Description
Book SynopsisQuestions are powerful tools, especially in the classroom. Asking rich, thoughtful questions can spark young children’s natural curiosity and illuminate a whole new world of possibility and insight. But what are “big” questions, and how do they encourage children to think deeply? With this intentional approach—rooted in Bloom’s Taxonomy—teachers working with children ages 3 through 6 will discover how to meet children at their individual developmental levels and stretch their thinking. Featuring contributions from respected names in the field, this book
Offers a foundation for using high-level questions in preschool and kindergarten interest areas
Provides tips for getting started and examples of questions at each of the six levels of questioning
Explores the use of high-level questions during daily classroom routines and in a variety of contexts
Recommends picture books that support the use of high-level questions
Includes an extensive resource section for teachers and families
With the guidance in this book as a cornerstone in your day-to-day teaching practices, learn how to be more intentional in your teaching, scaffold children’s learning, and promote deeper understanding.
Trade ReviewFor anyone eager to become more adept at engaging children in meaningful conversations, Big Questions for Young Minds provides a clear and relevant guide to the craft of asking high-level questions to support development of critical thinking skills. Teachers, coaches, mentors, directors, providers of professional development, and families will find this book an invaluable resource. —Polly Smith, Early Childhood Consultant and Mentor of Directors Finally, a resource to help teachers develop and ask questions that encourage children to think, imagine, and generate ideas! Strasser and Bresson show how to build on what children know by asking questions that support rather than derail their play and exploration. This gem of a book should be in every classroom. —Beth Graue, Sorenson Professor of Early Childhood Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison Listening, questioning, and learning are essential ingredients to good decision making. This contribution by Strasser and Bresson will help ensure that educators won’t wait until children are in high school before asking them high-level, thought-provoking questions. —Vincent J. Costanza, Superintendent in Residence, Teaching Strategies, LLC As a teacher with more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, I found this book to be practical, inclusive, and culturally relevant. I highly recommend Big Questions to educators who are looking for a resource that bridges the gap between theory and practice. —Dawn M. Durham, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Passaic, NJ
Table of ContentsIntroduction Part 1: Using Questions in Classroom Interest Areas Chapter 1: Dramatic Play Area Chapter 2 : Block Area Chapter 3: Mathematics/Manipulatives Area. Chapter 4: A Makerspace in the Science Area Chapter 5: Writing Area Chapter 6: Art Area Part 2: Using Questions During Other Parts of the Daily Routine Chapter 7: Class Meetings Chapter 8: Read-Alouds Chapter 9: Exploring and Making Music Chapter 10: Large Motor Activities Chapter 11: Outdoors Chapter 12: Mealtimes Part 3: More Learning Opportunities with Questions Chapter 13: Supporting Emotional Development During the First Months of School Chapter 14: Kickstarting the School Year: Exploring Change Through Long-Term Studies Chapter 15: Using Featured Materials Chapter 16: Multiday Explorations Chapter 17: Supporting Children’s Understanding About Diversity Chapter 18: Making the Most of Classroom Displays Chapter 19: Documenting Children’s Learning Part 4: Resources References Acknowledgments About the Authors About the Contributors
