A Moving Child Is a Learning Child


Book Description

In order to learn, kids’ need to move! Grounded in best practices and current research, this hands-on resource connects the dots that link brain activity, movement, and early learning. The expert authors unveil the Kinetic Scale: a visual map of the active learning needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary graders that fits each child’s individual timetable. Teachers, parents, and caregivers will find a wealth of information, actionable tips, and games they can use to support children’s healthy development—all presented in a lively, full-color format with demonstrative diagrams and photos. A final section offers easy-to-implement activities geared to the Kinetic Scale. Downloadable digital content includes printable charts, games, and activities from the book plus a PowerPoint presentation for professional development, parent handouts, and bonus activities. An ideal tool for coaches, mentors, and trainers.Introducing the Kinetic Scale unique framework encompassing all the elements of movement: reflexes, sensory tools (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, balance, and intuition), motor tools (power, coordination, and control), and language based on six stages of movement development from birth to age 7: snugglers, squigglers, stompers, scampers, scooters, and skedaddlers designed to foster a balanced diet of physical activity that helps each child move, grow, and learn on the child’s individual timetable




A Moving Child Is a Learning Child


Book Description

In order to learn, kids’ need to move! Grounded in best practices and current research, this hands-on resource connects the dots that link brain activity, movement, and early learning. The expert authors unveil the Kinetic Scale: a visual map of the active learning needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary graders that fits each child’s individual timetable. Teachers, parents, and caregivers will find a wealth of information, actionable tips, and games they can use to support children’s healthy development—all presented in a lively, full-color format with demonstrative diagrams and photos. A final section offers easy-to-implement activities geared to the Kinetic Scale. Downloadable digital content includes printable charts, games, and activities from the book plus a PowerPoint presentation for professional development, parent handouts, and bonus activities. An ideal tool for coaches, mentors, and trainers.Introducing the Kinetic Scale unique framework encompassing all the elements of movement: reflexes, sensory tools (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, balance, and intuition), motor tools (power, coordination, and control), and language based on six stages of movement development from birth to age 7: snugglers, squigglers, stompers, scampers, scooters, and skedaddlers designed to foster a balanced diet of physical activity that helps each child move, grow, and learn on the child’s individual timetable




Social and Emotional Learning for Advanced Children in Early Childhood


Book Description

This book illuminates the complexities of social and emotional learning (SEL) during early childhood and provides readers with supportive tools to enhance and advance social and emotional skills among young children within their homes and classrooms. Affective development is critical to childhood development – this guide gives parents and educators concrete strategies to support students’ social skills, relationship development, and positive mental health. Expertly blending theory with practice, Social and Emotional Learning for Advanced Children in Early Childhood: Birth to 8 presents vital background information, real-life examples, diverse case studies, discussion questions, and action steps for implementing SEL into any early childhood environment. By including both what is understood about social and emotional development in early childhood as well as the proven methods and approaches for working with young children, this comprehensive guide is a must read for all adults striving to make a positive impact in early childhood development.




Move, Play, and Learn with Smart Steps


Book Description

Build the body-brain connection with step-by-step activities that help children develop physical, cognitive, social, and emotional foundations for early learning and school readiness. Early childhood educators will find clear information on creating the move-to learn environment, managing safety, and optimizing the connections between language development, movement, and readiness for formal learning. An observational tool lets teachers pinpoint children’s specific developmental stages and assess progress. The easy-to-follow, full-color format includes diagrams and photos along with teaching tips to advance and automate children’s foundational physical capabilities while providing incremental challenge. Grounded in best practices and current research, Move, Play, and Learn with Smart Steps is both a hands-on resource for any classroom teacher, care provider, or parent and an ideal tool for coaches, mentors, and professional development trainers. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book.




Intentional Teaching in Early Childhood


Book Description

Guides early childhood teachers on a journey of self-discovery and self-determination to take charge of their own professional development. This essential professional development resource provides advice for early childhood teachers who are navigating demands and changes in their careers, helping them see these challenges as growth opportunities. Through in-depth self-assessment and reflection, educators reexamine their teaching philosophy, integrate new knowledge and strategies into their practice, and strengthen the impact of their teaching on students. In the midst of a constantly changing education landscape, teachers will become more intentional in their practice and rediscover their unique purpose and passion for teaching young children. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book.




