Description
Book SynopsisThis resource highlights the wonder of infants’ and toddlers’ development, learning, and loving capabilities. The authors describe how very young children eagerly engage with teachers and the environment to gain a sense of self and self-worth; of belonging, relating to others in healthy ways; communicate easily and effectively; act on their ideas; problem-solve; and move successfully. The book describes how teachers support both development and learning with relationship-based interactions and program planning as well as provide young children the protection, affection, and emotional connections they need to thrive. Throughout, the authors address the teacher’s critical role in reflecting, observing, and facilitating learning; working with families; and creating supportive environments and responsive learning opportunities.
Trade Review"Wittmer and Honig really know babies, and they know that babies need teachers who create, every day, an environment filled with authentic, responsive relationships—with family members, babies, and with each other—that provide the secure foundation for exploration and curiosity, development and learning. This book illustrates how this all happens." —
Bonnie Neugebauer, Global Impact Engineer, World Forum Foundation and Founding Editor of Exchange"The authors have captured the essence of living with infants and toddlers: who they are and what they need from adults to thrive. Along with clear guidance on all aspects of building a responsive program come memorable gems such as “caring for the spirit of the child” and 'dancing the developmental ladder'.” —
Diane Dodge, Early Childhood Educator and Founder, Teaching Strategies, LLC"This book explores the essence of what it means to be an infant and toddler educator. Honig and Wittmer approach teaching and caring for our youngest learners with equal doses of love and science, with a deep respect for families." —
Sherry Cleary, University Dean of Early Childhood Initiatives, City University of New York"This wonderful book is sure to become a classic in early childhood literature. Carefully corroborated by research and a wealth of delightful anecdotal examples, it provides a thorough overview of how teachers establish a supportive classroom climate for infants and toddlers." —
Eva Essa, Foundation Professor Emerita, University of Nevada, Reno"Brimming with practical, well-researched information, in addition to an abundance of concrete strategies, Day to Day the Relationship Way provides all the essentials for creating the quality programs society owes its youngest learners. The authors not only inform but also inspire us to provide the gentle, consistent care on which the well-being of our infants and toddlers depends." —
Jane Lannak, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Early Childhood Learning Laboratory, Boston University"Supervisors, coaches, professors, and others trying to make sense of working with and teaching infants and toddlers: You will find this book’s focus on relationships—and the development of them—in every way, throughout each day, worthy of your attention." —
Ellen Cogan, Owner and Chief ConsultantTable of Contents
- Chapter 1: Protection, Affection, and Emotional Connections: The Importance of Relationships for Children and families
- Chapter 2: The Importance of Relationship-Based Programs
- Chapter 3: How Infants and Toddlers Learn
- Chapter 4: The Wonder of Learning to “Be”
- Chapter 5: The Wonder of Belonging and Becoming Social with Peers
- Chapter 6: The Wonder of Learning to Communicate Easily and Effectively
- Chapter 7: The Wonder of Learning to Learn, Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Chapter 8: The Wonder of Learning to Move Successfully
- Chapter 9: Receptive, Sensitive, Reflective and Responsive—You as a Relationship-Based
- Chapter 10: Getting to Know You—Routines, Rituals, and Relationships
- Chapter 11: Relationship-Based Environments
- Chapter 12: What Should We Do Today? Providing Responsive Learning Opportunities
- Chapter 13: Relationship Realignments: Ideas for What to Do When…
- Chapter 14: More Relationship Building Strategies with Family
- Chapter 15: A Relationship-Based Profession
- References
- Appendix: Interactions That Support infants’ and toddlers’ Development and Learning
- Acknowledgments
- About the Authors
