Examples of Curricular Goals and Objectives

The following are three very different examples of curriculum goals for different subject areas, with each objective focusing on a different domain of development (in parentheses).

Goal #1: Every child will experiment with new classroom materials by the end of the week.

• Objective: Each child will design and create at least one product of choice at the woodworking table (intellectual growth).
• Objective: Each child will participate in two or more small group games (social growth).
• Objective: Each child will have an opportunity to work with a favorite new material at least twice (emotional growth).
• Objective: Each child will learn and demonstrate the ability to use the hammer and nails safely (physical growth).

Goal #2: Children will appreciate literature through the use of the library corner.

• Objective: Each child will identify at least two books at his or her level and read them (intellectual growth).
• Objective: Children will understand and obey the rule that all books must be returned to the shelf when finished (social growth).
• Objective: Each child will demonstrate an enjoyment of literature by being able to choose at least one favorite book (emotional growth).
• Objective: Children will balance more active experiences with relaxation by spending at least a few minutes each day in the library corner (physical growth).

Goal #3: Children will be exposed to classical music and composers throughout the year.

• Objective: Each child will learn about the life of at least one composer (intellectual growth).
• Objective: In small cooperative groups, children will choreograph dances to ballet music (social growth).
• Objective: Children will demonstrate self-reliance by composing brief individual songs (emotional growth).
• Objective: Children will participate daily in free movement to classical music (physical growth).