Supporting the Wellbeing of Children with SEND


Book Description

As an early years practitioner, you will educate and care for children with a range of developmental needs and differences. This essential book introduces you to a play-rich approach providing both universal and targeted ideas that will support social and emotional development and ensure that children feel safe, secure, and nurtured. Using the four broad areas of need as a guide, each accessible chapter positions wellbeing at the heart of an effective approach to inclusion and offers meaningful and responsive teaching practices that create a sense of belonging and acceptance. Founded in the latest research, the book presents key knowledge alongside ideas and activities to support wellbeing, which can be embedded into the child’s everyday experiences and adapted to meet their individual needs. This book offers: Evidence-based strategies and techniques that have a positive impact on the long-term social and emotional wellbeing of children with SEND. Guidance through the four broad areas of need, with a focus on play, learning, and developing an emotionally healthy early years environment. Examples of practice in action. Case studies, reflective questions, and activities that will upskill the reader and empower them in their role. Providing up to date, transferrable and essential knowledge on SEND in the early years, this is an essential resource for any practitioner looking to expand their repertoire and enrich the wellbeing of children with SEND.




A Child Centred EYFS


Book Description

As EY practitioners, we know that child-centred practice is what matters. Despite the pressures for more ′school like′ learning in the Early Years, EY professionals and practitioners continue to advocate for child-led best practice in settings. This book is a toolkit for all those working with children on how to develop and implement a child centred curriculum for delivery of the EYFS. A curriculum that is research informed and based on what we know about children′s development and learning. A curriculum that ensures children have the time and space to explore and develop the fundamental building blocks of early development.




Finding Your Way Through Conflict


Book Description

Learn how to engage in and resolve conflict productively to improve work relationships and create a more equitable community for children. Conflicts are inevitable, often hard to navigate, and can quickly multiply and become unmanageable. And resolving conflict requires self-reflection, understanding, and vulnerability. But knowing how to tackle difficult conversations will strengthen relationships, create a more equitable community, and improve the impact educators have on the young children they work with. The first of its kind, Finding Your Way Through Conflict specifically focuses on conflict in early childhood education settings and gives concrete steps and strategies to help manage and resolve it productively. Authors Chris Amirault, Ph.D., and Christine M. Snyder, M.A., have decades of experience in early childhood education programs and conflict resolution. Built on their expertise and their own experiences, the book’s conflict scenarios are engaging and authentic, empowering educators to get in and out of conflict in a variety of personal, organization, and cultural contexts. Some of these scenarios include: The Discombobulated Team: The children’s artwork you posted in the classroom yesterday is gone. Who took it down—and why? The Intent/Impact Disagreement: You were only trying to help! So why is that parent offended? The Unexpected Disaster: Your team planned every aspect of that difficult parent meeting for days. So why was it such a catastrophe? A free PLC/Book Study Guide is available at freespirit.com/plc.




The Kinderchat Guide to the Classroom


Book Description

From the founders of #Kinderchat, this book provides a comprehensive, friendly guide to teaching in the early childhood classroom. Organized around the same core topics as #Kinderchat, conversational yet authoritative chapters cover everything a novice teacher needs to know, from setting up your classroom to establishing routines and engaging with parents. Learn how to effectively incorporate play, meet the needs of diverse learners, and cover curriculum like a pro. With helpful tips for working with a range of program structures, this is a must-have read for anyone new to the kindergarten or pre-K classroom.




Creativity and the Arts in Early Childhood


Book Description

Offering practical guidance on encouraging creativity in early childhood settings, this much-needed book highlights the importance of the arts and creativity for children's learning, critical thinking, social interaction and self-regulation. The book considers the impact of creativity on early brain development and discusses how to choose the right arts or creative approach for your children. Principles for creative curriculums, teaching, assessments and environments are provided and each chapter includes a 'practitioner toolkit' element, with reflective questions and practical strategies for implementing the learning from the chapter into daily practice.