Twelve Best Practices for Early Childhood Education

P/B • 208 pages
ISBN 9780807752326

In her new book, popular author Ann Lewin-Benham draws on her intimate knowledge and experience with the Reggio Approach to present 12 “best practices” inspired not only by Reggio, but also by play-based and Montessori approaches to early childhood education. These practices are demonstrated, one per chapter, with scenarios from classrooms, dialogues of children and teachers, and work samples showing the outcome of using each practice. Used together, the 12 best practices offer a new framework for early education.
Written in the accessible style that her readers appreciate, this book expands on Lewin-Benham’s earlier works by showing the foundations for teachers to practice the Reggio Approach in their own settings. It introduces several new techniques: fostering language skills through Meaningful Conversation, designing inspiring environments, switching from a scheduled to an Open Flow day, using materials to build brain networks and stimulate Significant Work, and much more.

This important resource also includes a self-assessment tool, EXCEL, to assist you in examining your practices and those of your school. All chapters include key points and questions to help readers think more deeply about the material presented.

Contents:

Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction

1. When Belief Drives Practice
Cultural Context of Reggio Emilia
Reggio’s Unique Beliefs and Features
Correlations: Best Practices and the Reggio Approach
The Structure Supporting Reggio Practices
Conclusion: Using Reggio and Other Best Practices

2. Developing Self-Regulation
Becoming Self-Regulated;
The Reggio Approach;
Montessori’s “Normalizing” Method; A Scripted Kindergarten
Scheduled Early Education
The Model Early Learning Centre’s Techniques
Conclusion: Self-Regulation—The Basis for Learning

3. Using Documentation to Gain Parents’ Trust
What Is Documentation?;
Documentation as a Magnet for Parents
A Project Emerges; Robust Parent Involvement
Panels as Planning for Curriculum
Conclusion: Documentation—A System for Listening

4. An Open Flow Day
Essential Features of an Open Flow Day; How Open Flow  Looks
Moving Toward Open Flow
Conclusion: Differently Organized Days

5. The Environment Is the Curriculum
When Design Fails to Support Children; Exemplary  Features of Reggio Classrooms
Thinking About Design
Developing an Aesthetic Sense; Designing or Redesigning  a Classroom;
Conclusion: A New Take on Environment

6. The Art of Meaning-Full Conversation
Defining Conversation; Holding Focused Conversations
Conversation Punctuates a Project; Techniques in the Conversation Tool Kit
The Impact of Focused Conversation
Conclusion: Conversing Toward Literacy

7. Intentional Teaching
What Is Intention?
Intention in Reggio Teachers
Conclusion: The Teacher’s Roles in Action

8. Materials and Human Development
The “Languages” of Materials
Materials and Brain Development
“Framing” and the Brain’s Attention Systems
Triggering Visualization and Imagination
Conclusion: The Romance of Materials

9. Materials and Relationships
Why Materials Matter
Finding Good Materials
Asking Families to Help
Materials and Cognition
Conclusion: Finding Relationships

10. Documentation
Walls as Curriculum
Documentation of an Experience
Walls That Encourage Mindful Activity
Documentation at  Work
Using Documentation Reflectively
Conclusion: Walls That Intrigue Parents

11. Assessing Children’s Progress
Evaluation
Assessment
Authentic Assessment
Roadblocks to Authentic Assessment
Reconciling  Authentic Assessment and Standardized Testing;
Effectiveness of Authentic Assessment;
Conclusion: “Proof” Is Not Attainable

12. Significant Project Work
An MELC Story; A Reggio Story; The Contrast
Conclusion: Bucking Cultural Imperatives

13. EXCEL
Understanding the Acronym EXCEL
Putting EXCEL to  Work
Using EXCEL to Rate Yourself
Conclusion: Best Practices and Significant Work

Glossary
References
Index