Teaching in Early Childhood Programs

Part of the 5-volume "Introduction to Early Childhood Education" series, this volume focuses on the major tasks and functions of early childhood teachers: planning; creating safe, positive environments; developing dialogues, activities and lessons; managing the classroom; and communicating with pupils, parents and colleagues. Examples of teacher's thinking and decision making is illustrated through simulated interviews with practicing teachers. Because of its length and price, this volume can be combined with one or more of the other volumes in this series to produce a customized teaching package. This ability to mix and match volumes to fit an increasingly diversified market is the basic rational for this series. Each of the volumes in the series provides in-depth coverage of its subject matter. Chapter 1 compares and contrasts four widely used programme models: Montesorri, Bank Street, Hope Scope and Emilio Reggio. Two chapters are devoted to teaching strategies. Chapter 4 discusses various dialogue strategies and presents various types of activity plans.
Chapter 5 discusses six of the most widely used lesson plans: direct instruction, concept attainment, structured modelling, advance organizer, repertoire building, and cooperative learning. Chapters 4 and 7 present specific guidelines for communicating with students, parents and colleagues, and chapters 2 and 6 offer general guidelines for establishing and maintaining a positive classroom climate.