Curriculum Studies
Explore investigations that can grow from children's questions about nature, everyday objects, community, movement, science, and more.
Browse all studies →Turn Children's Curiosity Into Meaningful Learning
Use this guide to move from a child's question or interest to a thoughtful investigation, purposeful experiences, observation, and next steps. Choose the resources that fit your group, your setting, and the children in your care.
Browse Curriculum StudiesA practical planning cycle
Curriculum planning is an ongoing cycle. Follow children's interests, connect experiences to developmental goals, observe what happens, and use what you learn to plan what comes next.
- Notice: Observe children's play, questions, conversations, and repeated interests.
- Choose: Select a study or investigation that can build on those interests.
- Plan: Prepare open-ended materials, intentional interactions, and flexible experiences.
- Observe: Record what children say, do, try, and revisit.
- Reflect and adapt: Adjust materials, support, pace, and next steps for individual children.
- Connect with families: Invite family knowledge, home languages, ideas, and experiences into the learning.
Choose the next resource for your work
Weekly Lesson Planning
Turn an investigation into a flexible weekly plan with experiences, materials, learning intentions, and reflection.
Open lesson plans →School Readiness and ELOF
Consider how planned experiences support children's development. Use the ELOF as a framework, not as a curriculum or checklist.
Explore ELOF resources →Observation and Assessment
Document authentic moments of learning and use observations to guide planning and individualized support.
Explore observation tools →Printable Classroom Resources
Find practical forms and materials that support planning, documentation, and communication with families.
Browse printables →Teaching and Learning Areas
Extend studies through literacy, science, STEM, creativity, math, movement, sensory play, and meaningful conversations.
Explore the Resource Library →Remember: One activity rarely supports every learning domain. Plan a varied sequence of experiences, follow children's cues, make adaptations for access and participation, and review whether the overall curriculum addresses the full range of development.
Use trusted guidance alongside your planning
Programs should use their adopted research-based curriculum and applicable program requirements. Little Explorers provides supplementary planning ideas and tools; it does not replace a program's required curriculum, child assessment system, or individualized supports.
Read Head Start curriculum guidance →