Practical Solutions to Practically Every Problem: The Early Childhood Teacher's Manual

by Saifer, Steffen

• ISBN13: 9781929610310
• ISBN10: 1929610319
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-05-01
• Publisher: CONSORTIUM BOOK SALES & DISTRIBUTN

Summary

Sensible solutions for the everyday problems of the early childhood classroom.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(5)
The 20 Most Important Principles for Successful Preschool Teaching	5	(1)
Part I: Daily Dilemmas	6	(28)
The Daily Schedule: An Active and Purposeful Program	7	(2)
Half-Day Toddler Program	7	(1)
Full-Day Toddler Program	7	(1)
Half-Day Preschool Program	8	(1)
Full-Day Preschool Program	8	(1)
Starting the Day Off Right	9	(2)
Preventing Problems	9	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	9	(2)
Children Who Have a Hard Time Separating from Their Parents	9	(1)
Children Who Are Very Fussy at the Start of the Day	9	(1)
Chaos: Too Much Going On at Once	10	(1)
Circle Time: Meeting Individual Needs in a Group	11	(3)
Preventing Problems	11	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	12	(2)
Hitting, Arguing, or Talking with Each Other	12	(1)
Can't Sit Still	12	(1)
Interruptions Directed to the Teacher	13	(1)
Bored Children during ``Show and Tell''	13	(1)
Successful Small Group Learning	14	(2)
Preventing Problems	14	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	14	(2)
Not Enough Staff	14	(1)
Bored or Resistant Children	15	(1)
Free Choice: Making Learning Fun	16	(3)
Preventing Problems	16	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	17	(2)
The Child Who Spends Most of His Time in One Area	17	(1)
The Child Who Spends Very Little Time in Any One Area	17	(1)
Too Noisy, Too Boisterous	17	(1)
Too Messy	18	(1)
Mealtimes Can Be Pleasant	19	(4)
Preventing Problems	19	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	20	(3)
The Overzealous Eater	20	(1)
The Sloppy Eater	20	(1)
The Picky Eater	21	(1)
Unappealing Food	21	(1)
Wasted Food	21	(1)
Losing Silverware in the Trash	22	(1)
Too Much Noise	22	(1)
Transitions: Structuring Unplanned Times	23	(2)
Preventing Problems	23	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	23	(2)
Transition from Eating	23	(1)
Transition to Outdoor Time	23	(1)
Transition from Outdoors or from Free Choice	24	(1)
Cleanup	24	(1)
Transition from Nap	24	(1)
Transition to Going Home	24	(1)
Art: Mess without Stress	25	(2)
Preventing Problems	25	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	26	(1)
Drippy Paint	26	(1)
Paint Spills and Waste	26	(1)
Gluing	26	(1)
Safe Fun Outdoors or in the Gym	27	(2)
Preventing Problems	27	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	27	(2)
Limited or Unsafe Play Equipment	27	(1)
Wood, Concrete, or Paved Play Areas	28	(1)
No Indoor Gym Space for When Weather Is Bad	28	(1)
Peaceful Naptimes	29	(2)
Preventing Problems	29	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	30	(1)
Infants/Young Toddlers	30	(1)
Older Toddlers/Preschoolers	30	(1)
Computer Center Concerns	31	(3)
Preventing Problems	31	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	32	(2)
Children Who Do Not Use the Computer Correctly or Carefully	32	(1)
Too Many Users	32	(1)
Children Who Do Not Want to Use the Computer	32	(1)
Pressure to Eliminate Computers in the Classroom	33	(1)
Part II: Classroom Concerns	34	(32)
Making the Classroom Environment Work for You	35	(2)
Preventing Problems	35	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	35	(2)
Small Spaces	35	(1)
Not Enough Storage Space	35	(1)
A High Ceiling or Large Open Space	36	(1)
Little Money for Supplies or Equipment	36	(1)
Sharing Your Classroom	36	(1)
Selecting and Using a Curriculum	37	(7)
Themes	38	(1)
Separations	38	(1)
Fairness	38	(1)
Changes	39	(1)
Teaching-Approach Curricula	39	(5)
The Creative Curriculum®	39	(1)
Emergent Curriculum	39	(1)
High/Scope	40	(1)
Multiple Intelligences	40	(1)
The Project Approach	41	(1)
Reggio Emilia	41	(1)
Vivian Gussin Paley's Approach	41	(3)
Assessment and Accountability	44	(3)
Preventing Problems	44	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	45	(2)
Inappropriate Assessment Tools	45	(1)
Assessing Valid Skills	45	(1)
Talking with Parents	46	(1)
Individualizing	47	(3)
Preventing Problems	48	(1)
