Reaching Standards and Beyond in Kindergarten
Nurturing Children's Sense of Wonder and Joy in Learning
'A great overview of a developmentally appropriate kindergarten classroom. This book gives me the support I need to know that I am teaching my students through practices based on research' - Darcy Sammelson, Kindergarten Teacher
Austin School, Vermilion, SD
Standards provide an important benchmark for student learning, but meeting them doesn't mean you have to take away fun and creativity. Reaching Standards and Beyond in Kindergarten offers research-based strategies and ideas for addressing content standards in ways that nurture children's natural love of learning.
The authors show how creative play activities can help children reach standards in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. They also offer suggestions for promoting healthy physical and social-emotional development. Covering the transition to kindergarten as well as the transition to first grade, this book:
- Presents authentic assessments for measuring student progress toward meeting standards
- Offers strategies and tips for working with English language learners and children with special needs
- Discusses how to develop relationships with caregivers and strengthen the critical home-school connection
- Includes sample templates, calendars, book lists, and more
This resource provides novice teachers with field-tested strategies and gives veteran teachers fresh ideas to add to their existing instructional repertoire.
“This book clearly outlines how teachers can make standards the foundation of their practice without leaving behind what the best teachers know about how to create challenging and ordered environments that respect the learning needs of young children. Through clear examples and informative vignettes, including how to meet the needs of children with special needs and those learning English, this books helps teachers find the resources to return joyful learning to this critical year of schooling.”
“Jacobs and Crowley have developed a valuable resource for kindergarten teachers. Solidly based on developmentally appropriate practices, this volume also ensures that essential curricular standards are met or surpassed. Both novice and veteran educators will enhance their repertoires with unique ideas and approaches shared by these experts.”
“This book is full of rich ideas, activities, research-based practices, and strategies to support kindergarten-aged children. Both veteran and new teachers will appreciate and welcome the suggestions offered. You can feel the enthusiasm the authors have for providing young children with high-quality, developmentally appropriate activities. This book is a must-have for every library: new and veteran teachers, school administrators, and those committed to working with young children in a way that supports their ideal development!”
"A great overview of a developmentally appropriate kindergarten classroom. This book gives me the support I need to know that I am teaching my students through practices based on research."
“This is a great book for new and experienced early childhood teachers. I’ve found lots of great activities and ideas. This book was created by teachers, with creative ideas used by teachers—it is a real treasure!”
“This book contains great, easy-to-do, and easily incorporated ideas for topics that give children real-life experiences, along with ways to include children who have special needs.”
“This is a wonderful, well-balanced book with great ideas to implement in a kindergarten classroom. I love the ‘try this’ ideas. The authors make great connections with kindergarten standards and hands-on learning.”