Play, Projects, and Preschool Standards

Gera Jacobs - The University of South Dakota
Kathy Crowley - St. Agnes School

Foreword by Marilou Hyson

Other Titles in:
Learning Styles | Teaching Methods & Learning Styles | Teaching in Primary Schools

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

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