The Learning-Centered Kindergarten

Shari Y. Ehly is an educator with twenty-six years of experience teaching kindergarten, first, and second grade, mostly in the Killeen Independent School District in Killeen, Texas. After receiving her MA in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Texas, Austin, she served as a campus-based instructional specialist, supervised new and veteran teachers, provided professional development for Killeen ISD teachers, and wrote curriculum and assessments for the district. She is currently an assistant principal in the same district.

Foreword by Lisa S. Goldstein Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction: The Importance of Learning-Centered Kindergarten in Today's Standards-Centered World No Child Left Behind, Standards, and Changes in Kindergarten The Need for Learning-Centered Kindergarten What Is a Learning-Centered Kindergarten? Making Your Kindergarten a Learning-Centered Classroom Key One: Embrace Kindergarten's Multiple Purposes The Challenges of Teaching Kindergarten Today Learning-Centered Kindergarten: A Bridge Between Two Worlds Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Carlos Lesson: Sensory Awareness and Vocabulary Development Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot Guiding Principles and Practical Strategies Use Your Professional Knowledge Base to Guide Your Practice Opportunity for Professional Growth Pulling It All Together Reflection... Key Two: Understand How Children Learn Learning Theory and Creating a Learning-Centered Kindergarten Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Cook Lesson: Flat Stanley Revisted Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot Pulling It Together Reflection... Key Three: Recognize the Special Needs Child Identifying Special Needs Students in Kindergarten Identification and Modification Behavioral and Academic Challenges Classroom Snapshot--Ms Washington Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot Pulling It Together Reflection... Key Four: Develop Behavioral Expectations and Procedures Creating a Learning Environment Consequences and Rewards Common Causes of Misbehavior Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Hunter Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot Pulling It Together Reflection... Key Five: Create a Supportive and Engaging Learning Environment Classroom Design Think About This... Classroom Learning Environment Role of Curriculum and Instructional Practices Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the Standards Classroom Snapshot--Mr. Goodwin Lesson: Integrating Technology Into the Curriculum Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot Pulling It Together Reflection... Key Six: Recognize Your Students as Members of Families, Communities, and Sociocultural Groups Culture Include Families and Caregivers Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Macrone Lesson: All About Me Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot Pulling It Together Reflection... Key Seven: Establish Partnerships With Students and Families Building Relationships Go the Extra Mile Caregiver Education When Nothing Helps Classroom Snapshot--Mr. Bradley Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot Pulling It Together Reflection... Key Eight: Plan Meaningful Learning Experiences to Connect Your Students to the Standards Developmentally Appropriate Practice Can Be Rigorous Too Designing Learning Experiences for a Learning-Centered Classroom Know Your Students Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Sandburg Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot Pulling It Together Reflection... Key Nine: Showcase Your Students' Learning and Their Engagement With the Standards Kindergarten Teachers: Really Teaching or "Just Playing"? Making a Connection to the World Classroom Snapshot--Ms. McCardo Reflection on the Classroom Snapshot Pulling It Together Reflection... Key Ten: Form Alliances With Colleagues and Commit to Your Own Professional Development Learning-Centered Means Everyone, Every Day--No Exceptions Begin With Collaboration Professional Development Classroom Snapshot--Ms. Lawrence and Ms. Simmon Reflection of Classroom Snapshot Pulling It Together Reflection... Resources Glossary Helpful Readings to Strengthen Your Knowledge Base References Index

"Ehly's book is vital for any novice early childhood teacher. Her straightforward writing style helps teachers understand developmentally appropriate practices, and the book gives concrete examples on how to implement them in today's accountability-driven educational climate." -- Melissa Dubick, ESL Prekindergarten Teacher "The book brings home the important point that the kindergarten year, when designed appropriately and taught by effective and well-trained teachers, is the foundation for success in later years. The classroom snapshots transform theory into practice and make implementation of these outstanding guidelines like child's play!" -- Joan M. Berry, Instructor in Education "Provides concrete, usable examples for today's kindergarten teacher to reconcile the standards-based classroom with the learner-centered classroom." -- Jenna Bibb, First-Grade Teacher