Table of Contents
List of Figures x
List of Images xi
List of Tables xii
Acknowledgments xiii
Introduction and Getting Started 1
Who We Are 1
What We Believe 2
The Goals of This Book 3
How to Use This Book 4
Getting Ready 5
Teadiing Tips From Mrs. Lederer 6
Setting Up the Classroom 7
1 Red: Establishing Routines and Relationships 14
Routines: The First Six Weeks of Teaching 14
Basics of Interacting With Young Children 25
The Importance of Observing 26
Relationships 27
Assessment Checklist: Establishing Routines and Relationships 38
References and Recommended Reading 38
2 Orange: Curriculum 39
Inquiry Approach and Why It's Key 39
Knowing What You Have to Teach 40
"Ride and Read" Literacy 41
Math: Inquiry, Centers, Skills, and Teamwork 58
Supporting Scientific Inquiry 64
Show What You Know 65
Social Studies: Keeping Community 67
Importance of the Arts 69
Assessment Checklist: Things Every Kindergartner Should Do 70
References and Recommended Reading 72
3 Yellow: Child Development 73
The Basics of Child Development and Why It Matters 73
Staying True to Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) 74
Development versus Learning 76
All About Five-Year-Olds 77
Executive Functioning and Self-Regulation 82
The Importance of Movement to Children's Development 86
Keeping Bads Moving, Even in Rigid OR Restrictive Settings 89
Valuing Children Where They Are: Letting Five Be Five 90
Assessment Checklist: Is Your Classroom Developmentally Appropriate? 91
References and Recommended Reading 91
4 Green: The Complexity of Play 93
Play Is Learning 93
Defending Play 101
Making Space: Setting It Up for Play 103
Popular Center Ideas 106
Outdoor Play 119
Assessment Checklist: Free Play 122
References and Recommended Reading 123
5 Blue: Behavior and Classroom Management 124
The Basics of Classroom Management 124
Creating Independent Problem-Solvers (So YOU Don't Have to Referee!) 128
When Things Get More Serious 130
Making Amends 132
Defining and Understanding a "Problem" Behavior 133
Doing Something About "Problem" Behavior: Supporting the Child 137
Thoughts on Behavior Charts 140
Managing Your Own Behavior 141
Assessment Checklist: When a Behavior May Need More Expertise Than Yours Alone 142
References and Recommended Reading 143
6 Indigo: Research, Readings, Assessing, and Documenting Learning 145
Basic Philosophies 145
How and Why to Stay Current 147
Sharing Learning 150
Reflection and Feedback 160
Assessment Checklist: Academics and Social-Emotional Development 162
References and Recommended Reading 163
7 Violet: Professional Life 165
The Policy and Politics of Teaching Young Children 165
Global Education 166
Working and Playing With Others (and Hopefully Finding Your People) 169
Working With Volunteers 176
Balance and Boundaries As Professional Responsibilities 178
Taking Care of Yourself 183
References and Recommended Reading 186
Appendix 188