Planning for Individual Needs	48	(2)
Individualizing on the Spot	49	(1)
Individualizing the Physical Environment	50	(1)
Individualizing Your Daily Schedule	50	(1)
Teaching Mixed-Age Groups	50	(3)
Preventing Problems	51	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	51	(2)
Field Trips Are Supposed to Be Fun	53	(2)
Preventing Problems	53	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	54	(1)
Active, Overly Excited, Unruly Group	54	(1)
No Transportation or Budget for Field Trips	54	(1)
Toys from Home	55	(1)
Lost or Missing	56	(1)
Preventing Problems	56	(1)
Clothing	56	(1)
Toys or Toy Parts	56	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	57	(1)
When Clothing Is Missing	57	(1)
When a Toy or Part Is Missing	57	(1)
Coping with Accidents and Emergencies	57	(3)
Preventing Problems	57	(2)
How to Make Risk Taking Reasonably Safe	59	(1)
Successful Fire Drills	59	(1)
Keep Track of Injuries	60	(1)
Children Who Are Ill and Other Health Concerns	60	(6)
Preventing Problems	60	(2)
Allergies: Food and More	62	(1)
Children with Asthma	62	(1)
Head Lice	63	(1)
Giving Medication	63	(1)
Children Who Come to School Dirty	64	(2)
Part III: Children with Particular Needs	66	(38)
Suspected Disabilities	67	(4)
Observing	67	(1)
Screening	67	(1)
Preventing Problems	68	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	69	(1)
Parents Who Deny There Is a Problem	69	(1)
Other Professionals Who Believe There Is No Problem	69	(1)
Difficulty in Finding or Affording Professional Services	70	(1)
Screening Tests	70	(1)
Children with Disabilities in Your Class	71	(6)
Preventing Problems	71	(2)
Dealing with Existing Problems	73	(4)
Conflict with Therapists or Other Specialists	73	(1)
The Overly Involved Parent	74	(1)
The Child Who Takes Too Much Time and Energy	75	(1)
The Child with a Disability Who Does Not Play with Others	75	(2)
Gifted or Talented Children	77	(4)
Preventing Problems	77	(1)
Identifying Gifted and Talented Children	78	(3)
Lack of Access to Support and Resources	79	(1)
Problem Behaviors of Some Gifted Children	79	(2)
Children Who Are Culturally or Physically ``Different'' and Biased Behaviors	81	(6)
Preventing Problems	82	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	82	(5)
When You See Bias Happening	82	(1)
Differences in Learning Styles and Priorities Due to Culture	83	(1)
Multiracial or Multiethnic Children	84	(1)
Children with Gay or Lesbian Parents	84	(1)
Children Who Have Been Adopted	85	(1)
Children from Religious Minorities	85	(2)
Children Who Are Learning English	87	(3)
Preventing Problems	88	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	88	(2)
Subgroups of Children Who Speak the Same Language	88	(1)
Problems with a Bilingual Aide	88	(1)
The Child Who Won't Speak at All	89	(1)
TV/Video-Obsessed Children	90	(2)
Preventing Problems	90	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	90	(2)
Noncreative Play	90	(1)
Aggressive Play	90	(1)
Resolving Conflicts	91	(1)
Barbie Doll Play	91	(1)
Children with Extreme Fears	92	(3)
Possible Causes	92	(1)
Preventing Problems	92	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	93	(2)
The Sexually Precocious Child	95	(3)
Preventing Problems	95	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	96	(2)
Questions about Sex	96	(1)
Mutual Exploration	96	(1)
The Manipulative Child	96	(1)
Grown-Up Play in the Dramatic Play Area	96	(1)
Appropriate Affection	96	(1)
Determining if the Child Is Being Sexually Abused	96	(1)
Fairy Tales Can Help Heal	97	(1)
Children Who Identify with the Opposite Sex and Sex-Bias Issues	98	(2)
Preventing Problems	98	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	99	(1)
Building Self-Esteem	99	(1)
Exaggerated Sex-Role Behaviors	99	(1)
Helping Parents	99	(1)
Children Who Are Too Responsible	100	(4)
Possible Causes and Consequences	101	(1)
Preventing Problems	101	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	101	(3)
Part IV: Children Who Must Cope with Major Changes	104	(18)
New to Your Class	105	(1)
Preventing Problems	105	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	105	(1)
The Child Who Has Recently Moved	105	(1)
Divorce and Remarriage	106	(3)
Preventing Problems	106	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	107	(2)
New Sibling	109	(2)
