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Offers advice for setting up a classroom for kindergarteners that meets their educational and developmental needs, with strategies for how to teach routines and schedules, promote student bonding, use creative teaching tools, and interact with parents.
“[Diamond] has captured the world of the class—at times chaotic, always busy, usually inspired”— Essential reading for parents and teachers alike (Los Angeles Times). Hailed by renowned educator Deborah Meier as “a rare and special pleasure to read,” Kindergarten explores a year in the life of a kindergarten classroom through the eyes of the gifted veteran teacher and author Julie Diamond. In this lyrical, beautifully written first-person account, Diamond explains the logic behind the routines and rituals children need to thrive. As she guides us through all aspects of classroom life—the organization, curriculum, and relationships that create a unique class environment—we begin to understand what kindergarten can and should be: a culture that builds children’s desire to understand the world and lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Kindergarten makes a compelling case for an expansive definition of teaching and learning, one that supports academic achievement without sacrificing students’ curiosity, creativity, or development of social values. Diamond’s celebration of the possibilities of classroom life is a welcome antidote to today’s test-driven climate. Written for parents and teachers alike, Kindergarten offers a rare glimpse into what’s really going on behind the apparent chaos of a busy kindergarten classroom, sharing much-needed insights into how our children can have the best possible early school experiences. “As a classroom insider, Diamond pulls back the curtain and allows parents and others a view of how an effective classroom actually works.” —Library Journal “An extraordinary resource for parents and teachers at all stages. It is honest and masterful, engrossing and unique. And it is utterly real.” —Ruth Sidney Charney, author of Teaching Children to Care
A kindergarten teacher's ability to guide children through an entire day of activities does not happen by accident. There are secrets teachers know about our kids that let them calmly and gracefully manage a group of students who only hours earlier were arguing and negotiating with their parents about getting dressed, eating breakfast, or brushing their teeth. What Kindergarten Teachers Know is for any parent who has imagined how much easier life would be if their three- to six-year old would cooperate at home just as they do with their favorite teachers. Lisa Holewa and Joan Rice offer creative tips, tools, and activities straight from the classrooms of award-winning teachers nationwide, translating them into things you can do at home to get your little ones listening, learning, and thinking independently. You’ll also get insight into what teachers know about the way kids develop and learn how to use that knowledge to keep them engaged throughout the day. Packed with real-life examples, creative ideas, and practical advice, you’ll learn how to: Give directions that your child will actually listen to and follow Set the tone in your home just as a teacher does in her classroom Handle transitions to keep your day running smoothly Organize your home and schedule to make everyone's life easier Create rules that are straightforward, fun, and work for your family’s needs Give kids the tools to handle conflicts independently Create a sense of community and teamwork at home
Todays kindergarten teachers face enormous challenges to reach district-mandated academic standards. This book presents a model for 21st-century kindergartens that is rooted in child-centered learning and also shaped by the needs and goals of the present day. Classroom teachers working with diverse populations of students and focusing on issues of social justice provide vivid descriptions of classroom life across urban and rural communities. Teacher reflections and commentary from the editors link teacher decisions to principles of good practice. Teaching Kindergarten illustrates how a progressive, learning-centered approach can not only meet the equity and accountability goals of the Common Core State Standards but go well beyond that to educate the whole child.
As you read this book about the role of Kindergarten teachers in the classroom, as teachers, parents, and educators you will know that early childhood is the most critical period in human growth and development of young children. Early childhood educators from the classroom have help me develop this book such as Piaget, James Hymes, and Marie Montessori. Each Kindergarten teacher will acutely aware that a student's future attitude toward learning is often determined by early educational experiences. As Kindergarten teachers learning is an essential part of every child's life. Therefore, if we desire to enable each child to learn more, time for learning and appropriate play material must be provided for them by the Kindergarten teacher. The roles of the Kindergarten teachers are very rewarding and challenging. I believe my book, The Role of the Kindergarten Teacher in the Classroom, hope that it will provide some practical suggestions for those teachers of young children who are searching for more effective learning strategies.
"Kindergarten is a vital time in a child's life, serving as the foundation upon which all future education is built. Kindergarten Konfidential seeks to help kindergarten teachers across the country transform their classrooms into thriving learning environments for eager young learners. With decades of experience under his belt, author and kindergarten teacher Alan J. Cohen explains his unique perspective on Kindergarten and his classroom methods that make him such an effective instructor. From having the right attitude and mindset to understanding the most basic principles of literacy and mathematics, Kindergarten Konfidential is the all-inclusive guide to bring kindergarten to the next level"--
Promote a climate of trust, academic growth, and positive behavior by launching each school day with a whole class gathering. This comprehensive, user-friendly book shows you how to hold Responsive ClassroomMorning Meetings, a powerful teaching tool used by hundreds of thousands of teachers in K-8 schools. In the new edition of this essential text, you'll find: Step-by-step, practical guidelines for planning and holding Responsive Classroom Morning Meetings in K-8 classroomsDescriptions of Morning Meeting in action in real classrooms100 ideas for greetings, sharing, activities, and messages: some tried-and-true and some newUpdated information on sharingGuidance on adapting meeting components for different ages and abilities, including upper grades and English Language Learners.Explanations of how Morning Meeting supports mastery of Common Core State Standards, 21st century skills, and core competencies enumerated by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL).
"You can do this! You can help kids fall in love with reading. You can fill your classroom with piles of amazing books kids will be itching to get their hands on. You can find stretches of time every single day during which kids read books they care about. You can observe, respond, and interact with your readers in powerful and meaningful ways. You can make it happen, starting today." -Kari Yates You don't become an amazing reading teacher all at once. Someone shows you where to begin. Someone who has taught every kind of reader and coached teachers just like you. Someone like Kari Yates. Simple Starts is Kari's getting-started guide to creating the reading classroom of your dreams-and your students'. Teacher to teacher, she distills research and best practice into essentials that help you: Engage readers with books they'll love Provide kids the time for reading and discussion Nurture independence through choice Guide students' growth and yours by asking "What's next?" Conversational, practical, and inspirational, Simple Starts is filled with teaching strategies, quick reflection charts, example anchor charts, and teacher know-how from thirty years in classrooms and schools. "What's next is simple," writes Kari Yates. "You don't have to know everything about books or reading. You just need to follow a few simple steps." With Kari and Simple Starts you'll do it. So come on in! Your kids are counting on you, and it's time to bravely begin.
