Preschool Appropriate Practices: Environment, Curriculum, and Development

Book excerpt: PRESCHOOL APPROPRIATE PRACTICES, 5th Edition, helps future and current teachers create self-directed learning environments in their classrooms. Each chapter helps students learn how to set up one type of learning center (e.g., music/dance), including instructions on what to include in the center and how children can use it. The self-directed learning approach encourages children to become involved in their own learning. A second theme emphasizes the teacher's role as a facilitator, helping readers understand how to: 1) observe children's developmental levels, 2) provide developmentally appropriate activities, 3) serve as a behavior model, and 4) best support children in their learning. Learning activities, some of which incorporate children's picture books, exemplify the NAEYC's developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). Chapters also incorporate NAEYC accreditation criteria. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.