Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Welcome to the Early Childhood Profession! Part I. Early Childhood Education Goals, Roles, and Curriculum Planning 1. Goals of Early Childhood Education 2. The Teacher's Role 3. Planning a Curriculum for Young Children Part II. Teaching Through the Environment With Learning Centers 4. Art Center 5. Blocks Center 6. Dramatic Play Center 7. Literacy Centers Puppet Center Listening Center Library Center Writing Center ABC Center Computer Center 8. Math and Manipulatives Center 9. Science Center 10. Music Center 11. Cooking Center 12. Woodworking Center 13. Clay and Dough Center 14. Construction Center 15. Sensory Center 16. Outdoor Play Center Part III. Just About Everything Else 17. Classroom Management, Schedules, and Routines 18. Special Events 19. Parent Involvement Resources Index
"This indispensable new edition is a must-have for every early childhood teacher. Explaining how to manage a classroom while encouraging children to make good choices and assume greater responsibility for managing their own behavior (among many other things!), the book will help new teachers get started and veteran teachers improve what they're already doing." -Sharon MacDonald, Education Consultant Create an inviting, high-quality early childhood classroom! Many excellent teachers find themselves bewildered when teaching three- to six-year-olds, especially if their professional preparation was focused on the elementary grades. While they may recognize children's unique learning styles and special needs, they may not know how to handle noise, activity, and even messes in classrooms that revolve around hands-on learning centers. In this updated edition of a classic, teacher trainer Dianne Miller Nielsen guides teachers through the basics, from lesson planning and developing daily schedules to arranging furniture and managing classroom activities. The book also offers suggestions to enhance learning through modeling, purposeful interactions, and conversations. The variety of updated topics in Teaching Young Children, Second Edition include: Setting up and managing an ABC center to develop children's understanding of the alphabetic principle Setting up and managing a computer center to bring new technology into the classroom and extend literacy skills Involving parents and families inside and outside the classroom Sidebar teacher tips peppered throughout, from activities and ideas ("Try This") to important concepts to remember ("Keep in Mind") This comprehensive handbook provides absolutely everything that preschool and kindergarten teachers need to create a high-quality, child-centered classroom!
Dianne Miller Nielsen has been an early childhood educator for more than 30 years. She currently owns an early childhood teacher training agency, Nielsen Training Services, Inc. This agency provides workshops, seminars, and courses for early childhood teachers and child care center directors, including training for the nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. She is currently designated as a Master Trainer in the Texas Early Care and Education Trainer Registry. Dianne is also an active member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, having contributed to the journal Young Children, and continuing to serve as a validator for program accreditation. She recently completed her second term of office as Vice-President of the San Antonio chapter of NAEYC. Dianne speaks and keynotes at many national, state and local conferences, and currently provides consultation services for a number of early childhood programs.