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This classic in the field of early childhood education provides practical tips and research-based methods for developing teachers, plus ready-to-use checklists for observing children and the classroom environment. In addition to its success as a college text, Janice Beaty’s Skills for Preschool Teachers is widely used by student interns, volunteers, assistants, CDA candidates, and beginning and experienced teachers around the world who work with three- to five-year old children in a variety of settings—preschools, center-based child care, Head Start programs, and pre-kindergartens.

Rewritten to include the most recent research on the use of technology with young children, the linkage between brain development and children’s play, and the importance of taking indoor activities outdoors, this new edition brings students up-to-date on the latest information and innovations in the area of preschool teaching.

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Dr. Janice J. Beaty is not only a writer of many college texts for early childhood educators but is also a traveler. Her books for Pearson include Skills for Preschool Teachers, 10/e, 2017 (also in Chinese), Early Literacy in Preschool & Kindergarten with L.Pratt, 4/e, 2015, Observing Development of the Young Child, 8/e, 2014, Fifty Early Childhood Literacy Strategies, 3/e, 2013 , (both also in Chinese). She is also the author of Preschool Appropriate Practices, 4/e, 2014, (also in Chinese). She has visited early childhood programs in China, Russia, Poland, and Bermuda and throughout Missouri where she has done training of Foster Grandparents who work in Head Start classrooms. She taught for 20 years at Elmira College where she developed a CDA Training of Trainers workshop and presented it in Elmira, NY, Columbia, SC, Atlanta, GA, & Orlando, FL. When she is not writing early childhood texts, you might find her “out west” in one of the national parks featured in her latest children’s books: Jarod and the Mystery of the Joshua Trees, 2015, or Jarod and the Mystery of the Petroglyphs, 2016, Sunstone Press, for middle school readers.

Brief Table of Contents

1 Maintaining a Safe Classroom

2 Maintaining a Healthy Classroom

3 Establishing a Learning Environment

4 Advancing Physical Skills

5 Advancing Cognitive Skills

6 Advancing Communication Skills

7 Advancing Creative Skills

8 Building a Positive Self-Concept

9 Promoting Social Skills

10 Providing Guidance

11 Promoting Family Involvement

12 Providing Program Management

13 Promoting Professionalism

Detailed Table of Contents

Introduction

The In-Service Training Option

Skills Based on Child Development Associate Training

Textbook Chapters from Functional Areas

Competency Standards, Functional Areas, Chapters

Teacher Skills Checklist

Assessment for In-Service Training Option

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)

NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards

1 Maintaining a Safe Classroom

Set Up Safe Classroom Environment

Bathroom

Stairs/Exits

Promote Toy and Materials Safety Within Each Learning Center

Art Center

Block-Building Center

Book Center

Computer Center

Cooking Center

Dramatic Play Center

Gross-Motor Center

Manipulative/Math Center

Music/Listening Center

Sand/Water/Sensory Table

Science/Discovery Center

Woodworking Center

Writing Center

Battery-Operated Toys and Video Games

Safety Checklist

General Room Conditions

Video 1.1 Fire Safety

Keep Outdoor Playground Safe and Secure

Video 1.2 Physical Development: Early Childhood

Books as Lead-Ins to Playground Safety Activities

Plan and Implement Necessary Emergency Procedures

Emergency Illnesses or Injuries

Preparing for Accidents

Injury Safety Activities

Weather Emergencies

Books as Lead-Ins to Emergency Weather Activities

Emergency Exiting

Books as Lead-Ins to Fire Fighting Activities

Emergency Evacuation Plans

Provide a Safe Atmosphere Through Teacher Behavior

Teacher’s Behavior

Dissipate Fear

Book as a Lead-In to Talking About Fear

Supervising Classroom Areas

Anticipating Unsafe Behavior

Redirecting Unsafe Behavior

Modeling Safe Behavior

Involving Children in Safety Rules

Car and School Bus Safety

Books as Lead-Ins to School Bus Safety Activities

Field Trip Safety

Book as a Lead-In to Field Trip Manners

Promote Personal Safety for Each Child

Bullying

Books as Lead-Ins to Talking About Bullying

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

2 Maintaining a Healthy Classroom

Set Up a Healthy Classroom Environment Emphasizing Children’s Wellness

Children’s Wellness

Encourage Children to Become Physically Fit Through Exercise and Rest

Physical Fitness

Physical Fitness Guidelines

Physical Fitness Activities

Books as Lead-Ins to Classroom Physical Activities

Resting

Books as Lead-Ins to Resting/Napping

Promote Good Nutrition Through Food Choices and Children’s Eating

Nutrition

Video 2.1 Mealtime and Snack Time

Nutrients

Analyzing Food Choices

Food in the Classroom

Snacks

Cultural Food

Books as Lead-Ins to Cultural Food Activities

Obesity

Screen Time

Picky Eaters

Books as Lead-Ins to Helping Picky Eaters

Use Materials to Ensure Children’s Health Through Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness

