The Journal of the National Association for the Education of Young Children Volume 80 ▪ No 2 Summer 2025
Effective Curriculum: Designing and Implementing Meaningful Learning for Every Child
4 Introduction
6 Teaching and Learning in the Outdoors: Nature as a Springboard for Biliteracy Development María G. Arreguín and Rica Ramírez
16 From Aloha to Z: Centering Children’ s Culture and Language During Alphabet Instruction Colleen E. Whittingham and Germaine K. Tauati
24 Planning for Guided Play: A Step-by-Step Guide Margi Bhansali, Alli Bizon, and Erean Mei
28 Essential Elements of Infant Curriculum: Individualizing Routines and Partnering with Families Jennifer M. Longley and Jennifer Gilken
38 Environment, Materials, and Instruction: Adapting a Curriculum to Support Children with Motor Disabilities Temrah Okonski
46 From Investigation to Advocacy: A Preschool Class’ s Inquiry-Based Project About Frogs Victoria Damjanovic and Stephanie Branson
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YC Staff
Annie Moses Editor in Chief Susan Donsky Managing Editor Charity Coleman Senior Creative Design Manager Ashley McGowan Creative Design Specialist Shabrayle Setliff and Emily Wehby Associate Editors Codi Trump Advertising Manager
Michelle Kang Chief Executive Officer Naomi Dillon Chief Communications Officer Alissa Mwenelupembe Chief Early Learning Quality and Research Officer Susan Friedman Senior Director, Publishing and Content Development Treva Bustow Senior Director, Membership and Marketing
YC – Young Children( ISSN 1538‐6619) is published quarterly( mailing in the months of March, June, September, and December) by the National Association for the Education of Young Children( NAEYC), 1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005.
Through its publications program, NAEYC provides a forum for discussion of major issues and ideas in our field. We hope to provoke thought and promote professional growth. The views expressed or implied are not necessarily those of the Association. Acceptance of advertising does not represent NAEYC’ s endorsement of any product or service, nor is NAEYC responsible for representations made by advertisers.