Developing Constructivist Early Childhood Curriculum: Practical Principles and Activities (Early Childhood Education Series)

This timely volume provides a constructivist interpretation of developmentally appropriate curriculum in early childhood education. Rheta DeVries, one of the founders of constructivist early education, and her colleagues provide the theoretical rationale and practical advice for conducting specific activities in the classroom. Descriptive vignettes are used to show how children’s reasoning and teacher interventions are transformed in the course of extended experience with a physical phenomenon or group game. Throughout the book, constructivist teaching is illustrated and contrasted with the approaches found in three other classroom types.

Education & Teaching

DeVries, Rheta

Zan, Betty

Hildebrandt, Carolyn

Edmiaston, Rebecca

Sales, Christie

Schools & Teaching

Teachers' College Press

This classic bestseller, now updated for today’s diverse teaching force and student populations, explores the benefits of sociomoral practices in the classroom. The authors draw on recent research to show how these approaches work with children ages 2–8. They focus on how to establish and maintain a classroom environment that fosters children’s intellectual, social, moral, emotional, and personality development. Extending the work of Jean Piaget, the authors advocate for a cooperative approach that contrasts with the coercion and unnecessary control that can be seen in many classrooms serving young children. Practical chapters demonstrate how the constructivist approach can be embedded in a school program by focusing on specific classroom situations and activities, such as resolving conflict, group time, rule making, decision making and voting, social and moral discussions, cooperative alternatives to discipline, and activity time.
New for the Second Edition:
<ul>
<li> Updated examples reflecting the authors’ work with low-income children.</li>
<li> Coverage expanded to include 1st- and 2nd-grade classrooms. </li>
<li> New alternatives to discipline.</li>
<li> “Principles of Teaching” sections with many examples of classroom interactions.</li>
</ul>

Moral Classrooms, Moral Children: Creating a Constructivist Atmosphere in Early Education (Early Childhood Education Series)

This teacher’s guide provides the background information, STEM concepts, and strategies needed to successfully implement an early STEM curriculum (Ramps and Pathways) with young children, ages 3–8. R&amp;P actively engages young children in designing and building ramp structures using wooden cove molding, releasing marbles on the structures, and observing what happens. Children use logical-mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills as they explore science concepts related to motion, force, and energy. This guide helps teachers to: <ul>
<li> Structure and organize an engaging STEM learning environment. </li> <li> Understand and promote logical-mathematical and scientific thinking during investigations. </li> <li> Promote social settings that enhance communication, cooperation, and collaboration. </li> <li> Make the necessary accommodations and modifications for diverse learners. </li> <li> Integrate STEM concepts and skills with other content areas. </li> <li> Align teaching and learning with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS). </li> <li> Assess STEM learning using formative and summative assessments. </li> <li> Establish adult learning communities to support ongoing professional development. </li> <li> Help children develop habits and behaviors that contribute to positive attitudes toward STEM.</li> </ul>
This one-of-a-kind resource uses a newly created Inquiry Teaching Model (ITM) as the conceptual framework and devotes specific attention to the importance of an inclusive and social, STEM learning environment in which children are free to collaborate, take risks, and investigate within the context of exploratory and constructive play.

STEM Learning with Young Children: Inquiry Teaching with Ramps and Pathways (Early Childhood Education Series)

Counsell, Shelly L.

Escalada, Lawrence

Geiken, Rosemary

Sander, Melissa

Uhlenberg, Jill

Van Meeteren, Beth Dykstra

Yoshizawa, Sonia

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