Keeping the Classroom Clean

Video 2.2 Handwashing

Personal Hygiene: Handwashing

Washing Dolls and Toys

Tooth Brushing

Books as Lead-Ins to Toothbrushing

Sun Protection

Recognize Unusual Behavior and Symptoms of Illness and Respond to Them

Sickness

Allergies

Insect Bites

Asthma

Chicken Pox

Book as Lead-In to Chicken Pox Theme

Colds/Flu

Books as Lead-Ins to Using Tissues

Ear Infections

Special Conditions

Medical Exams

Books as Lead-Ins to Doctor and Dentist Visits

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

3 Establishing a Learning Environment

Set Up Stimulating Learning Centers in Appropriate Spaces

Learning Centers as Brain Stimulators

Colors as Stimulators

Noise Levels

Room Arrangement

Video 3.1 Room Arrangement: Preschool

Room Layout

Separating Activities

Floor Planning

Self-Regulating Methods

Provide Appropriate Materials for Children’s Self-Directed Activities in Indoor Learning Centers

Play as Learning

Exploratory Play Levels

Equipping Learning Centers

Block-Building Center

Book Center

Dramatic Play Center

Manipulative/Math Center

Art Center

Gross-Motor Center

Music Center

Science/Discovery Center

Writing Center

Computer Center

Sensory Play Center

Woodworking Center

Developmentally Appropriate Materials

Evaluating Room Arrangement

Provide Stimulating Outdoor Learning Activities

Outdoor Dramatic Play

Books

Block Building

Art

Music

Climbing, crawling

Fine Motor

Science

Use Technology Where Developmentally Appropriate

Computer (desktop; laptop)

Smartphone

Touch Tablet

Interactive Whiteboard (IWB)

Multitouch Table or Smart Table

eBook Player

Digital Camera

Video 3.2 Technology

Digital Voice Recorder

Digital Music Player/Recorder

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

4 Advancing Physical Skills

Guide Children’s Development of Gross-Motor Skills and Provide Appropriate Equipment and Activities

Walking

Books as Lead-Ins to Walking Activities

Balancing

Hopping/Jumping/Leaping

Books as Lead-Ins to Jumping

Running/Galloping/Skipping

Books as Lead-Ins to Leg and Feet Action

Climbing

Books as Lead-Ins to Climbing Activities

Crawling/Creeping/Scooting

Throwing/Catching

Books as Lead-Ins to Playing Basketball/Baseball

Riding Wheeled Equipment

Book as a Lead-In to Riding a Trike

Making Plans for Individuals

Guide Children’s Development of Fine-Motor Skills and Provide Appropriate Materials and Activities

Fine-Motor Assessment

Sequence of Development

Whole Arm

Books as Lead-Ins to Hammering

Whole Hand

Pincer (Finger 1)

Puzzles

Cutting with Scissors

Books as Lead-Ins to Cutting

Pincer Coordination (Finger 2)

Stringing Beads

Books as Lead-Ins to Bead-Stringing Activities

Provide Opportunities for Children to Engage in Movement-Based Learning

Video 4.1 Movement and Music

Books as Lead-Ins to Movement Activities

Provide Opportunities for Children to Engage in Creative Dance

Movement Props

Books as Lead-Ins to Creative Dance

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

5 Advancing Cognitive Skills

Describe How Cognitive Development Takes Place In Preschool Children

Pioneers in Children’s Cognitive Development

Brain Research

Cognitive Development in Preschool

Help Children Develop Curiosity About Their World Through Sensory Exploration

Sensory Exploration

Assessing Children’s Curiosity

Sensory Questions

Reawakening Your Own Curiosity

Open-Ended Sensory Questions

Scientific Inquiry: The Guessing-Game Method (High-Level Thinking)

Equipment and Materials in the Classroom

Outside Sensory Explorations

Books as Lead-Ins to Outside Sensory Exploration

Help Children Develop Basic Concepts About Their World by Classifying, Comparing, and Counting Objects in It

Sorting and Classifying Objects That Are Alike

Video 5.1 Sorting Shells

Comparing Objects by Size, Shape, Color, and Number

Books as Lead-Ins to Comparing Objects

Early Childhood Mathematics

Books as Lead-Ins to Number Activities

Help Children Apply Basic Concepts About Their World Through High-Level Thinking and Problem Solving

