Early Childhood Education

Six new books to assist with early childhood curriculum planning.

The All-day Kindergarten and Pre-K Curriculum : A Dynamic-Themes Approach, by Doris Pronim Fromberg. 375.001 FRO

Provides examples of how professional early childhood teachers can organize content-rich classrooms with Activity-Based Learning Environments (ABLE).  Dynamic-themes focus on the connection making process of learning, a reflection of how our brains function to create meaning and strengthen memories.  Grounded in theory and research, provides an activity-based and classroom proven curriculum for educators to consider as they plan and intereact with pre-k and kindergarten children.  Describes a culturally sensitive curriculum in the context of literacy, technology, mathematics, social studies, science, the arts, and play.

Connecting Emergent Curriculum and Standards in the Early Childhood Classroom : strengthening content and teaching practice, by Sydney L. Schwartz and Sherry M. Copeland.  372.19 SCH.

“Two active early childhood educators provide teachers with resources to bring content alive in the daily, action-based pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms, and explore ways to document it.  Includes lists of key content ideas- coordinated with learning standards in science, mathematics, social studies, and the communication arts – to guide teacher observations, of, and interactions with, young children.  Chapters focus on ways to extend children’s emerging use of content in the block, manipulatives, water and sand, drama, expressive arts, and literacy centers, and link to the development of themes”–cover.

Twelve Best Practices For Early Childhood Education : integrating Reggio and other inspired approaches, by Ann Lewin-Benham.  372.21 LEW.

“Presents 12 best practices inspired not only by Reggio, but also by play-based and Montessori approaches to early childhood education.  These practices are demonstrated, one per chapter, with scenarios from classrooms, dialogues of children and teachers, and work samples showing the outcome of using each practice.  Used together, the 12 best practices offer a new framework for early education.  Written in the accessible style, expands on Lewin-Benham’s earlier works by showing the foundations for teachers to practice the Reggio Approach in their own settings”–cover.

The Problem With Math is English : a language-focused approach to helping all students develop a deeper understanding of mathematics, by Concepcion Molina.  372.7 MOL.

The goal is to raise readers’ mathematics expertise while simultaneously explaining the critical role of language and symbolism in understanding mathematics conceptually.  Philosophy in this book is to help teachers understand mathematics at a conceptual level so that they can develop their own activities to deepen students’ learning.  Through the process of answering questions and solving problems, readers will enhance their level of pedagogical content knowledge.  For Grades 3-9.

Different Speeds and Different Needs : how to teach sports to every kid, by Gary Barber.  796.083 BAR.

For K-12 teachers and coaches a guide to establishing and sustaining inclusive sports programs.  Learn how your sports program can include students with a range of special needs : austism spectrum disorders, ADHD and other attention difficulties, behavioral challenges, visual or hearing impairments, learning disabilities, physical challenges, anxiety, stress, and depression, height and weight challenges and more.

Teaching in the Digital Age : Smart Tools for Age 3 to Grade 3, by Brian Puerling.  371.33093 PUE.

A go-to resource for using today’s technology in the classroom.  Chapter one emphasizes the importance of goal setting.  Chapter two- eight cover seven technologies to support learning, access student knowledge and teacher practice, and exhibit learning.  QR codes add videos for further explanations and toolbox tips help faciltiate applications.  The seven technologies engage children to create and share ideas: cameras, projectors and document cameras, audio recordings, video conferencing and webcams, publication and presentation tools, videos, multi-touch mobile devices.  Strategies reflect Technology in Early Childhood Programs, the joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young children and the Fred Rogers Center.

Link to Catalogue

Brain Based Learning: Five New Works on Executive Function and the Brain

Executive function in the classroom: practical strategies for improving performance and enhancing skills for all students, by Christopher Kaufman. 370.152 KAU

A practical guide to enhance students attention and impulse control, to manage time and be organized.  Memorable metaphors and classroom examples provide crystal-clear explanations of brain functioning executive function and how it affects students’ learning and behavior.  Provides research-based guidance to improve executive function skills in reading, math, and writing.  Includes practical forms, templates, organizers, and checklists to help students improve in specific areas.

Helping students take control of everyday executive functions : the attention fix, by Paula Moraine.  371.9 MOR

Attention is addressed in context as one of the executive functions.  Ideas are offered for understanding, nurturing, and reviving executive function from the perspective of the parent, teacher, and the student.  Presents an innovative model for strengthening and developing executive function in any student.  Provides guidance on how to support each student’s evolving executive function, and how to encourage those who are ready to develop self-advocacy and become more responsible for the development of his/her own executive function skills.

Beyond behavior management : the six life skills children need.  Second edition, by Jenna Bilmes 371.1024 BIL

Developed and tested in the classroom.  Help for you to guide young children’s behavior by helping them build essential life skills : collaboration, adaptability, attachment, self-regualtion, contribution, and belonging.   This strength-based approach includes strategies, examples of supportive interactions, and special activities to help manage challenging behaviors and foster social and emotional development.  Second edition aligns each life skill with early learning standards, and addresses cultural awareness and its impact on child development.–Provided by publisher.  

Beyond the label : a guide to unlocking a child’s educational potential, by Karen L. Schiltz …[et al].  370.154 SCH

This book for parents, educators and healthcare providers shows how to obtain necessary assessments to better understand a child’s strengths and weaknesses in school.  Explains what an educational accommodation is and how it can serve as a bridge to learning by specifically targeting a child’s weaknesses in school to level the playing field.  Provides clear insights into often opaque labels and acronyms that are rapidly hurled at parents…

Positive strategies for students with behavior problems, by Daniel Crimmins …[et al].  370.1528 POS

Provides a staring point for educators supporting students with challenging behavior and provides a means to deliver effective supports that are grounded in research and anchored in a humanistic orientation.  Includes several case examples – one in depth through several chapters allows readers to follow a student as members plan and conduct a functional behavioral assessment and behavior intervention plan.

Link to catalogue