Easy Ways to Enhance Learning & Curriculum through the Power of Play Give little learners the foundation they need for school and life with this essential collection of activities from veteran preschool teacher Katie T. Christiansen. Using her years of experience developing curriculum, she has curated 75 easy hands-on projects centered on the most important skills children should practice between the ages of 3 and 5—from literacy, math and science to gross- and fine-motor skills and social-emotional mindfulness. Best of all, these activities require minimal preparation and use affordable, everyday items, so they’re perfect for busy, budget-conscious caregivers and educators. Harness the power of learning through play with projects like the Alphabet Mystery Can, which helps children learn about letter sounds to prepare them for reading, and the Outdoor Color Changing Volcano, which is an explosive introduction to simple science concepts. The My Feelings Sensory Bottle teaches little ones to identify and talk about their different emotions, and the Rip and Snip Tray helps develop hand strength and dexterity for an easy transition to writing. With Katie’s expertise and balanced approach to early childhood education, , plus tips for individualizing activities for each unique learner, this must-have resource will give you the tools to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

Giving your preschooler a great start in math doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn how to use fun but purposeful games and activities to give your young child the best possible foundation. Preschool Math at Home will guide you step-by-step as you introduce your preschooler to the world of numbers. Your child will develop a thorough understanding of the numbers up to ten, including: counting comparing and ordering numbers recognizing written numerals beginning addition and subtraction All of the activities are quick and playful, with lots of movement, manipulatives, and games. Each takes less than five minutes, with no special materials needed other than a few household items. Play each game several times for a full year of preschool math curriculum.

"The most useful tool out there for families about to embark on the search for a preschool!" —Helen Cohen, director, Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center, Boston A must-have for parents of future preschoolers Starting preschool is one of the biggest milestones in a child's life. With this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, you won't have to navigate the preschool process alone. Whether the nursery schools nearby enroll every child, or they're so competitive that they only accept a few applicants, this book has everything you need to know to choose and get into the right preschool for your child. You'll learn: How to find high-quality preschools in your area Insight into popular preschool programs (Montessori, Waldorf, play based, cooperative) Key criteria to consider when choosing a preschool Strategies for paying for preschool (financial aid, tax benefits) How to help prepare your child for the first day of preschool Advice for gaining admission into competitive programs, including getting off the waiting list, submitting a strong application, and preparing for a child assessment "This well-organized, comprehensive book will help parents navigate the world of preschool." —Nancy Schulman and Ellen Birnbaum, authors of Practical Wisdom for Parents: Raising Self-Confident Children in the Preschool Years and directors of the 92nd Street Y Nursery School, New York "A gift to every parent starting the preschool search." —Irene Byrne, MA, author of Preschools by the Bay and executive director of the Phoebe Hearst Preschool, San Francisco

Play is an important vehicle for learning in the early years. With intentional planning frameworks, this resource provides teachers with tools and strategies to organize and develop curriculum around high-level, purposeful play. Practical application techniques help teachers create a cycle of planning and observation as they use a play-based curriculum to help young children thrive in the classroom. Gaye Gronlund is an early childhood education consultant who trains early childhood educators across the country. She is the author of six books.

You'll find the latest strategies developed by some of the most successful preschool ministers in the world. They’ve been developed, tested, and proven in real churches, and now their secrets are yours. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran, you’ll discover: •Who preschoolers really are •Ready-to-use activities kids can’t resist •Practical ideas for creating a preschool-friendly environment •Instant help for recruiting and training volunteers •Ministry-tested tips for working with parents Best of all, not only will you turbocharge your ministry, you'll energize preschoolers to love Jesus.

Comprehensive and authoritative, this forward-thinking book reviews the breadth of current knowledge about early education and identifies important priorities for practice and policy. Robert C. Pianta and his associates bring together foremost experts to examine what works in promoting all children's school readiness and social-emotional development in preschool and the primary grades. Exemplary programs, instructional practices, and professional development initiatives?and the systems needed to put them into place?are described. The volume presents cutting-edge findings on the family and social context of early education and explores ways to strengthen collaboration between professionals and parents.