Following a Broad But Simple Concept

Problem Solving, Divergent Thinking, and Metacognition

Books as Lead-Ins to Thinking Activities

Problem Solving with Computer Programs

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

6 Advancing Communication Skills

Provide Activities That Promote Children’s Speaking and Listening

Brain Research

Talk-Rich Environment

Listening with Intent

Helping Children Listen with Intent

Soundproofing the Room

Helping Children Become Speakers

Responsive versus Restrictive Language

Books as Lead-Ins to Responsive Language Activities

Books as Lead-Ins to Children Gaining Confidence

Books as Lead-Ins to the Need to Communicate

The Mix of Children

Video 6.1 Encouraging Conversation

Books as Lead-Ins to Children’s Conversations

Help Dual Language Learners to Learn English

New Technology

Why Use Home Languages

Reading Bilingual Books

Books as Lead-Ins for Dual Language Activities

Provide Materials and Activities to Support Emergent Reading

Emergent Reading

Books to Motivate Listening

Word Play

Predictable Books

Reading Books to Children

Follow-Up Book Activities

Books as Lead-Ins to Story Reenactment

Provide Materials and Activities to Support Emergent Writing

Writing in Preschool

Book as a Lead-In to Writing Tools

Writing Behaviors

Taking Dictation

Children’s Writing Activities

Books as Lead-Ins to Writing Activities

Alphabet Letters

Books as Lead-Ins to Alphabet Activities

Computer Alphabet Programs

Children’s Names

Video 6.2 Creating a Print-Rich Environment

Books as Lead-Ins to Children’s Names

Orientation of Letters

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

7 Advancing Creative Skills

Promote Children’s Creativity Through Freedom to Use Their Imaginations

Acceptance and Encouragement

Teacher Creativity

Freedom

Fantasy Role-Play

Books as Lead-Ins to Fantasy Play

Video 7.1 Creative Art Expressions

Multiethnic Books

Superhero Play

Books as Lead-ins to Superhero Play

Intervention

Give Children the Opportunity to be Creative in Dramatic Play

Books as Lead-Ins to Dramatic Play

Dramatic Play Areas

Teacher’s Role

As a Model

As a Mediator

Provide Art Materials and Activities for Children to Explore Creatively on Their Own

Process versus Product

Easel Activities

Art Supplies

Play Dough

Colored Chalk

Finger Painting

Monster Mixing

Books as Lead-Ins to Mixing Colors

Acceptance of Art Products

Books as Lead-Ins to Art Activities

Books About Adult Artists

Stages of Art Development

Encourage Children to Create and Have Fun with Music

Brain Research Regarding Music

Chanting

Books as Lead-Ins to Singing/Chanting a Happy Song

Directions

Manipulating the Music Medium

Rhythm Instruments

Your Own Instrument

Books as Lead-Ins to Instrument Playing

Using Recorded Music

Other Creative Activities

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

8 Building a Positive Self-Concept

Help Children Improve Their Self-Concept Through the Positive Classroom Environment You Have Established

Physical Environment

Book as a Lead-In to Seeing Different Faces

Emotional Environment

Accept Yourself and Every Child as Worthy and Use Verbal and Nonverbal Cues to Let Children Know They Are Accepted

Adult Self-Acceptance

Adult—Child Acceptance

Books as Lead-Ins to Adult—Child Self-Concept Activities

Nonverbal Cues

A Favorite Child

Behavior Management Style

Child's Self-Acceptance

Mirrors, Photos, and Recordings

Self-Concept Name Games and Songs

Self-Concept Art and Photography

Books as Lead-Ins to Child Self-Acceptance Activities

Accept and Respect Diversity in Children and Help Children to Respect One Another

Stress Similarities But Honor Differences

Books as Lead-Ins to Different Cultural Activities

Build on Each Child’s Strengths

Have High Expectations for Everyone

Cultural Influences on Children’s Self-Concept

Helps Children Respect One Another

Help Every Child to Develop Independence and Experience Success in the Classroom

Video 8.1 Opportunities for Success

Strengthening a Child’s Independence

Control Over the Classroom Environment

Children’s Activity Choices

Children’s Special Skills

Teacher’s Role

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

9 Promoting Social Skills

Help Children Develop the Social Skills of Interacting in Harmony with Others

Neuroscience Research

Social Play

Importance of Parallel Play

Onlooker-to Parallel-to-Cooperative Play

Teacher’s Role

Help Children Learn to Work and Play Cooperatively through Sharing and Turn-Taking

Sharing and Turn-Taking

Modeling Sharing and Turn-Taking Behavior

Modeling with Puppets

Books as Lead-Ins to Sharing and Turn-Taking Activities

Computer Turn-Taking

Help Children Learn to Enter Ongoing Play Without Disruptions

Group-Access Strategies

Dramatic Play

Learning from Peers in Dramatic Play

Learning Real-Life Roles

Block Building

Handling Interpersonal Conflicts

Video 9.1 Building with Blocks

Other-Esteem Conflict Conversion

The Shy Child

Children Who Don’t Know How to Play

Help Children Learn to Find Friends

Books as Lead-Ins to Help Children Get Involved with Others

Listening Partners

Creating a Kindness Class

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

10 Providing Guidance

Help Young Children Develop Self-Control Through Positive Guidance

Brain Research

Use Positive Prevention Measures to Help Children Eliminate Inappropriate Behavior

