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Play, Projects, and Preschool Standards
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Play, Projects, and Preschool Standards
Nurturing Children's Sense of Wonder and Joy in Learning

Foreword by Marilou Hyson



January 2007 | 176 pages | Corwin
Research tells us that young children learn best through play and hands-on activities. This research-based resource from two educators leading the effort to develop their own state's standards links sample early learning standards for children ages 3-5 with numerous ideas for creating joyful, playful educational experiences. In inviting, informal language, the authors walk readers through the creation of well-planned projects and activities that capture children's interest and develop critical skills. Covering both curriculum and social-emotional guidelines, the book provides guidance in helping three-year-olds make progress towards goals, and four- and five-year-olds accomplish learning goals. Repeated chapter features include:

· Sample standards and benchmarks based on existing state and national association standards (e.g., NAEYC, NCTM, NCSS, NASPE, and more)

· Connecting popular projects and themes with standards and benchmarks

· Suggestions for designing optimal learning environments and motivating materials

· Snapshots of "What Research and the Experts Say" and how it applies to practice

· "Try This" activity ideas that put standards and benchmarks into practice

· Suggestions for tailoring activities to meet the needs of English language learners and children with special needs

The final chapter ties all of the information together, and offers suggestions to support children's transition to kindergarten. An extensive resources section provides sample observation and assessment tools, helpful websites, a list of excellent children's books and songs, and more. Beginning and veteran preschool teachers will benefit from this user-friendly guide to meeting high-quality standards through joyful learning experiences.

 
Foreword by Marilou Hyson
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
1. Addressing Preschool Standards in Developmentally Appropriate Ways
Defining the Standards

 
Meeting the Needs of All Children

 
Addresssing Standards Through Engaging Experiences and Activities

 
Assessing Progress Toward Meeting the Standards

 
Summary

 
 
2. Designing the Environment With the Child in Mind
Creating a Welcoming Environment

 
Building Relationships

 
The Power of Choice

 
Arranging the Room for Exploration and Learning

 
Materials for Creating Engaging Interest Areas

 
Scheduling the Day for Play and Learning

 
Summary

 
 
3. Developing Positive Approaches to Learning and Social-Emotional Development
Developing Curiosity and Eagerness; Initiative and Persistence; Problem Solving and Reflection; Invention and Imagination; Self-Concept and Self-Confidence; Regulating Emotions; Respect and Appreciation; and Pro-Social Behaviors and Cooperation

 
Sample Early Learning Guidelines for Approaches to Learning

 
Sample Early Learning Guidelines for Social-Emotional Development

 
Developing Positive Approaches to Learning and Social-Emotional Development Through Projects

 
Designing the Environment

 
Addressing Standards Through Engaging Experiences and Activities

 
Supporting Children Who Are Bilingual Learners

 
Working With Children's Individual Needs

 
Summary

 
 
4. Exploring the World Through Science
Sample Early Learning Guidelines for Science

 
Science as Inquiry; Physical Science; Life Science; Earth and Space Science; Science and Technology; Science, Environment, and Society

 
Exploring the World and Science Through Projects

 
Designing the Environment

 
Addressing Standards Through Engaging Experiences and Activities

 
Supporting Children Who Are Bilingual Learners

 
Working With Children's Individual Needs

 
Summary

 
 
5. Learning About Our Community Through Social Studies
Families/Cultures; Community/Civics; History/Time; Geography/Places, People, and Environments; and Economics

 
Sample Early Learning Guidelines for Social Studies

 
Learning About Our Community and Social Studies Through Projects

 
Designing the Environment

 
Addressing Standards Through Engaging Experiences and Activities

 
Supporting Children Who Are Bilingual Learners

 
Working With Children's Individual Needs

 
Summary

 
 
6. Engaging Children in Meaningful Literacy
Reading; Writing; Listening and Phonological Awareness; Speaking/Communicating and Oral Language Development; and Learning New Languages

 
Sample Early Learning Guidelines for Language and Literacy

 
Engaging Children in Meaningful Literacy Through Projects

 
Designing the Environment

 
Addressing Standards Through Engaging Experiences and Activities

 
Supporting Children Who Are Bilingual Learners

 
Working With Children's Individual Needs

 
Summary

 
 
7. Making Mathematics Inviting
Number Sense and Operations; Shapes/Geometry; Measurement; Data Analysis and Probability; and Patterns/Algebra

 
Sample Early Learning Guidelines for for Mathematics

 
Making Mathematics Meaningful Through Projects

 
Designing the Environment

 
Addresssing Standards Through Engaging Experiences and Activities

 
Supporting Children Who Are Bilingual Learners

 
Working With Children's Individual Needs

 
Summary

 
 
8. Fostering Creativity Through the Arts
Visual Arts; Music; Creative Movement; and Dramatic Play

 
Sample Early Learning Guidelines for Creative Arts

 
Fostering Creativity in the Arts Through Projects

 
Designing the Environment

 
Addressing Standards Through Engaging Experience and Activities

 
Supporting Children Who Are Bilingual Learners

 
Working With Children's Individual Needs

 
Summary

 
 
9. Promoting Physical Development and Healthy Lifestyles
Gross Motor; Fine Motor; and Health and Safety

 
Sample Early Learning Guidelines for Physical Development and Health

 
Promoting Physcial Development and Healthy Lifestyles Through Projects

 
Designing the Environment

 
Addressing Standards Through Engaging Experiences and Activities

 
Supporting Children Who Are Bilingual Learners

 
Working With Children's Individual Needs

 
Summary

 
 
10. Putting It All Together
Addressing Standards in Developmentally Appropriate Ways

 
Addressing Standards and Benchmarks Through Projects, Studies, and Themes

 
Supporting the Transition to Kindergarten

 
Final Thoughts

 
 
Resources
Sample Signs for Interest Areas

 
Assessing Children's Progress Toward Standards

 
Sample Group Observation Tool for Language and Literacy

 
 
Sample Individual Child Observation Tool for Language and Literacy
Children's Books and Music

 
Resources for Teaching Bilingual Learners

 
Assessment Materials

 
Helpful Websites

 
 
References
For Further Reading

 
 
Index

"A wonderful, richly detailed book that presents children as lively, engaged learners. Successfully communicates standards and benchmarks in familiar, matter-of-fact ways that support young children’s growth and learning and that are aligned with good developmental practice. The sections on second language learners and children with individual needs are important reminders that these children too are part of our classrooms and that one-size-fits-all teaching doesn’t benefit anyone."

Julie Olsen Edwards, NAEYC Board Member and Early Childhood Education Instructor
Cabrillo Community College

"The ideas in this book will seem familiar and non-threatening—yes, teachers can indeed use what they already know and what their children love, but they can also enhance and expand their favorite activities, enriching the educational benefits of everyday experiences."

From the Foreword by Marilou Hyson

"Preschool teachers and daycare centers concerned with early education receive an excellent survey based on expert insights that provide a variety of projects and activities to enhance early learning in all curriculum areas. This is a workbook of ideas pairing benchmark standards to realistic activities."

Library Bookwatch, February 2007

Fun, hands-on, and reader friendly

Professor Hadas Mizrahi
child development, Union Institute & University
May 19, 2014

For instructors

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