construct an activity matrix
- Implement the plan
- Evaluate the plan and monitor child progress