Learning Environment Modification

Colors to Create Emotional Tone

New Materials

Book as a Lead-In to Preventing Possession Squabbles

Encouraging Environment for Boys

Orderly Sequence of Events

A Minimum of Waiting

A Maximum of Time

Child Involvement in Rules

Book as a Lead-In to Rule-Making Problems

Setting Limits

Video 10.1 Managing Challenging Behavior

Knowing the Children

Force Unacceptable

Use Positive Intervention Measures to Help Children Control their Inappropriate Behavior

Accepting Negative Feelings

Helping Children Verbalize Negative Feelings

Emotional Literacy

Books About Anger as Lead-Ins to Verbalizing Feelings

Redirecting Inappropriate Behavior

No Time-Out Chair

Out-of-Control Children

Temper Tantrums

Biting and Hitting

Intervening in Interpersonal Conflicts

Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques to Help Children Learn Appropriate Behavior

Positive Reinforcement

Focus on Injured Child, Not on Aggressor

Model Appropriate Behavior

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

11 Promoting Family Involvement

Encourage Family Involvement in the Early Childhood Program to Promote Their Children’s Development

Involve Families in Participating in Their Children’s Learning Activities

Focus on the Child

Home Visits

Building Trust in Parents and Parent Trust in the Program

Beginning School

Books to Help Children Become Accustomed to School

Two-Way Communication

Methods for Two-Way Communication

Books, Materials and Photos as Connectors

Home Visits

Family Members’ Classroom Visits

Parents as Classroom Volunteers

Classroom Volunteer Rules

Parent Conferences

Video 11.1 A Conference with Kayla’s Mom

Recognize and Support Families of Different Makeups

Single-Parent Families

Books About Single-Parent Families

Mixed/Blended/Adopted Families

Books About Adoption and Mixed Families

Gay and Lesbian Families

Books About Gay and Lesbian Families

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Books About Grandparents

Culturally Diverse Families

Working Parents

Build Teacher—Family Relationships Through Family Meetings

Family Support of Program

Monthly Family Meetings

Activities in Learning Centers

Motivating Family Attendance

Books About Potluck Suppers

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

12 Providing Program Management

Make Your Design Colorful

Observe, Record, and Interpret the Needs and Interests of the Children

Video 12.1 Observing Children in Authentic Contexts

Observing

Recording

Interpreting Results

Plan and Implement an Emergent Curriculum

Team Planning

Team Planning Sessions

Team Roles and Responsibilities

Overcoming Team Problems

Employing an Emergent Curriculum

Video 12.2 Emergent Curriculum Built on Children’s Interests

Using Curriculum Webs in Planning

Children’s Response to Curriculum Webs

Converting Children’s Interests into a Theme-Based Curriculum

Field Trips

Observing and Recording Their Discoveries

Picture Books as Lead-Ins to an Entire Curriculum

Manage Time Within the Program Schedule

Managing Time Blocks

Advantages of Time Blocks

Time Management in the Preschools of Reggio Emilia

Assess Outcomes of the Planning

Child Observation

Observing Marsella

Assessment Interviews

Arrange Follow-Up Based on Assessment

Additions to Learning Centers

Team Planning for Follow-Up

Documentation

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

13 Promoting Professionalism

Continue Professional Growth as a Teacher of Young Children

Becoming a Professional

Categories of Professional Development

Early Childhood Programs

Concerns

A Helping Profession

Make a Commitment to the Early Childhood Profession

Knowledge Base in the Field of Early Childhood

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)

Video 13.1 Designing Developmentally Appropriate Days

Keeping Up with Developments in the Field

New Knowledge

New Technology

Reciprocal Teaching and Learning

Training Opportunities in the Field of Early Childhood

Technology-Based E-Learning

Online College Training

Child Development Associate

Why Become a CDA?

CDA.2

Licensing and Credentialing

Service Requirements in the Field of Early Childhood Education

Behave Ethically Toward Children, Families, and Coworkers

Shows Respect for All

Demonstrates Caring Toward All Children

Respects Privacy of Children, Families, and Coworkers

NAEYC’s Code of Ethical Conduct

Training About Ethical Conduct

Take Every Opportunity to Improve Professional Growth

Ongoing Training

Join a Professional Organization, Read Its Publications, Network with Colleagues in the Field

Professional Publications

Career Opportunities

Professional Portfolio

Personal Contribution

Summary

Do You Know?

Learning Activities

Appendix A Becoming a CDA: Child Development Associate

Obtaining a CDA Credential

Before Apply

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