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The Beginning Years (Birth Through Preschool) Even in the first few months of life, children begin to experiment with language. Young babies make sounds that imitate the tones and rhythms of adult talk, they "read" gestures and facial expressions, and they begin to associate sound sequences they frequently hear - words - with their referents. They delight in listening to familiar jingles and rhymes, play along in games such as peek-a-boo and pattycake, and manipulate objects like board books and…

One morning while taking my preschoolers to the playground, I learned a valuable lesson. On the same playground stood equipment for both younger and older children. Although my preschoolers had been warned about the dangers of using the bigger and taller slide, Misty a five-year-old in my classroom, climbed the ladder. Making a successful ascent to the top, she immediately prepared to slide down as she had seen the older children do. But as Misty started to slide down, something…

As a preschool teacher, you are a cheerleader for your student’s learning efforts. While teaching your students how to read, let them know it’s okay if they don’t get every word right. Promoting their reading skills while having fun is more important than getting through a book without any mistakes. To help instill a love for reading in your preschoolers, here are three reading activities you can do as a class:  Pause and Talk About The Story During story time,…

Children’s books and other reading materials are an essential part of a young child’s early literacy experience and lay the foundation for a love of reading. But did you know that many other types and uses of print such as street signs, Dad’s shopping list, a thank-you note to Grandma, preschool attendance sheets, and names on the birthday board help contribute to a child’s ability to read? As young children experience different types of print, they learn what all the…

What's the best way to get younger students excited about reading? This teacher discusses why taking her PreK class outside makes learning to read fun. Watch here

As an early childhood teacher are you surprised by the amount of time you spend in caring tasks? Do you ever feel that the dishes you have to wash, the diapers you change, or the noses to wipe are getting in the way of teaching? What if we adopted a new way of thinking about care and incorporated it into our pedagogy. We know that for a young child each moment is a learning opportunity. So each moment of caring…

Rarely, if ever, has a generation of children been raised in such an atmosphere of uncertainty. Constant change and myriad messages-from the media, parents, teachers, and peers - can make it difficult for children to find stable, consistent moral and ethical standards that can guide their development. Read More: Scholastic

Exploring science is an exciting and wondrous part of early childhood. Innately curious, young children seek to investigate and discover “how their world works.” They question; they look; they listen; they talk about their findings. They investigate the passage of light through various materials; how insects crawl on the ground; and what sinks, what floats, and why!Read more: Early Childhood News

Whether you’re a seasoned preschool teacher or this will be your first year teaching, the start of a new school year is an exciting time! Before the big day arrives, here are a few tips for the first day of the school year:  1.    Establish a Routine Your Students Will Become Familiar WithRoutines can help give preschoolers a sense of security. While you may be anxious for the first day, your students may also be feeling a mix of emotions…

Early childhood classrooms serve as the physical environment for adults and young children for most of their waking hours. Although it is important for classrooms to be attractive to the eye, it is equally, if not more important, that they function effectively.Read more: Early Childhood News