Reaching Standards and Beyond in Kindergarten : Nurturing Children's Sense of Wonder and Joy in Learning

by Gera Jacobs

• ISBN13: 9781412957250
• ISBN10: 1412957257
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-11-06
• Publisher: Corwin Pr

Summary

'This book clearly outlines how teachers can make standards the foundation of their practice without leaving behind what the best teachers know about creating challenging and ordered environments that respect the learning needs of young children. Through clear examples and informative vignettes, including how to meet the needs of children with special needs and those learning English, this books helps teachers find the resources to return joyful learning to this critical year of schooling' - Harriet A. Egertson, Educational Consultant'A great overview of a developmentally appropriate kindergarten classroom. This book gives me the support I need to know that I am teaching my students through practices based on research' - Darcy Sammelson, Kindergarten TeacherAustin School, Vermilion, SDStandards provide an important benchmark for student learning, but meeting them doesn't mean you have to take away fun and creativity. Reaching Standards and Beyond in Kindergarten offers research-based strategies and ideas for addressing content standards in ways that nurture children's natural love of learning.The authors show how creative play activities can help children reach standards in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. They also offer suggestions for promoting healthy physical and social-emotional development. Covering the transition to kindergarten as well as the transition to first grade, this book:- Presents authentic assessments for measuring student progress toward meeting standards- Offers strategies and tips for working with English language learners and children with special needs- Discusses how to develop relationships with caregivers and strengthen the critical home-school connection- Includes sample templates, calendars, book lists, and moreThis resource provides novice teachers with field-tested strategies and gives veteran teachers fresh ideas to add to their existing instructional repertoire.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

The Importance of the Kindergarten Year: Getting Off to a Good Start

Reaching Standards in Kindergarten and the Power of Play

Ready for the Children

Transition to Kindergarten and Forming Partnerships With Families

Strengthening Relationships

Meeting the Needs of All Children

Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language

Working With Children's Individual Needs

Designing the Kindergarten Environment

Creating a Welcoming Environment

Kindergarten Room Design

Designing Interest Areas That Invite Learning

Managing Interest Areas

The Social Environment

Scheduling to Make the Most of Our Time Together

Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language

Working With Children's Individual Needs

Addressing Standards Through Engaging Studies and Authentic Assessment

Engaging Studies and Projects

Assessing Children's Progress Toward Reaching Standards

Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language

Working With Children's Individual Needs

Nurturing Children's Sense of Wonder Through Science

Designing the Environment to Promote Science Inquiry

Addressing Standards and Developing Science Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences

Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language

Working With Children's Individual Needs

Fostering Involved Citizens Through Social Studies

Designing the Environment for Our Future World Citizens

Addressing Standards and Developing Social Studies Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences

Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language

Working With Children's Individual Needs

Engaging Young Readers and Writers in the Literacy-Rich Kindergarten

Designing a Nurturing Environment for Young Readers and Writers

Addressing Language and Literacy Standards and Goals Through Engaging Studies and Experiences

Discovering More About Learning New Languages

Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language

Working With Children's Individual Needs

Motivating Mathematics

Designing the Environment to Promote Mathematical Thinking

Addressing Standards and Developing Mathematical Concepts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences

Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language

Working With Children's Individual Needs

Celebrating Creativity Through the Arts

Designing the Environment to Promote Creativity Through the Arts

Addressing Standards in the Arts Through Engaging Studies and Experiences

Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language

Working With Children's Individual Needs

Promoting Healthy Physical and Social-Emotional Development

Designing the Environment to Promote Healthy Physical Development

Addressing Standards and Fostering Physical Development Through Engaging Studies and Experiences

Designing the Environment to Promote Positive Approaches to Learning and Social-Emotional Development

Nurturing Positive Approaches to Learning and Social-Emotional Development Through Engaging Studies and Experiences

Supporting Children Learning English as a New Language

Working With Children's Individual Needs

Connecting the Dots: Reaching Standards and Beyond

Kindergarten for All Children

The Length of the Kindergarten Day

Supporting the Transition to First Grade

Reaching Beyond the Standards

Resources

Children's Books

Children's Music

Calendar Letter for Families

Calendar Pages for Families

Label Lemur Name Badge

References

Suggested Readings

Index

Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.