Choose an appropriate textbook and assign reading to discuss in class. The textbook will depend on the knowledge level of your students. A beginning student with little knowledge of the field should start with a basic overview of child development through age 8, while a more advanced student may be able to tackle issues such as developing literacy skills or culture and education.
Open a group discussion about the reading. The discussion may focus on child development theory, different types of early childhood education programs such as Montessori, lesson planning for the young child, classroom management, the developmental continuum, or similar topics. Ask the students for their own thoughts and ideas. Work together as a class to make sure that everyone understands the information and is able to translate it into real-life situations.
Test the students on the material from class. This can be done through a formal exam with multiple choice questions, true/false questions, and fill-in-the blank. Another option is to assign an in-class or take home essay. Choose a topic that connects to specific class content or puts the student into a real-life early childhood teaching scenario.
Match each student with an appropriate early childhood classroom. If the student has a special interest in working with 2-year-olds, look for an opening in a toddler room.
Encourage early childhood education students to begin the hands-on experience by observing an experienced or lead teacher. This observation experience should also include a review of the teacher's lesson plans.
Allow the students to participate in classroom activities with the children.
Ask the students to design their own lesson plan based on the specific classroom's themes and curriculum. Then arrange to have the student teach the lesson plan, under the teacher's supervision.