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The Learning-Centered Kindergarten
10 Keys to Success for Standards-Based Classrooms
- Shari Y. Ehly - Assistant Principal - Gattis Elementary, Round Rock ISD
September 2008 | 200 pages | Corwin
The goals and purposes of kindergarten have been changing rapidly in recent years. Today, in addition to providing learning experiences that support the development of the whole child, kindergarten teachers are also held accountable for guiding their students towards mastery of the academic skills and content presented in their state's standards.
The Learning-Centered Kindergarten is designed to help all kindergarten teachers - preservice, novice, and experienced - align their practices with the new expectations and prepare themselves for professional success in the kindergartens of today and tomorrow. The book's focus on a 'learning-centered' kindergarten brings together the established developmental kindergarten knowledge base, the current research on standards-based best practices in elementary school settings, and the newest findings on human learning to form a principled, practical, and effective approach that will help teachers improve their classroom practices and maximize student success.
Foreword by Lisa S. Goldstein
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction: The Importance of Learning-Centered Kindergarten in Today's Standards-Centered World
Key One: Embrace Kindergarten's Multiple Purposes
Key Two: Understand How Children Learn
Key Three: Recognize the Special Needs Child
Key Four: Develop Behavioral Expectations and Procedures
Key Five: Create a Supportive and Engaging Learning Environment
Key Six: Recognize Your Students as Members of Families, Communities, and Sociocultural Groups
Key Seven: Establish Partnerships With Students and Families
Key Eight: Plan Meaningful Learning Experiences to Connect Your Students to the Standards
Key Nine: Showcase Your Students' Learning and Their Engagement With the Standards
Key Ten: Form Alliances With Colleagues and Commit to Your Own Professional Development
Resources
Glossary
Helpful Readings to Strengthen Your Knowledge Base
References
Index