Preventing Problems	109	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	109	(2)
Hospitalization	111	(1)
Preventing Problems	111	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	111	(1)
Death of a Loved One	112	(3)
Preventing Problems	113	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	113	(2)
Questions about Death	114	(1)
Death of a Classroom Pet	114	(1)
Tragedies	115	(2)
Preventing Problems	115	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	116	(1)
Moving On to the Next Class	117	(5)
Preventing Problems	118	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	118	(4)
Conflicting Styles and Expectations among Various Teachers in the Next Grade	119	(1)
Celebrations Not Graduations	119	(3)
Part V: Children with Challenging Behaviors	122	(40)
Helping Children with Challenging Behaviors	123	(3)
Your Goal: Teaching Self-Control and Acceptable Behaviors	123	(1)
Use Alternatives to Reinforcement Systems	123	(1)
Use Child Choice, Not Time-Out	124	(1)
Try to Determine the Cause of the Problem	124	(2)
Preventing Behavior Problems	126	(7)
Your Own Attitudes, Actions, and Reactions	126	(7)
Attitude: Focus on the Positive	126	(1)
Attitude: The Child Can Do Better	127	(1)
Attitude: Parents Are Doing the Best They Can under Difficult Circumstances	127	(1)
Action: Have a Positive Classroom	127	(1)
Action: Make Expectations Clear and Reasonable	127	(1)
Action: Make Sure the Children Feel Important and Respected	128	(1)
Action: Provide for Success	128	(1)
Action: Meet Individual Needs	129	(1)
Action: Actively Teach and Promote Cooperation	129	(1)
Action: Use Your Voice Effectively	130	(1)
Reaction: Mistakes Are Okay	130	(1)
Reaction: Validate Feelings	130	(1)
Reaction: Help Children Calm Themselves	130	(1)
Reaction: Teach the Correct Behavior	130	(1)
Reaction: Redirect Behaviors	131	(1)
Reaction: Logical Consequences	131	(1)
Reaction: Stay Calm Yourself	131	(2)
Children with Severe Behavior Problems	133	(2)
Active and Distracted	135	(2)
Preventing Problems	135	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	135	(2)
Biting	137	(1)
Preventing Problems	137	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	137	(1)
Clingy, Dependent, and Won't Participate	138	(2)
Preventing Problems	138	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	139	(1)
Cursing, Name-Calling, and Hurtful Language	140	(2)
Preventing Problems	140	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	140	(2)
Complaints of Parents about Swear Words	141	(1)
Excessive Crying or Whining	142	(1)
Preventing Problems	142	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	142	(1)
Hitting and Aggression	143	(3)
Preventing Problems	144	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	144	(2)
Grabbing Toys	144	(1)
Wrecking Other Children's Projects	144	(1)
War, Gun, or Violent Play	145	(1)
Lying	146	(1)
Preventing Problems	146	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	146	(1)
Masturbation and Self-Stimulation	147	(1)
Preventing Problems	147	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	147	(1)
Mean and Cruel	148	(2)
Preventing Problems	148	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	149	(1)
Actions	149	(1)
Words	149	(1)
Roughhousing	150	(1)
Preventing Problems	150	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	150	(1)
Running Inside	151	(1)
Preventing Problems	151	(1)
Shy and Withdrawn	152	(2)
Preventing Problems	152	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	152	(2)
Silliness	154	(1)
Preventing Problems	154	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	154	(1)
Spitting	155	(1)
Preventing Problems	155	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	155	(1)
Stealing	155	(1)
Preventing Problems	155	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	155	(1)
Tattling	156	(1)
Preventing Problems	156	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	156	(1)
Temper Tantrums	157	(1)
Preventing Problems	157	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	157	(1)
Fits of Anger	157	(1)
Thumb-Sucking	158	(1)
Preventing Problems	158	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	159	(1)
Too Loud	159	(1)
Preventing Problems	159	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	159	(1)
Won't Listen, Defiance, and Power Struggles	160	(2)
