Promising Innovations for Early Childhood Programs
Brings together the biggest ideas and the best thinking from more than a dozen top researchers in the early childhood education (ECE) quality movement. It clearly lays out what we know about quality today, which areas need focused improvement efforts, and what kind of innovative program-level changes will strengthen outcomes for children.
Curriculum and subject leadership in schools has recently gained substantial attention from both researchers and policy-makers. The Teacher Training Agency (TTA) has reinforced the importance of subject leadership in school improvement, proposing a new measure of such leadership competence through the creation of national subject leader standards ......
Talk, thinking and philosophy are crucial components of children's learning. This book is a practical and readable guide to the ways in which teachers can provide children with the opportunities to develop and use these skills to their greatest effect. It begins by asking why talking and thinking should be taught and examines current approaches in this area. It goes on to look at how teachers can develop talking and thinking skills across the six Areas of Learning to help children gain confidence and deepen understanding.
Unique in its field, the second edition of this respected book continues to underpin teaching in a positive, structured, and proactive manner. Sylvia Lucas revises and expands on the original work of Marjorie Boxall. It includes: - A new chapter on nurture groups and pedagogy, child development theories and brain research. - Updated examples such as the Every Child Matters agenda, an inclusive curriculum and schools' responses, 'and a practitioner's physical contact with the child - A Case study from an international Nurture Group Written in an accessible style this book will be useful to school managers, SENCOs, educational psychologists and teachers and therapists in specialist settings. Marjorie Boxall originated the concept of nurture groups and was a founding member of the Nurture Group Network. The NGN runs accredited courses at Cambridge University, Leicester University and London University. Sylvia Lucas is a founding member of the Nurture Group Network and now coordinates the work of the University CPD Group. She undertakes a range of consultancy in primary practice and school leadership both in the UK and abroad.
Using Green Light Strategies to Create Dynamic, Student-Focused Classrooms
"The ideas in this book make learning come alive in your classroom. The authors present activities that any teacher can implement." -Linda K. Taylor, Assistant Professor, Ball State University "With this book, teachers can truly discover what it takes to reach and empower every learner. High-Five Teaching is replete with specific examples and fun suggestions any teacher can use in today's classroom." -Renee Peoples, Teacher Leader, Swain West Elementary, Bryson City, NC Transform your classroom into a dynamic learning environment for all students! This exciting new volume shows elementary teachers how to put into practice the principles described in Rich Allen's book Green Light Classrooms. Drawing from Cindy Rickert's real-life experiences as a teacher creating Green Light inclusive classrooms, the authors offer a wealth of practical tips, examples, and ideas for involving students in active learning rather than traditional "chalk and talk" instruction. Readers will acquire implementation strategies to increase student interaction and motivation and ultimately improve achievement. In tune with the way today's digitally savvy students learn best, this book offers: Five principles of high-five teaching that ensure a welcoming, active, and student-centered learning environment Detailed sample lesson plans in math, science, reading, writing, and social studies Case studies, technology connections, and ways to create true learning communities An appendix of sample forms, games, and other essential classroom resources Designed specifically to engage today's students, this guide offers tools and strategies to inspire best practices in every classroom.
Connecting Activities to Standards and Students to Communities
"This is a time-saving treasure with a comprehensive selection of literacy activities. The literature choices and related lessons will motivate and engage a diverse population of learners." -Eileen Baker, Supervisor of K-12 Reading and K-8 Language Arts, Cinnaminson Township School District, NJ "These easy-to-follow lessons provide educators with opportunities to help children meet the standards while enjoying children's literature and positive interactions." -Kathleen Quinn, Professor, Holy Family University Build your students' literacy skills through a full range of outstanding lessons and activities! Offering a wealth of complete, classroom-ready activities and lesson plans, this standards-based guide helps K-8 teachers advance student achievement in all areas of literacy, including reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Helen Hoffner shows teachers how to engage students by connecting literacy learning with students' lives, involving family, friends, and the community. Tied to IRA/NCTE and McREL literacy standards, the lessons include everything teachers need for implementation, featuring: Step-by-step directions, sample student forms, and assessments A literature list with recommendations for Grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 Adaptations for English language learners Methods for differentiating by grade level and student ability Samples of student work With bonus literacy-focused arts and crafts projects included, this is your go-to resource for hands-on activities that build connections between students, literature, and the community.
"This book helps the practicing educator turn research into seamless classroom practice. The practice exercises can be implemented immediately to help build student success." -Katina Keener, Science/Social Studies Teacher, T. C. Walker Elementary School, Gloucester, VA Launch young learners on positive pathways through school! The early school years provide critical opportunities for children to develop foundational skills and positive attitudes toward learning. This book, the first in the Classroom Insights from Educational Psychology series, gives current and prospective PreK-3 teachers valuable insight into how young children feel, think, and learn. Denise H. Daniels and Patricia K. Clarkson show how current research and theory from educational psychology can be applied to create a child-centered learning environment and to develop best practices for instruction. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of: How children develop from the early years to middle childhood The importance of fostering positive teacher-child, child-child, and caregiver-child relationships Developmentally appropriate classroom practices that foster learning Children's experiences with technology and outdoor environments Vignettes and case studies, practice exercises, suggested games, and reflection questions make A Developmental Approach to Educating Young Children a valuable asset in helping teachers design stimulating learning experiences for young children.
"This book includes a wealth of practical ideas for the new teacher. Written from a mentor's point of view, it is an excellent resource with relevant topics, concrete real-life examples, and strategies that can be implemented immediately." -Jane Ching Fung, Kindergarten Teacher/Mentor, Alexander Science Center School, Los Angeles, CA The field guide you need to become an effective teacher right from the start! A teacher's early years are marked as much by learning as by teaching. Unraveling the complexities of the students and the classroom can be a challenging process. This guide provides straightforward, practical, and upbeat advice for novice elementary teachers. Based on her years of experience working with student teachers and new teachers, Rhoda M. Samkoff demystifies the early stages of an education career and offers strategies for handling situations new teachers are likely to face. The book combines examples from real classrooms and advice from experienced teachers to cover a wide range of topics, including planning effective lessons, dealing with specific student behaviors, and communicating with parents. Chapters include: TIPS, or theory-into-practice strategies, that clearly outline workable solutions Frequently asked questions that address common concerns of new teachers Time-saving start-up materials, including forms, rubrics, and checklists Filled with humor, wisdom, and encouragement throughout, In a Class of Your Own is like a mentor in your very own classroom.
Using Talk to Support Writing presents a new and innovative approach to the teaching of early writing. The authors discuss both theoretical and practical issues around using talk in the classroom to support children as they learn to write. Set within the context of national concern for achievement in the development of writing ability, it addresses the gap in understanding early teaching and focuses on the exploration of how talk and writing interface. This includes: - Numerous examples of teaching and activities for using talk to support writing - Using extensive data from classrooms; video and audio recordings, and transcripts of children's talk - Exploring three aspects of talk when used to support writing: talk for idea generation; talk for oral rehearsal and talk for reflection. This book is for students on Primary ITT courses, particularly for English specialists. Students on M-level English and literacy courses will also find it useful.