Preventing Problems	160	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	160	(2)
Won't Listen, but Not Defiant	160	(1)
Defiance and Power Struggles	161	(1)
Part VI: Working with Parents and Families	162	(18)
The Challenge of Connecting with All Parents: Creating Partnerships	163	(3)
What You Bring to the Partnership	163	(1)
What Parents Bring to the Partnership	163	(1)
Attitude Is Number One	163	(3)
Approach All Interactions with a ``Partnership'' Attitude	163	(1)
Parents Who Are ``Different''	164	(1)
Parents with Special Needs	164	(2)
Parents Who Want You to Teach Reading	166	(3)
Preventing Problems	166	(1)
Develop a Sensible Plan for Teaching Reading and Writing	167	(2)
Read Aloud Often	167	(1)
Silent Reading	167	(1)
Avoid Worksheets	167	(1)
Individualize	167	(1)
Promote Language Development	167	(1)
Create a ``Literate'' Classroom	168	(1)
Be Aware of Potential Problems	168	(1)
Complaining Parents	169	(2)
Preventing Problems	169	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	170	(1)
Chronic Complainer	170	(1)
Behind Your Back	170	(1)
The Angry Parent	170	(1)
Complaints about Your Curriculum or Style	170	(1)
A Last Resort	171	(1)
Parents Who Are in a Hurry	171	(1)
Preventing Problems	171	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	172	(1)
Parents Who Linger	172	(1)
Preventing Problems	172	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	173	(1)
Telling Parents about the Difficult Behavior of Their Children	173	(2)
Preventing Problems	173	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	174	(1)
Parents Who Are Late	175	(1)
Preventing Problems	175	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	175	(1)
Parents Who May Be Abusive to Their Children	176	(4)
If You're Not Sure	176	(1)
Suspected Physical Abuse	176	(1)
Suspected Neglect	177	(1)
Suspected Emotional Abuse	177	(1)
Suspected Sexual Abuse	177	(1)
Write Down the Things You Notice	178	(1)
Never Discuss Your Suspicions with Parents	178	(1)
If a Parent Asks for Your Help	178	(2)
Part VII: Working with Other Staff	180	(8)
Difficult Bosses	181	(2)
Preventing Problems	181	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	181	(2)
When You Have a New Boss	181	(1)
The Dictatorial Boss	182	(1)
The Incompetent Boss	182	(1)
If All Else Fails	182	(1)
Problems Working with Assistants or Volunteers	183	(2)
Preventing Problems	183	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	184	(1)
Concerns about Coworkers	185	(3)
Preventing Problems	185	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	186	(2)
Problems with Coworkers that Affect You Directly	186	(1)
Problems with Coworkers that Affect the Program	186	(1)
Differences in Teaching Styles and Other Problems	186	(2)
Part VIII: Your Own Needs	188	(10)
Not Enough Time	189	(1)
Preventing Problems	189	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	189	(1)
Short on Planning Time	189	(1)
Time Seems to Slip Away	189	(1)
Too Many Committees and Meetings	189	(1)
Rushed and Hassled	189	(1)
Procrastinating	189	(1)
Too Much to Do	190	(1)
Burned Out/Stressed Out	190	(4)
Preventing Problems	190	(4)
Get Involved	190	(1)
Find a Support Group	190	(1)
Learn Something/Teach Something	191	(1)
Let Your Environment Nurture You	191	(1)
Take a Break	191	(1)
Take Care of Your Health	191	(1)
Don't Work Alone	192	(1)
Get Control	192	(1)
Limit Yourself	192	(1)
Set Goals	192	(1)
Experiment	193	(1)
Have Fun	193	(1)
Underpaid	194	(2)
Preventing Problems	194	(1)
Dealing with Existing Problems	194	(2)
Better Paying Jobs in Early Childhood Education	194	(1)
Grants	195	(1)
In over Your Head	196	(2)
Dealing with Existing Problems	196	(2)
Part IX: Promoting Yourself as a Professional	198	(11)
Protecting Yourself from Being Accused of Abuse	199	(2)
Be Proactive	199	(1)
If You Are Falsely Accused	200	(1)
Making Tough Ethical Decisions	201	(2)
Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas	201	(2)
Being an Advocate for Families, Children, the Profession, and Yourself	203	(6)
Building a Professional Image	203	(1)
Your Own Professional Development	204	(5)
Comprehensive Web Sites	205	(1)
Professional Organizations and Agencies	206	(1)
Governmental Agencies	207	(1)
Magazines and Journals	207	(1)
Online Journals	208	(1)
Glossary of Common Terms and Jargon	209